Photo By Dennis Hamilton
Lease Program Expands River Access For Anglers
By CAM Staff
Texas has embarked on a program to expand public access to its waterways. It is a program every state in the country should take note of if providing access to anglers is important along long stretches river bounded by posted property.
Texas Parks and Wildlife has begun leasing riverbank property from private landowners to allow limited public access and use. With partial funding from the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture’s Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program, access to fishing is the primary goal of this program. During a trial period, Texas leased several sites on the Brazos, Colorado, Neches and Guadalupe rivers. The state now seeks to expand the program, as well as public access for anglers.
As with any public area, slobs are the main deterrent. Disrespectful users are the primary reason riverside properties across our country are mostly posted property. Quiet and ethical use is the key to maintaining access on these leased properties. It is up to anglers to use these private lands responsibly by keeping noise levels down, parking and driving only in designated areas and leaving the property better than they found it. If anglers take an active role in protecting and policing these properties for garbage, including the human kind, there is a good chance opportunities like these will remain and expand.
For a closer look at the Texas program, go to tpwd.texas.gov and search “River Access Program.” Search the Internet for “Voluntary Access and Habitat Incentive Program” for information on USDA’s program.
If you fish rivers and your state does not take advantage, it might be worth contacting your game and fish agency or legislators.