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2025 Legislative Session: Conservation Wins & Losses
The 2025 Texas Legislative Regular Session may not have been packed with headline-grabbing wins—but sometimes success means simply holding the line.
“We didn’t get many major conservation victories, but we didn’t lose anything either,” said John Shepperd, Executive Director of the Texas Foundation for Conservation (TFC). Working closely with policy allies and partners across the conservation community, Shepperd spent the session defending key programs and stopping problematic legislation in its tracks. And when it comes to better protecting watersheds, coastal birds and habitats, and fragile oyster reefs, there were real steps forward.
“One high point was a bill to protect the Devils River by prohibiting wastewater discharge permits into that watershed,” said Shepperd. Another legislative highlight was a narrowly tailored bill to give Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) new authority to assess the impacts of wind turbines in sensitive coastal areas. “Before this bill, developers could choose whether or not to consult TPWD. Now there’s a formal process, which could help steer development away from sensitive habitat."
Other conservation gains included bills to streamline oyster mariculture permitting and new funding for local parks, including $7 million earmarked for the Wyler Aerial Tramway project at Franklin Mountains State Park, a public-private effort TPWF is supporting.
But the work isn’t over. Fund 9 shortfalls remain a critical issue. “Fund 9 is a dedicated state account funded by hunting and fishing licenses, stamps, and boat registrations. It supports critical TPWD functions, including law enforcement, wildlife, and fisheries,” explained Shepperd. “While it’s supposed to be used for TPWD, the Legislature must appropriate it. For years, nearly half has been withheld. That’s not good policy and unfair to the sportsmen and women who pay into it."
Oyster reef recovery, chronic wasting disease, and the reemergence of the New World screwworm will demand continued attention. “None of these are flashy,” Shepperd noted, “but they’re persistent issues that matter deeply to the health of our fish and wildlife resources."
TFC will remain a vigilant voice in the policy arena as conservation partners look ahead to the 2027 session and beyond.
LEARN MORE ABOUT TFC
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Gulf Trust Newsletter: Read All About It!
TPWF is proud to serve as an incubator for the Gulf Trust and their work to provide Texas-based, science-backed solutions that support a vibrant and resilient Texas Coast and Gulf.
Gulf Trust has continued to make waves this summer with big efforts to protect water for both people and wildlife. From executing its landmark Trash Free Gulf Campaign last May to supporting restoration planning for Texas’ largest estuarine marsh complex, to driving important community conversations about desalination, Gulf Trust is tackling the Gulf’s toughest challenges with a wide range of Texas stakeholders.
And there are exciting opportunities ahead for all of us to further these efforts. In November, Texans will have the chance to vote on dedicating sales tax funds to water conservation, flood protection, and frastructure. If passed, it could mean a $20 billion investment over the next 20 years to secure water for our future.
Want to keep up with the latest on Gulf Trust’s work and opportunities to get involved? Subscribe to their monthly newsletter today.
SUBSCRIBE NOW
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Experience the Wild Beauty of The American Southwest
Texas filmmaker and TPWF ambassador Ben Masters of Fin and Fur Films—known the world over for bringing our wild things and wild places to life on the big screen—has done it again.
The American Southwest, produced by Fin and Fur Films in association with American Rivers and Natives Outdoors, follows the 1,450-mile Colorado River from its headwaters in the Colorado Rockies to Mexico’s Gulf of California. Narrated by Quannah Chasinghorse, the film showcases the beauty, resilience, and fragility of the multi-state, bi-national region and the incredible wildlife and communities that depend on the waters of the Colorado.
In theaters now, the family-friendly film not only treats audiences to the captivating storytelling and visually stunning filmography for which Fin and Fur Films is best known. It also serves as an urgent reminder of what’s at stake and how we can join the effort to conserve one of America’s most vital regions.
Watch the trailer, and learn more about the film and the beauty of this unique region.
WATCH THE TRAILER
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Lone River + Turtlebox + TPWF = One Wild Sweepstakes
Our friends at Lone River Beverage Company have concocted a Texas-sized sweepstakes to tempt your spirit of adventure. The only thing missing is YOU!
Lone River, Turtlebox, and TPWF are teaming up to offer 100+ winners a chance to get outside and enjoy Texas’ great outdoors—the same outdoors that first inspired the creation of the Lone River brand out in Far West Texas.
The sweepstakes runs from Sept. 5 - Dec. 31, 2025. Prizes include:
- 25 Grand Prize winners will receive a Texas State Parks pass (valid for one year), plus a Turtlebox Ranger® wireless speaker
- 80 First Prize winners will receive a Texas State Parks pass
To enter, text PARKS to 24272, and get ready to choose your adventure, Texas!
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5th Annual Gear Up Auction is Sept. 30-Oct. 2. Register today!
TPWF’s 5th Annual Gear Up for Game Wardens Online Auction returns Sept. 30 - Oct. 2, 2025, less than two weeks away!
Don’t miss your chance to bid on one-of-a-kind items and experiences—all while backing the S. Reed Morian Gear Up for Game Wardens program. Proceeds provide critical operational support for Gear Up for Game Wardens, helping ensure we can continue providing Texas Game Wardens with the life-saving specialty gear they need, from night vision equipment to thermal drones, UTVs, airboats, and so much.
Register today and get ready to gear up for a great cause!
REGISTER & PREVIEW TODAY
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TPWF has moved! Please note our new address:
Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation
6220 Gaston Avenue, Ste. 700
Dallas, TX 75214 |
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