House Committee on Culture, Recreation, and Tourism - 85th R.S. (2017)

Committee: House Culture, Recreation, and Tourism
Title: Interim Report
Subjects: Bees | Boating | Economic impact | Emergency management | Historic preservation | Historical Commission, Texas | Hurricane Harvey | Monarch butterflies | Natural disasters | Parks and Wildlife, Texas Department of | State parks | Tourism |
Library Call Number: L1836.85 R245
Session: 85th R.S. (2017)
Online version: View report [63 pages]
Charges: This report should address the charges below.
1. Review the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's and the Texas Historical Commission's roles in the response to Hurricane Harvey. Evaluate the economic, recreational, and biological impacts and needed repairs from Harvey as they relate to applicable state agencies and the following areas and industries under the purview of the Committee: a. State parks b. Wildlife and fish c. Historic sites and buildings d. Art and cultural resources e. Travel and tourism f. In addition, provide recommendations on how to allow for a timely recovery of these areas from Harvey, and how to mitigate the impact of, and adequately prepare for, future natural disasters.
2. Study the feasibility of establishing and mobilizing a volunteer contingency of private boat owners through the boat registration and license database administered by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to assist first responders in search and rescue efforts in natural disasters like Hurricane Harvey.
3. Study the effects of declining migratory species, such as the monarch butterfly, as well as native and domesticated bee populations on agricultural production and its economic impact on the state. Identify possible causes of the population changes and monitor national trends. Make recommendations on how to improve and promote monarch butterfly and bee populations and habitats in the state. (Joint charge with the House Committee on Agriculture & Livestock)
4. Monitor the agencies and programs under the Committee’s jurisdiction and oversee the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 85th Legislature.
Supporting documents
Committee: House Culture, Recreation, and Tourism
Title: Committee meeting handouts and testimony, July 18, 2018 (pollinator conservation)
Library Call Number:
Session: 85th R.S. (2017)
Online version: View document [23 pages  File size: 3,305 kb]

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