Conservation of Coastal Resources Extends Deep into the Heart of Texas
Chances are, if you are a hunter in Texas, you also own a rod and reel. According to statistics compiled by the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, there are nearly one million hunters in Texas and just over two million anglers – half of which fish saltwater. And, because you can fish virtually year round, many hunters fill in the gaps between hunting seasons with a wet line, especially outdoorsmen in the coastal United States. The outdoorsmen who share this dual love affair have a strong grass-roots organization to back their interests known as the Coastal Conservation Association or CCA. And, some of their strongest supporters and chapters are hours away from salt water.
CCA began in 1977 with a small group of fourteen concerned recreational saltwater anglers. This group created the Gulf Coast Conservation Association to combat commercial fishing excesses and conserve the resource. Today, it spans 17 states along all three coasts of the United States. In Texas, there are over fifty chapters ranging from Midland/Odessa to Tyler/Longview and all points south. So, what does a marine resources organization have to do with hunting the Llano Estacado or the Piney Woods? Plenty! For one, the health of our coastal bays relies heavily on the freshwater inflows from the state’s rivers and streams whose beginnings stretch deep into the heart of the state. CCA has been on the forefront of legislative activity that will help ensure free flowing fresh water for wildlife to enjoy from top to bottom. Second, the Texas coast is home to many wintering waterfowl species whose migration south provides hunting opportunities state-wide. The key driver for this migration is the health of our bays and coastal marshes which provide invaluable winter food sources for these birds. Finally, because of the reciprocity of hunting and fishing among outdoorsmen, CCA’s strong relationship with organizations such as Texas Parks and Wildlife and the Texas State Legislature is a powerful force in shaping public policy that affects all sportsmen.
As a grass-roots organization, CCA relies on the financial resources and volunteerism of its 50,000 plus members across the state. In many local communities, CCA garners support from their popular fund raising banquets and events that offer local sportsmen an evening of food, fun and friendship. In fact, the San Antonio chapter banquet is the organizations single largest annual fundraiser and the city is hours away from the coast. Also popular is the State of Texas Angler’s Rodeo or STAR Tournament that gives away over $1,000,000 in prizes and scholarships each year. Especially focused on children, CCA and STAR have awarded hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships to kids all along the Texas coast.
There are very few conservation organizations that can boast as strong a record of success as CCA - especially in the relatively short term of its existence. So, if you are looking for an evening of fun for you and your hunting lease buddies before hunting season, look into a CCA event near you. You are sure to have a good time!
