CCA Texas

Monday, December 8th, 2008

Houston, TX – In an effort to further enhance Texas’ coastal habitats, CCA Texas recently pledged $100,000 of seed money to start the Habitat Today for Fish Tomorrow (HTFT) initiative. The HTFT is a bold, new step in conservation for CCA Texas that will fund and initiate habitat restoration projects such as reef construction, marsh replenishment and beach and bay debris clean-ups.

“CCA Texas has been extremely successful in so many aspects of fisheries management that we believe the time is ripe to expand our horizons. We have successfully created labs for research as well as constructing hatcheries that have produced millions of fingerlings, now it’s time for habitat to be added as another arrow in our conservation quiver,” said CCA Texas Executive Director Robby Byers. “This program is a vision implemented by our volunteer leadership that will have a profound effect on the Texas coast.”

CCA Texas has a rich history of supporting habitat restoration and clean-up projects, including the Sportsman’s Road project in Galveston, the Goose Island project in Rockport, the Bahia Grande Wetlands restoration project in the Rio Grande Valley, and the Big Bay Debris clean-up in the Corpus Christi area.

“This is a tremendous step for CCA Texas. The doors that we are opening today will have a substantial effect tomorrow,” said CCA Texas President, Bill Schwarzlose. “Our organization is blessed to have a membership that understands the importance of working to improve our coastal habitat. This is a far-reaching and intensive endeavor but we are certain that the results of this program will be well worth the effort.”

The HTFT initiative will be funded through CCA Texas fundraising dollars as well as outside support from individuals, corporations and foundations.

“This initiative is based on the dynamic vision of our organization, and by partnering with corporate supporters, other conservation groups and governmental agencies we will achieve a lasting success,” said HTFT Director, John Blaha. “CCA Texas has had tremendous success in various endeavors by partnering with other major players in the conservation arena. This program will be no different. We plan on building a bridge to all concerned parties in order to have a positive effect on our coastal resources. Truly, this is an exciting time in the history of CCA Texas and Texas’ coastal resources.”

CCA Texas is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of Texas’ marine resources. With more than 55,000 members in 55 local chapters, CCA Texas is the largest conservation group of its kind in the state