Habitat and Angler Access Program (HAAP)

Habitat and Angler Access Program (HAAP) is sponsored by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's (TPWD) Inland Fisheries Division. This program supports fish habitat improvement and angler access projects on public ponds, large reservoirs, creeks, and rivers.

Habitat and Angler Access Program - Request for Proposals Habitat and Angler Access Program Solicitation of Project Ideas for 2026-2027 Texas Parks and Wildlife Department requests ideas and recommendations from angling organizations, local governments, non-governmental organizations, river authorities, and tribal organizations on freshwater fish habitat and shoreline-based angler access improvement projects to be completed in public waters statewide during fiscal years 2026-2027.

To be considered for the 2026-2027 cycle, project ideas and recommendations should be shared with TPWD via email at FishGrants@tpwd. texas. gov by March 31, 2025.

The following information is requested for each recommended project: Project location (waterbody, lat/long [decimal degrees], city, county) Controlling authority of the public waterbody Contact information for the partnering organization and a contact person Brief description of the project Potential partner dollars and in-kind support State and local governmental entities, tribal governments, river authorities, and non-profit [e.g., 501(c)(3) organizations] non-governmental organizations are eligible to contact TPWD for this opportunity.

Projects supported through the Habitat and Angler Access Program must include on-the-ground enhancement or restoration of public stream, river, or reservoir habitats or enhancement of bank and shoreline-based angling access. Projects supported during the 2026-2027 cycle must be completed no later than August 31, 2025. Projects with multiple components or phases that could extend beyond that timeframe may be considered for future cycles.

The list below represents priorities for funding for the Habitat and Angler Access Program during 2026-2027. These are examples and should not be considered as an exhaustive list of eligible projects. Other methods and types of projects that seek to enhance or restore fish habitats or improve angler access may also be considered.

Restoration and Enhancement Priorities Actions that address an evident habitat deficiency in a public stream, river, or reservoir (e.g., native aquatic or riparian vegetation planting, woody structure addition). Actions intended to improve conservation and management outcomes (e.g., increased catch-rates) for one or more fish species targeted by anglers.

Actions that prevent, slow, or remediate degradation of existing habitats (e.g., erosion or siltation prevention, nutrient loading, or changes in water regimes). Actions that restore habitat for fish critical life stages (e.g., spawning or nursery habitat). Actions that restore connectivity to floodplains or connectivity between river reaches.

Projects that improve fish habitats in waters within 50 miles or 1-hour drive time of metropolitan urban areas (i.e., population > 100,000). Projects implemented within Native Fish Conservation Areas . Projects in streams or rivers with, or within reservoirs fed by areas with a Watershed Protection Plan or another comprehensive plan for improving conditions for aquatic life.

Projects that create new or enhance existing shoreline or riverbank access to provide bank, wade, or kayak (or other small paddle craft) fishing opportunities (motorboat ramps are not eligible through this funding source). Projects within 50 miles or 1-hour drive time of metropolitan urban areas (i.e., population > 100,000) to provide greater shoreline access to anglers.

Projects that expand or create new connectivity with existing angler access programs (e.g., Texas Paddling Trails Program, Community Fishing Lakes, River Access and Conservation Areas).

Project ideas and recommendations shared by potential partners will be used to inform development of a statewide plan for investing approximately $500,000 in fish habitat and shoreline-based angler access improvements through the HAAP during fiscal years 2026-2027. Please direct questions and requests for more information to: FishGrants@tpwd. texas.

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