Tim Birdsong has been chosen to lead the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s ( TPWD ) Inland Fisheries Division. Since July, when Craig Bonds was elevated to the position of chief operating officer, Birdsong has served as interim department director.
According to David Yoskowitz, Ph. D., Tim has a passion for fishing, managing aquatic resources, forging partnerships, and for TPWD. D., senior producer of TPWD. He “has a knack for putting teams along, finding innovative solutions, and utilizing money and other resources to carry out visions.” Tim continuously upholds his dignity and shows that he has the skills, knowledge, and ability to guide the Inland Fisheries Division toward a more promising future.
Birdsong has been a member of TPWD for 17 years, having held the positions of assistant department chairman and chief of the wildlife conservation branch within the Inland Fisheries Division. Birdsong worked for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration as a files program leader and fisheries biologist before joining TPWD.
According to Birdsong,” TPWD is an exciting and influential business, and every day I’m struck with emotions of function and gratitude for the chance to contribute to this wonderful mission.” Being chosen as the new chairman of the Inland Fisheries Division is an honor and a pleasure. The division regularly takes risks to create freshwater fisheries resources that are science-based, cost-effective, robust, and applicable in order to meet challenges. It is regarded nationally as a liberal leader among state fishing programs.
On Texas ‘ 1,100 people lakes and 191,228 miles of streams, creeks, and rivers, the Inland Fisheries Division offers 3.1 million saltwater fish high-quality fishing opportunities.
According to Birdsong, the Inland Fisheries Division plays crucial roles in managing and conserving people saltwater fish solutions to meet the needs of all Texans, whether it’s preserving Texas native species, promoting sportfishing, or serving up a wild-caught, good source of protein to feed Texas people. We are here to maintain growing populations of fish and other underwater species as well as recreational, commercial, and economically significant fisheries. Individuals need fish, and fish need the Inland Fisheries Division, to put it simply.
While fishing in Texas ‘ freshwater and coastal waters, anglers spent an estimated$ 11.1 billion on food, lodging, transportation, and equipment in 2022, supporting 51,380 jobs in the state.
At the state, federal, and international levels, Birdsong has been recognized for its contributions to the management and preservation of the people freshwater fisheries resources. He has won numerous awards, including the Fly Fishers International Conservation Award ( 2021 ), the National Fish Habitat Award ( 2014 ), the James A. Henshall Warmwater Fisheries Award ( 2016 ), and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Outstanding Team Award ( 2017 ). During his TPWD career ( 2013, 2020 ), Birdsong was also named Outstanding Texas Fisheries Worker of the Year twice by the Texas Chapter.
Birdsong holds degrees in science from Southeastern Oklahoma State University and fish knowledge from Louisiana State. Additionally, he has completed the Natural Leaders Program ( 2010 ), the Governor’s Center for Management Development- Senior Management Program ( 2000 ), and the National Conservation Leadership Institute ( 2022 ). Birdsong was raised in Denison and received his education at Rock Creek High School in Bokchito, Oklahoma.
On Lake Texoma and another rivers and reservoirs in the area, he spent his formative years hunting, fishing, swimming, and camping. Birdsong considers the Blanco River, Canyon Lake, and Guadalupe River to become his home waterways. He lives in Wimberley with his wife and two large school-aged children.
