Texas state parks limiting operations due to coronavirus concerns

Beginning at noon on Thursday, March 19, TPWD will be limiting park programming and closing public access to park headquarters, visitor centers and park stores. >>>Check out 16 wonderful state parks every Texan should visit. less Beginning at noon on Thursday, March 19, TPWD will be limiting park programming and closing public access to park headquarters, visitor centers and park stores. >>>Check out 16 wonderful state parks ... more Photo: Texas Parks & Wildlife Website Photo: Texas Parks & Wildlife Website Image 1 of / 125 Caption Close Texas state parks limiting operations due to coronavirus concerns 1 / 125 Back to Gallery

Be prepared to rough it if you are headed for a state park. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department announced that it will limiting operations at its recreational facilities.

Beginning at noon on Thursday, March 19, TPWD will be limiting park programming and closing public access to park headquarters, visitor centers and park stores.

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“While we have worked hard to provide access to state parks through much of Spring Break, we have now reached a point where changes are imperative for safety reasons," said Carter Smith, Executive Director of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, according to a news release.

As part of these operational changes, parks will be suspending all cash transactions where feasible. Visitors are encouraged to utilize the self-pay stations, the online reservation system and credit card transactions at this time.

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Other reduced services include the suspension of equipment rentals and interpretive programs.

Park visitors should check the Texas State Parks Alert Map regularly for the latest information about the status of parks.

In addition to the operational changes at Texas State Parks, TPWD law enforcement and boat registration offices, including the license and boat registration counter at TPWD’s Austin headquarters, will be closed to public visitation.

Texans needing to purchase hunting and fishing licenses, boat and motor owner transfers, and boat registration renewals are encouraged to visit tpwd.texas.gov or call the department at (512) 389-4800.

These changes will remain in effect for the foreseeable future. TPWD will continue to monitor the evolving health situation with local and state officials and will adjust operations at department sites and facilities as necessary.

Danny Hermosillo is the Sr. Digital News Editor for Chron.com | Read him on our breaking news site, Chron.com, and our subscriber site, HoustonChronicle.com | Follow him on Twitter at @Dannyherm1| Email him at Danny.Hermosillo@chron.com