Shiner, Lavaca County
Formed in 1922, the National Izaak Walton League has promoted responsible stewardship of fish and fowl in the United States. Prior to the 1930s, area fisherman had to travel to the Guadalupe River or the Gulf of Mexico. As a result, a group of Shiner fishermen decided to stock 12,000 black bass in Boggy, Ponton and Rocky Creeks, and Martin Lake. In September 1931, the local chapter of the Izaak Walton League formed and secured 1,100 acres of Welhausen’s pasture as a game preserve. The group built multiple dams on the creek that ran through Welhausen’s pasture, a recreational spot for decades, to house 18,000 game fish and pheasant eggs. In 1932, the group reorganized as the Shiner Game and Fish Protective League. In 1949, a fish-rearing pond was constructed to encourage fish population growth. The game and fish preserve also implemented rules in order to provide the best fishing experience possible. Catch limits, size requirements and waste instructions were posted. The league also held membership drives, usually associated with huge wiener roasts. In the mid-1960s, the Raymond Dickson Foundation gave a piece of land for a new municipal park along Boggy Creek. The league was to have a large part in the design and development of the park, moving their headquarters there as well. The league helped fund the construction of three large pavilions with concrete floors along with numerous cement BBQ pits with eating and seating arrangements throughout the park. In 1981, a flood destroyed nearly all of the recreational space at Welhausen’s Grove. For generations, the group has continued to protect area wildlife for the enjoyment of all. (2022)