RACA - River Access and Conservation Areas

RACA stands for River Access and Conservation Areas and is a Texas Parks and Wildlife Department program. TPWD has signed lease agreements that allow public river access across private land. Anglers and paddlers may use these leased areas for fishing and launching kayaks, canoes or other non-motorized boats. The program is funded by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program.

How to get your group involved

Step #1 - Pick your site

RACA sites are specific and limited to the options listed online. Please visit the link to determine which site fits your organization and gain additional details, such as an address and map of the site location.

Visit the RACA Site

Step #2 - Set a date and order supplies

All interested groups will need to register their event(s) and will receive a waterways cleanup kit including:

• Trash and recycle bags
• Mesh onion bags
• Trash grabbers
• Nitrile and work gloves
• Bug spray and sunscreen
• First Aid kits

Please click below to order your supplies and allow 2-3 weeks for delivery.

Request your RACA Cleanup Supplies

Don’t forget to add your event to our calendar, found below.  

Submit your Event

Step #3 - Contact the property owner

Once you choose your site it is a good idea to contact the property owner. You will find their contact information on the click thru link on the TPWD RACA site.  Alerting the property owner lets them know who you are and that you will be on their property. They can provide you with more specific site information, such as parking options, area conditions and any details you may need. They can also assist you with scheduling and possibly recruit additional volunteers, if needed.  Some property owners are businesses and may even be able to offer additional supplies and resources to your group.

Step #4 - Event Day Waivers

Waivers are an important part of any volunteer event. Liability insurance for each registered cleanup will be provided by Keep Texas Beautiful. In return, we require your organization to provide a liability waiver for each participant. This can be accomplished on either an individual piece of paper for each participant or in verbiage on the top of a sign in sheet that includes all participants. Examples can be found in the toolkit area. Please send a scan or copy of your waivers to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. following each event you host.

Step #5 - Wrap up Report

As with all KTB programs, we require a wrap up report at the end of each registered event. Please click the button below submit your report and do not forget to include your scanned liability forms and photos.  We would love to see a before and after photo of each site and any fun moments you may have captured along the way.

Submit your RACA Wrap Up Report

Step #6 - Invoice

In addition to the waterways supply kit, groups will be offered the option to invoice up to $500 per event. Invoiceable options may include, but are not limited to: kayak/canoe rentals, waders, rain boots, buckets, additional litter grabbers, sunscreen, bug spray, hand sanitizer, etc.  If you have a question as to whether an item is invoiceable please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. A sample invoice can be found in the toolkit below.

RACA Toolkit

For any additional resources or questions please contact Karen at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 512-961-7793

Thank you to Texas Department of Wildlife Foundation for funding this program.