NatureEye on FALL 2009 A publication of the Wildlife Division — Getting Texans Involved Treasure challenged by change By Ricky Maxey

omeone unfamiliar with the Pineywoods ecoregion of Texas might develop a mental picture It’s Time to Check the Nets, of a landscape completely dominated by pine forests, but the Pineywoods landscape is Page 3 Smuch more diverse than that. The Pineywoods extend into portions of 40 counties along the eastern side of the state where it borders Arkansas and Louisiana. Depending on which map you use, it either borders or is close to Oklahoma as well. The forests of the southeastern United Red-cockaded Woodpecker States reach their western boundaries within this ecoregion and the Post Oak Woodlands and Conservation in Texas, Prairies. The Pineywoods ecoregion of Texas is bounded on the north and west by the Post Oak Page 4 Woodlands and Prairies, on the west by portions of the Blackland Prairie, and on the south by the Gulf Coast Prairies and Marshes ecoregions. The Pineywoods ecoregion is very rich in biological diversity, particularly within those ecotonal boundaries. Rattlesnake! A Profile of the Though there are fairly expansive pine forests and mixed pine-hardwood forests within this Timber Rattlesnake, landscape, there are other vegetative communities as well. The Pineywoods landscape contains a Page 6 mosaic of vegetative communities including: dry longleaf pine woodlands, dry pine-oak-hickory woodlands, wet longleaf pine woodlands, dry-mesic mixed pine-hardwood and hardwood-pine [Continued on page 2] A Stroll Through East Texas Might Still Reveal Some Interesting Rare Beauties, Page 8

PINEYWOODS New Staff at the They were one of the first things noticed by Austin Offices, settlers arriving from the east— these extensive stands of large, old growth pine Page 10 trees. They are the fuel that drives a major industry — forestry is an important element Habitips, in East Texas. They are also the vital ele­ Page 11 ment of an ecosystem that encompasses the eastern edge of our state — the piney- woods. And this edition of the newsletter The Back Porch, they are the focus of our discussion — con­ Page 12 servation in the East Texas Pineywoods. Inside you will find articles highlighting the great diversity of the Texas Pineywoods, with even more diversity featured in the online newsletter at www.tpwd.state.tx.us/ newsletters/eye-on-nature/2009fall Executive Director [Treasure challenged by change, continued from page 1] Carter P. Smith

Editor, Eye on Nature forests, mesic slope and terrace forests, minor stream bottom forests, seasonally flooded Mark Klym river floodplain forests, semi-permanently flooded swamps, seeps and bogs and local­ ized native grasslands. The topography of this landscape is rolling hills dissected by COMMISSION stream corridors and river floodplains in the north, flattening out as it reaches the coast. Peter M. Holt, Chairman San Antonio Uplands are dominated by species such as longleaf pine, shortleaf pine, post oak, red T. Dan Friedkin,Vice-Chairman Houston oak, white oak and black hickory. On terraces, lower slopes and bottomlands species Mark E. Bivins Amarillo such as loblolly pine, American beech, southern magnolia, willow oak, water oak, Ralph H. Duggins Fort Worth green ash and water hickory are common. Swamps and wetlands provide habitat for Antonio Falcon, M.D. Rio Grande City bald cypress, redbay, water tupelo, Planer tree and common buttonbrush. Native grass­ Karen J. Hixon San Antonio lands are dominated by species such as little bluestem, big bluestem and Indiangrass. Dan Allen Hughes, Jr. Beeville This beautiful mosaic of vegetative communities changes in character with changes Margaret Martin Boerne in climate, soil types and land forms. There is constant interplay between temperate and S. Reed Morian Houston tropical climates in this region of convergence that results in weather-related events Lee M. Bass, Chairman-Emeritus Fort Worth such as flooding, fire, tornadoes and hurricanes. These events, the forces of water, wind and fire, and the physical characteristics of the land itself create a dynamically changing TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT MISSION STATEMENT mosaic of vegetative communities across the landscape. Many of the vegetative com­ “To manage and conserve the natural and munities, though, are striving to achieve natural succession — changing over time in cultural resources of Texas and to provide hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation response to these events, or interruptions, as they have for centuries. Anyone who has opportunities for the use and enjoyment of worked with me in the field has heard me lament a desire to be able to go back in a present and future generations.” time machine and see this landscape before the impacts of European settlement of the

You may view this publication through the TPWD region. Though our Pineywoods landscape is still beautiful, I Web site. Please notify us by completing a request think we had native forest and grassland communities that form at www.tpwd.state.tx.us/enews/. Once verified, would rival any in the eastern United States. we will notify you by e-mail when a new version of your selected newsletter is posted at The Pineywoods ecoregion has a very colorful history dating www.tpwd.state.tx.us/newsletters/. Your name back first to the Native Americans. The earliest people of and address will be removed from the printed record included the Caddoan Indians, who had a village-based version mail distribution list. society that combined hunting and gathering from the forests, clearing land for agricultural crops and FOR MORE INFORMATION [Continued on page 9] All inquiries:Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, 4200 Smith School Rd., Austin,TX 78744, telephone (800) 792-1112 toll free, or (512) 389-4800 or visit our Web site for Post Oak Woodlands detailed information about TPWD programs: and Prairies

www.tpwd.state.tx.us Pineywoods

© 2009 Texas Parks and Wildlife Department PWD BR W7000-255 (9/09) In accordance with Texas State Depository Law, this publication is available at the Blackland Prairies Texas State Publications Clearinghouse and/or Texas Depository Libraries.

TPWD receives federal assistance from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other federal agencies.TPWD is therefore subject to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973,Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, in addition to state anti-discrimination laws.TPWD will comply with state and federal laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, national origin, age, sex or disability. If you believe that you have been discriminated against in any TPWD program, activity or event, you may contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Gulf Coast Prairies Service, Division of Federal Assistance, 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Mail Stop: MBSP-4020, Arlington,VA 22203, Attention: Civil Rights Coordinator for Public Access. and Marshes

ADDRESS CHANGES: For address changes, or to be added or removed from our mailing list, please contact [email protected]. We look forward to provid­ ing the information you need to understand, appreciate, manage and conserve the natural resources of Texas for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.

2 Rafinesque’s Big-ear Bat Conservation in the Texas Pineywoods

DID YOU KNOW?

It’s time to check the nets The Pineywoods of By Christopher E. Comer East Texas are home to 11 bat species. “ t’s time to check the nets,” says ficult to catch, so it is rare to handle Leigh Stuemke, Stephen F. Austin more than one caught in mist nets on IState University (SFASU) graduate one evening. But the truth is that we are Some bats student and bat researcher. Dutifully, the cheating a bit— a group of 50 or more make their four biologists present hitch up our bats roosts regularly in a nearby aban­ homes in chest waders, turn on our headlamps doned home. Before the night is over, hollow trees. and stomp off into the East Texas night. we have captured 11 CORAs and one Mylea Bayless from Bat Conservation southeastern bat (Myotis austroriparius), International (BCI) in Austin is the first a secondary target species. Though they to arrive with her spotlight at the stag­ did not appear to appreciate the honor, edge about its ecology, the Rafinesque’s nant pond about 75 meters from the those bats were the first subjects for a big-eared bat is protected in most states truck. “Nothing in this net,” she calls research project examining the ecology across the southeast. In Texas it is listed from out of the darkness. I play my of these poorly understood mammals in as threatened by the Texas Parks and headlamp over the 6-foot-tall, 12-foot­ East Texas. Wildlife Department (TPWD). wide stretch of fine nylon mesh in front Of the 11 bat species native to the Adding to concerns about this of me. A tiny, struggling, furry ball is Pineywoods, the Rafinesque’s big-eared species is our poor understanding of visible in the net about a foot from the bat and, to a lesser extent, the south­ their ecology, habitat requirements, and water’s surface. “Hey, we got one. Looks eastern bat are among the most vulnera­ even distribution within their range. like a Seminole bat.” I am referring to ble to long-term population declines. Thankfully, biologists have recognized Lasiurus seminolus, one of the more These species are closely associated with the need for more information, and common bats resident in this densely mature bottomland hardwood forest, research projects are currently underway forested part of the state. Then we can primarily because of their habit of estab­ in several states in the species’ range. hear the excitement in Leigh’s voice: lishing maternity roosts in large, hollow One of the most comprehensive is cur­ “We’ve got a CORA! No, two CORAs.” trees, especially black gum and tupelos rently ongoing at SFASU using funds She is referring to our target species, (Nyssa sylvatica and Nyssa aquatica). from TPWD. Along with others from the far less common Corynorhinus Forest biologists estimate that over across the region, the bats from Liberty rafinesquii or Rafinesque’s big-eared bat. 75 percent of the original bottomland County were fitted with radio transmit­ Fifteen minutes later we meet back at hardwood forest in the southeast has ters to allow us to track them to their the vehicle with Laurie Lomas, the U.S. been lost or degraded. Threats include roost sites and learn about their ecology Fish and Wildlife Service biologist timber harvest, urbanization, reservoir and movements. We are also using vari­ responsible for the Trinity River National construction, and conversion to pastures ous techniques to survey promising Wildlife Refuge, where we are working, or other agricultural uses. Because of this areas of bottomland hardwoods in to examine our catch. Rafinesque’s big- loss of habitat, perceived declines in East Texas for these bats. Acoustic eared bats are both uncommon and dif­ abundance, and a general lack of knowl­ [Continued on page 5]

3 Red-cockaded Woodpecker Conservation in Texas By Donna Work

ast Texas is the western-most range of an endangered bird that has very interesting home-building habits and Eis particular about the condition of its “neighborhood.” The red-cockaded woodpecker (RCW) inhabits areas from East Texas and Southeast Oklahoma across the South to the East Coast. These woodpeckers prefer open, mature pine forests. Each RCW group needs 100 acres or more of continuous mature pine stands depending on the condition and quality of habitat available. Red-cockaded woodpeckers construct their roosting and nesting cavities in live pine trees. After the cavity is com­ pleted, the woodpeckers create resin wells around the cavity entrance, allowing fresh sap to flow each day. This serves to deter their major predator, the rat snake. These birds live in family groups consisting of a mated male and female and helpers. There is only one breeding pair per group. All members of the group help build cavities, defend the territory, incubate eggs and feed the young. Most red-cockaded woodpeckers in Texas can be found on national forest lands. They also reside on forest industry lands, state forests and non-industrial private lands. All four of the national forests in Texas have red-cockaded wood­ peckers that can be viewed by the public. The W.G. Jones State Forest, south of Conroe, and the I.D. DID YOU Fairchild State Forest, between Rusk and Palestine, also house RCWs. KNOW? A recovery plan for the endangered RCW is underway across the South, including habitat management, monitoring of populations, and Some Texas woodpeckers translocation (moving from one site to make their homes in living trees. another) of juvenile RCWs where needed. These woodpeckers also use [Continued on page 5] sap from these trees as a primary defense 4 against predators. [Red-cockaded woodpecker conservation in Texas, continued from page 4] [Rafinesque’s big-eared bat conservation in the Texas pineywoods, continued from page 3] The Recovery Plan for the Red-cockaded Woodpecker (www.fws.gov/rcwrecovery/), a document of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, provides guidance and policies monitoring uses specialized equipment to in managing for the recovery. identify the unique echolocation calls bats Habitat management practices that benefit the red-cockaded woodpecker make to navigate and locate insect prey in include: thinning dense pine stands; prescribed burning; leaving hundreds of the dark. Another survey method is simply acres of continuous mature stands; and reduction and control of midstory (dense sticking our heads into hollow trees and undergrowth). Artificial cavities can be installed to provide immediate roosting searching for bats. Our data suggest sparse and nesting cavities. Recruitment stands to allow for new groups to form and but stable populations of both bat species replacement stands to provide replacement territories for RCWs displaced by in East Texas. some catastrophe can be maintained. Population enhancement comes in the In response to concerns about the form of translocations and augmentations — moving extra birds from one place to long-term future of these bottomland another and pairing up unrelated single birds. hardwood bats, BCI and the Southeastern These management practices are being used in East Texas. On lands inhab­ Bat Diversity Network are currently prepar­ ited by RCWs, biologists monitor RCW habitat and populations year-round, ing a comprehensive conservation and ensuring there is sufficient habitat and roosting/nesting trees for the woodpeck­ management plan for Rafinesque’s big- ers. They monitor RCWs closely before, during and after breeding season to eared bats and southeastern myotis. The determine group numbers and population dynamics. Translocation cooperatives most important conservation measure is consisting of biologists from federal and state agencies, timber companies and the conservation and wise management of others meet annually, developing strategies to move RCWs between groups to our remaining large tracts of bottomland help build populations. hardwood forest. The bottoms associated State and federal cost-share programs are available to help landowners with the major rivers of the region are provide sufficient quality habitat for RCWs on private lands. Most of the timber­ critical to the future of Rafinesque’s big- land in East Texas is owned by non-industrial private landowners. These lands eared bats. In areas where there are few are considered important in the recovery of the RCW by providing foraging and large trees suitable for roosts, these bats nesting habitat, even if only temporarily. The voluntary Safe Harbor program will roost in manmade structures such as of the Regional Habitat Conservation Plan for the Red-cockaded Woodpecker houses, bridges and culverts. Of 20 known on Private Land in the East Texas Pineywoods encourages private landowners roosts for these species in the state, half to manage their property in ways that produce habitat for RCW without fear are in structures. Several are in old, aban­ of additional responsibilities under the Endangered Species Act. See doned homes or buildings like the one at http://texasforestservice.tamu.edu/main/popup.aspx?id=1372 for Trinity River. These roosts need to be pre­ information on the Safe Harbor program. served by strengthening the existing struc­ Harvesting of timber is compatible with RCW management. Harvesting tures or providing alternative roost sites. methods that favor leaving enough of the large, old pines as well as planning for BCI has developed a successful tower an ongoing supply of older pine trees are acceptable. design for these bats, with several cur­ rently in use across the southeast. Donna is a biologist with the Texas Forest Service out of Lufkin. She is working on The bottomland hardwood forests of the Best Management Practices Project, the Forest Stewardship Program and with East Texas support a unique and diverse red-cockaded woodpeckers on state and private lands. wildlife community that has declined significantly in the last 100 years. In addi­ tion to bats, wildlife of these bottomlands include other rare or declining mammals such as Louisiana black bears, birds such as For more information on the red-cockaded prothonotary and Swainson’s warblers, and woodpecker, go to: herptiles such as timber (canebrake) rat­ tlesnakes. Long-term persistence of these http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/landwater/land/ species depends on wise use and conserva­ habitats/pineywood/endangered_species/ tion of these resources. Next time you are rcw_life_history1.phtml fortunate enough to spend a summer http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/publications/ evening in one of our remaining bottom­ pwdpubs/media/pwd_bk_w7000_0013_ land forests, keep your eye out for bats. red_cockaded_woodpecker.pdf Dr. Christopher Comer is a professor at http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/publications/ Stephen F. Austin State University in pwdpubs/media/pwd_bk_w7000_0361.pdf Nacogdoches, where he is overseeing research on Texas bats.

5 Rattlesnake! A profile of the timber rattlesnake

By Keith Aguillard

I discovered that rats had chewed into Personal Accounts the fire wall of my vehicle and built a Hunting Behavior It was the spring of 2005 when I nest under the hood. This was all done and Diet received a call from a neighbor about in the five days since I had last moved Their most important food item is a snake in his yard. I later identified the vehicle. It was apparent that I rodents, with an occasional bird, reptile the snake as a timber rattlesnake. I had needed a natural predator of the rodent or amphibian also being taken. A stealth lived on my 15-acre property for three on my property to keep numbers in hunter lying in wait near a rodent run or years at the time and had noticed check. The timber rattlesnake was the log, the snake immobilizes its prey with copperheads, coach whips, eastern perfect ally! hognose and Texas rat snakes, but not venom which later aids in digestion. rattlesnakes of any kind. The next April, Diurnal in early spring and late fall, the I saw a juvenile timber rattlesnake within snake is almost exclusively nocturnal 50 feet of my residence, and was Range and Habitat during hot summer months. pleased to know that I had help in con­ The timber rattlesnake inhabits the trolling the rats and mice. Five days eastern U.S., from Maine south to the later, another rattlesnake was seen and Florida Panhandle and west to Wiscon­ Identification sin, including the eastern third of the later that summer, a third. Several were This snake is typically heavy-bodied with state in Texas. noticed in subsequent years on or near a base color of fleshy to pinkish-gray Its preferred habitat is rugged my property. hues accented by dark chevron-shaped terrain in deciduous forests, including Over the years, rats and mice have cross bands which break up toward the the piney woods and river bottomlands destroyed more of my personal property head to form a row of darks spots down of the southeastern U.S. than I care to recall. The greatest the back and sides. The last few inches account was September 2006, when of the tail is solid black ending with the [Continued on page 7] Reportedly, the venom of a DID YOU black widow spider is KNOW? 15 times more toxic than the venom Rattlesnakes use their rattles to of the prairie warn a potential predator of their rattlesnake. presence. There are other snakes that shake their tails in the dry leaves, imitating the rattlesnake warning.

6 [A profile of the timber rattlesnake, coyote, bobcat, fox, raccoon, feral cat, continued from page 6] snake-eating snakes, birds of prey and Sightings human persecutors. Its ability to blend into its surroundings, rattles. A very distinct rust-colored stripe its habitat preference of deep forests, runs along the entire ridge of the back­ and its nocturnal behavior make sight­ bone. The scales are strongly keeled, Status ings of this snake uncommon. Increasing giving the snake a rough appearance. fragmentation of the forests and ensuing It is state-listed as threatened in Texas. Three to five feet in length is the aver­ development are resulting in more Most states within the range of the timber age, and the snake can be very thick in sightings being reported in the urban- rattlesnake have some protective listing. circumference, especially older males. wildland interface, usually resulting in More protection is needed to be effective Although classified as the timber loss of the snake. in curtailing further population decline. rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) of the I have encountered the snake in the Pollution, habitat loss and fragmen­ eastern U.S., some folks identify the East Texas Pineywoods, from Mont­ tation are the main threats facing the southern population as a subspecies gomery County to the Sabine River, as timber rattlesnake. Along with this, called the canebreak rattlesnake well as Southwestern Louisiana. Some of indiscriminate persecution due to histori­ (C. h. atricaudatus). my encounters included road kills, as well cal myths, black market pet trade and as those shot and left by hunters, hikers, lack of education — especially about the cyclists, etc. In interviewing outdoor role of all snakes in the ecosystem — enthusiasts, I have come to realize that Reproduction contribute to the decline of the species. sightings are not totally uncommon, Eggs are fertilized and incubated within All snakes are our allies in controlling given ideal habitat and geographic loca­ the abdomen of the female for about six rodents. Please help protect timber rat­ tion. Mr. Buddy Hollis, naturalist for the months, and the young emerge in a tlesnakes — your ally, not your enemy. Newton County Chamber of Commerce, membranous sac in late summer. A young The timber rattlesnake is a handsome has seen a dozen in Newton County in snake is 8–12 inches long, a lighter version snake, working while you rest, helping to the last 10 years. In late March 2004, he of the adult, with a single rattle segment control your pest population. Quietly it saw four different rattlesnakes sunning on called a button. Days after birth it sheds its slips away if confronted, and asks for the gravely road near the Azalea Canyons. skin and has a new rattle. Young snakes nothing in return but to be left undis­ He has had half a dozen sightings in Mar­ are fully equipped with fangs and venom. turbed to hunt for food, reproduce and tin Dies State Park — two near the Canyon This snake reaches sexually maturity maintain a comfortable environment. Lands in Tyler County and one in Hardin three to four years later, and the females You can create habitat for your snakes by County across the creek from Village breed on average every third year. Repro­ maintaining brush piles and rock piles, Creek State Park. Mr. Chris Lena with duction rates are rather slow when com­ preserving animal burrows, or even cre­ TPWD has encountered half a dozen— pared to species that reproduce annually. ating your own manmade burrows, which three in Martin Dies, Jr. State Park where may be used as hibernation den sites. he worked previously and three in Panola County on private property. Temperament People working in the timber cruis­ Timber rattlesnakes are reclusive by Avoid a snake bite ing and harvest business often encounter nature. In my encounters with the snake, I Never pick up or handle a snake. Look timber rattlesnakes — too often with dev­ have found it to be very docile, timid, and into flowerbeds, clumps of weeds and astating outcome to the snake. non-confrontational when compared to thick brush before putting your hand or copperheads, cottonmouths and the foot there. Use a flashlight when moving Keith is a wildlife biologist working out of squatty pigmy rattlesnake. The snake’s first about after dark. When you encounter a Fred, Texas. attempt at defense is to remain absolutely snake, detour and allow the snake to motionless. If that doesn’t work, it might move undisturbed. Always move away try the rattle warning, but is more likely to slowly, since snakes have poor eyesight try to escape. Unfortunately, it is an easy and quick movements may trigger a DID YOU snake to get the first jump on, making it strike. Remember, a snake’s first defense KNOW? an easy target for predators including the is to retreat. Allow that to happen.

In the 1950s rats devastated the bird population of the Queen Charlotte Islands, Snakes typically will not ambush you, but rather British Columbia Coast, will either retreat or warn you. Spiders, scorpions, Canada. ants, wasps, hornets and yellow jackets give you little or no warning to retreat or protect yourself.

7 A stroll through East Texas might still reveal some interesting Rare Beauties By Anita Howlett

leisurely stroll through the forests and savannahs of East Texas truly is a very rewarding experience. Varied in topographic and geologic attributes, some areas boast plant com­ Amunities and species biodiversity that rival world famous biopreserves. While admiring towering southern yellow pine species (loblolly, slash, shortleaf and longleaf), stately American beeches, and enormous southern magnolias, take time to look on the forest floor. There, if you have timed your forest stroll just right, you may encounter some of nature’s most beautiful and alluring plants: orchids. Each unique in habitat requirements and insect pollinators, orchid gems can be found on undisturbed lands throughout the world. East Texas is home to over 20 species, and orchid representatives grow here in just about every plant community. Some grow only on wet and seeping, shady slopes in association with baygall plant communities. The yellow fringed orchid (Platanthera ciliaris), perhaps one of the best-known members of its genus, prefers these acidic slopes. Large butterflies of the swallowtail family appear as the main perpetrator in this orchid’s pollination scheme. A visually similar species by the name of Chapman’s fringed orchid (Platanthera chapmanii), although not uncommon in Florida, is con­ sidered quite rare in East Texas, and is on many orchid watchers’ checklists. One wonders what could possibly cause all these beautiful wildflowers’ rarity. Many plants face threats of habitat fragmentation, disturbance, overgrowth by both native and exotic species, and sheer habitat destruction through deforestation. Declining numbers of insect pollinators add to the not-so-sunny future. Collectors and poachers armed with trowels and shovels often choose the most uncommon and rare species, wanting to claim a rarity for themselves, or placing them on the auction block. Wild collected orchids seldom acclimate to ”captivity,” though, as ex situ growing attempts cannot possibly replace wild growing condi­ tions. All of our native orchids require and live in harmony with symbiont soil-dwelling fungi, and the intricacy of this symbiosis is, at best, difficult to replicate. Their elusive nature and picky method of site selection might be the orchid’s best defense against extirpation. National and private preserve managers reluctantly reveal known orchid sites, fearing the information may get into the wrong person’s hands. Scientists, researchers, and orchid and native plant aficionados have noticed a sharp decline in wild populations, and several conservation projects are now in place to help ensure the plants’ survival for future generations to see. The southern lady’s slipper orchid (Cypripedium kentuckiensis), the largest flowering specimen and increasingly DID YOU rare member of lady’s slippers, enjoys the attention of several organizations, whose missions include reproducing and raising seedlings to eventually be relocated into KNOW? national forests. Through artificial pollination, seed stock collections and in-vitro rearing, Stephen F. Austin State University’s Department of Biology in Nacog­ doches is growing over 300 seedlings. The Central Louisiana Orchid Society The East Texas Pineywoods (CLOS) and Houston Orchid Society (HOS) both have Cypripedium Restoration is home to more than Committees that have grown over 800 small plants, while the HOS is currently 20 species of orchid, some of “parent” to around 120 small plants. The goal is for volunteers to reintroduce which can be found nowhere these plants into East Texas in the spring of 2010. The Center for Plant Conserva­ else in the world. tion (CPC) has partnered with Mercer Arboretum and Botanic Gardens to create and maintain a National Collection of Endangered Plants via plants and stored seed material. Mercer Arboretum works to collect seed pod material of the southern lady’s slipper, Navasota ladies’ tresses and Chapman’s fringed orchids, and is instrumental in the preservation of southern rein orchids (Platanthera flava var. flava). For more information on efforts to conserve orchids, see Anita’s online article at www.tpwd.state.tx.us/newsletters/eye-on-nature/2009fall

Anita is a naturalist based out of Jesse H. Jones Park & Nature Center in Humble. She works extensively with our native orchids. 8 [Treasure challenged by change, One force of change that has been continued from page 2] associated with the growth of the human population from the initial forays villages, and setting fires to improve of the Spaniards to the present is the travel and hunting conditions. There are ever-increasing number of non-native a number of towns in the region that invasive animal and plant species that were originally Caddoan Indian villages, have been introduced by humans. Their and are among the oldest towns in destructive, severe and costly impact on America. Accurate accounts of the native animal and plant species and impacts of these peoples on the land­ human infrastructure is a force that will scape are few, and natural vegetative have to be recognized. Some of these communities across the landscape species in the Pineywoods include: feral remained mostly intact. hogs, feral cats, feral dogs, fire ants, Exploration and settlement by Euro­ Rasberry crazy ants, Chinese tallow, pean settlers over the past few centuries Japanese climbing fern, kudzu, hydrilla, have highly impacted and changed the elodea and giant salvinia. Though there forests, a national preserve, national Pineywoods landscape at a regional has been much effort aimed at control wildlife refuges, Army Corps of Engi­ scale. These waves of settlers started of these pests, their impacts on the land­ neers properties adjacent to public trust when explorers from Spain travelled the scape continue to increase. reservoirs, state parks, state wildlife man­ landscape setting up garrisons and mis­ Efforts to conserve and manage the agement areas, state forests, numerous sions to facilitate settlement of the natural resources of the Pineywoods land­ community and county conservation region. Since that time, this part of the scape are better focused on multiple use lands and parks, and many conservation state has been part of six nations: Spain, and sustainability, and great strides are properties owned by non-governmental France, Mexico, Republic of Texas, the being made to utilize resources while entities. There are numerous private Confederacy and the United States. The assuring their existence for future genera­ landowners who are fully engaged in history of settlement of this region goes tions. Approximately one-third of this management of significant private prop­ back as far as any in the United States. landscape was owned by timber compa­ erties for conservation and recreation These settlers, regardless of nation, were nies until recently. Since these companies purposes as well, and this seems to be looking for broad expanses of land to divested themselves of these lands, most increasing as the baby-boomer genera­ establish an agrarian society based pri­ have been acquired by timber investment tion continues to retire. Many of these marily on the production of row crops management organizations and managed landowners and private entrepreneurs including cotton. Any property that for investment funds under the sustain­ are creating opportunities for outdoor could grow crops was converted to do able forestry initiative similar to that of recreation, nature study and ecotourism just that, and entire vegetative commu­ the previous landowners. in the private sector as well. In addition, nities were altered and removed. Some The challenge for the Pineywoods as there are numerous public, private and soils that were too harsh for agricultural it continues to be subdivided into an non-governmental conservation organi­ crops produced lumber, but the logging increasing number of smaller parcels is to zations that are organized to facilitate of those forests was whole-scale with lit­ conserve native vegetative communities educating the public about conservation tle regard for reforestation. The fact that and the habitats for native animals and issues, participating in public land-use vegetative communities were able to plants within a continually altered and planning procedures, and actually fund­ survive this period makes a bold state­ fragmented landscape. How do we create ing conservation projects on both pri­ ment about the recuperative capabilities significant blocks of habitat with corridors vate and public lands. of these lands, and the favorable climate of connectivity across the landscape? In closing, the Pineywoods of East for plant growth within the region. There are many creative opportunities for Texas provides a beautiful landscape for More recent forces of change, since landowners to manage their lands for the citizens of Texas to escape from the the early 1900s, have included oil and conservation purposes. Many of these are hectic challenges of daily life, and gas exploration and production, conver­ discussed by Linda Campbell in the Back numerous opportunities to experience a sion of large tracts of forest lands to Porch article. There are similar opportuni­ rich heritage of native animal and plant pastures for cattle production, inunda­ ties available through non-governmental species and a variety of native forest and tion of large expanses of bottomland and private-sector programs such as con­ plant communities that will surely enrich hardwood forests to create reservoirs, servation easements, mitigation banking the lives of those who experience them. and the ever-increasing urban and rural and carbon sequestration programs, For those who desire to conserve and sprawl associated with a growing human many of which allow the landowners to restore natural resource values on pri­ population. In addition to the sprawl conserve natural resources while making vate lands, there is much opportunity to associated with population growth, a profit on their land. make significant contributions, and to there is a tremendous amount of land­ There are numerous places to par­ leave a conservation legacy. scape being converted into highways, ticipate in a wide variety of recreational rail lines, manufacturing facilities and pursuits, nature study and ecotourism Ricky is the diversity biologist in East Texas other infrastructure. within the region. There are national working out of Karnack. 9 [The Back Porch, continued from back page] Audubon, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and NRCS to lever­ age funds and technical assistance on projects. In addition, Over the past 15 years, the conservation community there is growing interest in long-term conservation tools such has witnessed the success of incentive-based programs for as conservation easements. Favorable national legislation and landowners. TPWD implemented a number of programs to educational efforts have contributed to over 500,000 acres of engage landowners’ interest in habitat enhancement. The land under conservation easements. There are currently over Landowner Incentive Program (LIP), developed in Texas in 45 land trusts in Texas that hold conservation easements 1997, was the first incentive-based program for rare species (http://www.texaslandtrustcouncil.org/). (www.tpwd.state.tx.us/lip). Most rare species inhabit privately The greatest source of cost-share funding for private lands owned and managed lands in Texas. Incentive programs to conservation is the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 assist landowners in managing rare species can have a direct (Farm Bill, www.tpwd.state.tx.us/farmbill). TPWD and partners and positive impact on their conservation. LIP provides have established seven wildlife emphasis areas directing financial and technical assistance to landowners to conserve Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) funding to rare species and support the Texas Wildlife Action Plan longleaf pine forestland and grassland restoration and habitat (www.tpwd.state.tx.us/twap). The LIP program is flexible and management benefiting shrub and grassland dependent open to all private landowners who have a desire to manage species. These Farm Bill EQIP contracts address tree planting, for targeted species of concern on their land. fence modification, prescribed burning, tree, brush and grazing The Managed Lands Deer Program (MLDP) is an incentive management and habitat improvement. In fiscal year 2008, approach designed to appeal to landowners interested in qual­ these seven wildlife emphasis areas received almost $1.4 mil­ ity deer management. The program allows landowners lion dollars in landowner cost-share, allowing the restoration or involved in a TPWD-approved management program to have enhancement of 134,880 acres of grass, shrub and forestland the state’s most flexible seasons and increased harvest opportu­ benefiting wildlife and contributing to healthy watersheds. nities for white-tailed and mule deer (www.tpwd.state.tx.us/ Since 2003 Texas landowners have received $10,080,549 in business/permits/land/wildlife_management/mldp/). The cost-share to improve 506,427 acres. MLDP program is incentive based and habitat focused. It is clear that efforts to reach out to private land managers Wildlife professionals believe that the greatest threats have paid off in landowners actively managing for sustainable to wildlife in Texas are habitat loss and fragmentation wildlife populations. As we look to the future, TPWD biologists due to population growth and changing land uses continue to provide one-on-one assistance while seeking innov­ (www.texaslandtrends.org/index.aspx). Land fragmentation ative ways of working with landowners and partners to main­ influences present real challenges for resource conservation. tain and enhance wildlife habitats and One promising solution comes through the efforts of land­ recreational opportunities. To find owners working together to conserve and enhance their land a TPWD biologist near you, for the benefit of wildlife. Wildlife management associations are visit www.tpwd.state.tx.us/ DID YOU landowner-driven groups formed to improve wildlife habitats biologist. KNOW? and associated wildlife populations. Over 250 associations are operating in Texas today (www.tpwd.state.tx.us/wildlifeassn). Linda is the coordinator of Partnerships are increasingly important in achieving natural the Private Lands and TPWD biologists are currently resource conservation on private lands in Texas. TPWD actively Public Hunting program assisting more than 6,000 private works with partners such as The Nature Conservancy, Environ­ working out of Austin. mental Defense Fund, Ducks Unlimited, Quail Unlimited, landowners with management National Wild Turkey Federation, Texas Wildlife Association, plans impacting more than 22 million acres of habitat New Staff at the Austin Offices between development and for Texas wildlife. morphology in bufonid by Wendy Gordon frogs. In recent years, he has worked as a biological consultant spe­ As many know, this year saw the retirement of Dr. Andy Price cializing in karst issues, as a university lecturer, and as a skeletal and Mike Quinn from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. preparator for the Texas Memorial Museum. In addition, he has It is our pleasure to introduce two new teammates who will fill conducted numerous grant-funded projects on rare and endan­ their roles. gered salamanders in Central Texas. Dr. Andrew Gluesenkamp has had a lifelong fascination Michael D. Warriner holds a B.S. in Biology from the Uni­ with reptiles and amphibians. He attended the University of versity of Arkansas at Little Rock and an M.S. in Biology from California at Davis, where he participated in surveys of rare and Emporia State University. For the past eight years, he has threatened amphibians in the San Joaquin Valley, worked as served as invertebrate zoologist for the Arkansas Natural Her­ curatorial assistant in the Zoology Museum, and conducted itage Commission. Prior to that, he conducted research on for­ independent field work on reptiles and amphibians in Belize est entomology at Mississippi State University and insect and Ecuador. He graduated with a B.S. in Zoology. He pursued nutritional ecology at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. a graduate degree in Zoology at the University of Texas at Austin, during which time he also discovered caving and Wendy is leader of the Non-game and Rare Species Program work­ biospeleology. His dissertation focused on the relationship ing out of Austin. 10 Simple things you can do on your Habitips land to enhance wildlife value. Wild Stuff! In General Strip disk to encourage native food resources Monitor grazing pressure on Focus on providing travel Wildscapes DVD or rangelands and move livestock lanes and cover for birds Introduction to accordingly Continue controlling feral February Texas Turtles booklet hogs Preserve brushy fence rows, Conduct prescribed burns as Send an e-mail request to [email protected] shelterbelts and critical wildlife needed cover by fencing Begin planting annual Order survey kits for Texas seedlings — perennials should Nature Tracker programs such be planted in fall as Hummingbird Roundup Monitor turkey flocks and Texas Horned Lizard Conduct mechanical brush Hummingbird Wheel Watch control as needed This 10" full-color identification wheel Disk wetland areas to is a helpful reference to keep nearby November encourage moist soil plants when you watch the hummingbirds. as needed Sixteen hummingbird species are Monitor use and condition of Look for early spring wild- featured, all of which have been key vegetation going into flower blooms —mostly gold documented in Texas! For each winter colored flowers bird, the wheel tells you its range in Move livestock off of fall food Hummingbird migration North America, habitat type, and distinguishing features of both males plots for wildlife begins and females. Order spring-planted annual Repair and install nestboxes seedlings for the nesting season Send $11.95 (shipping and handling included) Construct brush piles needed to Texas Hummingbird Roundup, 4200 Smith School for winter cover March Road, Austin, Texas 78744. Begin developing winter pre­ scribed burn plans If trained begin trapping Disk fire lanes as needed brown-headed cowbirds Clean up leaf litter within your Plant native grasses, forbs firewise defensive zone and legumes Conduct prescribed burns as December needed Watch for developing wild- Prepare fireguards for pre- flower blooms scribed burning program De-water flooded to encour- Disk in proximity to woody age wetland vegetation cover to provide habitat inter­ spersion for game birds April Get prescribed burn equip­ ment ready Monitor grazing to provide Strip disk to encourage native nesting cover and plant food resources diversity Focus on providing travel Clean and store prescribed Wildlife Posters lanes and cover for birds burn equipment Venomous Snakes of Texas (pictured), Endangered Develop a checklist of birds Animals, Migratory Landbirds of the Southeast, January you see in various locations — Common Feeder Birds of Eastern North America, note habitat use Prepare fireguards for pre- Continue trapping brown- Common Feeder Birds of Western North America, scribed burning program headed cowbirds if trained You Can Help Texas Turtles (pictured) Disk in proximity to woody Protect turkey roosts in areas cover to provide habitat inter- with limited numbers of $2 each plus $3 shipping and handling for up to spersion for game birds large trees 4 posters. Add $1 for each additional poster. Get prescribed burn equip- Continue monitoring wild­ Visit www.tpwd.state.tx.us/business/shop/posters/ ment ready flower blooms for order form.

11 Texas Parks and Wildlife Department PRSRT STD Wildlife Diversity Program U.S. POSTAGE PAID 4200 Smith School Road AUSTIN, TEXAS Austin, Texas 78744 PERMIT NO. 2270

The Back Porch Resource Conservation on Private Lands in Texas

By Linda Campbell

ver 94 percent of Texas land is assistance to landowners. Department 22 million acres. TPWD works with other privately owned or managed. biologists provide guidance and recom- agencies that provide resource manage- O The ability of Texas Parks and mendations to land managers, who ment assistance, such as USDA Natural Wildlife Department (TPWD) to manage include wildlife management considera- Resources Conservation Service (NRCS, and conserve the state’s natural and cul- tions in land use decisions. The goal of http://www.tx.nrcs.usda.gov/). tural heritage is tied directly to the the Private Lands Program is to help Financial and regulatory incentives strength of our partnership with land- landowners achieve their wildlife man- for landowners have been very success- owners. Agencies and organizations agement goals by assessing the wildlife ful in accomplishing on-the-ground interested in private lands management potential of the land and recommending conservation of natural resources. TPWD face increasing challenges associated actions to improve the land for wildlife will continue to work with other gov­ with population growth, changing land (http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/ ernmental agencies and organizations uses, increasing absentee ownership, landowner). TPWD provides information to provide incentives for conservation continued break up of family lands, and on ways to manage wildlife consistent of wildlife and habitats. As the demo- fragmentation of habitat. These influ- with other land use goals, ensure plant graphics and land ownership patterns ences, coupled with emerging issues and animal diversity, provide aesthetic of Texas change, the challenge for associated with wind energy and water, and economic benefits, and conserve TPWD and our partners will be to meet place increased pressure on the state’s soil, water and natural resources. As of the demand for services from a con­ natural resources and biological diversity. August 31, 2009, biologists are assisting stituency that is growing in number Since the 1930s TPWD biologists over 6,000 landowners in implementing and diversity of interests. have provided habitat management wildlife management plans on more than [Continued on page 10]