Black Panther Excited About Exploring the Wonders of Watching Birds, Chasing Butterflies Or Admir- Myth Or Reality?, Texas

NatureEye on SPRING, 2002 A publication of the Wildlife Diversity Branch Getting Texans Involved The Great Texas Wildlife Trails Opportunities for Adventure by Linda Campbell Te xas Amphibian Watch, ow do you provide recreational York, Vermont, and Ontario, Canada. We Page 2 opportunity, build public under- started a trend with the Coastal Birding Trail, standing and support for conserva- and it means that people who love to com- H Private Land and Habitat tion, and bring money to rural communities bine travel with wildlife enjoyment will have Enhancement Program, all at the same time? You build the most lots to do for many years. extensive network of birding and wildlife We hope the Texas Wildlife Trails will Page 3 viewing sites of any state and then you invite encourage people to get outdoors and experi- people to get off the couch, into the car and ence nature for themselves. Whether it is by Black Panther excited about exploring the wonders of watching birds, chasing butterflies or admir- Myth or Reality?, Texas. That is what the Great Texas Wildlife ing wildflowers, experiences that provide an Page 4 Trails is all about. entry into the enjoyment of nature are criti- We give people beautiful maps with good cal in an urbanizing society if we are to Guadalupe Delta WMA, directions and descriptions and encourage develop an understanding of the importance them to get away from the city and into the of conserving wildlife and their habitats. Page 5 countryside to enjoy nature, history and the We know these trails are important for culture of Texas amidst the compelling rural recreation, but what about the key question World Birding Center, landscapes of our state. The movie line “build of how these efforts benefit conservation of Page 6 it and they will come” is becoming a reality in wildlife habitat. To understand this we need Texas. Our trails are making it easy for people to look at the people using these trails. Our Coastal Prairie–Past to reconnect with nature and their heritage at survey data shows that the typical travelers a time when Americans need the kind of [continued on page 7] Present and Future, peace and assurance that experiences Page 7 in the outdoors can provide. The first of its kind in the country, the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail was completed in 2000. We have distributed over 350,000 maps to people from all over the world. Texas is setting the standard for trails being developed in California, Arizona, Louisiana, Alabama, Kentucky, Wisconsin, Min- nesota, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Virginia, New

TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE Frolicking with frogs — opportunities with the …

By Lee Ann Linam

hich toad in Texas is as big as a dinner plate? Which frog Wbarks like a dog? What amphibian looks like a sausage, but has a mean bite? Which chorus of frogs just It’s easy to get involved in Amphibian might greet Santa Claus, sounding like Watch and it’s a lot of fun. Several types of sleigh bells in December? Texas Amphibian monitoring activities are possible, but the Watchers know the answers to these and most common way of monitoring frogs and other questions! toads is to conduct a nighttime call count Texas Amphibian Watch is one of a survey. Simply pick a wetland site — it can variety of volunteer monitoring programs be as small as your backyard ornamental

Eye On Nature offered by Texas Parks and Wildlife (TPW), pond. Visit the wetland after dark and lis- Spring, 2002 through which we ask ordinary Texans to ten for the songs of male frogs and toads calling to the females. With all the different Te x as Parks and Wildlife pay extraordinary attention to the natural To manage and conserve the natural world around them. There’s good reason to species in Texas (about 45), frogs breed and cultural resources of Texas for nearly year round in much of the state, but the use and enjoyment of present watch amphibians. In addition to their and future generations. interesting features noted above, there’s the best nights are warm, humid, moonless also a good deal of concern about global nights following a big rain. Write down the GOVERNOR OF TEXAS Rick Perry decline of amphibian species. About 12 years species you hear or record the calls so you ago scientists began to notice declines and can compare them to some reference tapes. COMMISSION Katharine Armstrong Idsal, Chairman even extinctions of amphibians in many Also write down the environmental condi- San Antonio localities around the world. Then in 1995 a tions, and you’re on your way to your own Ernest Angelo, Jr., Vice-Chairman Midland group of school children in Minnesota dis- mini-long term research project. John Avila, Jr. Fort Worth covered a population of frogs that had an A free monitoring packet is available Joseph B.C. Fitzsimons San Antonio extremely high rate of malformations. Given from TPW, and a tape of frog and toad calls Alvin L. Henry Houston Philip Montgomery Dallas their porous skin and association with is available for $5. TPW also offers optional Donato D. Ramos Laredo aquatic environments, scientists and citi- amphibian monitoring workshops for $10. Kelly W. Rising, M.D. Houston Mark E. Watson, Jr. San Antonio zens began to recognize that amphibians More information on materials and work-

Lee M. Bass, Chairman-Emeritus might be telling us something about envi- shops is available at our website Fort Worth ronmental change. www.tpwd.state.tx.us/amphibians or by

Executive Director Robert L. Cook Many culprits have been suggested as calling 512-912-7011. Wildlife Division Director causes for amphibian decline, including And, just in case you can’t wait for an Gary Graham pesticides, disease, parasites, ozone deple- amphibian workshop to find out, the answers to the questions above are: the EYE ON NATURE STAFF tion, climate change and habitat change. Mark Klym Editor All the answers are not in yet, especially in marine toad (found in the Rio Grande Val- John Herron Production Manager Texas, where very little long-term monitor- ley), the Eastern barking frog (found in the

Te x as Parks and Wildlife receives federal financial ing of amphibian populations has taken Texas Hill Country), the amphiuma (found assistance from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Sec- place. That’s why more amphibian watch- in East Texas streams), and the spring peeper tion 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Age ers are needed. (found in East Texas). But you still need to Discrimination Act of 1975, and Title IX of the Edu- cation Amendments of 1972, the U.S. Department of sign up to find out which frog sounds like the Interior and its bureaus prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, dis- an alien invading South Texas, which one ability or sex (in educational programs). If you believe that you have been discriminated against in sounds like a farm animal in distress, which any Texas Parks and Wildlife program, activity, or facility, or if you desire further information, please ones never see the light of day … call or write: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office for Diversity and Civil Rights Programs - External Programs, 4040 N. Fairfax Drive, Webb 300, Arlington, VA 22203, (703) 358-1724. Lee Ann Linam coordinates the Texas Nature Trackers program out of the Austin offices.

2 food supplies is encouraged and Private Lands and explained in detail. Achieving and maintaining desired population para- meters such as age structure, produc- Habitat Program tion level and sex ratio is emphasized. Population management of big By Linda McMurry game species is often identified as a key tool for habitat management in exas Parks and Wildlife (TPW) concert with domestic livestock man- provides technical assistance agement and other land use practices. to persons desiring to include T The value of wildlife as a renewable wildlife management considerations natural resource is explained in eco- in present or future land use practices. nomic and aesthetic terms. This service is strictly advisory and is Survey techniques are suggested provided without charge to cooperat- which will adequately monitor popu- ing land managers. lation levels and allow the develop- The goal of the Private Lands and ment of game harvest quotas. The Habitat Program is to provide exper- merits of various census techniques, tise to land managers in the preserva- species identified by the land man- their relative accuracy and cost are tion and development of wildlife ager. Unique areas will be noted in explained. Participation in survey habitat and the proper management cooperation with the landowner and activities by technical guidance per- of the various wildlife populations management options suggested to sonnel is on a one-time basis for that utilize that habitat. Through enhance or preserve these habitats. demonstration purposes; cooperators this effort, TPW hopes to slow or A management plan addresses are responsible for the performance reverse the decline in quantity of the multiple facets of habitat manage- of subsequent surveys and implemen- State’s wildlife habitat and improve ment and population management. tation of management actions. the quality of remaining habitat. Components of a management plan Wildlife biologists will continue TPW biologists promote manage- include an objective as established by to assist cooperators through periodic ment practices which will maximize the land manager, the past history of visits to help interpret survey infor- wildlife potential, prevent waste or hunting and other land use, and a mation and formulate harvest recom- depletion of the resource, provide aes- description and appraisal of the habi- mendations. The overall progress of thetic and economic benefits to the tat. Specific recommendations are the management program will be landowner, and offer increased oppor- given concerning habitat manage- assessed and adjustments recom- tunity for public use and enjoyment ment practices, wildlife considera- mended as appropriate. of renewable natural resources. tions in livestock management, Persons interested in receiving Upon written request, a biologist availability of water, food plot devel- technical assistance for private lands will schedule a personal meeting with opment, management of concerned enhancement should write the appro- the land manager and an inspection wildlife populations and harvest of priate Wildlife Division regional office of the property. The land manager game species. The importance of for their respective area, or contact: will be asked to define the various keeping good records to aid in deter- Program Director needs and uses of the property and to mining the status of wildlife popula- Private Lands and Habitat establish an objective for wildlife con- tions and evaluating management Texas Parks and Wildlife siderations. Once the property’s program progress is demonstrated. 4200 Smith School Road potential has been determined and Recommendations for habitat Austin, Texas 78744 constraints thereon identified, the management stress the quantity, qual- or call toll free (800) 792-1112. biologist will provide recommenda- ity, distribution and diversity of vege- tions that may include a written tation necessary to support viable Linda McMurry is Private Lands Program management plan. Recommenda- wildlife populations. The relative administrator in the Austin offices. tions will focus on increased ecologi- importance of grasses, forbs (weeds) cal diversity as required to address and woody plants (trees, shrubs and habitat needs of wildlife. The process vines) is explained. will incorporate planning that bene- The use of proper harvest as a fits a wide variety of wildlife, in con- management tool to maintain game cert with management of featured populations in balance with available 3 The rarest plant in Texas? Black Panther By Jackie M. Poole Myth Species Name: Texas wild-rice or (Zizania texana) Range: Proba- Reality? bly qualifies for the dubious honor of By John Young being the rarest plant in Texas. This aquatic grass only grows in o black panthers really exist? Yes, they are the rare the upper two miles of the San Marcos River, pri- black phase of the spotted leopard (Panthera pardus) marily within the city limits of San Marcos. Status: The species was the first federally and Dwhich is found in Africa, Asia, and Indonesia. state listed endangered plant in Texas. Description: This elegant perennial The jaguar (Panthera onca), which tain lions may appear black in dim produces long, narrow leaves that undulate with the river current. Only the upper portion of the occurs from northern Mexico light or when wet. And, considering plant occasionally rises out of the water to produce through much of South America, that the majority of panther sight- small, separate male and female flowers. The seeds also has a rare black phase. In both ings last less than five seconds it is are a smaller version of its commercial cousin, the of these species the normal spotting easy to misidentify a black cat, dog, cultivated wild-rice. Texas wild-rice establishes in pattern can be seen through the bear, hog or otter as a panther. coarse riverbed sands, and prefers to be submerged in water about one to six feet deep. black. Panther is the often-used It is possible that some reports Limiting Factors: One reason why this name in East Texas for the large cat may be sightings of black jaguars species may have such a limited range is its reliance commonly called mountain lion in or black leopards (panthers) that on the extremely clear, thermally constant (72-75° F), other parts of the state. Cougar, have escaped or been released from fast flowing water that occurs in Texas only in the catamount, and puma are other captivity. Breeders of big cats, San Marcos and Comal Rivers. Threats: With its habitat requirements, lim- names also used for this species including leopards, are numerous in ited range and occurrence in an urban area, there are (Felis concolour). This large cat the US, particularly Texas; and many threats to the species. The primary threat is varies in color from light tan and some animals may have been cessation of spring flow. The San Marcos Springs are gray to dark versions of those colors. released when owners were unable fed by the Edwards aquifer which is the primary source of water for the city of San Antonio as well as Do black mountain lions exist to comply with new regulations or many other cities, farms, ranches and individuals in America? Despite numerous the animals were no longer control- from Bexar to Uvalde counties. Several studies have reports of black panthers, a black lable. However, there is no evidence shown that Texas wild-rice requires at least several specimen or skin has never seen the that this has ever happened. inches of water flowing over the plants in order to light of day in Texas or anywhere Could a black mountain lion survive. Other threats include non-native animals (for example, nutria and giant rams-horn snails) and else in North America despite the appear in a population where none plants (such as hydrilla, elephant ears and water tens of thousands of animals that had occurred before? Yes, because a hyacinth), water pollution, habitat modification have been killed. There are a few, single mutation would be all it (such as dams, channelization and siltation), and old and unverified reports of black would take and that is how black over-zealous recreation. Where Can We View It: The best place to mountain lions from South Amer- phases came about in leopards and see Texas wild-rice is in Sewell Park at Southwest ica, but once again, no specimen jaguars. So that’s why you can never Texas State University in San Marcos. For more exists. J. B. Tinsley, author of “The say “never.” But biologists will information, the San Marcos/Comal (Revised) puma, legendary lion of the Ameri- remain highly skeptical of black Recovery Plan (available from the U.S. Fish and cas,” states that although there are mountain lion reports until an Wildlife Service) has an overview of all aspects of the plant’s biology, habitat and threats as well as similar frequent reports, no authenticated actual skin or specimen lands on information for all the rare species in these unique records of black panthers exist any- someone’s desk. aquatic systems. where in North America. John Young is Wildlife Diversity Mammalogist Jackie Poole is a Botanist with the Wildlife Diversity So what are people seeing? working out of the Austin offices. Branch working out of Austin offices. Dark brown and dark gray moun-

4 U. S. Forest Service Guadalupe Delta Wildlife research on timber Management Area rattlesnakes in Texas Dr. Craig Rudolph, Richard R. Schaefer, Richard N. By Brent Ortego Conner, Shirley J. Burgdorf, and Toni Trees. U.S. For- est Service, Southern Research Station, 506 Hayter Street, Nacogdoches, TX 75965-3556 s defined in Webster’s Dictionary, water is a clear, colorless, nearly odor- less and tasteless liquid and is essential for most plant and animal life. imber rattlesnakes (Crotalus horridus), AA flood is an overflowing of water onto normally dry land. Since southern populations also known as Aug. 27, 2001 the Guadalupe Delta Wildlife Management Area (GDWMA) in Tcanebrake rattlesnakes, occur throughout the eastern United States. They are large Calhoun County has had its share of both water and flooding. Since August and impressive inhabitants of forested habi- the GDWMA has received 32.36" of rain and 52.95" of rain for the entire year! tats throughout much of eastern Texas. Con- Along with rain received at the WMA, upstream rain and water released from cerns about the status of Texas populations Canyon Lake the GDWMA has been closed for the most part since the begin- resulted in their inclusion on the state list of ning of September! threatened species. Our lab has been investi- Public hunting is a main part of the management for the GDWMA and it gating the biology of timber rattlesnakes for several years. Using surgically implanted has suffered greatly this year. The alligator hunts were cancelled due to flood- radio transmitters we have been able to fol- ing, along with two of the three weekends of early teal season and to date low individual snakes for several years. 12 duck hunts during the regular duck season have also been cancelled! Results have demonstrated that adult timber When the floodwaters recede, active management will resume to include rattlesnakes depend on relatively large prey, prescribed burning, mowing, cattle grazing and water level management. primarily tree squirrels. Reproductive output Included in the management will be the construction of an eight-acre, moist- is surprisingly low. They require several years to reach sexual maturity (6-8 in the case of soil unit created for mitigation by the Texas Department of Transportation for females), and females in our study have only highway construction. Other activities will include the cleaning-out of the produced litters of 10-12 young every 2-5 Buffalo Lake Ditch to improve water flow between Buffalo Lake and the lower years. This type of life history strategy Buffalo Lake Marsh and vegetative windrows being constructed in Alligator depends on high adult survival to maintain Slide Lake to improve water clarity for plant growth. These two projects will be viable populations. Human impacts on populations in Texas are substantial. Habitat loss done as Ducks Unlimited MARSH Projects. The CORP of Engineers will also be and killing have impacted many populations. conducting some maintenance work to repair a low-water crossing on Hog Our research has demonstrated that mortality Bayou and replacing water-control structures on the bottom end of Alligator on highways and roads is also having a sub- Slide Lake, which were initially done as mitigation projects. A TCP Tour has also stantial impact on populations. This mortal- been scheduled for April 2002. ity is greatest on adult males during the Hopefully everything will return to normal soon and we will be able to August-October breeding season when they are actively searching for females. Forestry salvage a few duck hunts before the season ends and we can return to managing practices this jewel of Guadalupe Delta! that reduce popula- Brent Ortego is a Wildlife Diversity Biologist working out of the Victoria Office. tions of tree squirrels also have potential Did You Know? impacts on popula- Alligator habitat in Texas closely tions. It is clear that if populations of this correlates to the 350 isothermal mean remarkable predator are to survive in Texas, human-related mortality must be low. This (January minimum daily temperature). will require an enlightened and tolerant Department studies done in 1978 docu- attitude toward timber rattlesnakes, or we mented alligators in 86 counties and an will lose another important component of estimated population of 54,921. Today wilderness in Texas. alligators have been documented in Dr. Craig Rudolph is a research scientist with 112 counties with an estimated popula- the United States Fish and Wildlife Service in tion of 283,263 alligators statewide. Nacogdoches.

5 TPW’s World Birding Center takes off, fledges, stretches, but never lays an egg

by Lee Sean Smith

magine a south Texas paradise where all the compass points of Ibirding and birds meet. Already a major destination for birders and nature enthusiasts from all over the globe, the Rio Grande Valley will soon provide people and birds natural areas and a new accesibilty to natural and hence outdoor experience, another reason to flock to the most this “increased” habitat. Communi- TPW has contracted world-class firms biologically diverse region in the ties will see the direct benefits of an grounded in the principles of sound United States. Texas Parks and economy based on sound wildland and sustainable built environments Wildlife’s World Birding Center will retention and restoration. More than that will blend into, rather than clash be a focus for intense, but ethical, 3,000 acres have already been com- with, mostly natural landscapes. birding activity, the restoration of mitted to conservation for this pro- Architects Lake Flato and Overland threatened brushland and riparian ject. As Wildlife Division Director Partners, Spawglass Construction and environments, and for educating resi- Gary Graham has stated, “Tangible BIOS Intepretive Design have won dents and visitors on the importance economic benefits are available to many awards for their innovative of the area’s borderland habitats. If communities through enhanced design and construction. the World Birding Center sounds like wildlife watching, but only if habitat Development and planning on a stretch to you, think of it this way. is protected.” affiliate sites, administered by the Like baseball’s World Series, the world Hiring of staff, fundraising and local participating municipalities, has may not yet participate, but every- the beginning of the “development” also begun. Each site offers different body knows the best ball, and birding, of sites is now progressing whole- flavors of the habitat and history of is played right here. heartedly. Wildlife and Parks divi- the region. As staff is hired educa- The World Birding Center is con- sions are combining to hire more tional and interpretive programming tinuing its mission to create a world- than 24 new positions. Our capital for ardent and novice birders will class birding experience in the Valley, campaign has some of the best begin in earnest. It’s anticipated that a nature tourism adventure for both movers and shakers in the state around the same time as the Valley ardent wildlife watchers and the behind it. With backing from local adds its 500th confirmed bird to the uninitiated. TPW’s vision of a com- Valley communities, USFWS, the area checklist, likely in early 2004, plex of interpretive and habitat cen- State of Texas and many conserva- the WBC will have its grand opening. ters combines the growing avitourism tion organizations the entire capital At the crossroads of migration for economy of the region with the budget is anticipated to exceed both birds and birders, the Lower Rio restoration and preservation of $30 million. Grande Valley offers the best overall severely impacted habitat. Birders Work has begun at the Weslaco birding experience in the world. will be able to see a direct link site with Ducks Unlimited completing TPW’s commitment to excellence in between the money they spend pur- pond and impoundment construction birding tourism and habitat conserva- suing their hobby, the protection of and at Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State tion will continue to positively influ- Park where TPW’s infrastructure ence local economies. With the department has begun trail develop- advent of the World Birding Center ment, soil sampling and revegetation. visitors and residents will discover an Interpretive planning workshops have enhanced and fully integrated com- been held for the last six months and a plex of participating communities and final interpretive master plan nears sites offering “world-class” birding. completion. Although the World Bird- Sean Smith is Director of the World Birding ing Center visitor will mostly enjoy a Center working out of Mission offices.

6 [Great Texas Wildlife Trails continued] Coastal Prairie – past, are both men and women, middle-aged, well educated, with high household incomes and living in a city or By Brent Ortego suburb. They have varied interests and they typically present and future belong to several conservation organizations. tricts, and the Sam Houston R.C.& D. (a One goal of the wildlife trails is to connect he Coastal Prairie made up about private foundation affiliated with the people with nature and history by making it easier for 8 million acres of tall grass NRCS). The CPCI provides 50% cost shar- them to enjoy the natural and cultural resources of prairies in Texas prior to the Texas and thus to care about conserving them. For T ing, range management technical assis- 1830s. It stretched as a broad band of example, birdwatchers have always come to Texas. tance and a Safe Harbor prairie chicken grasslands (following the coast and dis- Our geographic location and diversity of habitats agreement to each cooperating sected by the occasional river bottom) contributes to the highest avian diversity of any state, landowner that places their coastal prairie from the relatively moist Jefferson with 620 documented species of birds. We have 4 of into a rotational grazing program and County in southeast Texas (56" mean the top 12 birdwatching destinations in North implements brush control through con- annual precipitation) to the semi-arid America. The Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail was trolled summer and winter burns, and Cameron County (24") in extreme south developed to make it easy for birders and wildlife herbicide treatments. The second major watchers to find the best places to see wildlife on the Texas. Principal climax grasses were gulf program is Texas Parks and Wildlife’s coast. The Trail serves as a marketing platform for cordgrass, big bluestem, little bluestem, Landowner Incentive Program (LIP) coastal communities to attract nature-based tourists. indiangrass, eastern gamagrass, gulf which is funded by state legislated money Thus, nature tourism has become an integral part of muhly, tanglehead and many species of and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Section 6 the local economies in many of the communities Panicum and Paspalum. The Coastal of the Endangered Species Act funds to along the Trail. Prairie is part of a complex of several manage for rare resources. Grants and There is no question that nature tourism is an prairies nationwide that primarily sup- technical assistance are provided to coop- important way to bring needed dollars to rural com- port 300 species of birds and 80 species of munities suffering from downturns in oil and gas erating landowners to enhance native mammals. prices and fluctuations in agricultural commodity grasslands as one of the major focuses of As white man settled the prairie it prices. Nature-based tourism provides incentives for the program. In several instances, LIP has changed drastically to where it is today, local communities and landowners to conserve partnered with CPCI to assist landowners estimated at only 1.8 million acres left in wildlife habitats upon which the industry depends. It and in other instances has funded prairie various stages of quality. Only a few hun- promotes conservation by placing an increased value enhancement projects individually. The dred thousand acres (if that much) remain on wildlife habitat. As nature tourism becomes net result is that at least 70,000 acres of in blocks greater than 10,000 acres. Much important to the local economy, communities have private land is receiving technical assis- additional incentive to conserve their remaining nat- of the remaining acres are in a degraded tance and funding to enhance existing ural areas for wildlife and wildlife enthusiasts. stage occupied by dense to moderate densi- coastal prairie through establishing rota- Nature tourism development in rural communities of brush (mesquite, huisache, live oak tional grazing, controlled burning and ties can diversify local economies, while also provid- and baccharis). The best representative herbicide treatments of brush. ing benefits to the people who live there. Some blocks of remaining coastal prairie are in What is the future? As with most benefits are economic. For example, on average every Calhoun, Goliad, Refugio and Kennedy conservation initiatives in Texas, the $78,085 spent in 2000 by travelers supported one job. counties. future of wildlife resources is in the hands Local tax revenues were $623 million and state tax And as the habitats changed, so did revenues were $2 billion. Travel spending increased at of the private landowners. As long as the wildlife. The grasslands ecosystems in an average annual rate of 6.1 percent since 1990. Other quality Coastal Prairie with little or no the United States has been shown to have benefits have to do with instilling pride in the com- brush meets the land use goals of the the greatest percentage of significantly munity and providing jobs for residents. landowners for their economic, recre- declining breeding species of birds. Rural communities and private landowners ational, aesthetic, family and historic What happened? Most of the grass- eagerly support the Texas Wildlife Trails as they come needs, and they have the financial lands were plowed for agriculture — primar- to understand that nature and cultural tourism is an resources (income from the land or grants important way to diversify agricultural economies, ily sorghum, corn, rice and cotton. Natural from public/private groups), technical conserve remaining habitats and maintain rural processes like fire and roving herds of buf- assistance (knowledge to properly manage lifestyles. falo were eliminated from much of the the habitat) and favorable regulations Next year, Texas will unveil its newest trails — remaining acres and replaced by domestic (endangered species, fire/smoke liabilities, the Heart of Texas and High Plains Wildlife Trails. The livestock under a continuous grazing sys- inheritance taxes, property taxes) there is trails will feature 338 sites in the 115-county area from tem. Sizeable portions were converted to a reasonable outlook that sizeable blocks Laredo to Canadian. Three new maps will direct trav- introduced grass species, and the remainder of Coastal Prairie will exist indefinitely. elers to beautiful places throughout south Texas, the was developed into highways, housing and Hill Country, and the High Plains. Private landowners However, it is going to take much more businesses. in these regions are inviting wildlife enthusiasts to be aggressive and extensive assistance and What is being done? There are two their guest at some of the most beautiful places in funding to make inroads into the more major initiatives to enhance coastal Texas. Add to that the state and local parks, TPW than 1 million acres of degraded Coastal prairie on private land where greater than wildlife management areas and national wildlife Prairie that has been invaded by excessive 90% of the remaining prairie exists. The refuges, and you have a network of places important densities of brush in this decade to stabi- most significant is the Coastal Prairie for wildlife and for the growing number of people lize declines in many species of grassland seeking enjoyment and peace from nature. Conservation Initiative (CPCI) which is dependent wildlife in Texas. funded by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and works in cooperation with the Linda Campbell is Nature Tourism Coordinator working Brent Ortego is a Wildlife Diversity Biologist out of the Austin offices. U.S.D.A. Natural Resource Conservation working out of Victoria, TX. Service, Soil & Water Conservation Dis- 7 The Back Porch by John Herron

s I write this, the first signs of nated with the contrast of life in such spring are already upon us. a harsh landscape. It’s always a chal- ASongbird are declaring their ter- lenge trying to capture that contrast ritories in songs of spring — my back- and stark beauty on film. yard cardinals have gone from quiet Then there’s the bird watching. neighbors to bold. The Mexican Spring isn’t complete without at least Plum tree in front of our office is just beginning to flower, already filling one birding trip to the Gulf Coast in the air with its magical scent. April. Maybe I’ll help with this year’s I adore spring. Maybe it’s because Birding Classic or maybe I’ll just head my natural rhythms match those of to the Coast on my own. Even a bad our wilder friends. Maybe it’s because day birding on the Coast is better so many of my hobbies and interests than many good days elsewhere in are spring oriented. the state. Of course, I’ll take any time to fit all these activities in. But I’m already working on my spring-time opportunity I can to visit with spring there are always plenty vegetable and wildflower gardens — other parts of the state as well — just of choices. my Wildscapes. Spring is a good time to be sure. This issue of “Eye on Nature” also to plant a few more native shrubs in And I’ll look for an Earth Day reflects the many interests and activi- those few remaining bare spots that activity to participate in. My wife ties that Spring brings us. After 7 years have been bothering me. Maybe this and I have been Earth Day supporters in circulation, we’ve updated the is the year I put in the small pond I’ve since the first Earth Day, 32 years ago. newsletter’s look and changed the been wishing for. And soon my gar- Earth Day is our unofficial anniver- format some to include more news dening efforts will be rewarded with a sary, since we met as part of a com- items, as well as feature articles. I hope spectacular display of spring wild- mittee planning Earth Day 1970. this issue of “Eye on Nature” makes flowers — bluebonnets, Indian paint- Somehow, April 22, 2002 seems an your spring even more enjoyable and brush, primroses, blanket flowers and important Earth Day to me — all helps you do something for wildlife. Black-eyed Susans. those “2’s” seem to match the symme- I’m planning a short trip to West try and pattern that is part of spring. Now, if only I could find a way to John Herron is Wildlife Diversity Branch Chief Texas to photograph the spectacular working out of the Austin offices. scenery as the desert landscape also make spring a few months longer —

responds to spring. I’m forever fasci- then I could be certain to have the

Austin, Texas 78744 Texas Austin, 4200 Smith School Road School Smith 4200