| Summary: | Bexar Tracks began with Vol. 4, no. 1 (January 1986). It continues Newsletter (Bexar Audubon Society). l i 1 Spec. Lot\. To L.'1o QLb8Lf .14 B41 Volume XVI, No. 7 July 1998 IEXARS· TR Cl · Thursday, July 16, 1998. -Chapter Meeting A Look ·af Environmentalists in Action in San Anto.nio~ and South Texas BEXAR AUDUBON SOCIETY SAN ANTONIO TEXAS RECEIVED lilt 101998 7 p.m. -Social Time 7:30p.m.-speaker'sPrqgram . ~JS~ibrary Seria! Free and open to the public Ruble Center, 419 E. Magnolia (east of McCullough; take Mulberry exit off 281) For VIA public transportation, take !loute.5 (St. Mary's/McCullough/North Star Mall) to Magnolia The poet Robert Burns once pleaded: 0 wad some pow'r the giftie gie us To see oursels as others see us! It wad frae mony a blunder free us And foolish notion · · BAS members, many of whom toil diligently for various conservation causes, will have the opportunity to learn how they appear to the dispassionate observer at the July monthly meeting. Our speaker will be Patrick Driscoll, editor of the Express-News North Central edition Sun. Driscoll, who has cbvered many of the major environmental issues in the San Amonio area, will share his obserVations of how effectively environmentalists collaborate witQ other groups in making an impact on mefropolitan area issues. 'He will also provide an· analysis of recent "triumphs, tribulations and challenges" in the l?cal environmental are~a. · Saturday, August 15, 1998-Chapter Outing Last Chance Forever Birds of Prey Conservancy . ' ,-( ' . If you've seen John Karger and his Birds of Prey show at local events like Viva Botanica, or some of his birds at the Wild Bird Center, you will know what to expect when we visit Last C~ance Forever (LCF). LCF takes in injured birds of pre'y like red-tailed hawks, eastern 'screech owls, turkey vultures, bald eagles, etc. and attempts to rehabilitate them to the point that they can be released into the wild. Some birds, unfortumitely, are in' such bad shape that they cannot be released. These birds are kept by LCF and used in their educational programs that you have seen at various events. Come join us as we tour the facility. We will learn how they care for these magnificent birds, and if we are really lucky, LCF might even bring some of those birds out so that we can get a closeup view. · Directions: The Last Chance Foreyer Birds of Prey Conservancy is on North Loop Roc:id. Take the Nakoma exit off of Hwy 281, and turn left (west) onto Nakoma, heading away from the airport . North Loop Road is .the first right after you turn onto Nakoma. North Loop Road curves sharply once and then you come to Last Chance Forever. If you reach Coker Methodist Ch~rch, you have passed it. In fact, park at the Church and walk next· door. Time: Meet there at 8 a.m. We are starting early in the day in an attempt to beat . the heat. Be sure, however, to dress appropriately. To minimize the impact on the recuperating birds, this visit is limited to 20 people, on a first-come, first-served basis. To reserve a· space call Bill Sain at 408-7731. BEXAR AUDUBON SOCIETY Chapter of the National Audubon Society P. 0. Box 6084, San Antonio, TX 78209 210-822-4503 GOALS The Chapter's primary goals are to promote species and habitat conservation and environmental education In the community. OFFICERS President Bill Sain (71634.230@compuser:ve.com) . 408-7731 Vice Pres. Mike Macke . (mmecke@saws.org) . 344-3737 Treasurer Betty Minyard . (mink@texas.net) . 344-6128 Secretary Deborah Robinson . . . . 493-4663 " . (dlr2spirit@compuserve.com) Past Pres. Susan Hughes . . . . 532-2332 " . (Susan@wordwright.com) BOARD OF DIRECTORS Term Ending 1999: Kim Hoskins . . . 696-3780' Jane Nelka . Qsneal@texas.net) . 561-0313 Harry Noyes . . . . . . . . 490-3124 Term Ending 2000: Chris Dullnig . (cdullnig@juno.com) . 830-980-8156 Maria Elizalde . . . . . . 695-4256 Janis Merrit . . . 698-1095 COMMITTEE CHAIRS Adopt-a-Park Bill Woller . . . 696-3186 Aud. Adven. Betty Minyard . (mink@texas.net) . . 344-6128 Birdathon Bill Sain (71634.230@compuserve.com) . 408-7731 Conserv. Richard Pipes . (rjplpes@flash.net) . . 830-281 -2452 Education . . . . . . available Hospitality Nancy Johnson . . 655-1338 Memb. Deborah Robinson . . . . 493-4663 " . (dlr2spirit@compuserve.com) Natural lnit. Tom Wilson . (twilsond@AOL.com) . 492-4799 Outings . . . . . . . . available Programs Chris Dullnig . (cdullnig@ juno. com) . 830-980-8156 Publicity Rita Heck . . . . . . . . . . SAEN Coord. Bill Sain . (see above) . . . 408-7731 Ways & Means Bill Sain . . (see above) . . 408-7731 BexarT,.cks Tom Wilson . (twilsond@AOL.com) . . 492-4799 Editors Jill Sondeen . 830-980-3277 Qsondeen@NetXPress.com) . . Fax: 830-438-7393 Bexar Tracks is your newsletter. We welcome your contributions. Next deadline: July 17, 1998 Please fax Jill or email Tom as above; diskettes and hard copy should be sent to Tom Wilson, 13227 Hunters Spring, San Antonio, TX 78230. Printed with soy ink on recycled paper. Visit Bexar Audubon's Web Site: http://www.audubon.org/chapter/tx/bexar/ Suggestions and contributions are welcome. Please contact Jill Sondeen at July 1998 Sometimes being president of this organization can be very frustrating . ! have so many grand plans and so little time to devote to them! Despite all the wonderful volunteers working on your behalf, there are only 24 hours in a day and lots of other things vying for our attention. Things like earning a living, time with family, housework chores, etc. Being an environmentalist also has its frustrations. We are continually fighting battles in the war to protect our environment. The defeats and/or draws sometimes seem to outnumber the victories. It never fails, however, that just when, I am feeling the lowest, something will always happen to cheer me up, encouraging me to fight on for another day. This month, the encouragement came from two different directions. First, we were notified that this chapter newsletter won third place tor large chapters in the National Audubon Society's Biennial Newsletter Contest. This is the third time in a row that we have placed in the top three. Tom and Jill are doing a wonderful job on the newsletter, so please call or e-mail them with congratulations on their recognition. I will be accepting this award on their behalf at the National Audubon Convention in Estes Park, Colorado, in early July. Many thanks to Mike Mecke and Chris Dullnig for the second source of encouragement. Mike found out that a local high school student, Christina Salazar, was awarded an Honorable Mention in the International Stockholm Junior Water Prize for her research on the impact that the paints used on the hulls of boats have on se~ urchins. Christina, soon to be a sophomore at Keystone, was the only Texan to be recognized in this most prestigious student environmental science contest in the world. With Mike's encouragement, Chris tracked Christina down and invited her to attend Dr. Wharlen's talk on the Gulf of Mexico's fisheries at our June meeting. Christina and her momattended and I asked Christina to tell us a little about her award-winning research. Now, as most of you know. most people would choose to go to the dentist over addressing a bunch of strangers in public, but Christina got up and did a wonderful job. She really knew the subject, fielding a number of questions from the crowd. Christina's enthusiasm for wildlife and our environment was infectious. That she at such a young age has made the connection between human actions and their impact on the environment is exemplary. Her desire to take an active role in fully understanding that impact is tremendous. Her sunshine burned off all the clouds of my frustrations, encouraging me to continue to ''fight the good fight." The good news continued after the end of the formal presentation by Dr. Wharlen and Christina. Both Christina and her mother are very interested in becoming more involved in local volunteer efforts to protect the environment. Bexar Audubon, on the spot, presented Christina with a year's membership in National Audubon and our chapter. I truly look forward to seeing Christina and her Mom at future chapter events. Population in ~ the Spotlight Check out the "Population in the Spotlight" item ori page 1 08 of your July-August 1998 Audubon magazine. The item mentions Bexar Audubon Society's part icipation in the Texas Population Conference. A recap of that meeting was given ih last month's Bexar Tracks. 2 -Bill Sain .-Upcoming Chapter Meetings for 1998__;_ August 20 - BAS Planning Meeting. September 17- David Bowles- Edwards Aquifer and the Endangered Species PLEASE VOLUNTEER-YOUR CHAPTER NEEDS YOU! Bexar Tracks June13. 1998. Outing Recap SECO CREEK WATER QUALITY DEMONSTRATION PR_OJECT TOUR A good group of 20 met at the Seco Creek Project office on the town square in Hondoafter being admonished by their town's famous sign 'This is God's Country, so don't drive through it like hell!" - Our tour group was ably led by Larry Allen, a Seco Creek representative employed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA, which is one of the Project cooperators. Larry was assisted by Tom Fillinger, a semi-retired wildlife biologist assis~ing the program. Shortly after 9 am the group stopped at the Fohn Brothers Farm to view a pair of very progressive agricultural irrigation systems. David and Bobby Fohn have installed two expensive center pivot systems. We viewed the striking difference between the 3-4 ft. tall non-irrigated corn and the 8ft. tall irrigated cornfield. Not only is valuable Edwards water conserved, but water quality is improved in nearby streams by reducing or eliminating surface runoff which may carry pollutants and sediment. Currently, such progressive irrigation practices can raise efficiency levels from 50 percent to 90 percent or more! The primary factor halting the general use of improved mechanical irrigation systems is the huge cost-agriculture is a tough business! Our second stop was at co-guide Tom Fillinger's home near the historic community of D'Hanis, which is widely known across Texas for its production of bricks. There we met Dr. Bruce Lesikar, Professor of Agricultural Engineering at Texas A & M University, who happened to be in the area teaching a class on On-Site Wastewater Treatment. He and his wife braved the early morning drive and the 1 00+ degree heat to be at his research site to personally explain how artificial wetlands waste treatment systems function. This particular design is a septic system with a secondary rockplants effluent treatment which then provides irrigation water to the homeowner. This system is a mix of cattails, rushes and beautiful flowering canna lilies. Some in other places are pure flowers such as cannas and iris and can't be told from true flower beds. The group was very impressed with the system and kept Dr. Lesikar and Tom busy with questions. This is a practice July 1998 which has application in several parts of Bexar County. Valdina Farms famous Valdina Sinkhole and recharge dam was our third stop. Virgil Bole, owner, was kind enough to let the tour see this very impressive Edwards Aquifer recharge feature (picture at right). A dam, built by the former Edwards Underground Water District, funnels flood waters from Seco (dry) creek along a deep, blasted canal into the 140 ft. deep sinkhole. When recharging, it is an impressive sight! Further down the Seco Creek we stopped at the Camp Mary Louise crossing to view a natural recharge area of the creek which is partially responsible for the creek's name-it literally goes dry after crossing the Edwards Recharge Zone segment! Lunch, somewhat delayed because there was so much to see, was at a beautiful lake built on Dr. Winn's Ranch where we observed the results of years of carefully planned brush management. Practices such as rangeland seeding and deferment, prescribed grazing management and wildlife management have all been designed into the owner's long term plan. Dense, unproductive and water-robbing cedar (ashe juniper) is being replaced with native grasses and desirable wildlife shrubs. Two relatively rare Hill , Country trees were viewed-the Smoke Tree and the red barked Texas Madrone. We also got a laugh at a native range plant "Queen's Delight", which is known in botanical circles for its charactieristic long root and a fruit with 3 balls. The range restoration efforts were discussed by Larry and the ranch foreman, who both related the positive effects of erosion control and improved forage for livestock and wildlife. Improved soil penetration by rainfall, which then recharges both shallow and deep aquifers, is another major benefit of these expensive practices. Long-term grazing management combined with constant "touch-up" brush management is then required to maintain the botanical diversity. Our Edwards Plateau, like most other areas of Texas's rangelands, was once classified as an oak savannah, which means it was basically an open grasslands with scattered individual and groups of trees-with only limited amounts of cedar. Major changes in plant composition and cover have occurred since the arrival of Europeans due to factors such as wildfire control, livestock overgrazing and fencing of ranges. 3 Our last stop on this entertaining and educational tour was along a riparian area of Hondo Creek. Riparian areas are the wet, green areas of native plants, which grow along all waterways B.E. (Before Engineers). Seriously, this is a very pretty stream in a fairly natural state along a ranch road. It had not been mowed, sprayed, shaped, concreted or otherwise "improved." We saw some beautiful remnants of native tall grasses such as lndiangrass, switchgrass and Eastern gamagrass, which is thought to be the wild ancestor of our corn! Tall rushes, sedges and other forbs are on this riparian zone, which is very typical. Some trees were present on the site, but on this particular area, trees are not the dominant plant such as they are along the Medina River. While this is a rural stream, it aptly demonstrates the correct manner of building roads along waterways and designing subdivisions in San Antonio or elsewhere. When roads are parallel to creeks and rivers and up above the flood plain, they serve to delineate and protect these sensitive riparian zones. The resulting greenbelts are then available riot only for water resource protection, but wildlife and fisheries habitat, plus limited human recreational use. Houses or businesses, are then built across the street facing the beauty of the greenbelt and serving as a protective factor for both humans and the natural resources. We sincerely thank the staff of the famous award winning Seco Creek Water Quality Demonstration Project for their sharing of information and education with us. An added bonus is we all had time to get to know some of our neighbors better and learn a little about each other's goals, needs and problems-which we found are much more similar than different! Thanks and ya'll come see us sometime. -Mike Mecke Bexar Tracks Hughe_s Tells Land Trust The Future of Texas . · Depends on Cooperation, Vision, Stewardship Editor's note: Susan Hughes~ former BAS In ·their Senate Bill 1 Primer on president; Texas Coordinator, National Texas Water, Texas Parks & Wildlife writes: Audubon Society Population & ·Habitat "Some 281 major and histqrical springs have Campaign; and member. of the Edwards been .identified as existing in Texas at some Aquifer Authority Board, spoke on June 23 time in the pas~. Of the four very largest only to the directors of the newly for.med Bexar two remain: Coma! and San Marcos. Of the Land Trust. Following are excepts: · original 31 large springs, only 17 remain. Congratulations to each of you. ·Altogether, 63 of our major springs had failed You have come together and made a firm by 1973. One estimate is that the number commitment to the future of south central of springs no longer flowing has doubled Texas. Our past was built on ' since then. None of those the land. Our present depends "I envision a central springs stopped flowing on it. Our future will be Texaswhereseepsand.becauseofnaturalcauses." determined by it. springs feed pockets of These springs fed the It is no nevvs to any rich biodiversity in the streams and creeks and rivers of you that Texas is about 97 nooks and crannies of that nourished the, coastal percent privately . owned. In a wild places." . plains and kept the bays_ and state this size that does leave · estuaries flushed and a few acres in public ownership, but it also refreshed, producing a bounty' of aquatic means that an amazing amount of land is wndlife and plants and abundant biodiversity. in private hands. Indeed, some of the most How can we return to that Texas valuable and critical habitat for wildlife is in of the Pearl Beer slogan-"from the country those places that are rarely seen, seldom of 1100 springs"? Only by nurturing th~ land. visited, and relatively untouched-because. You hold the roadmap tor that journey. it is protected on private land. Through your personal -contacts, your In Texas, just as in the rest of the commitment to 'stewardship, your U.S., the multiple-use demands being hu'sbanding of resources, and your vision, placed on public lands today, coupled with you will make it possible for landowners in the chronic uncjerfunding of these this region to step forward with a pledge to resources, means that the preservation of the future. quality habitat depends upon private · I've never been accused of being citizens and their desire, dedication, and anything but an optirhist, so I cheerfully ability to leave a legacy of land. envision a central Texas where seeps and The land trust movement in Texas springs teed pockets of rich biodiversity in has blossomed over the past several years. the nooks and . crannies of . wild Today there are dozens of-trusts and new places . where native orchids bloom and ones taking shape all the time as precious frogs and salamanders convene to revel in resources are recognized and caring people the dar'k, moist recesses. of our come together to protect them. These hon~ycombed hillsides. I envision riparian · organizations range from the size of The wetlands that wind their ways slowly 'to the Nature Conservancy to those .protecting Gulf.! can smell the fresh and tender growth parcels of watersheds or a discrete natural from newly burned brush lands, a palette of feature. Whateverthesizeandwhateverthe textures and shades of green that focus, the message is clear-people who overwhelm the senses, pushing back the care must come together to ensure that we climax to embrace more species in every stop the hemorrhaging loss of the places kingdom. I delight in seeing. a future for our we hold dear. children and grandchildren that holds firm In prote<;:ting land, we also protect to pristine open spaces . spaces you have our water-nowhere is that clearer than in helped conserve. the Edwards Aquifer r~gion. San Antonio ' Thank you all for agreeing to serve was founded because of the springs that the mission of this important organization. I flowed abundantly here. Our community has wish you great success, ample celebration, also been their death. Not 6nly are San generous funding, eager landowners, simple Pedro and San Antonio Springs mere paperwork, boundless energy, creative remnants of their past glory-when they solutions, and happiness in the camaraderie [lappen to flow at all-but they have been , of like-minded COII(lagues. almost obliterated from the landscape. July 1998 Bexar Land Trust The newly formed Bexar Land Trust is chaired by June Kachtik. It has the following Mission Statement: ''To acquire, preserve, and protect lands, including open space, in the Bexar County region for conservation of natural areas, scenic aresa, existing and potential recreation areas, and other natural, cultural, and historic resources tor the health, education, and enjoyment of present and future generations." The Goals of the Bexar Land Trust incl_ude the following: *Acquire, preserve, and manage lands * Identify and invE)ntory opportunites for conservation of resources *Raise awarenesss of the value of · natural, cultural and historic resources among the citizens of the Bexar ' County region through education and outreach * Develop a broad-based consensus for resource conservation among·public and private entities in the Bexar County region * Promote conscientious stewardship of private property *Act as intermediary between \;jrantor and ultimate conservator of property Texas Scientists Release Consensus Paper on Futur~ of Edwf!rds Aquifer Editor's note: while this information was released one year ago, it has gained some urgency in /ig/Jt of our recent drought. More than 30 sciehtists and engineers· from ·academia and the public and private sectors who work on Edwards Aquifer issues have released a paper entitled "Protecting the.Edwards Aquifer: A · Scientific Consensus." It recommends: * That development be directed away from the Aquifer recharge and contributing zones through control of infrastructure investment and appropriate )and use regulations. *That impervious cover be restricted in the recharge and contributing zones to levels that will sustain existing water quality. *And that actions are taken to reduce existing contamination and the risk of catastrophic pollution events. For any questions or comments you may contact: Dr, Lauren Ross or Janine Sih, Glenrose Engineering, 512- 448-2033. Bexar Tracks ENVIRONMENTAL NEWS Both Success & Failure Lots of Endangered Species in Texas, but Some Going Fast Editor's note: The following release was issued by the Environmental Defense Fund. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Texas ranks sixth in the nation in terms of the number of endangered species living within its borders. Seventy-two plants and animals protected under the Endangered Species Act have been recorded from Texas, a number that reflects the state's large size, diverse array of habitats, and growing development pressures. Among them are some of America's best-known species, such as -the whooping crane and brown pelican, as well as some of its most obscure, such as the Bee Creek cave harvestman and Chisos Mountain hedgehog cactus (left). A new analysis indicates that most of Texas' endangered species are faring poorly, and many will not survive unless new approaches · are found to protect and restore their habitats. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is required by law to assess periodically the status of America's · endangered species and to report its findings to Congress. The most recent report, compiled in 1994, provided data on 37 of Texas' 45 listed animals and all 27 of its listed plants. According to this report, 39 percent of the endangered species found in Texas are still declining, only 24 percent are judged to be improving or stable, and for the remaining 37 percent, the USFWS simply lacks the resources to determine how they are faring. When one examines the trends for plants and animals _separately, an even more disturbing picture emerges. Two-thirds of the endangered wildflowers and other plants in Texas are declining despite protection under the Endangered Species Act. For another 26 percent, the USFWS lacks enough inf~:>rmation to assess their status. Only 7 percent of the plants are judged to be improving or stable. Endangered animals, on the other hand, appear to be faring somewhat better. Over a third of them (35 percent) are judged to be improving or stable, 19 percent are still declining, and 46 percent are of unknown status due to lack of 'information. July 1998 Endangered plants in Texas are faring significantly worse than endangered ' plants in the rest of the country, with more than twice the rate of declining species than the national statistics. Nationwide, 30 percent of the federally-listed plants are categorized as declining, 30 percent are improving or stable, and 40 percent' are of unknown status. The environmental community traditionally has attributed the poor performance of the Endangered Species Act to a combination of weak enforcement and inadequate funding. We suspect, however, that there is a more fundamental reason for the observed patterns: The Endangered Species Act is entirely punitive in nature. It relies upon fines and jail sentences to deter or punish unlawful conduct that is harmful to endangered species. Unfortunately, it has no mechanism to encourage or reward those landowners who might wish to restore or enhance the habitats of endangered species on their property. This lack of incentives is crippling in a state like Texas, where virtually all (97percent) of the land is privately-owned. Moreover, the Endangered Species Act provides much less protection for plants than animals. The prohibition against harming listed plants does not extend to private land, unless a federal permit is required for the proposed activity. Thus, the cooperation of landowners is essential in order to protect Texas' endangered wildflowers. Yet the act has no way of rewarding those landowners who might wish to help save these rare plants from extinction. Where incentives have been tried, they have proven to be remarkably successful. For example, until recently, one of the most vexing problems with the Endangered Species Act was the way ln which it discouraged pr'ivate landowners from doing more than the law required to benefit rare plants and animals. Many landowners are capable of helping endangered species by restoring or enhancing habitat on their land, but ar.e unwilling to do so. Their unwillingness stems from the fear of new restrictions . . They are afraid that if they take actions that attract new endangered species to their land or increase the populations of endangered species that are already there, 5 their "reward" for doing so will be more regulatory restrictions on the use of their property. EDF developed a solution to this problem for endangered animals, which the Fish and Wildlife Service adopted in April 1995 under the name of "safe harbor." The safe harbor policy assures landowners that if they undertake actions that are beneficial to endangered species, they will not incur added regulatory burdens as a result of their good deeds. In other words, participants who improve their property for the benefit of endangered species retain the right to undo those voluntary improvements should they wish to make some other use of their land in the future. Texas leads the nation in the creative use of safe harbor agreements. Over a million acres of privately-owned ranch land has been enrolled in a safe harbor program that aims to restore the endangered northern aplomado falcon in south Texas. About 16,500 acres of grassland have been enrolled in a safe harbor program for the Attwater's prairie-chicken. A similar program has just been approved for the red-cockaded woodpecker· (see left) in east Texas. In short, some of America's birds are gaining a new lease on life as a result of safe harbor programs. . However, even landowners who are willing to help save endangered species, perhaps by enrolling in a safe harbor program, may be deterred by the cost of restoring or enbancing the habitat. In addition, safe harbor applies to endangered animals, not plants, for whfch landowners have no legal responsibility under the Endangered Species Act. Clearly, the next step in the evolution of the Endangered Species Act is to create a menu of tax credits, direct grants, cost-sharing agreements, and other incentives that will help defray the costs of planting cover, removing invasive, non-native species, arid other steps that are necessary to improve the habitats of endangered species. Such incentives will be critical to saving many of the "native Texans" that now teeter on the brink of extinction. Bexar Tracks ~-.-!!!!!~,llJBm.JIVLENTAL News Grasshopper .Cure M"ay Be Worse Than the Bug!; Editor's note: the following is 'BAS VEEP Mike Mecke's response to a press releas~ from Texas A&M on how · to kill grasshoppers which may be invading area fields and gardens. An exerpt from the press release said: "Approved insecticides for the home lavyn and garden include Sevin, malathion, 'and diazinon. Trees and shrubs can be protected with dursban, malathion, orthene, and diazinon sprays. " Rangelands can be sprayed with Sevin plus crop oil, malathion and ULV malathion (very different from malathion). ULV malathion applied by air is the least costly treatment and has the best residual control. . Mike's response: Re: spraying with Sevin, ~ malathion, diazinon, etc.-especially on ·• your rangelands and other 9-reas possibly havirtg ponds, creeks, drainages and other . waterways. I feel that here in Texas, these practices are too easy to set up and often not fully analyzed. We are often too careless of our rangelands, croplands, and pasture lands and of our waters. Every acre . is in SOMEBODY'S watershed. And, the harmful or potentially damaging effects of chemicals upon all animal life, especially people, but also including our wildlife, l.ivestock and other organisms in the environment~! web of life should require our wisest decisions. Early in my career I was a chemical company rep and then a range conservationist and a strong supporter of · spraying and/or root plowing just about everything. Of course, that was in v.ogue in the 60's and 70's at the U's and state/ federal Experiment Stations. Later, having managed a noxious plant and insect · program on several Indian reservations I changed from a "spray and pray" type into a proponent of Integrated Pest Management, with biological controls in a very high priority level. Our . peat management programs included cropping systems, mechanical controls, biological . controls and finally, as a last resort, the r July 1998 . safest of fhe chemical alternatives at the lowest possible Close applied in the safest manner possible. In spraying weeds using a broadcast method; the "good" broad-leaved · plants, called forbs, are also taken out, often for years. Insect sprays also kill the "good ' bugs~· (predatory and other beneficial insects), which then encourages pest infestations' in ' future years. Wildlife,· such ·as young quail, turkey, and songbirds, who are beneficial in the total picture, require a l~rge nu.mber of insects for their young-but, they may not have trem in sprayed areas. Or, the sprayed insects eaten by birds may · accumulate toxic. chemical sprays in the birds causing harm to them- remember DDT, fi$h and bald eagles? Not a myth. On rangelands I have often seen it decided that control was not economically feasible, even if one did not care apout environmental concerns. The comment regarding weighing the value of the grazing saved vs. the cost of spraying chemicals is very accurate and I am glad to see it. Especially remember, not all pesticides are equally safe. Insecticides can be especially deadly in the environment, they are designed to kill animals (insects)-not plants! Remember, we are animals, too. · Grasshoppers and other insecis (if native) are a natural part of our world and ,must be expected. Populations generally ' go up and down in natural cycles and "bad years" must be expec;:ted,.just like droughts and floods. If the affected producers are in the drought hit areas then they are getting a double wh,ammy and we all fee! for them. But, maybe the dried, dormant and shriveled ranges are really not worth the expense of either baits or chemicals? Maybe the best option is herd management in drastically · culling or moving to a lease in an unaffected . area or pennir)g them and feeding hay which was grovyn and stored in anticipation of bad times? , Maintaining a herd on droughty ranges only drives the level of the plant community to an ev.en lower level, which then requires longer to come back when rain comes. Maybe a switch from basic cow-calf operations to stockers or a more versatile/ flexible system is part'ofthe answer? 6 Texan Wins Award For New Wetlands Program · Julie K. Anderson, of Texas Parks· and Wildlife, was one of nine Americans honored this Spring for outstan·ding work in Wetlands ~L Protection. Julie, who LliiH•IiNSTITUTE: .spoke at a BAS c'h apter meeting in May 1997, received her National Wetlands Award from the Environmental La;.v Institute at a ceremony in Washington. Anderson received the award from Jamie Rappaport Clark, Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, who said that "over the years, many· of our greatest successes in conserving wetlands have come through work w"ith private landOVI(I)ers, local governments, and other concerned citizens. This year's award recipients represent that great tradition of cooperative approaches to conservation." Anderson's award was for Outst~nding Wetlands Program Development. She coordinated · development of the Texas Wetlands Conservation Plan. The award noted that "after extensive public planning and coordination with state and federal agencies, the private sector, and the legislature, the plan was approved in 1997." Anderson is now working on projects to implement the plan. The Environmental L<:~w Institute is an independent, nonprofit research and .education organization based in Washington, D.C. The awards are cosponsored by the ,Environmental Protection Agency, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service. Heading East? Free Louisiana Bird Book Available · · The State' of Louisiana has just published a new booklet, Birds of Louisiana, which lists many of the birds that are found in that state. Is it available without cost by telephone, 1-800-261-9144. PLEASE VOLUNTEER-YOUR CHAPTER NEEDS YOU! Bexar Tracks '®.".• 4 • • "·'. 'o, . '" · • • .'" ".: • ';o • . ·" Tal·es from the. Sandwich .Bar "The Juvenile" By . ( Mari Bailey . The summer of 1997 was chose to ignore the youngster who ·. celebrated by the birds as the end of a two tentatively attached his feet to the wire of year drought. Nests were ubiquitous and the suet feeder. A female sparrow began to many, many birds successfully fledged. We eat on the other side of the feeder. And, at enjoyed watching golden-fronted first, the young woodpecker concerned woodpeckers gathering huge beaksful of himself only with eating. Suddenly, with peanut butter and then flying over the incredible speed and in one fluid movement, house en route to feed hungry nestlings, the woodpecker reached around the feeder, no doubt. grabbed the hapless sparrow anCl flung her After a time, we were delighted solidly to the gro'und! lh that singular to see one of the fledglings accompanying moment, the woodpecker, though still in a parent to the bar. The baby, while not in immature plumage, rose to the level of adult, adult plumage, appeared full-grown-it had at least for the sparrows. For the remaining apparently thrived on a peanut butter diet. times the young woodpecker visiteq the For about three days, several times a day, feeder, the sparrows never again tried to the young bird would cling to the cedar's share in its repast! bark and "beg" for the parent's feeding. With wings aquiver and mouth agape, that bird would successfully solicit parental attention-and food-despite being within about 10 inches from the meal itself! Day number four was different. The parent was absent. }he ever-present house sparrows, who greatly fear the adult woodpeckers and. will not even attempt to eat at the bar if a woodpecker is around, Editor's note: BAS member Mari Bailey, who lives in. northwest San Antonio, contributed a tasty (WfJ think) sandwicl:l recipe for birdfeeders, involving whole grain bread and peanut butter, to our May issue. Her success at the feeder has encouraged her to ' write a column on the attractions of this avian epicurean combin~tion. This is the first one. Does This Get Your Attention? . Pollution Suspect~d of Causing ·Hermaphroditic Polar· Bears Scientists have found four polar bear cubs in the Norwegian Arctic Territory of Svalbard that have both male and female sex organs. The deformities are thought to be linked to increasing pollution in polar regions. The four polar bears represent four percent of the polar bears studied, a percentage much too high to attribute to statistical noise. Svalbard is known to have high levels of pollutants, particularly polychlorinated biphenols (PCBs): PCBs are banned in most countries, but they - remain in the environment for many years and they may still be in use in Russia. PCBs accumulate in fat reserves and are found in higher concentrations in animals that eat higher on the food chain. PCBs are among July 1998 the .thousands· of-r~"t - _, · man-made substances \ ! that scien,tists believe • mimic animal'and human sex· hormones. Sexual aberrations in' fish have been monitored, but the polar bears are believed to be the first mammal to show such acute damage. The polar-bear research may help . provide links b.etween synthetic chemicals and sex!Jal deformities and diseases in human beings and animals. Several studies .have documented a decline in sperm counts in men living in industrialized countries over ·the past 50 years. These declines may be partly attributable . to an increased concentration of synthetic chemicals that . mimic estrogen. Nick Nuttall, BRJTJSH TIMES, June I, 1998 ' ' 7 Mike's Tips There Are Many Ways To Save Precious Water· Editor's note: With degrees in plant sciences, ag and watershed management, BAS own Mike Mecke has the following tips on how to save water. The editor hopes that by scheduling this story weeks in advance of publication, rain will be assured. ,. 1. Let your grass grow tall during hot dry weather always leave it 3"-5" long. Grass cut short becomes stressed and attempts to regrow right away requiring more water and food. Also, it becomes vulnerable to sun/heat when short-taller ' grass shades the ground keeping it cooler. 2. Don't ever bag your grass clippings unfess the grass has gotten away from you (clippings 6-8"). The clippings return the nutrients to the soil and form a m'ulch keeping the ground cooler and wetter. 3. When you water, water deep, at least 2" or so if your soil will take it (not too 'rocky, shallow). Plant roots will follow the water to moist and cooler soil and that heiP.S them to make it through droughts. If you cut grass short and water shallow, it~ roots wi!l stay shallow. ' 4. You can get all the free mulch you want on the north side of SA airport or buy it. Put it around all of your trees, shrubs, and flower beds in a circle 3-6' diameter and 4" thick. Don't pile up mulch against the tree trunks. This will save water and keep the roots cool. 5. Buy sprinklers that put out large . drops and that keep the water fairly close to the ground. Don't ever use the ones that spray the fine mist high overhea,d-you can lose half of your water to evaporation before it hits the ground. Look for some of the small metal ones on wheels that whirl 3-4 arms with large drops at local hardware stores. 6. To really cut water use, put together a drjp system for your trees and shrubs . . Not tbo expensive, but does have .some maintenance. Texas Ag Extension can help. I have some brochures too. . 7. Don't water in high winds or midday. Best between 7 p.m. and 10 a.m. Or whenever your water utility dictates. 8. Build new walks, drives, patiQS out of pervious materials (unmortared brick, gravel, flagstone, etc.) and shape/slope concrete to drain the water where it will help. 9. Use xeriscaping landscape designs. I have some brochures on the new TPWD program "Wildscapes," which can help you design for wildlife, too. 10. Pray for rain!! Bexar Tracks Up From the Egg: The Confession of a Nuthatch Avoider by Odgen Nash Bexar Audubon Society, Inc. P. 0. Box 6084 San Antonio, TX 78209 Non-profit ·Organization U.S. Postage Paid San Antonio Permit #590 Bird watchers top my honors list. I aimed to be one, but I missed. Since I'm both myopic and astigmatic, My aim turned out to be erratic, And I, bespectacled and binocular, Exposed myself to comment jocular. We don't need too much birdlore, do we, To tell a flamingo from a towhee; Yet I cannot, and never will, , Unless the silly birds stand still. And there's no enlightenment in a tour Of ornithological literature. Is yon strange creature a common chickadee, Or a migrant alouette from Picardy? You can rush to consult your nature guide And inspect the gallery inside, But a bird in the open never looks Like its picture in the birdie books- ~ddress Service Requested ' W19 UNIV OF TEXAS NOV98 LIB SERIALS 6900 N LOOP 1604 W Or if it once did, it has changed its plumage, And plunges you back into ignorant gloomage. That is why I sit here growing old by inches, Watching a clock instead of finches, SAN ANTONIO TX 78249-1130 But I sometimes visualize in my gin The Audubon that I audubin. (from his You Can't Get There from Here 1957 pp115-6) r --- ., 11ntroductory Membership 1 1 National Audubon Society 1 I Bexar AudubonSociety I I (Chapter Code W19) I I New memberships tol I National Audubon Society, including I I a subscription to Audubor:J magazine, I · I are $20 ($15 for seniors or full-time I I students). This includes membership I 1in Bexar Audubon and a subscription Ito Bexar Tracks,as well. 1 Makes a great gift! IName __________________ I Address _________ ---:---, --- I city _______ _ I state Zip __ .,._ I IPhone: ( ) _____ _ 1 1 Mail this coupon and your check - payable to "National Audubon I society" to: I Bexar Audubon Society I P. 0. Box 6084 I San Antonio, TX 78209 . ___________ . July 1998 I I RECURRING EVENTS Second Thursday of Each Bexar Audubon Society Board Meetings. Month. Call 408-7731 for more info. Members welcome Third Thursday of Each Month Bexar Audubon Society General Meetings, Open (except Aug) Call 822-4503 for info. to the public, Ruble Center, 419 E. Magnolia,? pm First Saturday of Each Month. Friedrich Wilderness Park offers a free guided Call 698-1057 for more info. general natural history hike Second Saturday of Each Month. Bexar Audubon sponsors the "Second For information and reservations, Saturday'' program at Friedrich Park call 698-1 057 $2 donation requested Fourth Saturday of Each Month. Birding morning at Mitchell Lake- meet at 8 am Call 308-6788 for more information Led by Ernie Roney (656-4239; San Antonio Audubon Soc.) First Tuesday of Each Quarter San Antonio Environmental Network meets at March, June, September, December. the Witte Museum auditorium, 7 pm. Free and Call 822-4503 for more info open to the public ~ - ·- VOLUNTEERS MAKE THE DIFFERENCE! Education Chair- please contact President Bill Sain at 408-7731. Hospitality Co-chair- please call Nancy Johnson at 655-1336. Outings Chair- please contact President Bill Sain at 408-7731 . r 8 Bexar Tracks
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