Big Thicket Acquisition Activities 

By Andy Jones, Texas Director, Texas Office, The Conservation Fund

First I would like to thank the Big Thicket Association, Ellen and Maxine, and the rest of you who tirelessly work toward the permanent protection of the Big Thicket NP (BTNP). The work you do in promoting the history of the area, educating the public about the BTNP, and of course communicating with our elected officials is absolutely important to a successful future for the region.  In 2001 the Conservation Fund (TCF) was asked to assist the National Park Service on acquisitions in the BTNP. To date, and with your help, we have managed to increase the federal funds available for acquisition from none ($0) to $2.98M in 2003; $3.47M in 2004; and with a little luck $4.54M in 2005.  This is all good news.

We have a contract to purchase all the lands owned by International Paper that fall within the congressionally authorized boundary of the BTNP (2,870-acres). There are matters related to surface use agreements that are held by mineral owners on these tracts. TCF and the NPS are working diligently to overcome these matters and come to some common ground with the mineral owners. TCF is now working closely with Temple Inland to begin acquisition of the tracts they own within the boundary of the BTNP (+/-4,464- Acres). These transactions all take time and patience.

The BTNP Visitor’s Center has been a focus of the last few months. At this writing TCF has a contract on the Barrs- Glawson tract (679-acres) and is reviewing contracts on the Bethea tract (12-acres), Duncan tract (87-acres), Wachovia tract (37-acres). These tracts fall both around the visitor’s center and across the highway along Village Creek.  If all goes as planned we should begin closing on these tracts in late July. These tracts will be purchased with a combination of federal funds, mitigation funds and private funds. TCF is seeking private funds to purchase the portions of tracts that do not fall into the congressional boundary of BTNP. Your assistance in this matter will be greatly appreciated.

It has been a pleasure to work with all of you and I look forward to a long and healthy relationship. Additionally I look forward to celebrating our success and that of the Big Thicket in the future.

Ghost Road Update 

The Ghost Road auction April 2nd must have disappointed the auctioneers, realtors and land owners. The highest bid was a tract at the southern terminus of the Road at $475 an acre. The land owner, Saratoga Timber Company, did not accept bids since the purchase cost was much higher.  The BTA and The Conservation Fund met with one of the land owners in Lufkin and were graciously and cooperatively received. The owner shared maps and aerials of the tracts purchased by STC which includes former ownerships of Louisiana-Pacific and Champion -- indeed, most of the length of the Road except for private ownerships. We discussed their management plans, and we asked them to consider donating a buffer strip along the Road either in fee or by conservation easement. The owner seemed receptive and promised to discuss the proposal with the other owners.

Several years ago, both the BTA and the Big Thicket Natural Heritage Trust asked L-P, T-I and Champion to observe a buffer strip on each side of Ghost Road. Although the companies did not respond to the request, the aerials confirmed an on the ground inspection showing that a buffer has been observed in several locations. Many thanks for that assist to the former owners.

BTA News

Big Thicket Day 2004 is scheduled for October 9, 2004, 9:30- 3:30. The site has been moved from Saratoga to the BTNP Visitor Center and Maintenance Complex north of Kountze on US 69/ FM 420.

The Hardin County Historical Commission requested the change of site in order to make it easy for BTA members to attend the dedication of the R. E. Jackson historical marker, "Father of the Big Thicket."

Since October is BTA’s 40th anniversary and the BTNP’s 30th anniversary, let’s plan to "put the big pot in the little one" and have speechifyin’, autograph parties, photography exhibits, etc. Details will appear in the July-August issue. 

Letter from Baghdad

Howard Peacock of San Antonio, former BTA Prez, shared a letter with us from the self-described "tall army guy that was at the BTA annual meeting last October." Some of you will remember Mark Suter. Howard said to skip the personal remarks, but the editors overruled him.

Howard:

Hi, how are you? I’m fine, finally made it to Baghdad, Iraq, after being in Kuwait for a month. It is sure different here. Iraq’s basically a third world country.  This area of the country is still volatile. It’s very common to hear gunfire and explosions -- it’s still very much a war zone. We are as careful as possible in everything that we do here. We live in a relatively secure area and have everything we basically need here. Our job here consists of patrols, gate guard, and, of course, maintenance of our vehicles and pretty much anything else that comes up.

On my time off, I read and listen to music a lot. I’m still planning on going back to Stephen F. Austin State University to finish my forestry degree when this is all over and doing some other things I’ve been wanting to do for a long time. I sure do miss Texas and so many things about living in the US.

What have you been up to lately? I really enjoyed meeting you at the motel lobby that morning. You are truly one of my role models. Thank you so much for everything you have done on behalf of the Big Thicket throughout your life.

One of my major goals in life is to move to Southeast Texas. That’s where I want to live and work after college. I absolutely love the Big Thicket. After living in Abilene for most of my life, I’m ready for a change. Please write me back when you have time and take care of yourself.

Sincerely, Mark Suter

Note: Mark, Big Thicket needs your talent and energy. Let us know when you return.

B.T.N.P. Administrative Headquarters

Elaine Allums (Kountze City Council and Kountze Chamber of Commerce) reports that a meeting was held with officials of the Preserve and the General Services Administration to present proposals for building an administrative headquarters for the Preserve. GSA requires local investors provide land funding, the structure is built to government specifications, rented by the Preserve/NPS with transfer of ownership in 20 years.

Information is scarce at the moment, but we hope to have a full report in the next issue.

Research/Field Study News

Big Thicket Capstone Group

April 26, the Big Thicket Capstone Group from the George Bush School of Government and Public Service, Texas A&M University, presented its first report, "Big Thicket National Preserve, Trails to the Future," at the Big Thicket Visitor Center. Luke Anderson, Hannah Harbin, Leah Elrod, Chris Allen, Melissa Forbes and Diana Strom, graduate students seeking masters in public administration, addressed current threats to the Big Thicket National Preserve and suggested potential policy strategies to sustain the biological integrity of the Preserve.

BTA was represented by former president Fred Allen, who reports that the presentation looked at policy measures to ensure long-term biological sustainability and at resource problems (fragmentation, timber sales, highway expansion).

Among the options discussed were public ownership vs. a multistakeholder board. Types of boards reviewed included voluntary advisory land-use, land purchasing, planning and land use, and no board. Interviews and surveys showed support (61.3 percent) for such a board although no clear preferred type of board was identified. The surveyors analyzed ways and means to implement a board -- an exploratory committee, identify stakeholders, a stakeholder forum. 

Sabbatical In Parks

Dr. Jane Packard, Associate Professor and Director of Ethology Lab, Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences, Texas A&M, will launch her Sabbatical in Parks for the academic year 2005. The project addresses "Biodiversity Science Strategy for BTNP, facilitating communication within the scientific community, including the Center for Conservation Biology at Stanford University." BTA submitted the proposal to the Winedot Fund of the Peninsula Community Foundation in behalf of Dr.  Packard and the BTNP and received $25,000 to fund the project.

Quincy Arnold, A Kountze student now attending Prairie View A & M, has been hired as a Student Conservation Association intern and will be working with Dr. Packard.

Transportation Scholar in Residence

Chuck Hunt applied for and received a National Park Foundation grant for a "transportation scholar" to assist the Preserve in its work with TxDOT on US 69 as well as other transportation issues.  Caroline Lanford will arrive June 1, and will take up residence at the Brammer House adjoining the Field Research Station in Saratoga. She will be researching mitigation needs for the new US 69 Corridor project.

Research Station News

Dr. John Abbott, Professor, University of Texas, Section of Integrative Biology, brought his Field Entomology class with 16 students to the FRS May 17-20. Insects collected are deposited in the UT Insect Collection at Brackenridge Field Laboratory.

The following week, March 25-28th Dr.  Paul Harcombe, Rice University, and a research team of six persons checked in to the FRS for meetings and field work.

Friends We Will Miss 

Walter J Crawford, Sr. of Beaumont died May 4th. Survived by his wife Mary Edna McKallip Crawford, son Walter Crawford, Jr., daughters Alice Crawford Thomas and Mary Crawford Wolff, as well as grandchildren.

Crawford was active in St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, serving on its Foundation board and as Senior Ward and Vestry. He served on the Finance Committee of the Episcopal Diocese.

A Rice University graduate majoring in physics, Crawford had a long career in business including Transit Mix Concrete, Magnolia Refinery, and a Barge Transportation Company of Houston. With partners he acquired land and developed New Calder Place in Beaumont as well as Longfellow Apartments.

The Walter and Mary Crawford Family Trust made a generous donation for the Field Research Station. They are life members of the BTA. Walter Crawford was a fine gentleman and a good friend to Big Thicket.

Mrs. Margariette Christeen Walston of Saratoga died June 27, 2003, at 91 years. She was interred at the Oilfield Cemetery. Born in Missouri, Mrs. Walston moved to Saratoga in 1912. Survivors include sons, Billy Wayne and Harry Lee, and daughter Elma Lena Hagemeier. 

Mrs. Walston was a faithful member of BTA, and we always recognized the handwriting on envelopes containing her dues -- or just dropping us a note. We will miss her. Your editors are embarrassed that we did not report her passing earlier.

Miscellany 

Lamar Environmental Learning & Research Center

May 11, Dr. Richard Bothel and Andrea van der Wel unveiled plans for a Southeast Texas Environmental Learning and Research Center at Lamar University "to provide educational programs to diverse populations encouraging understanding of the environment, research, outdoor recreation and conservation." The Center will schedule classes, workshops, field activities, and seminars in cooperation with Texas Sea Grant/Texas A&M University, Lamar Institute of Technology, Big Thicket National Preserve, and the City of Beaumont.

Project development will extend over an 8-10 year period. "The end result will be a complex of building and outdoor facilities (learning and research park) along the River adjacent to Colliers Ferry Park in Beaumont and fronts Neches approximately 1200 acres of wetlands. The initial infrastructure ..will coast an estimated $4.5 to $5 million.."

Lamar Receives ExxonMobil Grant

Judy Aronow reports Lamar University Center for Big Thicket Studies, courtesy of a grant from Exxon Mobil, is sponsoring curriculum writing on the Big Thicket for in-service and pre-service teachers this summer. Grades 4 through 8 are targeted for the project. We will start with master teachers Dee Ann Douglas and Jan Ruppel working on grades 4 through 6, and Mary Catherine Johnston working with grades 7 and 8. They will be training in-service and pre-service teachers to write and use curriculum material on the natural science of the Big Thicket. Leslie DuBey of NPS will be an active participant in the project. The Visitors’ Center will be visited and used extensively.  A potential project for next year, should we again get funding from ExxonMobil, will be to continue what we’ve started this summer, and also to start a new such curriculum writing project focusing on the culture of the Big Thicket.

Environmental Assessment / Oil & Gas Wells

BTNP released May 3 an Environmental Assessment covering Davis Southern Operating Company, LLC’s proposal to drill directionally and to produce the P.C. Bernal #1 and up to three additional wells from a surface location outside the Lower Neches River Corridor Unit to bottomhole targets beneath the Unit. Comments are invited and must be postmarked by June 2, or submitted in person at the BTNP Beaumont Office by 4:30, June 2.

The Alternative B proposed action impacts include drilling well pads and gathering line with 13.896 acres converted to longterm oil and gas. The wells "would contribute to adverse impacts on air quality, natural soundscapes, lightscape management, geology and soils, water resources, floodplains, wetlands, vegetation, wildlife, and possibly cultural resources."

Oil & Gas E.I.S. due Fall 2004

The Preserve Oil and Gas Management Plan Environmental Impact Statement should be released this fall. Apparently, text exceeds 500 pages. Due to expense, in lieu of a printed copy the Preserve suggests a CD-ROM, downloading from the NPS web site, reading the document at park headquarters or local libraries. The NPS site address: www.nps.gov/bith/pphtml.documents.html.

NPCA Is 85 Years Old!

May 19, NPCA celebrated 85 years of protecting America’s precious national parks for present and future generations, exhibiting a dedication to vital park defense and advocacy work. You can help to celebrate this special anniversary by becoming an NPCA member with a gift of just $15. With your help, NPCA can watch over the National Park System for another 85 years! Send your membership to NPCA, 1300 -19th Street, NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. Check them out at www.npca.org.

That’s one giant pitcher plant!

We received an email from Jane Packard, who is on a junket to China (see "Sabbatical in Parks," pg 3). Jane writes: "Greetings from China at the Xishuanbana Tropical Botanical Gardens!  The giant pitcher plant is now internationally famous! I included the example in my presentation last night, thanks to the great photos from Fred." The above photo features Dave Baker, BTNP retired interpreter and star of the KFDM doucmentary "User’s Guide to Big Thicket."

T-I Trip Rained Out

Ten hardy folks showed up for the May 1 public tour of Temple-Inland Distinctive sites. When the weatherman dumped 5-9 inches of rain in the area, the group adjourned to T-I offices, drank coffee and shared stories. Jasper had water running down road gutters and bubbling up through drains!

T-I rescheduled the trip for June 5, but registrations closed when over 100 signed up for the tour. Check out the great spread in Texas Highways, June 2004, and see what you’re missing. We will ask T-I to schedule a tour just for us homefolks -- maybe in the fall?

More news from T-I comes via Stan Cook: "just found Geocarpon minimum (earthfruit) on one of our saline prairies in Anderson County. It is Federally listed as threatened and new to the state! This prairie is an extremely diverse site with plants from all over. You must see it some day." As usual, Stan, we can come!

Economic Surprise!

The May 2 Beaumont Enterprise reported IRS data on the nation’s highest average incomes, and Teton County WY was first with an adjusted gross income of $107,694. The story notes that Teton County is on the edge of Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks.

The big surprise is that Hardin County was 28th with $41,762, and Jefferson County was 29th with $41,321. Other local counties reported are Chambers County, 16th at $46,323; Jasper County, 68th at $33,755; Liberty 48th at $37,110; Newton County 81st at $31,351; Orange County 35th at $40,041; and Tyler County 75th at $32,385.

Preserve Roundup 

By Ann Roberts [a.k.a. Big Thicket Butterfly]

PERSONNEL

Art Hutchinson, Superintendent, has just returned from Washington, where he met with NPS officials and Congressional aides regarding legislation to provide for acquisition of lands on the market that could complement the Preserve.  Wife Ramona Hutchinson accepted a position recently as Special Collections Archivist at the Mary and John Gray Library, Lamar University.

New Resource Management Chief Curtis Hoagland and the Preserve Superintendent hosted a visiting resource management team from Denver on April 19 for a field review of management strategies.

Janet Valen has been offered a position in Washington state, but the move will depend on whether the underfunded NPS can come up with moving funds. Janet would benefit from closer proximity to her family. Losing Janet will result in a double whammy -- BTNP’s loss as well as BTA losing husband Bob from the BTA board.

In Maintenance, Rodney Williams retires on June 24. Rodney has been a mainstay at Maintenance and will be greatly missed. Ray’s invaluable sidekick Lamar Funderburk received his 20-year service plaque on May 19.

Other Maintenance news includes three rebuilt boardwalks totaling over 195 linear feet on the Woodlands and Kirby Nature trails. The TCU ranch house and the BSCU Lilley house have been renovated and made accessible, and work is underway on the Brammer House in Saratoga. A new well was drilled for the Lilley House.

Maintenance acquired a new Freightliner dump truck form the Euipment Replacement program.  Denver’s public health officer inspected all potable water and sewage treatment plants, conferring high marks.

Interpreters report a busy season with many classes, record visitation and sales at the new VC. The staff represented BTNP at the Houston Waterfest, the Rice Fest, a touring trade show and participated in Convention Bureau/Beaumont hospitality training.  Leslie DuBey is revising and updating the Preserve brochure.

Lee LeJeune is now Volunteer Coordinator, and BTA’s Rose Ann Jordan continues as Volunteer Extraordinaire.

STAFF PERSONAL NEWS

Chuck Hunt has been on annual leave for two weeks traveling around Europe with his wife and enjoying some well deserved R & R. He will return loaded with pictures to show and tell.

Nellie & Ray Martinez will vacation in New Mexico during Memorial Day week, and Kenny Parker will visit Florida to get acquainted with a new granddaughter.

Graduations of Preserve staff offspring from local public schools include April Mobley, Reed Davis, Brandon McHugh, Sarah Parker, and Eric Valen. Not to be outdone, Janice Hudson reports that her grandson graduates from a Lubbock school and will attend the Air Force Academy in Colorado on a full scholarship.