Big Thicket Reporter - 2005/12/12

NOTE: Big Thicket Day rescheduled for Nov. 19, 9:30 AM, at Field Research Station, Saratoga.

BIG THICKET AND RITA - UNWELCOME VISITOR

Like every thing else in East Texas, Big Thicket National Preserve was victimized by Rita. She came, she wreaked havoc, and she roared away leaving chaos and disaster behind.

On hand to help with the response and recovery was the NPS Central Incident Management Team. The team was mobilized ahead of the hurricane and sent to LBJ National Historical Park in Johnson City. Late Saturday the first 15 responders from the team and the Intermountain SET Team #2 arrived from Johnson City. Damage assessment and reconnaissance began at daybreak on Sunday Sept. 25th. These workers were based at the Visitor Center and Maintenance Complex north of Kountze at the intersection of FM 420 with US69/287. That same afternoon another group of NPS-type knights headed for Big Thicket with food, water, fuel, and additional personnel.

The team includes NPS folks from a wide range of national parks, historical parks, and recreation areas. Big Bend, Zion, Olympic, Shenandoah, Grand Canyon, Grand Teton, Badlands, Rocky Mountain, Mount Rushmore, Cuyahoga Valley, Wind Cave, Yellowstone, LBJ, Amistad, Glen Canyon, Lake Mead, Chickasaw, Valley Forge, San Antonio Missions, Chaco Culture, Padre Island, Bandelier, and Coronado, as well as folks from the Washington and Intermountain Region offices. Incident Commander Eddie Lopez (Zion) and Deputy IC Mike Pflaum (Mount Rushmore) presided over operations (Mark Foust, IMR), planning (Gary Haynes, Coronado), logistics (Jim Starling, Zion), finance (Lori Rice, Denver), and information officer (Al Nash, Washington Office).

BTNP's own staff labored long and industriously. They dug out and coordinated work with the incident team. Some of these employee’s homes had sustained considerable damage. Nevertheless, Audrey and Lamar Funderburk were there pitching in. Lamar troubleshot and Audrey managed food for the army of workers. Ray Martinez (BTNP Maintenance) did his customary stand-up routine without missing a beat while simultaneously coping with generators and assorted mayhem. Mark Peapenberg (BTNP Law Enforcement) remained cheerfully and productively on target. Phillip Miles (KINO Oil) should have been on the Stress Team. Between servicing emergency vehicles, he occasionally gave stressed-out individuals a neck and shoulder massage.

In addition to BTNP, emergency responders worked in cooperation with local authorities to assist adjacent communities. Of special concern was the Alabama-Coushatta Indian Reservation with its 520 troubled residents. The spirit of camaraderie and "can-do" prevailed everywhere - a coordinated, cooperative group of professionals. Impressive!

Damages

Incomplete early reports indicate that the Preserve forest damage may not be as severe as anticipated. Kirby Nature Trail (Turkey Creek Unit) and the Sundew Trail (Hickory Creek Savannah Unit) were impassible with downed trees, limbs and debris, but by week's end crews had cleared most of the blockage. Particularly vulnerable on the Kirby trail were massive beeches, raising grave concerns about other areas. Did longleaf pines twist and break as viewed along the highway? The headquarter building (rental) in Beaumont was hard hit. Administrative records and computer equipment was severely damaged. Interim Superintendent Mike George, Administrative Officer Lee LeJeune and Computer Specialist Dwain Dunagin led crews on that rescue operation. Office trailers near the Maintenance Complex will temporarily house the offices of these displaced employees.

The Field Research Station in Saratoga escaped damage, but the massive oaks and pavilion were totaled as well as limbs from other trees. A team from Chickasaw is cleaning up there today. The late Dempsie Henley (BTA President, 1964-69 and Liberty County Judge) and Pete Gunter (BTA President, 1971-73, University of North Texas professor/author) once held "get-togethers" there and hosted a long list of officials like Senator Ralph Yarborough (later BTA President, 1977-79) and Senator Lloyd Bentsen; Representatives Bob Eckhardt. Jack Brooks, and Alan Steelman; East Texas County Judges and Texas Legislature officials. Big Thicket day performers included country fiddlers and Indian dancers.

Word comes that Martin Dies State Park damage is catastrophic with a loss of 90 percent of its forest canopy. Village Creek State Park reports widespread damage. Both parks may require commercial salvage operations; TPWD resource specialists will coordinate with logging operations to make sure resources are not damaged further. Livingston State Park has many downed trees. Currently, 20 Texas state parks are temporarily closed because of the hurricane. State parks continue to provide free entry and campsites to hundreds of evacuees. As of Saturday, Sept. 24, 5,500 evacuees were located in state parks. The costs of Hurricane Rita will inevitably decimate already under-funded state and federal parks.

BIG THICKET DAY POSTPONED

The Big Thicket Association annual Big Thicket Day (membership and program meeting) scheduled October 8th has been postponed to November 19 and will be held at the Big Thicket National Preserve Field Research Station in Saratoga, 9:30-4:00.