TPWD Upland Game Bird Advisory Board Recognizes QU Support

Steve Lightfoot, 512-389-4701, steve.lightfoot@tpwd.texas.gov

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AUSTIN, Texas — Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Upland Game Bird Advisory Board is recognizing the conservation efforts and contributions of two Texas-based chapters of Quail Unlimited.

The Alamo Area Chapter of Quail Unlimited provided about $12,000 in funds that have been utilized in habitat enhancement activities and in the acquisition of equipment required to accomplish such. The most recent contribution went towards acquisition of a no-till drill to be used in providing enhanced habitats for upland birds; habitats that will not only benefit quail, but a diversity of other wildlife as well.

The South Texas Chapter of Quail Unlimited, since 2001, has contributed about $95,000 towards habitat enhancement activities and equipment purchases to accomplish such, including some $15,000 which was used toward purchase of a 4x4 tractor for use on the Daughtrey WMA.

"This level of participation and contribution represents the true spirit of the public/private partnership focus at Texas Parks and Wildlife," said Deborah Clark, Upland Game Bird Advisory Council chair. "Specifically, these donations support improving habitat management efforts that are the foundation of providing prime hunting opportunities to a broader populace who might not otherwise have access to these and other WMA around the state. The Upland Game Bird Advisory Board is proud to recognize and publicize the generous contributions of these two Quail Unlimited chapters."

The board serves TPWD in an advisory capacity regarding the management, research and habitat acquisition needs of upland game birds, development and implementation of upland game bird regulations, research, management, education and communications with various constituent groups and individuals interested in upland game birds. It consists of members selected from the general public with an interest in upland game bird management.

"Both the Alamo and South Texas Chapters of Quail Unlimited have been extremely contributive towards conservation efforts on the South Texas Ecosystem Project (Daughtrey and Chaparral WMAs) in recent years," said David Synatzske, area manager at the Chap.

Synatzske went on to note the donations could not have come at a more opportune time, because the Chaparral WMA is re-tooling after a wildfire in March destroyed the area’s research facility and numerous new research projects are in the works.

"As a result of the recent wildfire on the Chap, there are additional opportunities, utilizing equipment purchased, to enhance habitats in efforts of maintaining a diversity of habitats in the successional processes that will result from such a wildfire," he said. "Diversity of habitats results in diversity of wildlife and this fire offers the opportunity to not only enhance diversity of habitats but also research the effects of such in both the long and short term."