Western Navarro Bobwhite Restoration Initiative

Summer 2007 News

Summer 2007 Newsletter (pdf)

Spring 2007 News

WNBRI Launches with Landowner Workshop
The Western Navarro Bobwhite Restoration Initiative (WNBRI) officially kicked off in Blooming Grove, TX with a private landowner workshop on February 17. Speakers included Jason Hardin - Audubon Texas, Jay Whiteside - Texas Parks and Wildlife, Jimmy Stewart - Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Dr. Joe Shuster - Range and Wildlife Consultant. Topics covered included; The Texas Quail Initiative, the Western Navarro Bobwhite Restoration Initiative, Evaluating Habitat for Bobwhites, Integrating livestock into quail habitat management, and government incentive programs available for habitat improvement.

In addition to the classroom style presentations, participants were taken to several field sites where they evaluated bobwhite habitat, identified habitat deficiencies, and discussed various habitat management practices that can be used to alleviate certain habitat deficiencies, such as insufficient nesting structure.

A total of 27 landowners attended the workshop. Attendees also received a free Quail Information booklet, prepared by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Dept., and “Grazing Sticks” that were donated by the Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative (GLCI).

Audubon Texas Demonstrates Support of WNBRI
Audubon Texas has officially declared its support for the Western Navarro Bobwhite Restoration Initiative by donating $40,000 worth of native grass and forb seed to the initiative. The seed mixture will be purchased in bulk by Audubon TX, then provided free of charge to WNBRC members who will be re-seeding native grasses and forbs as prescribed in their habitat management plans. Seed will only be provided to registered WNBRC members who have management plans prepared for their properties, and will be distributed on a first come first served basis.

This is a huge step for bobwhite conservation and WNBRI is grateful to have Audubon TX as a supportive partner.

Site Visits for Management Plans Get Underway
If you do not currently have a management plan for your property, don’t sweat it, help is on the way. Beginning in May, a TPWD or Audubon Biologist will be contacting WNBRC members who do not already have management plans to organize times to conduct site visits. The purpose of the site visit is to evaluate the current habitat conditions and prepare a comprehensive management plan that will optimize usable space for quail, while remaining compatible with the landowners desired farming and/or ranching operations.