The Trust for Public Land (TPL) has added over 433 acres to crucial nesting habitat land for two endangered songbirdsthe Black-capped Vireo and the Golden-cheeked Warbler. Both species have been endangered for years primarily because of the loss of their central Texas habitat to residential and commercial development.
The land will be protected as part of the 46,000-acre Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge, located 30 miles northwest of Austin. TPL transferred the property earlier this week to the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) for its permanent protection and management. This parcel is an important addition because it will connect almost 9,000 acres of protected land in the Balcones Refuge.
TPL worked with the landowner, Thomas Penn, who was eager to protect family lands that had been assembled by his great-grandfather in the early 1900s and stewarded by five generations of the family. "Our family has a deep love for this property," said Penn. "This was simply the right thing to do for our family, our neighbors at the Balcones Refuge and others who appreciate these special pieces of the Texas Hill Country."
This project completes the second and final phase to acquire the 1,029-acre Penn family property. The first acquisition, which consisted of 596 acres, was completed in August 2004. This project marks TPL's eighth collaboration with USFWS for the Balcones Refuge, bringing the total acreage protected through this partnership to more than 2,100 acres.
"TPL is so pleased to complete this acquisition for the Refuge," said TPL project manager, Amy Wanamaker. "Weve worked closely with the Fish and Wildlife Service to make the Refuge what it is today but the work isnt done. We will be at their service for as long as they need us."
The property was purchased by USFWS with funds from the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), which were secured by U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Texas.
"I am pleased to have secured funding in recent years to help expand this safe haven for local endangered species and create an even better place for nature lovers to visit," said Sen. Hutchison. "Balcones is a beautiful part of the Texas Hill Country and it's important we preserve and protect this vital wildlife habitat."
"This is an extremely important addition to the Refuge," said Deborah Holle, refuge manager. "Not only is this property ideal for Golden-cheeked warblers, but it also connects previously protected lands, reducing the fragmentation of the Balcones Refuge."
Golden-cheeked Warblers are migratory birds that nest exclusively in central Texas. They require old-growth, mixed ashe juniper and deciduous woodlands, mostly along ravines and canyons, making the Balcones Refuge a perfect haven for the bird. Male Warblers arrive in mid-March and establish territories of three to six acres. Females arrive a few days later and quickly select their mates. Male Warblers sing vigorously and loudly defend their territories in order to attract females. By the end of July, the Warblers fly to the mountainous areas of southern Mexico and to Central America. Losing much of its habitat to development, the Golden-Cheeked Warbler was listed as endangered in 1990.
Black-capped Vireos are also endangered due to loss of habitat. Male Black-capped Vireos arrive in Texas from late March to mid-April and set up territories that average two to four acres. Females chose mates as soon as possible after they arrive. Together, they build a single nest and participate in the incubation of the eggs. During August and September, these songbirds migrate back to Mexico for the winter.
The Balcones Refuge was established in 1992 to conserve the nesting habitat for the endangered songbirds and other bird species that visit the area during the annual migration from breeding grounds in the United States and Canada to wintering grounds in Mexico, Central and South America.
The Trust for Public Land is a national nonprofit land conservation organization that conserves land for people to enjoy as parks, gardens, and natural places, ensuring livable communities for generations to come. Since its founding in 1972, TPL has helped protect more than 2 million acres of land in 45 states. In Texas, TPL has protected more than 27,000 acres for communities, including areas in and around Austin, Dallas, Houston and San Antonio. The Trust for Public Land depends on the support and generosity of individuals, foundations, and businesses to achieve its land for people mission. For more information please visit us on the web at www.tpl.org
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