South Hays Fire Department 512-393-7876

Hays County Fire Marshal 512-393-7339

JUNE 2009 RAINFALL: 0.31"

Station Number TX-HYS-21 Rainfall reports

Bridlewood Ranches Group at Facebook.

Oak Wilt in BridleWood Ranches?

I met with Eric Beckers, Oak Wilt Specialist of the Texas Forest Service and we toured some sites in Bridlewood 

Here is what was discussed.

·         There are some suspicious Oak Wilt sites in Bridlewood Ranches.

·         There are no confirmed Oak Wilt sites in Bridlewood Ranches, but there is a possible site on HUGO ROAD

·         Drought has played a factor in the death of the tree groves/mots.

·         Oak Wilt is a fungus that kills trees by restricting water flow in the tree system.

·         We need to monitor sites closely

·         There is a Hypoxylon canker that has been identified on trees in the area. http://www.forestry.ok.gov/Websites/forestry/Images/Hypoxylon%20Canker.pdf

·         If you have a suspicious site on your property, you need to flag the living trees immediately bordering the dead trees. Use surveying tape if possible.

·         Oak Wilt spreads at a rate of 50-100 feet per year.

·         Eric will meet me in Bridlewood Ranches in late June/early July for a follow-up.

·         If you have suspicious sites walk around the site and look for leaves with the following characteristics:

 Edwards Acquifer

The Edwards Aquifer is a unique groundwater system and one of the most prolific artesian aquifers in the world. It is one of the greatest natural resources on Earth, serving the diverse agricultural, industrial, recreational, and domestic needs of almost two million users in south central Texas. Within this region and poised on the edge of the vast Chihuahuan desert lies San Antonio, America's 7th largest city. The city has a semi-arid climate, and water from the Edwards is the reason that 18th century Spanish missionaries were able to establish footholds like the Alamo here on the New World frontier. For over two centuries, San Antonio and many other cities in the surrounding region were able to grow and prosper without developing surface water or other water resources because of the Edwards Aquifer.

One of the greatest outflows from the Edwards Aquifer is the San Marcos Springs. More than 200 springs burst forth from three large fissures and many smaller openings. Early travelers and settlers described the large ones as fountains, gushing water several feet above the surface of the stream they created. Today, the Springs lie at the bottom of Spring Lake and are viewed through the floor of glass-bottomed boats. The Springs and the short 3.8 mile San Marcos River below them have been designated as critical habitat for five endangered species, including the Fountain Darter, the Texas Blind Salamander, the San Marcos Salamander, the San Marcos gambusia, and Texas Wild Rice.

San Marcos, Texas

San Marcos, Texas welcomes visitors to our beautiful community. Located at the gateway to the Texas Hill Country, San Marcos has wonderful places to visit, great places to stay, and the best shopping in Texas! Our springfed San Marcos River provides a refreshing playground for swimming, canoeing, tubing—and even riding a glass bottom boat at Aquarena Center.

Hays County

Located in the heart of central Texas and the Balcones Canyonlands region of the Edwards Plateau, Hays County is home to a diverse native wildlife and plant community. Dense woodlands and open savannas of live oak, Ashe juniper, and honey mesquite in the limestone hills and valleys of the area provide habitat for federally endangered golden-cheeked warblers (Dendroica chrysoparia) and black-capped vireos (Vireo atricapilla). Spring-fed waterways dissect the hills helping recharge the Edwards Aquifer. A wide variety of aquatic species depend on the water quality and quantity these drainages collect.

Bridlewood Ranches POA

PMB 130

102 Wonder World Drive #304

San Marcos, TX 78666