white ibis Nicole Young
friends of laguna atascosa national wildlife refuge
March 2016 Newsletter

Friends Receive Grant for Monarchs

The Friends of the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge recently received a grant from the Native Plant Society of Texas under the Bring Back the Monarchs Program to plant 30 prairie milkweed (Asclepias oenotheroides) plants in a butterfly demonstration garden near the Visitor's Center.

With their beautiful orange and black markings, monarch butterflies are some of the most easily recognizable butterfly species in the Americas. Monarchs make a long migration through multiple generations, flying up to 6,000 miles round-trip between their summer homes in North America and their winter homes in Mexico. Monarchs begin their journey back north in the early spring, mating just after leaving Mexico. Female monarch butterflies lay their eggs in milkweed plants in the southern United States soon after. The milkweed provides the only food source for these growing caterpillars, which after feeding for a few weeks, form a chrysalis and go through metamorphosis to become a butterfly. The milkweed plant is especially important to monarch butterflies because it makes them poisonous and therefore protects them from predators. The monarch's survival is closely linked to the chemical defense system derived from the milkweed toxins and the nutrition supplied to the developing larvae.

Monarch butterfly numbers have been declining for many years, enough so that they are being considered for listing on the Endangered Species List. Major threats include illegal logging in Mexico, extreme weather in overwintering and breeding grounds, a decline in nectar-producing plants in breeding grounds, and a loss of native host plants. The loss of host plants has been identified as a key factor in the decline of this species. Texas is important in the monarch migration because it is situated between the breeding grounds in the north and the overwintering areas in Mexico. Through this grant, the Refuge will be providing an area for this important larval host plant to grow along the monarch migratory route.

Planting is expected to occur in early June. Stay tuned to the Friends Facebook page, Viva the Ocelot, for dates and volunteer opportunities.

Friends of Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge
LNG Position Statement

The Friends of Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge, in keeping with our stated mission to protect, support and enhance the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge (Refuge), stand in opposition to any construction either on the Refuge or bordering the Refuge that poses a threat to the purposes of the Refuge. In fulfillment of this mission, we stand opposed to the construction of LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) liquefaction, storage, and export facilities on land opposite and adjacent to the Bahia Grande Unit of the Refuge. These terminals include the following: 1) the Annova LNG Brownsville Project (Docket No. PF15-15-000); 2) the Texas LNG Project (Docket No. PF15-14-000); and 3) the Rio Grande LNG Project and Rio Bravo Pipeline Project (Docket No. PF15-20-000).

We are aligned with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) in its letters of concern to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) regarding proposals by Annova LNG, Texas LNG, and Rio Grande LNG, to build LNG processing and export facilities on a total of approximately 2,000 acres of land neighboring the Refuge and formerly leased by USFWS to protect fragile coastal ecosystems and the habitats of several endangered species.

Potential impacts to the Refuge include:

1. Loss of critical wetland and rare loma habitat, which is important for a number of species, including the endangered ocelot;

2. Water quality degradation at the Bahia Grande Restoration Site due to accidental natural gas leaks, spills, and accidents at the LNG facilities;

3. Degradation of the view shed for users of the Bahia Grande Unit of the Refuge;

4. Disruption of prescribed fire management on the Refuge, which is important for maintaining habitat for the endangered Northern Aplomado Falcon;

5. Air, light, and sound pollution, which have the potential to threaten wildlife, particularly nocturnal wildlife.

The proposed LNG facilities are surrounded by preserved lands, including the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) Bahia Grande Unit, the Lower Rio Grande Valley NWR, and the South Bay Texas Coastal Preserve. These preserved lands protect some of the largest natural habitat left in the Lower Rio Grande Valley and are home to numerous species, many of which are endangered, threatened, or special status species. The habitats found within these preserved lands are considered one of the most biologically diverse regions in North America[1]. At the Refuge alone, there are 417 species of birds, 45 species of mammals, 44 species of reptiles, 130 types of butterflies, and 450 plant species[2]. Eight federally listed endangered or threatened animal species and 23 state listed species can be found at the Refuge. These include animals such as the ocelot, Northern Aplomado Falcon, Texas horned lizard, Texas tortoise, and Kemp's ridley sea turtle[3]. This refuge has more recorded species of birds than any other refuge in the National Wildlife Refuge System and is home to one of the two remaining ocelot populations in the United States.

Even areas within the proposed lease areas for these facilities are considered valuable habitat. For example, the site where Annova LNG is proposed to be located was formerly the Loma de Potrero Cercado and Loma del Divisadero preserves, which were leased by the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) from the Brownsville Navigation District for 40 years. Ocelots have been documented on these properties and they contain one of the last remaining ocelot corridors connecting the Laguna Madre ocelot populations with the coastal populations in Tamaulipas, Mexico. If this habitat is built upon, this remaining corridor will be severely disrupted, threatening the genetic viability of this endangered species.

These LNG facilities have the potential to substantially affect surface water and ground water resources through the accidental release of hazardous substances such as fuels, lubricants, and coolants. Even with spill prevention and response procedures in place, the proximity of these terminals to critical habitats found in the Refuge makes the impact from an accidental release more critical than in other areas of the Texas coast with similar industries. For example, Annova LNG will be located directly across the ship channel from the restoration channel leading to the Bahia Grande, which is considered one of the largest and most successful coastal wetland restoration projects in the United States. An accidental spill associated with these facilities could cause a catastrophic environmental impact to these highly sensitive areas.

The presence of preserved lands in this area create important recreational opportunities including fishing and bird watching. For example, the public regularly accesses fishing areas within the Bahia Grande Unit of the Refuge at San Martin Lake, the restoration channel and the Highway 48 boat launch. Annova LNG is proposed to be located directly across the ship channel from the restoration channel and Gulf Coast LNG is proposed to be located less than 0.5 miles from the Highway 48 boat launch. Birdwatching is also a popular activity at the Refuge, and Refuge staff and volunteers currently conduct birding tours and bike tours at the Bahia Grande Unit. Additionally, there is a proposed multi-use (hiker/biker) trail for Bahia Grande that would be close to Highway 48. The presence of three LNG facilities so close to these areas of recreation would cause a significant impact to the recreational users in the area, both through aesthetic effects and effects these terminals could have on wildlife.


The effects that these LNG facilities could have on the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge represent potentially significant impacts that should be taken into account during the environmental review process.


Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge - 70th Anniversary
 
The refuge will be celebrating it's 70th Anniversary on March 26.  The entrance fee will be waived.  Other activities include a bird banding demonstration from 8 - 11 am, activity tables for kids, Ranger Talks in the amphitheater, and exhibit tables.  Free posters from 8 am to 4 pm.  Call 956-244-2019 for more information.
fish camp F amily Fish Camp - April 2

The refuge will partner with Fishings' Future and Cameron County Parks to offer the annual Family Fish Camp at Adolph Thomae Jr. County Park from 9 - 2 on April 2.  Families can register for this free event at www.fishingsfuture.org.    Learn the basics of fishing and take home some fishing supplies.  Lunch and equipment provided.  Bring a folding chair.

 

SMILE! The Friends of Laguna Atascosa are on AmazonSmile

Select them as your non-profit 
organization
 and every time you shop Amazon will donate 0.5% of   your  purchase price to The Friends of Laguna Atascosa- at no cost to you! 
Bookmark  www.smile.amazon.com   and  start helping ocelots today! 

Events & Announcements
March  Programs at the Refuge
 
Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge
22688 Buena Vista Road, Los Fresnos, TX 78566
956-748-3607  ext 108  or 956-244-2019                            www.fws.gov/refuge/laguna_atascosa
Refuge open daily sunrise - sunset

Visitor Center & Friends Nature Store 
Open 8 am - 4 pm
Thurs. - Monday (May - Sept.)
Daily (October - April)
 
Fee Free Sunday!
FIRST SUNDAY OF THE MONTH

Enjoy the refuge trails free of charge all day on the first Sunday of every month. Please check in at the Visitor Center to get a required vehicle pass.

photo by Robert Burton
Habitat Tours Around the Lake
1 - 4        Everyday through March
plus 9 - 12 on Saturdays

Enjoy a guided tour in our climate controlled bus through the habitats of the refuge including thornscrub forest, coastal prairie and the largest freshwater lake in Cameron County. Discover the history of the refuge - both natural and cultural, see how lands are being managed for wildlife, and view the special wildlife that call deep south Texas home.  Binoculars recommended.  There will be 2-3 stops with short, optional walks. Tickets CASH or CHECK ONLY $4 for adults (16+), $3 seniors (62+), under 16 free.  Call 956-244-2019 to make a reservation.

 
Bird Tours         8:30 - 12   Daily through March
 
Take our van to birding hot spots on the refuge where private vehicles are not allowed.  This tour will offer many opportunities to see waterbirds and raptors.  Reservations required, call 956-748-3607 ext. 108 or 956-244-2019. $4 for adults (16+), $3 seniors (62+), under 16 free. 

Bird Walks         2-3 pm   Daily through March
 
Discover some of south Texas' specialty birds on a short, easy walk around the visitor center. Wheelchair accessible. FREE with entrance fee.


Bahia Grande Bus Tour
8:30 - 12   Mondays in March
 
Discover the history of this refuge unit and see how the habitats are being restored.  This area is one of the largest coastal wetland restoration projects in the United States.  Enjoy the coastal prairies and fresh and saltwater bays and the wildlife they provide for.  Binoculars and cameras are recommended.  No restrooms available. Reservations required, call 956-244-2019.  Cash or check only $4 for adults (16+), $3 seniors (62+), under 16 free.




The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is committed to providing access for all participants.  Please direct all requests for sign language interpreting services, close captioning, or other accommodation needs to Marion Mason, marion_mason@fws.gov], TTY   800-877-8339 with your request by 4 pm 2 weeks before the event.

In This Issue:

 

~ Grant for Monarchs

 

~  Friends Position Statement on LNG

 

~  70th Anniversary Event

 

~  Family Fish Camp

 

~ AmazonSmile

 

 

~ Refuge tour schedule    and information

 



Save Texas Ocelots

The last remaining ocelots  in the  Unites States are found only in Texas. You can help save these beautiful endangered cats and help spread the word about protecting Texas Ocelots by buying this specialty license plate for your vehicle for only $30.00 additional. The non-profit organization, Friends of Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge .org, will receive $22 from the sale of every Save Texas Ocelots license plate, 100% of which will go to Ocelot Conservation. Plates can be purchased at any time and fees will be prorated. We thank YOU for helping keep ocelots thriving as part of our Great Texas Natural Heritage.  To learn more go to  www.savetexasocelots.org
or to order yours now  click here.
 




Adopt an Ocelot

To learn more about the Adopt-an-Ocelot Program  click here!




Your donations help an oce-LOT!

The ocelot conservation program at Laguna Atascosa relies heavily on funds from generous donors. Here's a glimpse into what your donations could help fund

A donation of $250 is enough to fund a radio (VHF) collar.

A donation of $600 is enough to fund a trail camera.

A donation of $2,500 is enough to fund a GPS collar.

To help conserve ocelots by making a donation, visit the  donation page .