SPORTS
OUTDOORS: State funds invasive prevention
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is ramping up efforts to prevent the spread of invasive aquatic species – especially in the Piney Woods of East Texas.
Aquatic invasive species are costing Texas billions of dollars annually in lost property values, lost water, probable loss for power generation, degradation of state resources and more.
The potential economic loss has been estimated as much as $17.5 billion.
When ignored, these plants may impair recreational activities such as boating, fishing and waterfowl hunting.
This past year, $6.5 million in legislative appropriations were made to help combat the problem.
“Without adequate management efforts, the problem will only continue to worsen,” said Texas state representative Chris Paddie (R-Center). “Combating the spread of invasive species is one of the most pressing issues for our lakes, businesses and sportsmen.”
The TPWD, in partnership with other agencies and stakeholders, has been battling aquatic invasives such as giant salvinia, water hyacinth and hydrilla.
Research into various management options has shown promise toward controlling the spread of these plants, but it also comes with a price tag that has – until the recent funding – been out of reach.
The potential economic loss has been estimated as much as $17.5 billion if invasive species, such as the giant salvinia above, continue to infest Texas waterways. (Courtesy photo from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department)
Nocona got its new press box into place this week at Jack Crane Stadium. The old press box, which was in place for more than 60 years, was taken out in early June and moved to Indian Valley Raceway. The new press box was by the Southern Bleacher Company out of Graham. Athletic Director Black Crutsinger said they looked at a lot of press boxes and decided they liked the one at Lindsay High School and went with that model. Sean Hutson operated the crane from the Hurd Crane Service that put the press box up for Nocona.
Sunset native Cason Richey (right) and his team roping partner Beldon Cox from Weatherford repeated as the International Finals Youth Rodeo champions last weekend at Shawnee, OK. Richey and Cox won the previous year and were able to complete the repeat by catching three steers in a combined time of 16.6 seconds. Richey is expected to compete attend Texas Tech University this fall and compete on the rodeo team.
The Chisholm Trail Youth Rodeo had its awards ceremony this week, giving out plaques and buckles to the top competitors throughout the summer season.
There were four age categories with five events to compete in for the young athletes.
Along with the best results in each event, at the end the overall best cowboy and cowgirl in each age division was awarded as well.
The lead line division, in which an adult helps the young competitors, saw Rylee Stewart win the first in poles, barrel racing and mystery event on her way to win top cowgirl.
Hattie Snow got the fastest time in the flags event and Lany Shupak got the fastest goat time. Riggin Bishop got named the top cowboy in the division.
In the eight-and-under division, Whitley Goins won the top cowgirl and Trell Carpenter won top cowboy. Goins got the fastest times in barrel racing, flags and mystery event. Carpenter got the fastest time in poles and goats.
In the 9-12 age division, Sage Keck won the top cowgirl while Chisum Carpenter won the top cowboy. Keck got the fastest times in four of the five divisions. Only Layna Taylor getting the fastest goat time prevented her from winning in a clean sweep.
In the 13-18 age division, Tess Egenbacher won the top overall cowgirl award.
Kiley McCracken won both the barrel racing and flags event. Emma Strahan won the poles and mystery event. Hadlee Bryan won the goats event.
There was no top overall cowboy in the age division.
To see the times for the winners of each event in all four age categories along with pictures of all of the top cowboys and cowgirls, pick up a copy of the weekend edition of the Bowie News.
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