SPORTS
OUTDOORS: TPWD combats invasive arundo
Like giant salvinia, another invasive plant species has invaded Texas: Arundo.
The plant is threatening to take over rivers in the Hill Country.
There’s currently a statewide financial effort of $6.3 million going toward controlling invasive aquatic species.
The Texas Legislature approved the funding for the 2016-17 biennium – an increase of $1.1 million from the previous two-year cycle.
Arundo could alter the shape and flow of streams, worsen erosion and exacerbate flooding problems – as well as increase wildfire risk.
The plant also is known as the giant reed or Carrizo cane. The plant is native to the Mediterranean, and introduced here as an ornamental plant.
Arundo grows in dense thickets up to 30 feet tall or taller – choking deep-rooted vegetation and infesting areas that are prone to bank undercutting – which can reduce water quality.
The plant is a “big drinker,” using more water than it displaces.
It threatens fish in Hill County rivers, including the state fish – the Guadalupe bass. The plant has degraded the bass’ habitat.
To fight the problem, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and its partners are working with riverside landowners to put a stop to Arundo infestation. Read the Jan. 4 edition of The Bowie News for more outdoors news, including a list of trout stocking dates.
Arundo is yet another invasive plant species the Texas legislature has appropriated funds to combat. (Courtesy photo by 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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