May 19, 2016 — WIMBERLEY, Texas — The John Knox Presbyterian Camp will soon be a safer, more ecologically sound property thanks to the help of Texas A&M Forest Service.

The agency will complete a habitat improvement and wildland fire fuels reduction project at the end of May.

The non-profit camp, like many other properties along the Blanco River, experienced considerable damage during last year’s Memorial Day floods—leaving dead tree debris  along the camp’s riverfront property.   

The debris poses safety and wildfire threats making the camp’s continued work of habitat restoration with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service increasingly difficult.

The two entities have worked on “projects to improve habitat for the endangered golden-cheeked warbler and for grassland restoration which provide habitat for pollinators including the monarch butterfly,” said Chris Harper, USFWS, Ecological Services and Habitat Restoration.

USFWS also assisted with planting bottomland hardwood trees along the creek before flood waters washed them away. 

“All of these land restoration projects will ultimately benefit water quality flowing into the Blanco River,” Harper said.

Due to the sensitive ecosystem in the area, Texas A&M Forest Service chainsaw crews will work diligently to minimize their impact. “Heavy equipment will not be used during this project as it can damage the river bank, compact soil, damage growing vegetation and contribute to erosion,” said Kari Hines,  wildland urban interface specialist with Texas A&M Forest Service.

Crews also plan to leave some downed treed along the river that will provide nutrients for vegetation to regrow and help hold soil in place.

Work at John Knox Presbyterian Camp is scheduled Monday, May 23 through Friday, May 27.

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Editor’s Note: Members of the media who wish to schedule a site visit during the project should contact Kari Hines, contact information below.

Kari Hines, Wildland Urban Interface Specialist; 512-375-0354; khines@tfs.tamu.edu

Texas A&M Forest Service Communications; 979-458-6606; newsmedia@tfs.tamu.edu