From the Source Interviews:
The best information comes from the people who work and develop the refuge complex. Interviews were conducted with two Santa Ana refuge Managers to gain an insiders look at the intricacy of the Rio Grande Valley. Interview includes quotes and paraphrased information from each participant.
Refuge Management Outreach:
Image 11: Black Spotted Newt, Santa Ana
Jennifer Owen-White, Visitor Services Manager: South Texas Refuge Complex
(Santa Ana, Laguna Atascosa & Lower Rio Grande Valley)
Q: What is your education background and how long have you been working at Santa Ana?
A: Ms. Owen-White has been working at the SANWR since 2010. She has a B.S. in Biology and an M.S. in Wildlife. Currently she is pursuing a PhD in Forestry and Natural Resource Interpretation. Jennifer describes the field of Natural Resource Interpretation as a way for people to "connect to a resources" through first hand experiences at the park.
Q: What is your daily role and responsibilities at the refuge?
A: She is responsible for all aspects of visitor services for three parks within the Rio Grande Valley Complex: Santa Ana, Laguna Atascosa and Lower Rio Grande Valley. She works with local individuals, volunteer groups and coordinates media outreach for the park. Additionally, Jennifer works closely with the Assistant Park Manager to successfully "manager for diversity" throughout Santa Ana.
Q: How is Santa Ana intertwined with the rest of the Rio Grande Complex?
A: The South Texas Refuge Complex consists of a number of individual park areas along the Rio Grande. All are impacted by the river and the overall management practices including controlled flooding & dams (enclosed to the West by Falcon Dam and to the East by the Gulf of Mexico) . Santa Ana is the smallest area consisting of approximately 2,000 acres but is the "window on what Fish and Wildlife does in different places." That is how the entire complex is managed overall is reflected within Santa Ana for the public to see. Santa Ana receives about 150k visitors each year.
Q: How do you acquire additional land for the refuge?
A: The parks system works in conjunction with individuals, public and private organizations as well as non-progfot groups to acquire and restore land in and around the parks complex. Private landowners are able to aid the restoration of wetlands surrounding the SA through a "farm-off" program for which farmers are "paid in kind" to drop down the areas of agriculture and return the land to its native habitat. This program is similar (in some aspects) to CRP programs practiced throughout the mid-west to aid in soil retention in heavily farmed areas. The SA works with non-profit groups such as the Audubon Society (for the world birding centers 9 locations), "friends" groups and the Nature Conservancy. Additionally, the "Rio-Reforestation" program works with volunteers of all ages to plant seedlings in the park complex.
Q: What are some of the most sensitive species found within Santa Ana?
A: The Ocelot, Black Spotted Newt, Woodstork and Lesser Siren are some of the most sensitive species found in the SA refuge. The Lesser Siren is an amphibious species with external gills. During the dry months the Siren buries itself in the ground and emerges during the wet season. It is particularly impacted by managed flooding cycles and water quality within the wetland. The Ocelot lives in brush areas of the inland wetland environment. The park estimates that fewer than 50 exist within the US and all of those reside within the SA park. The ocelot is impacted by vehicles as well as habitat infringement.
Q: How has the park utilized technology towards conservation and restoration efforts?
A: The SA utilizes GIS mapping and GPS devises to aid in the recording of data and monitoring of certain plant populations.
Q: How is the expanding population/ urbanization and boarder issues impacting the area?
A: The park has been resilient to the issues of urbanization and agricultural production coming from upstream envoroments. The wetland is in itself a "natural filter" for an ecosystem. A healthy park is reflected in its innate ability to combat those issues through its natural processes.
Q: How has flooding as well as managed floods impacted the refuge?
A: In 2010 two significant rainfall events (July and August) from the South caused major flooding in the SA refuge. Dams along the river retained too much water and controlled releases of the held water (typically for drinking and agricultural purposes) saturated the park with 10-15 feet of standing water. This amount of standing water stayed for 5 months and the park is still in the recovery process today. Mammal species felt the "immediate impact" of the flooding. Raccoons, rabbits, bobcats and the Texas Tortoise populations were affected. Numbers were killed and habitat was lost under 15 feet of water. Vegetation in the park was also devastated by the initial impact of flooding. Many trees, brush and other varieties of wetland plants were drowned out in the floods. The "residual effects" of the flooding are being dealt with currently. Populations of local and migratory birds are impacted due to the continued loss of trees and vegetation that provide both food and shelter to those species. Currently, the refuge staff are working towards a "re-establishment of normal vegetation and hydrology" within the park. * Tortoise populations were somewhat more resilient than anticipated. The park is looking into whether the tortoise was able to escape the floods by burrowing or floating. A potential and unexpected research topic.
Q: What is the biggest problem the park has overcome int the past?
A: The largest hurdle the park has successfully overcome has been the "establishment of the wetlands themselves as a more permanent fixture." The park management, both past and present, have been able to successfully and continually manage for the "diversity of habitat" by "keeping the park appropriately wet." A struggle they are now facing with the restoration process.
Q: What is the biggest problem facing the Santa Ana today?
A: The two main issues facing the park today are
- Habitat loss due to escalating agricultural practice in the Rio Grande valley- growing of fruits and vegetables on an almost year round basis.
- The "loss of a connection to the outdoors" on the part of both children and adults.
Q: What would you most like people to know about wetland conservation?
A: Jennifer states that the most important message she communicates to the public is that "conserving wetlands is everybody's job and everybody's responsibility." That we all feel the results of diminished wetland whether we recognize it or not. She states that we are "all connected by water" in one way or another.
(Santa Ana, Laguna Atascosa & Lower Rio Grande Valley)
Q: What is your education background and how long have you been working at Santa Ana?
A: Ms. Owen-White has been working at the SANWR since 2010. She has a B.S. in Biology and an M.S. in Wildlife. Currently she is pursuing a PhD in Forestry and Natural Resource Interpretation. Jennifer describes the field of Natural Resource Interpretation as a way for people to "connect to a resources" through first hand experiences at the park.
Q: What is your daily role and responsibilities at the refuge?
A: She is responsible for all aspects of visitor services for three parks within the Rio Grande Valley Complex: Santa Ana, Laguna Atascosa and Lower Rio Grande Valley. She works with local individuals, volunteer groups and coordinates media outreach for the park. Additionally, Jennifer works closely with the Assistant Park Manager to successfully "manager for diversity" throughout Santa Ana.
Q: How is Santa Ana intertwined with the rest of the Rio Grande Complex?
A: The South Texas Refuge Complex consists of a number of individual park areas along the Rio Grande. All are impacted by the river and the overall management practices including controlled flooding & dams (enclosed to the West by Falcon Dam and to the East by the Gulf of Mexico) . Santa Ana is the smallest area consisting of approximately 2,000 acres but is the "window on what Fish and Wildlife does in different places." That is how the entire complex is managed overall is reflected within Santa Ana for the public to see. Santa Ana receives about 150k visitors each year.
Q: How do you acquire additional land for the refuge?
A: The parks system works in conjunction with individuals, public and private organizations as well as non-progfot groups to acquire and restore land in and around the parks complex. Private landowners are able to aid the restoration of wetlands surrounding the SA through a "farm-off" program for which farmers are "paid in kind" to drop down the areas of agriculture and return the land to its native habitat. This program is similar (in some aspects) to CRP programs practiced throughout the mid-west to aid in soil retention in heavily farmed areas. The SA works with non-profit groups such as the Audubon Society (for the world birding centers 9 locations), "friends" groups and the Nature Conservancy. Additionally, the "Rio-Reforestation" program works with volunteers of all ages to plant seedlings in the park complex.
Q: What are some of the most sensitive species found within Santa Ana?
A: The Ocelot, Black Spotted Newt, Woodstork and Lesser Siren are some of the most sensitive species found in the SA refuge. The Lesser Siren is an amphibious species with external gills. During the dry months the Siren buries itself in the ground and emerges during the wet season. It is particularly impacted by managed flooding cycles and water quality within the wetland. The Ocelot lives in brush areas of the inland wetland environment. The park estimates that fewer than 50 exist within the US and all of those reside within the SA park. The ocelot is impacted by vehicles as well as habitat infringement.
Q: How has the park utilized technology towards conservation and restoration efforts?
A: The SA utilizes GIS mapping and GPS devises to aid in the recording of data and monitoring of certain plant populations.
Q: How is the expanding population/ urbanization and boarder issues impacting the area?
A: The park has been resilient to the issues of urbanization and agricultural production coming from upstream envoroments. The wetland is in itself a "natural filter" for an ecosystem. A healthy park is reflected in its innate ability to combat those issues through its natural processes.
Q: How has flooding as well as managed floods impacted the refuge?
A: In 2010 two significant rainfall events (July and August) from the South caused major flooding in the SA refuge. Dams along the river retained too much water and controlled releases of the held water (typically for drinking and agricultural purposes) saturated the park with 10-15 feet of standing water. This amount of standing water stayed for 5 months and the park is still in the recovery process today. Mammal species felt the "immediate impact" of the flooding. Raccoons, rabbits, bobcats and the Texas Tortoise populations were affected. Numbers were killed and habitat was lost under 15 feet of water. Vegetation in the park was also devastated by the initial impact of flooding. Many trees, brush and other varieties of wetland plants were drowned out in the floods. The "residual effects" of the flooding are being dealt with currently. Populations of local and migratory birds are impacted due to the continued loss of trees and vegetation that provide both food and shelter to those species. Currently, the refuge staff are working towards a "re-establishment of normal vegetation and hydrology" within the park. * Tortoise populations were somewhat more resilient than anticipated. The park is looking into whether the tortoise was able to escape the floods by burrowing or floating. A potential and unexpected research topic.
Q: What is the biggest problem the park has overcome int the past?
A: The largest hurdle the park has successfully overcome has been the "establishment of the wetlands themselves as a more permanent fixture." The park management, both past and present, have been able to successfully and continually manage for the "diversity of habitat" by "keeping the park appropriately wet." A struggle they are now facing with the restoration process.
Q: What is the biggest problem facing the Santa Ana today?
A: The two main issues facing the park today are
- Habitat loss due to escalating agricultural practice in the Rio Grande valley- growing of fruits and vegetables on an almost year round basis.
- The "loss of a connection to the outdoors" on the part of both children and adults.
Q: What would you most like people to know about wetland conservation?
A: Jennifer states that the most important message she communicates to the public is that "conserving wetlands is everybody's job and everybody's responsibility." That we all feel the results of diminished wetland whether we recognize it or not. She states that we are "all connected by water" in one way or another.
Wetland Plant Management:
Image 9: Invasive Salt-Cedar
Drew Williams, Assistant Park Manager & Wildlife Refuge Specialist
(Santa Ana Wildlife Refuge)
Q: How long have you worked for the parks system and what are a few examples of the programs you work on?
A: Drew has over 10 years of experience working in parks and wildlife. His daily routine is geared around wetland management for migratory birds and soils moisture management. He also oversees the Invasive Species Program for the SA.
Q: What is the most important aspect of management practices within the park?
A: The park is managed to "mimic the natural hydrology" of a wetland. It is crucial to cycle the "flood to draw down" seasonally to induce the correct reproduction and vegetation growth. Park staff "manage plants in the right amount and arrangement for the best interest of birds." This is Drew's main concern and responsibility for the park and its inhabitants. Migratory birds need the right amount and types of food and habitat. The overall "manipulation of plant response" is in direct correlation to the needs of the local and migratory bird populations.
Q: Some aspects of the Invasive Species Program?
A: Response to invasive species is varied based on the type of invasive plant being addressed. Invasive species are introduced into the park most commonly from flooding and the livestock industry. Guinea Grass and Buffle Grass were brought in for livestock feed based on their drought resistant nature. Both are allelopathic meaning that they produce a suppression chemical into the soil that inhibits native species competition. Salt-Cedar was brought in by the widespread flooding during 2010. According to Drew, the Salt-Cedar showed up and was presented with "ideal germination conditions." Salt-Cedar consumes a massive amount of water resources. This type of invasive tree can drain an area of water which in turn inhibits the growth and reproduction of native species. Both varieties of invasive plants, allelopathic and other, are dealt with with both "mechanical and chemical" treatments. Cutting down of invasive plants and the utilization of pesticides is a part of the Invasive Species Program process in the SA.
Q: How has your team utilized technology in the park?
A: GIS and GPS has been used to "mark" areas of invasive species for removal but park management is mostly a hands on process in the field utilizing personal knowledge of the park. Soils can also be mapped using GIS. Soils in the SA range from "light clay, silt and sandy loam" with the clays in lower lying areas and the loam found on ridges and higher points of elevation.
Q: What would you most like people to know about wetland management strategies?
A: That wetland management is "an art form." You can employ the "same management strategies and end up with a different response" each year. The park is subject to so much "natural variation" that each time you in-act a management practice you "affect a different response" from the environment.
* A special "Thank You" for the time both Jennifer Owen-White and Drew Williams spent on this interview.
(Santa Ana Wildlife Refuge)
Q: How long have you worked for the parks system and what are a few examples of the programs you work on?
A: Drew has over 10 years of experience working in parks and wildlife. His daily routine is geared around wetland management for migratory birds and soils moisture management. He also oversees the Invasive Species Program for the SA.
Q: What is the most important aspect of management practices within the park?
A: The park is managed to "mimic the natural hydrology" of a wetland. It is crucial to cycle the "flood to draw down" seasonally to induce the correct reproduction and vegetation growth. Park staff "manage plants in the right amount and arrangement for the best interest of birds." This is Drew's main concern and responsibility for the park and its inhabitants. Migratory birds need the right amount and types of food and habitat. The overall "manipulation of plant response" is in direct correlation to the needs of the local and migratory bird populations.
Q: Some aspects of the Invasive Species Program?
A: Response to invasive species is varied based on the type of invasive plant being addressed. Invasive species are introduced into the park most commonly from flooding and the livestock industry. Guinea Grass and Buffle Grass were brought in for livestock feed based on their drought resistant nature. Both are allelopathic meaning that they produce a suppression chemical into the soil that inhibits native species competition. Salt-Cedar was brought in by the widespread flooding during 2010. According to Drew, the Salt-Cedar showed up and was presented with "ideal germination conditions." Salt-Cedar consumes a massive amount of water resources. This type of invasive tree can drain an area of water which in turn inhibits the growth and reproduction of native species. Both varieties of invasive plants, allelopathic and other, are dealt with with both "mechanical and chemical" treatments. Cutting down of invasive plants and the utilization of pesticides is a part of the Invasive Species Program process in the SA.
Q: How has your team utilized technology in the park?
A: GIS and GPS has been used to "mark" areas of invasive species for removal but park management is mostly a hands on process in the field utilizing personal knowledge of the park. Soils can also be mapped using GIS. Soils in the SA range from "light clay, silt and sandy loam" with the clays in lower lying areas and the loam found on ridges and higher points of elevation.
Q: What would you most like people to know about wetland management strategies?
A: That wetland management is "an art form." You can employ the "same management strategies and end up with a different response" each year. The park is subject to so much "natural variation" that each time you in-act a management practice you "affect a different response" from the environment.
* A special "Thank You" for the time both Jennifer Owen-White and Drew Williams spent on this interview.