Possum Kingdom fire threatens GC Warbler

[Y Cymry]

Besides the threat to human safety and property, the massive Possum Kingdom fire that is all over the news right now may pose a serious threat to the northernmost breeding population of Golden-cheeked Warbler.

I have seen helicopter news video of entire ridges of prime Ashe Juniper habitat engulfed in towering flames. Possum Kingdom State Park which is known to have several breeding pairs of GC Warbler is said to be "90% scorched". It takes about a century for an Ashe Juniper to reach the maturity required for Golden-cheek nesting habitat.

We'll have to wait to see how extensive the damage will turn out to be. Some pockets of habitat will surely survive, I hope. In the forty years I have been going out to the PK area I have witnessed a number of periodic wildfires run through the cedar breaks and grasslands around the lake but this one looks like one for the record books.

I don't know the status of my own PK cabin but don't think the fire has moved to that part of the lake yet. Mandatory evacuation of residents has been instituted today and all public access to the lake has been closed.

http://www.star-telegram.com/2011/04/18/3009662/20-more-homes-burn-at-possum-kingdom.html

http://www.dallasnews.com/news/state/headlines/20110419-possum-kingdom-wildfire-doubles-to-nearly-150000-acres.ece

http://www.wfaa.com/news/local/Possum-Kingdom-fire-rapidly-approaching-homes-120137989.html

http://www.nbcdfw.com/weather/stories/Damage-Estimates-Double-in-Possum-Kingdom-Fire-120227884.html

[betsy]

I was thinking about you yesterday, Ken, and wondering if your weekend cabin was in trouble, and also wondering about the Golden-cheeked Warbler habitat and the birds themselves -- if they're able to escape with all that fast-moving heat and smoke that would be hard on their lungs -- or if they would even attempt to leave in time. The news certainly isn't encouraging.

btw, that Dallas Morning News link doesn't work any more, but here's a link to their photo coverage:
http://www.dallasnews.com/photos/20110419-raging-texas-wildfires.ece

I hope your cabin survives unscathed. 100 years to grow an ashe juniper to the needed size for the warblers! They're in more trouble than ever. It's too sad.