Wild Wonderings
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Feral Hog Management Workshop Feb. 14 in Luling The Texas AgriLife Extension Service, in cooperation with the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board, will host a Feral Hog Management Workshop on February 14, 2012 at the Luling Civic Center in Luling. Registration for the event starts at 8:00 a.m. Five Texas Department of Agriculture pesticide applicator continuing education units will be offered at the program (2 General, 2 IPM and 1 Laws and Regulations).
Texas has one of the largest feral hog populations of any state, and AgriLife Extension has estimated that the destructive habits of hogs cause about $52 million in damages annually to Texas farms, ranches and the agricultural industry. Feral hogs are also significant contributors of pollutants to creeks and rivers across the state.
As feral hogs congregate around water sources to drink and wallow, their fecal matter is deposited directly in streams, adding bacteria and nutrients to the water bodies. Extensive rooting by groups of feral hogs causes extreme erosion and soil loss.
Landowners and other stakeholders in the Plum Creek watershed have identified feral hogs as a contributor to elevated bacteria levels in the creek. Through the Plum Creek Watershed Protection Plan, landowners have identified management and control of this invasive species as a priority mechanism to restore and protect water quality in Plum Creek.
Topics at the workshop will be: Basic Biology of Feral Swine, Feral Hogs in the Plum Creek Watershed, Plum Creek Watershed Protection Plan Implementation, Population Dynamics, Update on Feral Hog Research, Laws and Regulations for Hunting Feral Hogs, Agricultural Regulations Regarding Feral Hogs, Feral Hog Control, and Feral Hog Safety and Disease Concerns.
Information about controlling feral hogs is available at both of these websites:
pcwp.tamu.edu/feralhogs
http://feralhogs.tamu.edu/PLEASE pre-register with the Caldwell County Extension Office by February 10th to ensure an accurate count for the meal and handouts. Registration is FREE and includes lunch, refreshments, and handout materials. Individuals with disabilities should contact the Extension office at least two days prior to the event so accommodations can be made. For more information or to pre-register contact the Caldwell County Extension office at 1403 Blackjack St., Ste. B in Lockhart, (512)398-3122 or at caldwell@ag.tamu.edu.
This event is free of charge through a Clean Water Act Section 319(h) nonpoint source grant from the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
