May 2009 Events COMING IN JUNE at the Starlight Theatre Flatlanders and Shotgun Party THE FLATLANDERS Tuesday June 2, 2009, Once again, World-Renown Texas musicians Joe Ely, Jimmie Dale Gilmore and Butch Hancock return to our dusty corner of the globe for one night. Only 200 tickets will be sold, so please call or email (Starlight Theatre, Terlingua) today to reserve yours. This event will be general admission, standing room only. There will be some VERY limited seating, so plan to arrive early if you would like a seat. No dinner service will be provided, although we will be selling a limited menu on the porch. It is a non-smoking event. With Special Guests RYAN BINGHAM and Terlingua's own FOLKADELIC Doors open at 5pm Folkadelic takes the stage at 7pm Ryan Bingham at 8:30pm Flatlanders at 9:30pm http://www.starlighttheatre.com/The_Flatlanders.html and SHOTGUN PARTY "...an acoustic trio of fiddle, guitar, upright bass and harmony vocals! We play a lot of original music in the Western Swing. Bluegrass and Country Blues style. Our performances are fun and very high energy! We are playing at the Starlight Theater Monday June 15th. Austin-based trio Shotgun Party plays a pigeonhole-resisting mix of Depression-era jazz and Texas dancehall country liberally seasoned with a healthy potion of outright weirdness. "Best songs I've heard since Christ was a cowboy," says noted raconteur Kinky Friedman. "An old rugged cross between Leonard Cohen & Tom Waits. Jenny Parrott has the purest most un-decaffeinated voice this side of Loretta Lynn." BIO: The original Shotgun Party trio met in a little Texas dive bar in 2006. They got their start performing weekly at Austin's own Continental Club. Sparks flew and now Shotgun Party, the Austin based trio, really knows how to fire up a crowd! Their original songs are beautiful and timeless drawing influences from early blues, country, bluegrass and depression era swing. Katy Rose Cox's fearles fiddling is simply virtuosic. Miss Jenny Parrott's gorgeous vocals and addictive songs will bring you to your knees. ...and introducing Shotgun Party's newest member, Andrew Austin-Petersen (formerly of the Shake 'Em Ups) on show stopping upright bass! With tight harmonies and lively stage antics, Shotgun party will leave you with a smile ear to ear. Don't miss 'em!!" http://www.myspace.com/shotgunfiesta

April 30, 2009 Fiesta at Big Bend Ranch State Park cancelled due to concerns about swine flu PRESIDIO, Texas — Because of public health concerns about swine flu, all organized tours and activities connected with the Fiesta at Big Bend Ranch State Park have been cancelled. The free barbeque lunch set for Saturday, May 2 and all tours and activities set for Friday-Sunday, May 1-3 have been cancelled. However, the park remains open to the visiting public, with free admission and overnight camping Friday-Sunday. Due to the public health emergency declared by Gov. Rick Perry throughout the state, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department leaders decided to cancel the event in accordance with health guidelines issued by state and federal health officials. To TPWD's knowledge, there have been no reported cases of swine flu in the Big Bend area. The Fiesta cancellation is a proactive step to safeguard public health and safety. Officials are discussing how and when to reschedule the event, and that decision will be announced at a later time. The Fiesta had been arranged to showcase expanded public access and new visitor opportunities at Big Bend Ranch State Park. More information is on the park Web page. ——— On the Net: * http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/big_bend_ranch/ * http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/big_bend_ranch/fiesta/

April 14, 2009 Jack Sufficool,  86,  passed away on March 22 2009, in Odessa. He had been living in Alpine with his daughter Kelly for the past four years. Jack came to this area in 1990 and lived on both sides of the border, but if you asked him he preferred Mexico. He is survived by four children, Jon Sufficool of Alpline,Tx Katie Roselle of Boerne, Tx  Kelly Sufficool of Alpine, Tx and Craig Sufficool of Angleton, Tx, eight grandchildren and four grate grandchildren. He will be greatly missed.  Kelly Sufficool Email Contact:   ksufficool at hotmail.com Cell: 432-466-1610 Office: 432-371-3156

Feb. 18, 2009   TERLINGUA ARTISTS' MARKET   Grateful appreciation and Thank you goes to the Management at the BIG BEND MOTOR INN for last Friday's ARTISTS' MARKET space.     MARCH SHOWS:    The BBMI's generosity is also extended to allow another artists' market to be held during March's spring breaks.     Same place:  in the Party Barn, located at the BBMI grounds,  at the "Y" junction of 118 & 170 in Terlingua.     Time:   11 to 5:30  Dates to be announced here:  http://terlinguaartshows.blogspot.com/  or contact Bonnie at the info below:     Artists wanting to participate in this exhibit and sale - pls contact Bonnie at 3712345, or email bonnie@terlinguagallery.com. This show (or shows) will have a minimal fee which will pay for another banner to be made.

Feb. 18, 2008   6th Annual DESERT CHIHUAHUAN CHALLENGE Saturday April 4, 2009      Chihuahua Dog Races in the Terlingua Ghostown   To Benefit Family Crisis Center of the Big Bend Strengthening communities through empowering individuals     Registration                           10:00 - 12:30 Dog Socialization                   11:00 - 12:30 Dog Costume Contest           12:30 - 1:00 Dog Races                                1:00 - 5:00 Food                                             all day   Classes: Chihuahuas and Mestizos   Pre-Registration, Sponsorship, Rules and other information call: (432) 371-3147 or (432) 837-7254

January 8, 2009   TERLINGUA  ARTISTS' MARKET    When?   FEBRUARY  13,   2009   Friday    Time?      11 a.m.  till  5:30 p.m.  Where?    At the Party Barn in the Big Bend Motor Inn grounds,                  Located at the “Y” junction of 118 & 170- (look for the banner)   ALL ORIGINAL  ARTS AND CRAFTS created by local Big Bend artists   Artisans  wishing to participate please contact Bonnie at bonnie@terlinguagallery.com  or call at 371 2345.  There is no $ charge for participants. Pls arrive early to set up.  There is approximately 10 sq.  feet space per artist. There are some tables but please bring your own to be sure. The party barn has a wonderful and large exhibition space for arts and crafts.   Participants:   If you have any hangable art for promotion, to exhibit at the BBMI café,  pls contact Bonnie at info above.

Dec. 17, 2008   updated 12-20   Local art show at the Boathouse   AFTER CHRISTMAS EXHIBIT AND SALE OF LOCAL ART AND CRAFTS SOUTH BREWSTER COUNTY, Terlingua TX —The first Terlingua Artists Market of the year, held in November of 2007 was such a success—coming as it did during this Thanksgiving weekend rush—that Down South artists and artisans are anxious to see what Christmas will bring. The next market is set for Saturday, December 27, at the BOATHOUSE in the Terlingua Ghostown. These markets give the many and talented local artists a chance to exhibit and sell their works and visitors can shop for paintings, weavings, cards, photographs, foodstuffs (with free sampling), clothing, and much more. Last time there was even a masseur who was busy all the time.   Come into the Ghostown and look for the big banner for the ART MARKET on Dec. 27 -  hours 11 to 4 and shop with local artists of the Big Bend.    Support local artists -  they will appreciate your patronage.   Artists who wish to participate should call Sarah Bourbon, 432-371-2202. Some tables are available, but not enough for everyone, so you may need to bring your own table. Contact Sarah Bourbon 432-371-2202 or 432-386-3178

12/5/2008   Janet Sullivan   Janet Sullivan passed away on December 4, 2008.  Last week Janet suffered 2 brain aneurisms  and was airlifted to Dallas where she received treatment and seemed to be recovering.  But she then suffered a massive stroke and did not regain consciousness.        Janet is a long time local of Terlingua Texas.   She donated much of her time to serving on boards for non-profit organizations and was a wonderful person to know,  full of life and positive ideas,  and her personality, full of  laughter and humor will leave a void in many of our hearts.    There will be an informal remembrance celebration for Janet on Monday, Dec. 8, at 6:00 pm at the Boathouse in the Ghostown.   see photos taken of Janet this past summer at http://www.terlinguagallery.com/janet_sullivan.html

November 28, 2008   On  Saturday November 29th,  from 11am to 4 pm or when the crowds die down -  don't forget to attend the   TERLINGUA ARTISTS' MARKET   in the Ghostown -  at the far end of the parking lot next to the trading company,  look for the banner for the art market - (in the groovy arched adobe building with the sculpted columns)   Lots of art:  Paintings, Photography, Jewelry, hand made gifts,  cards,  food tasting, and lots more.   See you there!

Friday Oct 17  7-10 p.m -  at the St arlight Theater - Claude"Butch"Morgan  will be performing.   This is the kick off for the annual Al Barlow Music Weekend so it will be an open mic with lots of great free music.   Saturday night Oct 18 8-11 p.m. & Sunday night 7-10 p.m Claude "Butch" Morgan will be at the Thirsty Goat in Lajitas texas   Monday night Morgan is back at The Starlight Theater for their two for one hamburger night 6-9 p.m.

Sept. 26, 2008   Flooding on the Rio Grande   The flooding along the Rio Grande in the Big Bend,  from Presidio / Ojinaga through the Big Bend Ranch State Park, Lajitas, and Big Bend National Park continues while Mexcio continues to release large amounts of water from the Luis Leon Reservoir.   Several weeks of severe flooding of homes, farms and historic buildings have caused phenomenal  damages.     Flooding updates, articles,  help announcements and links are provided on the yahoo terlingua islands group page. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TerlinguaIslands/

August 30, 2008   Farewell   DB Smith   "One of South County's most colorful and memorable characters died suddenly at 4:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 19th. He had spent the day doing one of the things he loved most . . . dirt work on his tractor.  Very few folks from Alpine to the Terlingua/Study Butte area did not know D.B. (Daddy Bob) Smith. D.B. was born Robert Lee Smith, II on March 4th, 1944. He had retired from the U.S. Coast Guard. He is survived by brothers Dale K. Smith and Zano W. Smith, children Zana L. Tipton, Dana D. Doolan and Dawna J. Sunderland as well as numerous nephews, nieces, grandchildren and one great-grand child. "  .....    (From the Terlingua Moon).   ______ DB loved Terlingua!   He loved driving his old trucks out into the back countries on the ranch.   DB had a knack for understanding technology , especially software for computers and GPS.    The county surveyor told us last year -  when he did official surveys after DB had already marked the corners for clients,  that DB was surprisingly accurate with his hand held GPS.        DB also loved working on the computer.   His  office was a very small storage shed lined with his tables and computer stuff.    I can remember back before I even had a computer,  he was talking fancy web building software, and had the # 1 hit Terlingua site.  It still comes up as number one when you google "Terlingua Texas".      How lonely Bee Mountain will seem now.  No longer will we see DB working on his tractors where he had dreams of his "Downtown Study Butte", or seeing him driving his clients out to find new property owners' land or marking corners,  or   hearing about his new enterprises,  such as the pressed adobe block, his latest story on native desert plant cures,  or whatever new idea he was to explore.    I always had to smile seeing his little billboard on 118 near Bee Mountain, with the cariacture wobbly little skyscrapers painted on it with the words "For sale, in beautiful downtown Study Butte".    Back a number of years ago,   DB had big plans for a downtown Study Butte - planned to be set right on the dusty roads near where his tire shop and home is.    There was going to be a Bar to start it off.  It never got anywhere, but he later bought Jim Smith's highway land,  which was plotted and divided for commercial sale - where his fanciful little billboard stands.   DB bought and sold more tracks onTerlingua Ranch in the last few years than anyone, and at the best deals also,   I was told by numerous people,  including by DB himself.        It's the saddest loss when the community looses its most colorful member.  He provided many community services to us all,  and I know I'll surely miss him a bunch.  Terlingua certainly will never seem the same without him.      Marlys Hersey wrote a sweet tribute to DB in this month's (Sept) issue of the Big Bend Gazette, with great pictures of DB at his job. http://www.bigbendgazette.com/blog/_archives/2008/8/30/3861514.html     If you have a memory you'd like to share about DB,  please do so at the Terlingua Islands yahoo forum:  http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TerlinguaIslands/

July 20, 2008   President Dave Fricker resigns from Water Corp. with a positive note   Recently, as many already know,  Dave Fricker resigned from the Study Butte Water Corporation.   He first became President in June of 2002 because of the resignation of the previous President, then favorably was reelected each consecutive year,  and has since,  devoted so many hours of his time to a non-paying job,  a service to our community,  which I have admired from the first time I spoke with Mr. Fricker.     He retired from a career as Engineering Manager for Mr. Clint Murchison Jr., from 1969 to 1973;  Mr. Murchison was the founder and  owner of the Dallas Cowboys NFL football team.  Mr. Fricker also holds 12 US Patents on electrical controls and voltage regulators.  We were lucky to have had his service for the past 6 years.      Even though I remembered so many episodes over the years where Mr. Fricker rose above  calling by offering many hours of his time in  meetings, communications,  and  applications to improve the water corporation,   I couldn't remember them all.   So I asked him if he would not mind,  in giving me a list of all the progress and improvements he saw while serving as president of the board.   Below,  he kindly gave me a list.      Thank you Mr. Fricker,  for all of your kind and helpful service .    The fact that you were so favorably re-elected each year,  proves that my gratefulness is widespread.   Thank you Mr. Fricker for this list:   From the Desk of Mr. Fricker:     Bill Bourbon was elected President of the water company last night (Thursday). I believe he will take SBWSC to the next level. I have encourged President Bourbon to keep the 'Penny a gallon' water program in effect. Folks and familys need a dependable low cost source for drinking water. During my time as President of SBWSC we all worked as a team and the following is a partial list of what was accomplished:   1)  We made 'Everyone feel welcome at the Water       Company'. 2)  The USDA-RD Grants were completed allowing SBWSC       to double it's customer base and install a new R.O. 3)  In 2002 we had virtually no money in the bank and now       we have well in excess of $100,000 in reserve funds. 4)  We reduced our basic pipeline water leaks by over 50%. 5)  We instituted a call-in answer machine system that       allows us to keep folks informed when water problems       arise and the cost, just $2.50 (a used AT&T answerer) 6)  We increased our ability to service our own pipelines       with the addition of a back-hoe and other equipment. 7)  We re-designed our main water well, making it an       extremely high energy efficient well. 8)  We created an SBWSC Web site at SBWSC.com 9)  Anyone who needs water can purchase up to 25       gallons monthly for one penny per gallon. 10) We are now installing culvert chambers at critical        pipeline locations to help us monitor water flow        and isolate water leaks. 11) We made 'In person' presentations to the State        Funding Agency known as ORCA and OUR         PRESENTATIONS ALWAYS CAME IN FIRST PLACE.       It was one of those presentations that allowed       ORCA to fund the Bee Mountain water storage tank. 12) No SBWSC Officer or Director has EVER received       a salary or financial compensation for their time.        There are many more accomplishments that the people at SBWSC are responsible for ... but the 'Best of all' is a development that few folks even know about ... it's the three phase well motor current regulator that we developed with Utility Systems Technologies in New York and Global Pump Company in Texas. This regulator is the FIRST OF ITS KIND IN THE WORLD and it reduces motor failures in areas with poor quality three phase electric power. SBWSC did not need to pay any of the expenses for developing this unit but UST now owns the rights to this regulator .... which I am told will be marketed 'World wide'. Global Pump's CEO has given it a most unfortunate name, he calls it the 'Frickerlator'.   You now have information few other folks know about but what's really important is that the people in our area have good reliable water.....thanks to Phillip Smith.   On a personal note - Study Butte Water has taught me a great lesson, I finally learned that 'Life is to give'.   Thank You for Your Kindness over the years, Dave Fricker

May 29, 2008   Memorial Service for Charlie Fulcher on Saturday Memorial Service for Charlie will be held this Saturday - (May 31st) at 10:00 A.M. in the Church at Ghostown. Immediately afterwards there will be a gathering for friends and family at the Community Center (behind the Bank). Charlie Fulcher passed away on May 26, 2008.  He was 46. Charlie was diagnosed with a brain tumor in January of 2007.  During his battle over the past year and half,  he had an admirable positive spirit and amazing inner strength, despite the loosing battles with cancer. He talked of his love of God and Jesus with pride, and love of his family.   The comfort that we may have is that God has taken him into his care now, and he is no longer feeling pain. May God bless his family in this time of grief. He is survived by his wife, Carol Fulcher, his mother Evelyn Fulcher, and three sisters, Emory Hill, Annis and Janie Fulcher.  His father,  Clint Fulcher,  died of cancer when Charlie was only 5.   Charlie was a native Terlinguan,  and lived most of his life on the family's Fulcher Ranch,  along Terlingua Creek.   He had many skills,  one being a very fine furniture craftsman.   He will greatly be missed by so many of us.

ART MARKET   FEB. 15, 2008 begins at noon Terlingua Artists will hold a market featuring hand made creations by artists of the Big Bend.  The exhibit will include the Big Bend photography of Ruth Jansyn and Bettie Lowery, sacred art of Marie French, canvases by Bonnie Wunderlich, leatherwork by Zoey Sexton,  hand knits by Janet Hinds, found object art and paintings by Mark Kneeskern and original burlesque clothing designs by Sally Martin.  Whitson Chile Products will be offering tastes of the State Dish of Texas (chile) and offering their award-winning chile products for sale.  Live music will accompany this unique shopping experience with a view of the Chisos Mountains.  CD's by local musicians will be available as well. Festivities kick off at Noon on Friday, February 15th at the barn at the Big Bend Motor Inn on Highway 118 in Study Butte.  Everyone is invited to attend.  For more information, call Sally Martin at 432/371-3205.

January 26, 2008 Terlingua-   Art Market  Feb. 15   ART MARKET where local artists are invited to sell their arts or crafts will be held on February 15th, from noon to 6pm. Held at the Party Barn of the Big Bend Motor Inn located at the "Y" junction of 118 and 170. Beautiful and large space for an art fair. Artists can contact Sally for exhibit space information at terlinguaartists@yahoo.com Artists fee is $25   ______________________________________________   Jan 31 through Feb 5 Last Minute Low Budget Productions  presents THE TRIALS OF JOAN SOUTH BREWSTER COUNTY — Joan Didion and her husband, John Dunne, have two of the greatest names in modern American literature. They have written novels, plays, screenplays, news articles, all about other people. In Didion's tragic memoir, The Year of Magical Thinking, she struggles to take the journalist's analytic view of herself in crisis while the pain is still fresh. The magical thinking of the title was her way of dealing with profound grief. She has said that she must write about something to know what she thinks about it. Now we know too. Beginning January 31 and continuing through February 3, Last Minute Low Budget Productions will present the play that grew out of that book. It was first performed at the Booth Theater on Broadway last March with Vanessa Redgrave as Didion. Summer Williams, one of Big Bend's most accomplished actresses, will give the solo performance Thursday through Sunday. Evening performances will be at 8 p.m. and the Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. at La Kiva on Highway 170 between Study Butte and Terlingua. On Tuesday, February 5, the show will move to the San Vicente School in Big Bend National Park. That one-night show will benefit Last Minute Low Budget Productions' annual fund benefiting Big Bend High School students. Curtain time at the school gymnasium is at 7 p.m. Didion hails from the stratosphere of California society and lived much of her life in and around Los Angeles. Joan and John's daughter, Quintana, was born in Santa Monica and taken home to their beach-side home in Malibu. Their life consisted of a frenetic if cosseted whirl of trips to New York, Hawaii, Paris, and beyond, where they worked on books and movies. Joan's story begins, however, at their Manhattan apartment where, as she says, her life changed in an instant, and went on changing for many months thereafter. Directing the play will be Tom Ramsay, assisted by Sarah Bourbon as producer. It is Tom's first play in Big Bend, though his experience with theater is long, also beginning in California Contact Sarah Bourbon, 432-371-2202 Last Minute Low Budget Productions A Community Non-Profit Theater P.O. Box 508 Terlingua, TX 79852 432-371-2202   __________________________________________   Feb. 1 & 2 Dutch Oven Cook-Off   Gentlemen, Ladies! Start Your Fires! Get your award winning recipes together, folks! The Terlingua 4th Annual Dutch Oven Cook-off at Big Bend Motor Inn to benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Terlingua, is scheduled for February 1st and 2nd, 2008. As the 3rd annual was such a resounding success, you will want to reserve your spaces as soon as possible. Dutch Oven cookery developed its western style during cattle drives as part of the chuck wagon's tools. The very first chuck wagon is said to have been used by the Loving/Goodnight cattle drives. Designed to Goodnight's exacting specifications, the big wagons carried the cowboys' gear and tools as well as provisions, utensils, the coffee pot, cauldron and Dutch Ovens. After the cattle drives ended, the wagons were used on the vast ranches and at roundup. Biscuits were the cowboy mainstay, but all manner of recipes came from chuck wagon cooks. With cast iron Dutch Ovens being one of the tools of the trade, the sky was the limit. And it still is! The Big Bend Motor Inn will provide the opportunity for cooks to stretch the limit in three categories: Bread/Biscuits, Entrees with or without side dish and Desserts. Prizes will be awarded for the top three entries in each category. The Cook-off will start with setup at 8am Saturday morning, with turn- in times as follows: Breads/Biscuits at 3pm, entrees/Sides at 4pm and Desserts at 5pm. After the judging, the onlookers and participants will get to taste the goodies at a Pot Luck dinner! Make your reservations at the Big Bend Motor Inn (1-800-848-BEND) if you plan to stay. Bring your clubs and challenge the best desert golf course in Texas. To register contact: Chuck at caribchuck@bigbendmotorinntx.com or call 432.371.2331/2517   ___________________________________________

DECEMBER 15, 2007   ACTION NEEDED SOON TO LESSEN PASSPORT EFFECT ON THE RIVER   By Cindy Perry / cindyperry@alpineavalanche   http://alpineavalanche.com/articles/2007/12/13/front/news01.txt   Alpine Avalanche   Brewster County and tourism officials agree they must act now to mitigate the impact that pending passport rules will have on tourism, related revenue and good old West Texas hospitality. Rio Grande raft/canoe tours would be affected the most, all agreed at Monday's Commissioners Court meeting, because the proposed rules would require adult travelers to present proof of citizenship (such as a birth certificate) and proof of identity (such as a driver's license) when entering the United States. The U.S. government rules, set to take effect Jan. 31, are interpreted to mean that folks rafting or canoeing the Rio Grande would have to present extra ID before they could set foot back on Texas land. And that, said the tourism officials, could create problems for visitors who may not be aware of the new law. Ron Sanders, of Forever Resorts and Chisos Lodge in Big Bend National Park, cited an example: What if a visitor from Dallas comes here "and wants to take a river trip and doesn't have his passport, we'd have to turn him down; [then] this would have an effect with motel, restaurant" and other tourism-related businesses - not to mention creating a modicum of ill will toward Brewster County. Those who spoke Monday wondered how it would affect commercial boaters, charter boat operators, offshore gambling cruises and fishermen. "If I have to go halfway across the river [Rio Grande], I'd need a passport," said Mike Davidson, director of the Big Bend Tourism Council. Precinct 2 Commissioner Kathy Killingsworth said, "If you look at Amistad Lake ... I don't see how it's enforceable," since the lake is part of both the U.S. and Mexico. Davidson added, "I've talked to the [National] Park Service, and they're concerned." Tourism and county officials agreed that harsh passport and travel laws could, in one person's words, "cripple the county financially." County Judge Val Beard urged commissioners to move "full speed ahead and do what is necessary" to resolve the situation, whether that means lobbying U.S. Rep. Ciro Rodriguez, D-Dist. 23, our U.S. senators and/or pressuring other federal officials. The Commissioners Court agreed with Beard. Another pressing matter drew commissioners' attention, this one involving education in South County. Killingsworth gave a report on Terlingua CSD and San Vicente ISD, noting the amount of money and school district values that have been lost since Big Bend National Park was established in the 1940s. Both districts should be eligible for federal Impact Aid Program funding, which would total $165,189 for Terlingua CSD and $192,702 for San Vicente, her report showed. But current U.S. Department of Education rules state both districts can't have the money because the land transferred decades ago from private hands to state control to the federal government - in other words, Big Bend National Park - has no value. That assessment was made despite figures showing that 118,645 eligible acres in Terlingua CSD have a taxable value of $13.88 million and 203,016 acres in San Vicente ISD have a taxable value of $17.05 million. Killingsworth's report also showed that since Big Bend National Park was established (Texas deeded the land to the U.S. in 1943), the loss of school district values has been 42 percent for Terlingua and 60 percent for the San Vicente district. Killingsworth said Rodriguez has been contacted to work on special federal legislation to rectify the situation, and the Commissioners Court voted to support the Terlingua district's application for impact aid.

December 8, 2007   Two alerting articles about:  Wild Burros are being shot   Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD) has asked Peaceful Valley for assistance in removing the wild burros from the Big Bend State Park near the Mexican Border. A recent news story has circulated on the Internet describing the Park's current shooting policy. 18 wild burros have been shot in the last few months. The Directors of the TPWD have tried helicopter roundups in the past with no luck. The area is too big and the terrain is too rough. Our method of baiting, waiting and trapping is ideal for this situation. Many of the burros in this area have migrated into the park from Mexico and this is a major concern for the US Department of Agriculture. No one knows what diseases or parasites the burros may have. The government puts all of its "burro money" into the BLM program. This leaves nothing on the table for the other agencies. They are mandated to reduce the population and have no choice other than to shoot them. Peaceful Valley must usually fund these projects out of pocket. PVDR has a management plan that includes castration and selective removal. With better management, there would not be a need to constantly bring in large burro herds form the wild. In order to implement our plan, we must take on these types of projects to prove our worth to the Federal, State and Local agencies. As always, the public has voiced their opposition to the killing of the burros but that fact remains that without the help of Peaceful Valley, the TPWD will have no other alternative. This program is going to be very costly. We need everyone's help!   Our Plan   Mark Meyers will be given a tour of the park on Jan. 14 by TPWD Regional Director Mike Hill. After familiarizing himself with the burro herds, patterns of travel and watering holes, Mark will setup a capture area. The capture area will be baited with feed and salt to attract the burros.   Stage 2 Once the burros are comfortable with the trap area, the trap will be set. Up to 20 burros will be caught during each capture. Once captured, the burros will be taken to our Miles, TX facility for quarantine, blood and fecal testing and full medical evaluation.   Stage 3 Trained volunteers will begin working with the burros in order to make them adoptable to the public.   Please contact Mark Meyers at mark@donkeyrescue.org for more information http://donkeyrescue.org/ __________   Read the   Article from The Big Bend Sentinel / The Presidio International   By STERRY BUTCHER The Big Bend Sentinel The Presidio International December 6, 2007 http://www.marfatx.com/uploadedfiles/questions120607.html PRESIDIO COUNTY – A strategy to improve the habitat of native animal species has led to the killing of wild burros at Big Bend Ranch State Park and sparked two investigations on how the matter was handled........ ........... "The shooting bothers me," he said. "The burro carried the mother of the king of kings on their back. We should respect them for that."

Nov. 11, 2007   The Second Annual Terlingua Intertribal Powwow Saturday and Sunday   -  December 1st and 2nd, 2007    if you have not seen last year's photos of the First annual event, see them both  here: http://www.terlinguagallery.com/powwow.html

November 6, 2007   Encouraging news on the Christmas Mountains! Rather than accept one of the private bids today, as Commissioner Patterson announced he wanted to do, the School Land Board instead voted to postpone the sale for ninety days to give the National Park Service (NPS) time to prepare an offer to acquire the mountains. It's unclear whether the Board is making hunting and firearms a precondition of NPS acquisition, but it's a good sign that the other two board members (appointees of Gov. Perry and Attorney General Abbott) didn't go along with Patterson's plan. Yesterday, Environment Texas turned in more than 6,300 petition signatures to Perry and Abbott. Thank you for all your support. We still have a long way to go, but the future's looking a lot brighter for the Christmas Mountains. For more information, see this Dallas Morning News article: http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/latestnews/stories/110707dnmetmountains.1e46da4cd.html# Sincerely, Luke Metzger Environment Texas Director LukeM@environmenttexas.org http://www.environmenttexas.org P.S.  Thanks again for your support.  Please feel free to share this e-mail with your family and friends.

October 20, 2007                      GONZO’S SEND-OFF CELEBRATION      Sunday 10-28-07   6 PM Terlingua Time            The Gathering begins about 5:30 PM at the Ghostown Porch                                      About 6 PM, Gonzo will ride in his Avon to the cemetery                                        where a joy filled time of knowing Gonzo begins             After all the words have been said, the tears have been shed, the music has begun—                                         We will move to the Boathouse for a PARTY                                                      Pot luck          Keg furnished               Bring musical instruments              Bring photos                                           Meet his way-cool brother John and his wife D’Anne          Compose songs, write poetry, bake brownies       Bring yourself and your memories of good times with our great friend     It’s about being mellow and sharing with each other our own unique       experiences and that “L” word and happy and fun -- his gift to us all

October 18, 2007 On line Petition (click here) Environment Texas Asks Perry, Abbott to Save the Christmas Mountains AUSTIN- Environment Texas launched an online petition today calling on Governor Rick Perry and Attorney General Greg Abbott to direct their appointees on the School Land Board to cancel the sale of the Christmas Mountains to private interests and work to arrange permanent protection of the property as part of Big Bend National Park. Environment Texas condemned Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson (chair of the School Land Board) for blocking the park's protection and asked Perry and Abbott to intervene. "We have a great opportunity to add to one of Texas' most valuable natural treasures: Big Bend National Park," said Environment Texas Director Luke Metzger. "Commissioner Patterson is unreasonably blocking this conservation effort, so it is up to Gov. Perry and Attorney General to show leadership and save the Christmas Mountains."; On October 12, the Superintendent of Big Bend National Park (BBNP), William Wellman, wrote Land Commissioner Patterson asking him for a delay in the auction (which could happen as early as Nov. 6), to allow time for the National Park Service to "re-evaluate the feasibility of adding the Christmas Mountains to the park " Unfortunately, Commissioner Patterson refused that request, because he has a personal complaint against NPS policy which prohibits concealed handguns and hunting on park property. However, Patterson is just one of three votes on the School Land Board. The other two are David Herrmann of San Antonio (appointed by General Abbott) and Todd Barth of Houston (appointed by Governor Perry). The Christmas Mountains were donated by the Mellon Foundation and the Conservation Fund to the Permanent School Fund in 1991 to hold until a permanent solution like adding the property to BBNP could be arranged. The lease they signed with the state says GLO has to get their permission to sell, but Commissioner Patterson says that provision won't hold up in court so he's ignoring it. The Austin American-Statesman reported that Richard King Mellon Foundation officer Mike Watson wrote that if the auction goes through "the state [should] not look to the R.K. Mellon Foundation for any future help." Other funders may follow suit. The state of Texas hasn't funded a major land acquisition program since 1967 and has relied on the generosity of private foundations to fund natural area protection. At a parks summit in Austin this weekend, the Austin American-Statesman quoted Governor Perrry saying "Our national parks ... are such an important part of Texas. They provide the absolute perfect setting for a family." ### ****Please note our new address******** ************************************************************ Luke Metzger Director Environment Texas Environment Texas Research and Policy Center 815 Brazos Suite 600 Austin, Texas 78701 (512) 479-0388 office (512) 743-8257 cell (512) 479-0400 fax www.EnvironmentTexas.org

September 4, 2007 Terlingua-  Tipis   Made in Terlingua.     Heavy duty hand crafted tipis . 19ft  tipi, includes liner, door, and poles,   13 oz white cotton canvas,  $2200   Contact Guy Foli  432-371 2131

You can post your Terlingua Big Bend news on http://groups.yahoo.com/group/terlinguacitylimits/

South County - Las Colinas-based Giant Petroleum discovers new source for oil in West Texas http://www.pegasusnews.com:80/news/2007/jul/26/las-colinas-based-giant-petroleum-discovers-new-so/   LAS COLINAS — Giant Petroleum, Inc. announced the discovery of oil in a new field in the Marfa Basin of West Texas. The successful Giant-Lykes DPW #1C discovery well is located 35 miles south of Alpine, Texas. "Due to the geologic success of the first well, we are planning to move forward and aggressively develop our relatively large acreage positions in Presidio and Brewster Counties," President of Giant Petroleum, Inc., Chris Plunkett said.  Giant Petroleum gives new meaning to the term "Big Oil" The confirmation of the new discovery came by electric logging which established the presence of abundant hydrocarbons within the target formation along with other unexpected, yet potentially productive horizons. A hydrocarbon, as its names suggests, is comprised of hydrogen and carbon and is easily found in crude oil. The Giant-Lykes DPW #1C oil well is scheduled for completion in the upcoming weeks and is just one of many projects that Giant Petroleum, Inc. has planned in West Texas. "Giant Petroleum is a small but growing company in a unique position to be a leader in this little-explored part of the country," Chief Operations Officer, Giant Petroleum, Inc., Wes Harris, said. "We feel the timing is right and the technology is now there to exploit these virtually untapped reserves. This is absolutely necessary as we strive to decrease our dependence on foreign oil." Giant Petroleum, Inc., located in Las Colinas, is a private company formed for the purpose of developing prime oil and gas properties. Source: Giant Petroleum

South Brewster County- Physical address are available now from Rio Grande Council of Governments 1-800-333-7082. 911 ADDRESSES: From Betty Alex, "Need to renew your Driver's License? Need to get a Passport? Need to buy insurance or get a new credit card? Well, then you need your LEGAL 911 physical address. The Rio Grande Counc