Writer: Steve Byrns, (915) 653-4576,s-byrns@tamu.edu

LAMPASAS – The latest developments concerning the management of bobwhite quail will be presented during a special "Quail Appreciation Day" April 26.

The morning session is in the Lampasas County Farm Bureau Building. The afternoon program will move to the Paul Culp Ranch, nine miles north of Lampasas.

The program is sponsored by the Texas Agricultural Extension Service and the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station. Registration is at 8:30 a.m. Three Texas Department of Agriculture continuing education units will be offered (one IPM and two general).

Mike Mallett, Lampasas County Extension agent and a key program coordinator, said the program's purpose is to update quail enthusiasts on matters affecting the birds.

"There's a lot going on in the world of quail right now," said Mallett. "Some of it's good, like the potential income they can generate, but some of it's not, like the steady loss of wild bird populations in our area and throughout the South. We've drafted Dr. Dale Rollins, San Angelo-based Extension wildlife specialist and one of the state's leading wild quail authorities, to bring us up to date."

The day-long meeting will include presentations on such topics as quail ecology, habitat management and the Bobwhite Brigade youth program. One presentation will focus on the "Quail Decline Initiative" now before the Texas legislature. The $3.7 million initiative, if funded, would provide dollars for research and land owner education to stem the rapidly falling populations of Texas wild quail and associated grassland songbirds.

Pre-registration is $12 per person by April 19 and $20 thereafter and at the door.

For further information contact Mallett at (512) 556-8271.