84R20956 BPG-D
By: Nevárez H.R. No. 2159
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Dr. Richardson B. Gill, Christopher Gill, Reeda
Peel, and Javier Vasquez have undertaken an important study on the
natural history of elk herds in the Lone Star State; and
WHEREAS, A co-owner of Circle Ranch in the Sierra Diablo
mountains, Chris Gill is committed to restoring native wildlife and
habitat; he wanted to examine the question of whether elk were
indigenous to areas of Texas beyond the Guadalupe Mountains, and to
that end, he joined forces with his brother Richardson Gill, an
anthropologist, and archeologists Reeda Peel and Javier Vasquez;
and
WHEREAS, The team evaluated a variety of evidence, including
geographic clues in the form of place names; through radiocarbon
dating, they traced elk bones, antlers, and fossilized dung to the
dawn of the 17th century; they delved into historical accounts,
finding that the earliest documented sighting of elk in Texas
occurred in 1601; in addition, they examined the visual record left
by artists, who depicted elk on cave and canyon walls some 2,000 to
4,000 years ago; in their report, titled "Are Elk Native to Texas?"
the group detailed its findings, which document the widespread
presence of elk in Texas centuries ago, from the Panhandle to the
Rio Grande; and
WHEREAS, Through their extensive research, these
investigators have established that the majestic elk, now confined
to mountain ranges in the Trans-Pecos, once ranged across much of
what would become the Lone Star State; their work makes a valuable
contribution to scientific knowledge and provides information that
is important to the future management of this valuable species;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas
Legislature hereby commend Dr. Richardson B. Gill, Christopher
Gill, Reeda Peel, and Javier Vasquez for their research on the
natural history of elk in Texas and extend to them sincere
appreciation for their dedication to wildlife stewardship; and, be
it further
RESOLVED, That official copies of this resolution be prepared
for the researchers as an expression of high regard by the Texas
House of Representatives.