Concerned Citizens for the Preservation of Chalk Mountain are hosting a public meeting on Saturday, October 4, to prepare for the upcoming TEXAS COMMISSION ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY meeting, and their battle with Tommy Davis of Slick Machines in Brownwood, Texas. The Concerned Citizens for the Preservation of Chalk Mountain has arranged this critical planning meeting to raise awareness and to prepare for a meeting with the TCEQ in October.

An outpouring of public protest began after the Glen Rose Newspaper broke the news that Davis had applied for a permit (air quality permit application 82199L002) to "level the mountain".

Residents of Chalk Mountain began submitting letters to local papers, to state officials and to fellow interested parties; expressing grave concerns on what this could do to their beloved region, as well as to two very special guests that are known to nest in the area.

The rare Golden-cheeked Warbler and Black-capped vireos are known to have nests in the vicinity of the proposed plant. The population of both birds is declining due to loss of habitat and nest parasitism by cowbirds. Although their ranges overlap, their habitat needs differ: the warbler inhabits mature oak/juniper woodlands, while the vireo prefer scrubby, early succession habitat.

The nationally and state endangered birds nest only in central Texas’ mixed Ashe-juniper and cedar trees in ravines and canyons. They come to Texas in March to nest and raise their young, and leave in July to spend the winter in Mexico and Central America. Of the nearly 360 bird species that breed in Texas, the Golden-cheeked Warbler is the only one that nests exclusively in Texas.

Black-capped vireos are vulnerable to changes in the abundance and quality of its habitat.

Habitat loss is often the primary factor threatening a species’ existence, habitat actually used by endangered or threatened animals is subject to protection by the Endangered Species Act (ESA).Habitat modifications that would result in harm to the Golden-cheeked Warbler would be considered a violation by private actions under the ESA.

According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Texas ranks sixth in the nation in terms of the number of endangered species living within its borders. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is required by law to assess periodically the status of America’s endangered species and to report its findings to Congress.

Many avid bird enthusiasts in the area have worked for a long time to develop and maintain an area inviting to the endangered birds.

Having to act quickly in order to be heard by the deciding governing officials that could stop the planned facility; letters, emails, phone calls and visits went out to elected officials. An official meeting with the TCEQ has been approved, though a date is yet to be set.

To date, the Concerned Citizens for the Preservation of Chalk Mountain have had a tremendous outpouring of public support, including one letter from a Glen Rose Junior High student to Texas State Representative Sid Miller’s office asking for the TCEQ meeting.

The meeting on Saturday will begin at 10:00 a.m. at the Somervell County Citizen’s Center, located at the intersection of Barnard and Hereford streets in downtown Glen Rose.

Local and State elected officials have been invited to attend, as well as any citizens and civic groups that wish to express their concerns and be heard.

The group is hoping to send the message… "Don’t Mess with Chalk Mountain"!

Yes, it is understood that there is a need for gravel and rock, but it is not necessary for it to come from Chalk Mountain.

The Texas State Roadside Park at Chalk Mountain, which offers the magnificent view of where we are so proud to call home, celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Application has been made for a historical marker to be placed at the popular sightseeing spot. While the focus for the preservation of Chalk Mountain is primarily on the two endangered birds, it is also important to secure Chalk Mountain for future generations to enjoy.

When future visitors stop at the overlook to look, what will their view be? Chalk Mountain or a gravel pit?