TITLE: Commending Dr. Richardson B. Gill, Christopher Gill, Reeda Peel, and Javier Vasquez for their research on the natural history of elk in Texas.

SUMMARY: Commending Dr. Richardson B. Gill, Christopher Gill, Reeda Peel, and Javier Vasquez for their research on the natural history of elk in Texas.

FULL TEXT:
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. Nev rez Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 2159 was adopted by the House on May 21, 2015, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House