MEDIA ADVISORY, Dec. 13, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) --
WHEN: Monday, December 13, 2004
(following the PHA Commission meeting -- approximately
3 p.m.)
WHERE: The Lou Lawler International Seafarers Center
1700 Barbours Cut Blvd., LaPorte, Texas.
Directions: Take S.H. 225 east to S.H. 146 South. Exit
Barbours Cut Blvd. and turn left under the highway.
Proceed approximately two miles and see the center on the
right opposite the Barbours Cut Container Terminal.
WHO: PHA Chairman Jim Edmonds and the PHA commissioners
PHA Executive Director Tom Kornegay
Legacy Land Trust Chairman Bill Turner
Legacy Land Trust Executive Director Jennifer Lorenz
WHY: The easement is part of the PHA's commitment to fulfill
the requirements of the federal permit granted for the
Bayport Container and Cruise Terminal project. The
purposes of the easement include providing a stop-over
and wintering area for migratory waterfowl, shorebirds
and songbirds; protect forested riparian area; and retain
the floodwater retention capacity of property located
along the San Jacinto River. The state's largest known
River Birch tree measuring 67' high and 73" in
circumference with a 67' crown spread is located on the
property. Other trees that are rare to Harris County and
also found at Banana Bend include the Southern Red Oak
(Quercus falcate), Blackgum (Nyssa sylvatica), Sassafrass
(Sassafras albidum), and (Persea berbonia). In all,
Banana Bend hosts 39 species of trees, 71 species of
forbs (broad-leaved herbaceous plants that are not
grass), 15 species of vines, 18 species of grasses, five
species of shrubs, and eight species of fungi. The site
is prime habitat for 60 species of birds including
several rare species such as Lincoln's sparrow, Sedge
wren, and Hermit thrush. Banana Bend forests offer
excellent tree cavities for woodpeckers and owls. Hawks,
Osprey and other raptors use these forests for evening
set-downs as well.
AUDIO/
VISUALS: -- Official signing ceremony
-- Remarks by Edmonds and Turner
-- Interviews available upon request
CONTACTS: Argentina James, PHA Public Affairs Director
Office: 713-670-2568 Cell: 713-306-6822
Felicia Griffin, PHA Communications Manager
Office: 713-670-2644 Cell: 713-594-5620
DUE TO HEIGHTENED SECURITY REQUIREMENTS, MEDIA ACCESS WILL BE STRICTLY LIMITED TO THE DESIGNATED PHA LOCATION. ALL MEDIA PERSONNEL MUST PRESENT CURRENT PHOTO IDENTIFICATION UPON ENTRANCE.
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