Bryan Organization Leads Recovery Efforts in the Texas Panhandle
In the wake of the largest wildfire in Texas history, a Bryan-based organization is taking the lead in aiding recovery efforts in the Panhandle. Texas A&M AgriLife’s Disaster Assessment and Recovery Unit, led by Dr. Monty Dozier, is assisting with the gargantuan task of helping the area bounce back from the devastating incident which has left it severely scorched.
Scale of the Fire
The wildfire has left its mark on more than a million acres, resulting in thousands of cattle and livestock lost, and a grave amount of grazing potential destroyed. “It is amazing the amount this fire has burned and the percentage of the grazing potential that was lost,” commented Dr. Dozier. The effects of the disaster are extensive, and the path to recovery will be a long one.
The Recovery Efforts
“The main thing that we do is set up an animal supply point to bring resources that are donated across Texas and across the nation for ranchers to have access to fresh feed, fresh hay, so that the livestock that survived can get reorganized and cared for,” Dr. Dozier explained.
In addition to providing fresh feed and hay, Texas A&M AgriLife’s Disaster Assessment and Recovery Unit has collected around 17,000 bales of hay. “Of that 17,000 bales of hay that we’ve received, we’ve distributed about 68 percent of that, so it is getting out to those producers,” Dr. Dozier stated.
Fencing Material and Moving Forward
Fencing material also forms an integral part of the recovery efforts. It is helping in the rebuilding process, one acre at a time. As local ranchers and farmers slowly regain their footing, the Bryan-based organization aims to ensure they are well-equipped to handle the recuperation journey ahead.
Dr. Dozier mentioned that they are looking at June 1 as the potential date for winding up this phase of the relief operation. By then, they hope that the local infrastructure will be well on its way to standing back up, allowing them to roll back out. The key lies in offering just enough support to fill the gap, but not so much as to deter the local community’s recovery efforts.
A Show of Humanity
In these trying times, Dr. Dozier and his team have highlighted the goodness of humanity. “It’s a devastating thing to be dealing with, but you get to see the good side of humanity and the good side of neighbors, whether that neighbor is five miles away or 500 miles away,” Dr. Dozier commented.
This vast tragedy has brought to the fore the bonds of community, resilience, and compassion towards those affected. Once again, it affirms that during hard times, it is empathy and unity that allow us to come together and work towards better days.
