Fire Awareness

Colorado county burn ban is in effect 2011-10-13 @ 07:00. All outside burning is prohibited! The ban covers burning of trash, brush and any other open fires. If you have questions, call the Sheriff's office at 979-732-2388. Fire conditions are *EXTREME*.

The burn ban has been canceled but the fire danger always remains high in Oakridge. Please take extra precautions with all fires. Remember, the Oakridge Volunteer Fire Dept. (911) is at least 20 minutes away. Call the Sheriff @ 979-732-2388 before burning brush. The Oakridge VFD will stand by on any burning.

Fire danger is forecast as Moderate to High in Colorado county. Please be extremely careful with all outside burning.

Emergency 911

For fire or medical emergency, call 911.

For incidents that directly and immediately endanger human life or property.

Firefighter Knots

Learn and practice knots at the Grog Animated Knots website.

Forest Service

Check the Texas Forest Service website for information on fire danger and prevention.

Rabies Prevention

If you notice any animals exhibiting unusual behavior, please contact our game biologist, (979-732-3611) in Columbus. He will advise you regarding steps to take in order to help control this disease.

The state has information regarding rabies at Texas, Dept. of State, Health Services.

ORWMA - Purpose of Organization

Oakridge Ranch Wildlife Management Association (ORWMA) was formed in 1998. We are organized under a Texas Parks and Wildlife program as a level one (1) Managed Land for Deer Corporation. The purpose of the organization is to aid in the preservation of all wildlife indigenous to our area. Winning the Lone Star Land Steward award in 2004 was a strong affirmation of the valuable guidance that ORWMA has provided for the member controlled acreage.

ORWMA members continue to learn and use their knowledge to promote the principles that underlie this prestigious award.

ORWMA members have many diverse interests in wildlife management. This website has many pages to address these varied interests. Articles relating to a specific topic will be posted in the area of interest.

Pictures of the Wounded Warrior Weekend 2011

2011 Wounded Warrior Weekend Pictures. Just click on the link and select the group of pictures you want to view.

Better Hunting This Year (2011)

Here is evidence that managing the deer population has produced two fine bucks in the 130 class B&C. Last year we had an abundance of acorns and very few deer were harvested. The drought this year attracted deer to feeders and food plots. Notice the tall “basket rack” on Larry’s deer and the “wide rack” on Vernon’s deer. Many of these bucks have been sited on the ranch and this is a good indication of things to come. Both deer have been taken to the taxidermist for mounting.

Sunset at Oakridge Ranch

This is a sunset on November 26, 2011 along CR 215.

Learn to Identify the Warblers

Here is some "downloadable" information to help you identify warblers.

Dry Season

By Brenda Bell

The meanest drought in modern Texas history looks different out here, away from the cities.

There are no dissonant swaths of emerald St. Augustine lawns, no blooming shrubs, no misters cooling bar patrons as the sun goes down on another cloudless, 105-degree day. The disconnect between what rural Texans are experiencing and sheltered urbanites are seeing has never seemed greater.

Out here, the brutality of the drought is measured not in annoying water restrictions or bursting water pipes – now commonplace in cities and towns – but threatened livelihoods, and the waning of life itself.

Full story By Brenda Bell
Accompanying Photos by Jay Janner

Drought Conditions Chronicled by LCRA

Drought approaches worst in history

With the extreme hot and dry weather showing no signs of relenting, LCRA forecasts that this drought could become the worst on record by early spring.

The 11 months from October 2010 through August 2011 have been the driest for that 11-month period in Texas since 1895, when the state began keeping rainfall records. This summer in Texas has been the hottest in the country's history, according to the National Weather Service.

full story >

Over Achiever

Pileated woodpecker

This Pileated woodpecker was building a mansion in a skyscraper. SBEC refused to allow the remodeled pole to remain.

Photo by
Amy H.
click on photo for larger image






Bluebird Houses for Sale

Bluebird houses are available through the ORWMA Birding SIG. The entire package includes the house, a pole for mounting, a baffle to ward off predators and all the hardware. The houses are $20 each.

Contact an ORWMA SIG leader for more information or send email to Bret.

From : Oakridge Volunteer Fire Department:

To: All land owners

Your Volunteer Fire Department suggests you look at or do the following.

1. Test and change batteries in all smoke alarms. Smoke alarms are the First line of defense for the home owner.

2. Establish and practice a home evacuation plan e.g. all of the family will Meet outside home at some predetermined place, perhaps mailbox etc.

3. Disk area around fences. Keep brush cut around home, barns, Outbuildings.

4. Keep and check fire extinguishers for interior of home, also consider Dedicated exterior fire lines for home for a small fire.

5. Make sure members of family know how to disconnect electrical power. (usually 200 amp breaker)

6. Review with family how to get help for fire/ems emergency (911).

7. For any burning of brush, make sure fire lanes are cut and all fires attended until fire is out.

8. Review with family overall fire safety in home.

To sum up, safety and fire safety is in all our best interests, because Oct. Is fire prevention month this is a great time to re-visit all these areas.

Oakridge Volunteer Fire Department is offering free courtesy home fire Inspections. Call Steve Harlan for details or for appointment. 733-8767.

Oakridge Volunteer Fire Department wants you, male or female. Please, get involved. You won't be disappointed.

Pictures of a Baltimore Oriole

These pictures are new on Sept. 4, 2009. Submitted by Amy Hardy

Who Are The Squatters?

Read the story of Bret and Terri's annual visitors.

Plant Your Victory Garden

This article explains the "Victory Gardens" of WWI and WWII. It also gives information about starting a garden of your own. This may become very important during 2010.

New Items

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