Taylor Counties Research Articles

UPDATED COUNTY MOSQUITO SPECIES RECORDS FOR NORTHWEST FLORIDA

This report updates the mosquito species composition for Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Holmes, Washington, Jackson, Calhoun, Liberty, Gadsden, Leon, Wakulla, Jefferson, Madison, and Taylor Counties, through collections made in a centralized surveillance program operated from 2002-2020 in northwest Florida. 91 county species records were documented. The most notable discoveries included finding Mansonia titillans (Walker) in eleven of the fourteen surveyed counties, Psorophora horrida (Dyar and Knab) in nine, Anopheles perplexens Ludlow in eight and Culex erraticus (Dyar and Knab) and Uranotaenia lowii Theobald in seven. Psorophora mathesoni Belkin and Heinemann and Aedes japonicus japonicus (Theobald) were found in six new counties. Culex pilosus (Dyar and Knab) was found solely in Calhoun and Liberty Cos., while Culex peccator Dyar and Knab and Culex tarsalis Coquillett were recovered in Calhoun Co. and Santa Rosa Co., respectively. Mansonia titillans, Cx. erraticus, Cx. tarsalis and Ae. j. japonicus are known arbovirus vectors, thus increasing the disease risk in this region.

Spatial Distribution of Estimated Wind-Power Royalties in West Texas

Wind-power development in the U.S. occurs primarily on private land, producing royalties for landowners through private contracts with wind-farm operators. Texas, the U.S. leader in wind-power production with well-documented support for wind power, has virtually all of its ~12 GW of wind capacity sited on private lands. Determining the spatial distribution of royalty payments from wind energy is a crucial first step to understanding how renewable power may alter land-based livelihoods of some landowners, and, as a result, possibly encourage land-use changes. We located ~1700 wind turbines (~2.7 GW) on 241 landholdings in Nolan and Taylor counties, Texas, a major wind-development region. We estimated total royalties to be ~$11.5 million per year, with mean annual royalty received per landowner per year of $47,879 but with significant differences among quintiles and between two sub-regions. Unequal distribution of royalties results from land-tenure patterns established before wind-power development because of a “property advantage,” defined as the pre-existing land-tenure patterns that benefit the fraction of rural landowners who receive wind turbines. A “royalty paradox” describes the observation that royalties flow to a small fraction of landowners even though support for wind power exceeds 70 percent.

Correlation of water quality indicators for coastal marshes

Encompassing 68,000 acres spread out between Wakulla, Jefferson, and Taylor counties along the Gulf Coast of northwest Florida, St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1931 to provide wintering habitat for migratory birds. This study evaluated the water quality of coastal marshes at St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge in terms of coliform and chlorophyll a, along with dissolved oxygen, temperature, pH, conductivity, and total suspended solid. Coliform and chlorophyll a were correlated to water physical and chemical parameters based on statistical analysis. Coliform showed direct correlations with turbidity. However, chlorophyll a displayed no correlation with turbidity. Instead, chlorophyll a had a correlation with pH. With the increase of pH, chlorophyll a exponentially decreased.

Abstract: Exploration for Canyon Reefs Utilizing Subsurface Geology and 3-D Seismic, Jones and Taylor Counties, Texas 

Abstract A detailed subsurface geological study of the Canyon series across Jones and Taylor Counties, Texas has led to multiple wildcat discoveries along this trend. Basic subsurface mapping techniques were used simultaneously with the study of electric log characteristics to determine prospective acreage blocks for exploration. The use of 3-D seismic data was then utilized to more accurately evaluate the top of the Canyon Carbonate series along this trend. With the use of 3-D seismic, approximately 75 wells have been drilled in this trend from Anson in Jones County, southwest across Taylor County, and into Nolan County. This play is still active, and for that reason exhibits are not presented. This paper will focus on the portion of the trend which crosses Taylor County southwestward into the edge of Nolan County. The subsurface geological study of the trend area discovered three important aspects that helped the acreage selection process. First, the structural map of the top of the Canyon Carbonate showed productive Canyon Reef features were found generally between 2000 feet down to 2600 feet subsea along the trend. The erratic structural nature of the Canyon Carbonate combined with sometimes very few well penetrations led to the decision to use 3-D seismic data to accurately define the Canyon Carbonate. Secondly, subsurface structural mapping of the shallow horizons also showed drape of these Permian-aged sands and carbonates over the Pennsylvanian aged reefs. It was also noted that numerous shallow Permian-aged features set up by the deeper Canyon reefs had very few penetrations into the Canyon section. Thirdly, the presence of a Canyon Carbonate shelf edge that paralleled the productive Canyon Reef trend was noted. The shelf edge or build-up is generally from 2200 feet up to 1800 feet subsea, some 300 to 400 feet of added section. It was discovered after 3-D shooting that the majority of all the Canyon Carbonate features discovered fell into a two mile window down-dip from the shelf edge which parallels the productive Canyon Reef trend. A total of 65 square miles of 3-D seismic data was acquired in two continuous projects. As many as 75 different Canyon Reefs have been identified from the seismic data. To date, 33 locations have been drilled completing 23 as Canyon Reef producers for a 70 percent success ratio. The identified prospects all have subsea top between 2200 feet to 2600 feet subsea and occur approximately within the two mile window down dip from the referenced Canyon shelf edge. The majority of the features drilled are structural in nature with four-way closure, while a few successfully drilled features appear to be more stratigraphic in nature. The shallow horizons mapped using the 3-D data confirm they are draped over the deeper Canyon-aged features. Six Canyon drilled locations have yielded secondary payzone discoveries while drilling for the primary 3-D target, the Canyon Reef. Detailed subsurface geological research is essential. Combined with the use of 3-D seismic data to help define detail beyond imagination, the potential for a major successful exploration project is excellent.

Effects of Abamectin on Peachtree Borers in the Laboratory and in Peach Orchards (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae)2

Abamectin was effective in reducing egg hatch, larval survival, adult mating behavior and oviposition of the lesser peachtree borer, Synanthedon pictipes (Grote and Robinson) LPTB, and egg hatch and larval survival of the peachtree borer, Synanthedon exitisoa (Say) PTB, in the laboratory at rates of 10 and 20 ppm. Subsequently, tests in peach orchards with comparable rates of abamectin were effective in reducing PTB populations in Peach and Taylor counties, Georgia. Although abamectin was less effective than chlorpyrifos (standard recommendation) for PTB control, it warrants consideration as an alternative for control because it is a natural product derivative and probably poses little threat to the environment.

A Search of Wood Rat (Neotoma) Nests in Taylor and Jones Counties, Texas, for the Presence of Reduviidae Infected with Trypanosoma cruzi

A Search of Wood Rat (Neotoma) Nests in Taylor and Jones Counties, Texas, for the Presence of Reduviidae Infected with Trypanosoma cruzi

Screening Relatives of Diabetics in Five Florida Counties

T HAT DIABETES runs in families has been recognized for many generations, but this knowledge is seldom applied to community diabetes detection programs if one judges by the literature. Screening relatives of persons with diabetes is a continuing activity in Florida. This report describes the detection project in IHillsborough, Jefferson, Madison, Suwannee, and Taylor Counties during the period January through June 1958. Programs for diabetics in Florida began in 1935 when a member of the State legislature for Polk County, who was a diabetic, presented a bill to provide funds to purchase insulin for the indigent diabetics in the State.. The legislature has appropriated funds for this purpose, included in the State board of health budget, for every year except one when the item wa.s not included in the budgetary request. The appropriation for 1959 was approximately $40,000. In 1946 the Public Health Service conducted a diabetes scre.ening de.monstration among the general population of Duval County, including Jacksonville. The Service also provided educational services, conducted classes for diabetics, and made other studies. Subsequently the State board of health used a trailer that toured various counties to conduct diabetes screening among the general population. The trailer service was discontinued about 8 years ago because of lack of funds. One of the studies related to the 1946 demonstration undertook to determine the prevalence of undetected diabetes among blood relatives of known diabetics in Duval County. The basis for the study was the long-observed, familial pattern of diabetes confirmed by numerous genetic studies. In the Duval County study (1) during the 3-year period from 1947 to 1950, 1,741 relatives of diabetics were given laboratory tests for diabetes, and 73 new cases of diabetes (4.2 percent of those tested) were discovered. The percentage of cases detected among relatives of diabetics was found to be about five times as high as the percentage found in screening general population groups. After several years during which casefinding activities based on screening relatives of known diabetics were not feasible, the Florida State Board of Health undertook in 1957 to capitalize on the unique opportunity afforded by the State's purchases of free insulin for indigent diabetics. In 1957 approximately 2,700 diabetics received part or all of their insulin through the State board of health. Casefinding among relatives has several advantages which were helpful in reactivating the diabetes detection program in Florida. Screening can begin with small groups of persons and yet have a sufficiently high rate of yield to make a small program productive. Dr. Parks is director of special health services, Florida State Board of Health, Jacksonville. Mr. Remein is associate chief, Operational Research, and Mrs. Shields, public health analyst of the Chronic Disease Branch, Division of Special Health Services, Public Health Service. Mr. Turvaville is a fieldworker with the division of chronic disease, Florida State Board of Health.

Oil and Gas Developments in Kentucky in 1959

Total oil production reached another new all-time high with a record-breaking 27,271,956 bbls., one-third of which was produced in Green and Taylor counties. The interest in shallow Silurian-Devonian production brought a big increase in drilling in south-central Kentucky. Shallow Mississippian production in Metcalfe County, an extremely shallow Devonian discovery in Lincoln County, and new Ordovician discoveries in Clinton and Cumberland counties raised the total of wells drilled in the state to a new all-time high. Gas production showed a very slight decline to 68,938,376 MCF. United Fuel Gas Company's deep tests in Martin, Carter, and Bell counties, and other scattered deep tests throughout the state demonstrated the continued interest in Knox and other Cambro-Ordovicia reservoirs.

Oil Exploration in Green County, Kentucky, and Adjacent Areas: ABSTRACT

End_Page 1249------------------------------New oil discoveries and expansion of Green County oil field have made 1959 the best year in the history of oil production in Kentucky with 21,007,141 barrels produced to end of September. Green and Taylor counties had produced respectively 8,015,382 and 548,462 barrels in the same period from approximately 2,000 wells at depths from 350 to 500 feet. The Silurian Laurel dolomite, the main pay of the field, is found at depths of a few feet to about 60 feet below the New Albany black shale. Intercrystalline and vuggy porosity averages about 12 per cent and ranges up to 16 per cent. Permeabilities vary from a few up to 2,500 millidarcys. Thickness of the pay varies from a few feet to 25 feet, with 12 feet common. An abundance of highly saline water produced with the oil from the field has posed a serious pollution problem of fresh-water supplies. The Kentucky Water Pollution Control Commission is making progress toward correction of the situation. The search for oil has spread throughout central and eastern Kentucky on both flanks and crest of the Cincinnati arch. New oil fields and pool extensions have been found in Lincoln, Metcalfe, Allen, Barren, Hardin, Simpson, Cumberland, and Clinton counties. These relatively shallow areas produce from Lower Mississippian, Devonian, Silurian, and Ordovician rocks. Porosity zones truncated by New Albany black shale and fracture porosity in the Ordovician rocks form most of the oil traps. Some reef production is present in the Granville pay of the Ordovician in Clinton County. End_of_Article - Last_Page 1250------------

Developments in West-Central Texas in 1957

Total drilling activity decreased 7% in 1957. There were 2,872 wells drilled as compared with 3,085 wells drilled in 1956. Exploratory wells totaled 901, a decrease of 11.7% from the 1,020 the previous year. Development drilling during 1957 decreased 4.6% from 1,971 wells as compared with 2,065 in 1956. The lower number of allowable producing days plus the decrease in development drilling is reflected in the 6.6% decrease in total oil production. In all, 54,498,934 bbls. of oil were produced in 1957, compared with 58,242,280 bbls. the previous year. Geophysical activity decreased 21.4% in 1957 as compared with the year 1956. Subsurface geological methods, as in the past, were credited with more than 70% of the new discoveries. Throckmorton, Shackelford, and Taylor counties led District 7-B in the number of discoveries. The discovery of two Fry sandstone oil-producing zones in the Jocelyn-Varn field in southwest Taylor County and the establishment of Cambrian sandstone oil production in the Tompkins field, Stonewall County, were the most significant discoveries in 1957.

Developments in West-Central Texas in 1956

Exploratory drilling decreased to 1,020 wells as compared with 1,104 wells in the previous year. Successful wells declined from 212 in 1955 to 190 in 1956. Development drilling increased from 2,045 wells in 1955 to 2,065 wells in 1956. Production increased 8.8% to a high of 58,242,280 barrels despite the drop in exploratory drilling. The largest number of new discoveries were found in Eastland, Jones, Fisher, Stephens, and Taylor counties. The most important event was the upswing of activity in counties located in the central part of the district. Other events of real importance in both exploratory and development drilling were few.

Developments in West-Central Texas in 1955

Development drilling dropped to 2,045 wells in 1955 as compared with a high of 2,288 wells in 1954. Exploratory drilling remained almost constant with 1,104 wells drilled in 1955 as compared with 1,107 wells drilled in 1954. Despite the drop in development drilling, production increased 13%, from a total of 46,241,638 barrels in 1954, to a total of 53,109,505 barrels in 1955. Taylor, Stonewall, Shackelford, Jones, and Fisher counties led the district in number of new discoveries. Important new-field discoveries include North Sweetwater and Ochoa Juan in Fisher County; Vena Madre, Silver Creek, Estaban, Nena Lucia, and Hightower in Nolan County; and Cedar Gap and North Tuscola in Taylor County. The most important events were the comparatively large numbers of new discoveries in the western halves of Fisher and Nolan counties and the sudden upswing of discoveries throughout Taylor County.

Developments in West-Central Texas in 1952

Exploratory drilling increased from 935 wells in 1951 to 1,027 in 1952. Drilling of development wells decreased from 1,702 wells in 1951 to 1,480 in 1952. Of the 2,507 tests drilled, 1,174 were successfully completed. Discoveries numbered 231, of which 209 were exploratory. One hundred seven new fields were discovered compared with 67 in 1951. Oil production increased from 29,562,214 barrels in 1951 to 35,651,221 barrels in 1952 for an increase of 20.7 per cent. Coleman, Stephens, Throckmorton, and Jones counties led District 7-B in number of discoveries. The most important discoveries were Claytonville field in Fisher County, Rowan & Hope and White Flat fields in Nolan County, and the Dunman field in Coleman County. Geophysical activity declined 7.6 per cent from 565 crew weeks in 1951 to 522 in 1952. Leasing activity was greatest in Haskell, Jones, Taylor, Nolan, Fisher, and Coleman counties.

Developments in West-Central Texas in 1951

Production of oil was increased from 25,752,000 barrels in 1950 to 29,562,214 during 1951. In all 2,637 tests were drilled in District 7-B, resulting in the successful completion of 1,255 wells. Of the successful tests, 167 were exploratory discoveries. Sixty-seven new fields were discovered as compared with 58 in 1950. The greatest number of discoveries were in Stonewall, Haskell, and Throckmorton counties. The majority of important discoveries were in Stonewall County. The Katz Strawn sand field in northeastern Stonewall is the leading discovery of 1951 in west-central Texas. Sixteen counties of the 24 county area recorded new-field discoveries during 1951. Approximately 40 per cent of the discoveries in west-central Texas during 1951 were in Strawn sediments. Geophysical activity continued to decline during 1951. Total crew weeks decreased 55 per cent. Leasing activity was greatest in Taylor, Coleman, and Callahan counties, to play the Strawn sand trends of Runnels and Coleman counties.