by Kristen Tyson
In Texas there is always a great debate going on somewhere.
Who has the best BBQ? Should you wear your pants inside or outside of your boot
if you don’t own cattle? Is it pecan or pee-can? But one issue that stirs
contention and stalemates over the fence line is about proper habitat
management; in other words, overgrazing.
The grazing of lands has occurred since the bison roamed the
prairies and plains of Texas, back when fires ravaged and then restored the land,
and there were abundant grasses and trees to dot the horizon as far as the eye
could see. Like all good things, those wild and free days are long gone like
the bison themselves, and grazing is confined to small parcels of land across
the state. Unfortunately, good habitat management techniques have not been
adopted by all land managers who own livestock (and yes, goats are included in
this description), and the land is left in a miserable state. Maybe they don’t
know what proper management looks like, or believe that the land will return
with just one more good rainy season, like we have witnessed before. But the
fate of each habitat should not be left to the passing of time or to varying climatic
shifts. Thinking the land will naturally recover is a bet that doesn’t pan out
and is destroying perfectly robust wildlife habitats every year.
Let’s start with the basics. What does good habitat look
like? The picture above shows an emerald sea of grasses swaying in the wind.
But are those ideal grasses for wildlife or livestock, or both? Just because
something looks hearty and green does not make it a native plant or forb that
animals can consume. Grazing is essential to good habitat management, and short
intensive bursts followed by a long period of recovery will not only reduce
grasses, but allow native plants to emerge that were previously denied a claim
on the land. Land managers have to be mindful though that too many heads of
livestock can deplete a place faster than you would realize.
The picture below gives a good example of this type of
problem. The land has lost all its vitality and it appears there are only trees
left, which obviously can’t be consumed by cattle. So when, or if, the cattle
are moved to another parcel of land, what’s left for native wildlife? Tree bark
anyone? This habitat has been devastated and even if it is allowed to rest,
will take years to return to normal. Alas, it is possible, if the land manager
pursues a wildlife management plan that implements habitat control to correct
the error.
Some good natured land owners believe that their only option
is a traditional agricultural exemption in order to reduce taxes on their
acreage. That’s not so anymore. New legislation allows land owners to register
their land for wildlife management and thereby receive the same Ag exemption
credits. The form can be found on the Texas
Parks and Wildlife website and can be submitted to a local Appraisal
District. A detailed wildlife management plan is required, where three of seven
techniques are to be implemented in order to qualify.
The land was never meant to be abused to such a degree as to
leave no trace of its natural properties. The former glory of Texas was
brimming with majestic short and tall grasses, ripe, seed bearing fruit and
plants, and was able to recover from herd grazing from time to time. Whether
there were abundant rains or everlasting droughts, blistering summers or bitter
winters, the land could maintain its splendor and provide ample nourishment
because of a perfect balance throughout the year. This is what wildlife
management plans are meant to do as well. A blend of grazing and control will
result in a healthier habitat and diverse plant ecosystem. All it takes is an
end to the debate and a step in the right direction.
There are numerous science-based publications that are
available through the Texas
A&M AgriLife Bookstore by searching “grazing” or “rangeland management”.
Also,Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service offers technical assistance
through local county extension agents.
These resources are great tools to help you identify better management
practices for your livestock and land. Making small changes can lead to large
benefits with time, effort, and intention.