WHY DID THE TEXAS TORTOISE CROSS THE ROAD?

Why did the tortoise cross the road?

We didn't ask, but biologist Shane Kiefer did snap this photo of a Texas tortoise crossing a ranch road on a client's property in Zavala County. Thanks to a low reproductive rate, historic heavy exploitation by pet suppliers, and other factors, these docile creatures have been on the state "threatened" list since 1977, protecting them from from being taken, possessed, transported, exported, sold, or offered for sale. Primarily vegetarian, the Texas tortoise feed heavily on the fruit of the common prickly pear and on other mostly succulent plants available to them. Although the life span is unknown, it is thought by some that breeding age is attained in about 15 years and that longevity may be as great as 60 years. Related fossil forms in this genus have been found in the Pliocene in Central Texas. The Pliocene is considered as dating back to 10 million years B.C. (Texas tortoise information via Texas Parks & Wildlife).

Camera shy!

BAKER SANCTUARY OPEN HOUSE ON APRIL 9, 2011

Located just northwest of Austin, Baker Sanctuary (12308 Lime Creek Rd., Leander) is a 690 acre tract of virtually untouched natural habitat. Baker Sanctuary is especially unique in that it remains one of the only places in the entire world where the Golden-cheeked Warbler nests and breeds. Only 27 counties in Texas are known to support the Golden-cheeked Warbler. This endangered songbird relies on the specific conditions found in Baker Sanctuary to survive in a world where rapid urbanization poses an ever- increasing threat to their habitat.

Normally closed to the public, Baker Sanctuary will hold an open house on April 9, 2011. Guided tours will take place from 9am to noon. The educational tours will focus on Golden-cheeked Warblers, butterflies, plants, insects and the supporting habitat. Children’s activities include making bird feeders, games, learning to use binoculars and other delights. Please contact Travis Audubon Society with any questions at (512) 300-BIRD or visit travisaudubon.org and follow the Sanctuaries link to Baker Sanctuary and then click on Events. Admission is free!

FISH MANAGEMENT: A PRIMER

by Craig Bowen, Business Development Coordinator, Plateau Land & Wildlife Management

Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after.

Henry David Thoreau was a wise man, and the "wise" fishermen among us recognize that as fishing season approaches, their wildlife water features (colloquially known as ponds, lakes, and tanks) may need some attention. At Plateau, we believe holistic ecosystem management is the best approach for managing land and wildlife, and that philosophy also applies to managing your wildlife water feature. To paraphrase Mr. Thoreau, many landowners build ponds, lakes, and tanks without knowing that they are not properly managing for fish.

To wisely manage your wildlife water feature for fish, these three areas must be monitored: habitat, water quality, and population health.

Habitat
Unless artificial habitat was included in the construction of your pond, most of the structure fish use for protection probably comes from natural aquatic vegetation. Aquatic vegetation presents a unique quandary -- some vegetation is required for a successful ecosystem, but certain types of vegetation can making fishing difficult. There are four basic types of aquatic vegetation: algae, submerged plants, emergent plants, and floating plants. Each type presents species which are highly beneficial to wildlife by providing food and shelter, and all must be managed carefully to maintain a healthy balance between "fishability" and good habitat.

Some of the common native aquatic species in Texas ponds are sago pondweed, southern naiad widgoengrass, and coontail. These are all easily identifiable and beneficial plants in moderation, but can all be invasive under certain conditions. Aquatic vegetation may be managed through the use of chemical (herbicide), biological (triploid grass carp), or mechanical (rakes, seins, etc) methods. Each species responds differently to each method, so be sure to understand your goal and your vegetation before implementing an aquatic vegetation management regime.

Water quality
Water quality in fisheries management is often a discussion of water clarity. Water clarity is affected mainly by microbial plant growth called algae, a type of phytoplankton. Phytoplankton is a large group of microscopic plants which compose the base of the aquatic food chain. Like most plant life, algae are photosynthetic, and the chlorophyll in the plant cells is green. High levels of algae during certain times of year, referred to as "algae blooms," give clear water a green hue. Very clear lakes generally have low levels of phytoplankton, and oftentimes exhibit poor success of all predatory fish such as bluegill and bass because of the lack of a food chain base. If this is the case in your pond, it may be time to visit with a consultant like Plateau about fertilizing your pond, which is a great way to create algae blooms.

Turbidity, which is a measure of Total Suspended Solids (TSS) in the water, also affects water clarity in some cases. High levels of TSS result in "brown" or "dingy" water, and prevent sunlight infiltration, which inhibits valuable plant growth. The measure of the acidity or basicity of an aqueous solution is called "pH." Varying pH levels may affect turbidity, and there are simple and economical remedies to pH problems.

There needs to be some attention given to the chemical composition of your pond water, particularly nitrate, phosphate, and silicic acid levels. Because most rainwater is chemically balanced naturally, and also thoroughly filtered through grass and other vegetation before reaching the pond, most ponds test in the "acceptable" range of actual water quality due to the high levels of rainwater which make up the pond water. Nevertheless, conducting water quality tests every 5 years is advisable.

Population health
Population health is the easiest and most fun part of fisheries management. If a lot of small bass (1 pound or less) are caught from a pond, remove most of this size fish you catch for one year. If the bass look "skinny," remove about 30 pounds of fish for every surface acre of water in one year and test the results. If only large fish are caught (greater than 3 pounds), remove up to 50% of this size fish you catch for one year. Keep in mind most private ponds can only sustain one trophy fish (greater than 5 pounds) per acre, so realistic expectations regarding bass size are important in private fisheries management.

Whether you are managing a world class bass fishery, or simply want your grandchildren to have a place to have some summer fun, there are multiple management considerations. With these concepts in mind, your wildlife water feature will be more productive, more beautiful, and more enjoyable for generations to come.

To wisely manage your wildlife water feature for fish, these three areas must be monitored: habitat, water quality, and population health. Photo by Lee Kothmann.

CREZ AND THE TEXAS LANDOWNER: A Q&A

In the next two years, Texas landowners may be required to house massive transmission lines on their land. Plateau's Ken Thigpen spoke with Taline Manassian, an attorney with Braun & Associates, about these lines and their impact on landowners.

Taline, what is happening with transmission lines in Texas right now?

Probably the most significant thing is the routing and construction of CREZ lines. CREZ stands for "Competitive Renewable Energy Zones." A CREZ is an area in West Texas or the Panhandle identified for the construction of wind energy facilities. CREZ lines are the transmission lines that will carry the renewable energy from CREZ facilities to the population centers of the state. The Public Utility Commission has been working with utility companies and landowners to decide where these lines should go.

What do CREZ lines mean for Texas landowners?

After the Commission decides where a line will be routed, the utility begins condemning land along the chosen path. Condemnation is the formal process by which the utility can take an easement on property owned by private landowners for the purpose of building and maintaining a CREZ line.

How does condemnation work?

The utility will ask for the landowner's permission to conduct a survey of the affected land. Within a few months of the survey, the landowner will receive an offer from the utility to purchase an easement at some price. The landowner then can negotiate the price and other issues.

What other issues might a landowner negotiate?

That depends on the property. The landowner can negotiate the routing of the line on his or her property or the location of the towers. If a property has a spectacular view, the landowner may want the utility to route the line so that the view is unaffected or less affected. A landowner also may negotiate access points, gates and locks, or roads that may be needed for the line. Some landowners want restoration, such as replanting of grasses or trees. In the negotiation phase, anything is possible.

Is the language of the easement document negotiable?

Absolutely. Certain points should be negotiated. Perhaps the most important is the scope of the permissions granted. The easement should be narrow in the rights it gives the utility. The utility's initial draft might authorize it to build the proposed CREZ line and future lines, including pipelines, telecommunication lines or other structures. It is important for the landowner that the easement authorize only the construction of the line that the utility is authorized to build. If a pipeline or something else is authorized in the future, the landowner should be paid a second time for a second easement.

What if the landowner and the utility do not agree on the language, the price or other points?

If they are not able to agree on a negotiated sale of the easement, the utility can start formal condemnation proceedings in Commissioner's Court. The utility and the landowner then present evidence on what they think the land is worth, and a three-person panel decides how much the landowner should be paid for the easement. If either party is unhappy with the panel's decision, it can appeal the decision to district court.

Though court is available, often it is better for the landowner to negotiate a resolution. Court can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Also, once the utility files a formal proceeding, the utility is largely unmotivated to discuss anything but price. During the negotiation phase, the utility often is willing to discuss routing, access points, location of structures, restoration or other things that benefit the landowner. In the formal proceeding, that motivation is gone, and those issues tend to be off the table. Also, the utility can start construction even while an appeal of the Commissioner's Court decision is pending.

What suggestions do you have for a landowner facing condemnation?

Create a wish list of what the utility could do to lessen the burden of the line. Consider hiring a lawyer to help negotiate, particularly the easement language. The easement affects a landowner's ability to sell and binds future owners, so it is important that the landowner understand exactly what the document does. Also, share the costs of these proceedings with neighbors. It can be expensive to hire an appraiser or a lawyer, but if landowners share costs, the costs become more manageable.

Once a landowner learns his property is to be condemned, is there anything the landowner can do to avoid condemnation?

Probably not. The way to avoid condemnation is to participate in the Public Utility Commission proceeding that decides where the line goes. If a landowner does not participate and receives a condemnation notice, what remains is to negotiate an arrangement that will minimize the impact of the line. It becomes about protecting the landowner and the land to the greatest extent possible.

Learn more about condemnation on the Braun & Associates website.

CREZ lines are the transmission lines that will carry the renewable energy from CREZ facilities to the population centers of the state. The Public Utility Commission has been working with utility companies and landowners to decide where these lines should go.

ADVENTURES IN WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT: SPRING BREEDING BIRD CENSUS

by Kameron Bain, Business Development, Plateau Land & Wildlife Management

Hard to believe it's been a year since I began my Adventures in Wildlife Management. Throughout the past year I've had the opportunity to get dirty and scratched up from brush management work, witness the passion and dedication of one family to preserve their land for future generations, and take a long walk through the country side braving wasps and other Texas creatures to check nest boxes. When reflecting on these adventures, I'm not only genuinely happy that I actually participated in them -- and survived -- but I continue to be profoundly impressed by the commitment of my Plateau team and our Texas landowners.

There is one adventure from 2010, however, that I did not get the chance to share yet, and it happens to be one of my favorites, Plateau's Spring Breeding Bird Surveys. First, I must admit something, and I hope I don't offend any of the birders out there but, before joining Plateau, I was never really interested in birds. In fact, I was totally clueless that birdwatching was considered a real and, for many, passionate pastime until I moved to Texas. In the early days of my Plateau career, I was intrigued by the fact that the spring survey is one of the most popular services we offer. The more excited the Plateau birders and our clients became at the start of each spring bird season, the greater the intrigue. I began to learn some facts that truly piqued my interest, including the fact that Texas has the largest migration of birds during the springtime in the United States and that expert birders can identify birds not only by sight, but by sound as well.

While I now understood the excitement associated with our bird surveys, I was still living vicariously, perched in the office, listening to biologists discussing the surveys instead of listening to the birds. Time for an adventure! And who better than Plateau's very own bird expert and ornithological guru, Mark Gray, for my mentor and partner on my first bird survey? With a passion, vast knowledge of all things avian, and a slightly competitive spirit, Mark is an ideal birding partner.

If the early bird catches the worm, then you better get up early if you really want to take in the full birding experience. Mark and I headed out with the sunrise to a beautiful property along the Pedernales River. The ride out there was an adventure all in its own. Winding roads turned and twisted and took us over the river to our final destination.

Upon arrival to our first survey point, I quietly exited the car and tiptoed over to Mark. I did not want to be responsible for scaring the birds away. Apparently my super sly skills paid off because the first bird we heard was the Golden-cheeked Warbler.

My efforts to stand very still, make no movements, and hold every breath may have been a bit overdramatic as Mark, the expert was relaxed and behaved normally. But we did stand quietly with rapt attention as Mark listened and pointed out all the birds we heard. I was truly amazed and impressed. How was he hearing all of this? How did he know which bird he was hearing? Luckily for me, Mark was happy to teach me. Each time we heard a bird Mark would break down the song for me. So the next time I heard that bird sing I could start to identify it by its various chirps, tweets and trills. And it is true, every bird has its' own song.

At the following survey points I loosened up and took in the whole experience. With the direction from Mark I became more familiar in identifying birds and their songs, and I began to understand why people enjoy bird watching -- it's the challenge to identify the birds and the thrill when you hear a new one to add to your list. But there was also more to take in than just the birds, the morning was also a great opportunity to talk about plants, other animals, and ways to improve the habitat on the property.

The memory of the beautiful cool spring morning in the Hill Country listening to the birds will be a lasting one. Not only was I able to get a complete education on the Plateau Spring Breeding Bird survey, but I expanded my horizons and learned that something I once thought to be dull or boring was actually exciting and challenging. I am already looking for another great birding adventure! Thank you to Mark for sharing his passion for birding with me.

Until my next adventure, this one is for the birds!

Birdwatching offers the exciting challenge of identifying birds and the thrill when you are able to add a new one to your list. Photo by Lee Kothmann.

WASPS AND TREES: TO PARAPHRASE AN AGE-OLD QUESTION, WHICH CAME FIRST? THE CYNIPID WASP OR THE TREE GALL?

by Jessica Mora, Intern, Plateau Land & Wildlife Management

Recently there has been a movement for a greater understanding of the relationship between plants and insects, such as that between live oaks and a particular type of gall-forming cynipid wasp, Belonocnema treatae. Gall-formers are insects that lay their eggs on a host plant. The insect diverts the plant's energy, forming a hard substance that grows around the insect. This is called a gall. The wasp absorbs the tree's nutrients while growing within this protective shell.

This particular wasp goes through a sexual and asexual reproductive cycle. In the spring, newborn wasps hatch fully matured from root-galls, which are galls that form on the root of a tree. They then reproduce and lay their eggs onto the live oak leaf veins. These develop into tree galls, which are galls that grow on the leaves of the tree. After the insect emerges from the tree gall it leaves a scar on the leaf. In the fall, the wasp comes out of its tree gall and undergoes an asexual reproductive cycle. It then lays eggs on the trees roots, forming more root-galls. So, which came first, the cynipid wasp or the tree gall? We may never know.

These wasps act as parasites on live oaks, but some live oaks have developed a resistance to this specific gall-former invasion through a defense mechanism called hypersensitive response. The tree detects the foreign substance (the egg) being deposited on its leaf, and sends out a signal, which triggers a chemical reaction that causes localized cell death where the egg was deposited. This process leaves many holes in the leaves of the tree.

Research conducted at Texas State University indicates that about half of the live oak population in Texas has developed hypersensitive response. It also demonstrates adaptation within the process of plant/insect co-evolution.

Wasps lay eggs on live oak leaf veins, which develop into tree galls. Photograph courtesy Jessica Mora.

GROWING A RIVER

by Cathy Ramsey, Contributing Author for Plateau Land & Wildlife Management

Paddling down a river is my favorite way to spend time near my home in Central Texas. The grassy hills and rocky, undulating terrain make for gushing springs and clear rivers offering up a seemingly endless succession of gentle rapids, stepping you down the stream one after another. The cool currents guide you through the countryside, rich with birdsong, wandering wildlife, and rustling breezes. What could possibly mar such a scene?

How about drought.

Dry periods are also a part of nature here, and while dreams of drifting down a full and lazy river may come to a screeching halt, they're prime time to prepare your land to take full advantage of every drop when the rains return. One key preparation is reestablishing native grasses.

Grasses are exceptional at building soil and aiding water infiltration, and can be managed to resupply our groundwater. The ideal time to seed our native warm season grasses is March and April. If you have bare areas or non-native pastures you want to convert back to native grasslands, now is the time to act.

Much of Central Texas was historically a mixed grass prairie, shorter on the ridge tops, mid-height on the slopes, and tallest in the bottom lands. Prairies absorb more water than they use, which resulted in huge aquifer reserves producing plentiful springs and abundant rivers. Since Texas became a state, farming, overgrazing, and development have changed things considerably. Less than .1% of this native prairie remains intact, and our springs and aquifers are diminishing at an alarming rate. We have already lost over a third of our historic springs, and more go dry all the time.

Reestablishing native grasses is an important step in water conservation, stream and river restoration, and the rewards become apparent in a relatively short time.

Reestablishing native grasses
Yard areas can be planted with shorter natives such as buffalo grass and blue gramma, and bordered with beds or swales of taller grasses to catch any runoff coming from the shorter yard. In areas of heavy deer traffic, taller bunch grasses such as big muhly and switchgrass can stand in for shrubs which deer can't seem to resist. Reseeding even a portion of your property can help reintroduce native seed stock which will spread with time. Choose a mix appropriate to your soil, and start with the early successional grasses which establish quickly, including blue and sideoats gramma, silver bluestem, green sprangletop, and bristle grass. Climax grasses such as little bluestem, switch, and indiangrass can be seeded simultaneously, but may take a bit longer to become established, particularly in dry years. Finally, throw in some Texas cupgrass seed, a beautiful and almost evergreen grass endemic to our area, which has the added bonus of being a favorite of painted buntings.

Once established, it's important to let the native grasses maintain their natural height. Mowing too frequently will prevent the bunch grasses from seeding, and eventually leave them vulnerable to competition from fast growing non-natives such as King Ranch bluestem and bermuda, which spread by both rhizome and seed. While occasional grazing or mowing at the highest setting possible is appropriate and beneficial, as described below, native prairie grasses maintained at their natural height have a network of roots extending deep and wide, loosening the soil to create a sponge-like layer. The taller the grass, the deeper the roots, and the better the possibility of infiltration with each rain, no matter how fast and hard it comes down. Some of these grasses have roots in excess of 17 feet deep! These taller grasses catch and hold water droplets along their stems, allowing absorption to continue after the rain has ended, and increasing overall intake into the soil. They also shade the soil, reducing evaporation and reflected heat, and act as filters, reducing pollution. Water that has filtered through the soil is not only purified, it's also cooled. When it's released through spring flow, rather than running over land as runoff, the temperature of our streams is stabilized, and our swimming holes stay clear, chilly, and inviting.

Know when to mow
Mowing once a year, generally in mid-February in most years, and perhaps again in early July during a wet year, is sufficient. Leaving alternate portions alone for a two year stretch will allow biennial forbs to become established, and provide cover and nesting structure for wildlife. In direct contrast to the benefits of grasses left at their natural height as described, above, short grass grows short roots, shrinking the active layer of life in the soil and reducing the ability of the soil to absorb water. Without the shading of taller foliage, the ground dries out faster and becomes hard, making the next rain less likely to be absorbed. The grass becomes dry and brittle, increasing fire danger. Considering that many of our natives, especially little bluestem, put on strong growth and begin seed production during the dry season of July and August, short mowing at that time places non-natives at the advantage. Moreover, the new growth present on the natives contains moisture brought up from deep in the soil and is less likely to burn than short, dry grass. If the grass is closely cropped at this time, more soil is exposed, and more heat is reflected. A tall meadow is noticeably cooler during the heat of the year; walk a path through one and feel for yourself! Lastly, too-frequent mowing increases compaction due to the weight of heavy equipment, further stifling root expansion and aeration. Runoff increases, erosion increases, and stream quality suffers.

If you're a fan of beautiful rivers, remember them when planning your landscape and managing your land. A big stand of native grass is not only a pleasure to view, swaying gently in the breeze, but is water in the bank and savings for the future.

Reestablishing native grasses is an important step in water conservation, stream and river restoration, and the rewards become apparent in a relatively short time. Photo by Lee Kothmann.

LAND MANAGEMENT FROM THE GROUND UP: TAKE A LOOK AROUND AND PLAY BY THE RULES WHEN PLANTING

by Beyrl Armstong, Co-founder, Plateau Land & Wildlife Management

In considering which plants are appropriate to be planted or removed from a property there are some hard and fast rules that must be followed. These rules are not devised by someone sitting behind a desk thinking of ways to complicate your lives. They have been established over thousands of years through natural selection. Plants live best where they have evolved. When we, with our ability to disobey the rules, start choosing from the broad palette that is available to us today we need to consider the rules of nature.

Soil Types
Most plants grow in soil. The type and depth of soil, its porosity, water retention capabilities as well as mineral and chemical makeup are crucial in choosing the right types of plants to put in the ground. The soils in the Hill Country are, by and large, shallow, tight (clayish), alkaline soils that only support very specifically adapted plants. In contrast, the soils north and west of Bastrop, only a few miles from Austin, are sandy, well drained and acidic, thereby supporting a population of loblolly pines.

I know of landowners who, having moved here from the Rockies, planted acidic sandy soil loving pines in the shallow alkaline clay of northern Blanco County. The pines all died, despite heroic efforts made to fertilize them. Had the landowners simply looked around the property they would have noticed that no pines were growing anywhere in the area. Wildlife Management Plans prepared by Plateau include a map and description of the soils found on a property and a list of plants that are appropriate for the area. These can be very valuable in planning and implementing brush and woodland management.

Weather
Some plants love the heat and flourish on hot dry hill sides; other plants are better suited for cool, shady creek sides. Freezing weather kills certain plants to the ground while "chilling hours" are required for other plants to flourish. Before going to the expense and effort of planting perennial plants, it is important to, once again, look around and see what is there. This is a good indication if plants will flourish in the specific environment that you are trying to enhance.

The Landowner's Notebook that accompanies each Plateau Wildlife Management Plan contains a recommended list of plants, which includes information on sun tolerance and climate that is appropriate for each species listed.

Water Needs
A plant's ability to deal with drought or, conversely, with moist soils, is also an important factor in determining its appropriateness in a specific portion of a property. Cedar (Ashe juniper) does not tolerate moist soils, Cedar Elms do. Lantana, agarito, and Texas persimmon are very drought tolerant plants, that's why they are found in abundance throughout the Hill Country. Big muhly grass and bushy bluestem will only grow in moist soil, that's why you often find them down slope from a pond or along shallow drainages. Observing the plants that are present in an area targeted for planting will help a landowner determine the water availability of the site. Using this information, in combination with the soil type and sun availability, Plateau clients can consult the plant list provided in the Landowner Notebook and make informed decisions on what and where to plant on their property.

Plants live best where they have evolved. Photo by Lee Kothmann.

THE CAT THAT ISN'T

by Shane Kiefer, Senior Wildlife Biologist, Plateau Land & Wildlife Management

While the ringtail (Bassariscus astutus) is often called a ringtail "cat," this saucer-eyed creature is actually one of the three members of the raccoon family (Procyonidae) that occur in Texas (the white-nosed coati is the third and least common). The origin of their moniker is obvious for anyone who has seen a ringtail. Their tail is in fact banded with 14-16 alternating black and white rings. Many people may never have seen a ringtail as they are strongly nocturnal and notably shy animals. It is not uncommon to see them during the many deer spotlight surveys we perform in the late summer and fall.

Ringtails occur throughout Texas, but are less common in the Rio Grande and Coastal Plains areas. They are cavity nesters and will use snags, old stumps, deer blinds, and any other protected cavity for denning. But, in particular, ringtails love rocky areas, and are one of the species that benefits from keeping those old rock fences that can be found all across the Edwards Plateau.

Just like their raccoon cousins, ringtails are omnivores. Their diet changes with the seasons and includes carrion, insects, and other arthropods such as grasshoppers, scorpions, and spiders. They also consume small birds, lizards, and fruits like persimmon, hackberry, juniper, and mistletoe.

As with any other native predator, providing high quality habitat for songbirds, reptiles, and other potential ringtail prey makes it less likely that they will have a negative impact. Most native predators are forced to live within the balance of the natural system unless we do things to artificially inflate their numbers (raccoons at deer feeders and trash cans come to mind). Healthy habitats also have lots of other food items (like fruit and insects) that they will readily eat if available so they don't need to go hunting for songbirds.

Ringtails are cavity nesters and will use snags, old stumps, deer blinds, and any other protected cavity for denning. They also love rocky areas, and provide the occasional pretty darn cute surprise for those checking larger nest boxes.

LANDOWNER SPOTLIGHT: RED CORRAL RANCH

Having fun nurturing people and the land.

Few marketing taglines convey as much, or as accurately, as the one used by Red Corral Ranch. As Plateau Land & Wildlife Management clients since the company's founding in 1997, Colleen and James Reeves, and their Red Corral Ranch in Wimberley, Texas, represent a successful marriage of bountiful business and smart wildlife management.

Over the past 30 years, Red Corral Ranch has evolved into a nationally recognized holistic and environmentally aware retreat. Nestled on the ranch's 1,100 acres are bed and breakfast facilities and a special event venue, an iconic location for Texas Hill Country weddings. But beyond the ranch's "party barn" where hundreds of couples have celebrated the start of their new life together, and past the inviting cabins and cottages where hundreds of guests from around the world have relaxed and recharged, the ranch has also played host to thousands of other guests. Some hatch new life in the ranch's dozens of bluebird boxes, while others roam the hills as part of a healthy, well-managed deer population. Some flit and flutter about colorful butterfly gardens, while others nest in safe and secure Golden- cheeked Warbler habitat.

The Red Corral Ranch double path of economics and environment began in 1969, when Colleen and James purchased the rolling hills, grand oaks, and spectacular wildflowers of the Wimberley property as a weekend and vacation retreat from the family's city life, and respite from James' busy medical practice in Austin.

Recalls Colleen, "we both grew up in farming and ranching families, and we felt the need to break away from the city and reconnect with the land."

Like many families who purchase property for a "weekend" retreat, the Reeves found themselves devoting more time to the ranch and Colleen, in particular, developed a deep passion for land management. She threw herself into learning as much as she could about taking care of the land in classes and seminars, even traveling to other states for intensive training. Thanks to her active involvement in learning more about land management, Colleen became aware of the PlanIt Texas Project, and its search for a working site to demonstrate the feasibility of an economically successful ranching operation compatible with the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA).

In the wake of the Golden-cheeked Warbler being listed as endangered in 1990 pursuant to the ESA, massive conflict churned in the Texas Hill Country (Edwards Plateau), where habitat for the bird occurs. Large numbers of landowners resented and resisted actions by the US Fish and Wildlife Service to preserve the habitat. They worried that their land values would decline and their ranching livelihoods would be decimated if the protected birds were found on their land. From this atmosphere of fear and conflict was born the PlanIt Texas Project, a collaboration of federal, state, and local organizations representing a spectrum of views regarding the ESA, including the Texas Nature Conservancy and its then representatives David Braun and Beyrl Armstrong.

Colleen found the premise of the PlanIt Texas experiment to be an immensely interesting one, prompting the Reeves to offer up their ranch to serve as, essentially, the project's 1,100 acre laboratory. The size of the ranch was considered a good model for the area, and Red Corral Ranch was chosen as the PlanIt Texas working site.

As the various representatives helped and monitored the ranch in running cattle, operating a hunting enterprise, and developing an eco-tourism bed and breakfast, all within the ESA guidelines, Colleen remembers watching the suspicions and fear of the "other side" slowly but surely melt away.

"Whether federal, state, or local, we all came to realize there was no 'enemy,'" says Colleen. "Many of us had defined ourselves differently, but everyone's goal was the same - protecting and valuing our precious Texas land."

Ultimately, the impact of PlanIt Texas went far beyond 1,100 acres in Wimberley.

The PlanIt Texas experiment and the efforts of it members, including David Braun and Beyrl Armstrong, resulted in Wildlife Management Valuation (WMV) being voted into the Texas Constitution, allowing landowners managing for wildlife the same tax benefits as agricultural valuations. Braun and Armstrong also went on to found Plateau Land & Wildlife Management which has, to date, successfully converted over 2,200 properties to WMV and positively impacted more than 525,000 acres of Texas open space, including Red Corral Ranch.

"Working with Plateau in our wildlife management has provided a sense of safety," says Colleen. "They are very aware of the environment, know the ins and outs of wildlife management, and appreciate the sanctity of private property."

Following the successful completion of PlanIt Texas, Colleen became inspired to broaden the use and purpose of the ranch by expanding the facilities and opening the land to the public. The ranch would now offer a variety of amenities to the bed and breakfast guests, as well as host corporate and spiritual retreats and, upon the suggestion of Plateau's Beyrl Armstrong, host weddings -- today, one of the ranch's greatest claims to fame and income producers.

"Opening up this beautiful land to the public and offering more services has given us a unique opportunity to demonstrate to even more people that there are many of us who still care deeply about the land," observes Colleen. "Red Corral Ranch demonstrates that you can make a living without sacrificing the environment."

With Plateau's guidance, the Reeves have taken great care with the land and the environment. Activities are conducted when seasonally appropriate -- no loud brush management at Red Corral Ranch during bird breeding season -- and their efforts to recycle and reuse have not dissipated since the day they bought the ranch in 1969. Indeed, in early 2011, Red Corral Ranch installed its first rainwater collection system on the venue's "party barn" to collect water to keep the surrounding grass green in the most environmentally responsible way. Always keen on the details, Colleen notes "brides prefer green grass."

This year, Plateau is working with Red Corral Ranch to implement a rotational "flash grazing" program to effectively manage grass growth (far beyond the party barn) with the temporary grazing of cattle, a win-win arrangement for both Red Corral Ranch and understanding cattle ranchers in need of grass-rich land.

"Flash grazing with conservative stocking rates will allow the ranch to economically and effectively control excessive grass growth without depleting the perennial native grasses," says Kasey Mock, Plateau Business Development Coordinator. "It's a pleasure to work with clients like James and Colleen who have a high appreciation for the land, a desire to do what's best for it, and are open to alternatives. They understand the need for a diverse plan of approach and consulted with Plateau as to what would be best for their land."

On the Red Corral Ranch website, visitors will see the expected photographs of happy brides and enticing images of cozy guest cottages, but they will also see something less expected -- an outline of the ranch's holistic goals. Among those stated goals:

Maintain and improve a quality piece of land and a way of life that will provide the opportunity for our children to continue the management of the land.

Appreciate the opportunity for stewardship of the land.

"We know that the creeks that runs across our land, the trees and native grasses that grace our hills, and the wildlife in our ranch habitats have an impact that spreads far beyond our fences," says Colleen. "As we nurture the land, we also nurture and, hopefully, inspire people to do likewise and we really do have fun doing it."

Red Corral Ranch has become an iconic Texas Hill Country wedding location. Photograph of a bride and groom at the ranch in Wimberley, Texas by J. Cogliandro Photography.