Wildlife Tax Valuation Workshop planned for Texas landowners

TENNESSEE COLONY, Texas--Landowners interested in developing a wildlife management program for their property can learn how on Saturday, March 7th, at the Gus Engeling Wildlife Management Area. The full-day seminar will help landowners develop wildlife management plans that meet the requirements of the Wildlife Management Open-Spaces Tax Valuation.

Landowners who currently have a 1-d-1 Agricultural Valuation and are actively managing their property to promote habitat for wildlife have the option of converting their agricultural use valuation to a wildlife management tax valuation. "This conversion allows landowners to maintain their tax valuation without being forced to con- duct agricultural operations at a level that can be detrimental to wildlife," stated TPWD wildlife biologist Wes Littrell. "It allows them to focus their efforts on practices which increase the diversity of plants and animals on the property."

Properties that are valued under a Forestry Valuation or are not valued under a 1-d-1 Agricultural valuation are not eligible for a Wildlife Management Valuation.

Presentations by Appraisal District, TPWD and Natural Resources Conservation Service staff will help landowners better understand some commonly recommended management practices and create a workable management plan for their property.

The program will be held at the Gus Engeling Wildlife Management Area's Wildlife Conservation Center. The building is located on the main road through the area, approximately 1/2 mile north of the entrance on US Hwy 287 between Corsicana and Palestine. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m., and the program will conclude at 4:00 p.m. The program includes a tour of TPWD's small acreage management demonstration site to discuss on-the-ground management.

Due to limited space, attendees should reserve their place in advance by sending a letter with their name, contact information, property county, and $12.00 per person to the Anderson-Houston SWCD, 303 Lacy St. Suite 100, Palestine, TX 75801-2926 by March 4th. A barbeque lunch will be provided.