Improved management of livestock grazing andprescribed fire are used almost all over the state to simulate natural processes, returningnutrients to the soil. Recycling vegetation in this way promotes new growth of food andcover for wildlife. Prescribed burning and other types of vegetation control also improve thevegetation diversity and the quality and availability of water for all of us. Wildlife Co-op symbolize oneway in which landowners can join forces for a common goal. In fact, several of this year'sclass of Lone Star Land Steward Award recipients are members of cooperatives.
Landowners are the key to effective wildlife conservation in Texas.
With that realization,TPWD wildlife biologists gave free technical assistance to about 1,700 private landowners lastyear on about 13.5 million acres. That's five times more landowners and nine times moreland than the previous 20-year average. The Texas Private Lands Advisory Board set up by TPWD in 1992, identified the need torecognize outstanding land stewardship in Texas. The 17-member board is composed oflandowners from all areas of the state. They grow what we eat, what we wear, the wildlife we enjoy.