Land Steward Spotlight

What is Land Stewardship?

Land stewardship implies environmental sensitivity, knowledge and understanding of the resources, and empowerment to sustain natural resources through management. In other words, a land steward is someone who manages his or her land to assure natural systems are maintained or enhanced for the future. Land stewards also recognize that natural resources extend beyond boundaries (e.g., fence lines, or political or government boundaries). To make correct decisions that maintain land in a "healthy" and productive condition, one must have a knowledge and understanding of natural systems. Therefore, a good land steward is someone who understands the land - soil, water, flora and fauna - he or she is managing and has the knowledge and expertise to apply techniques that enhance ecosystem function.

This page highlights examples of good land stewardship within the Trinity River Basin as an example to other landowners of what can be done on their land as well.

2011 Outstanding Rangeland Stewardship Award Winner

Gary and Sue Price were recently given the 2011 Outstanding Rangeland Stewardship Award for their work on the 77 Ranch near Blooming Grove in Navarro County, TX.  This award was presented to them by the Texas Section Society for Range Management and the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association.

As recipients of the 2007 Leopold Conservation Award, the Price's have become accustomed to recognition for the way they operate their cow-calf operation. They utilize a rotational grazing system on their native grass pastures that optimize livestock performance while providing rich wildlife habitat and protecting the quality of their watershed. The Price's derive income from other sources, such as hunting and fishing leases.

Gary is an active board member for Trinity Waters, and is also the key landowner for restoration projects such as the Western Navarro Bobwhite Recovery Initiative and Water As A Crop. Gary is also the Chairman for the Blackland Prairie Grazing Land Conservation Initiative. Sue is a former teacher who still maintains the passion for educating students about the value of proper land management for wildlife and water resources.  The Price's host the Texas Wildlife Association's Trinity River Learning Across New Dimensions in Science (L.A.N.D.S.) as a field trip site to teach principles of land management and water quality.

Their leadership ability and passion for conservation make them the ideal example of land stewards who understand the land and can successfully operate a cattle and wildlife operation.