Upswing in trout bite, size

Continued from page 8 stock cattle to increase herbaceous cover and bobwhite nesting substrate. This move allowed propagation of native vegetation such as little bluestem, Indiangrass and switchgrass. In the future, rotational livestock grazing will maintain rangeland for bobwhite quail and other native wildlife.

Edwards Plateau: Zesch Family Ranch, Mason

By employing a coordinated suite of practices to help them achieve their land management goals, Hal and Amy Zesch have continued a family tradition on their Hill Country ranch. These certified Texas Master Naturalists have designed a grazing program for their cattle that emulates the movement of bison herds, varying rotations based on rainfall and pasture conditions to help maintain a desirable cover of native grasses regardless of precipitation. They have also built a series of diversion dams to slow water flow and soil loss during heavy rainfall and have worked with TPWD to reintroduce prairie dogs and install burrowing owl nest boxes.

Official recognition will take place May 25 at the 27th annual Lone Star Land Steward Awards banquet at Austin’s Hyatt Regency.