Governor Designates October as Range Management Month in Texas

San Angelo, Texas – A natural Texas treasure is usually only a short drive from about anywhere in the Lone Star State.

"The nice thing about this treasure is that it can be enjoyed for very little cost," according to Charles Anderson, President of the Texas Section of the Society for Range Management, and Zone Range Management Specialist for the Natural Resources Conservation Service. The treasure is Texas's native grass rangeland.

Well over one-half of the state’s land surface is rangeland, including the short-grass blue grama-buffalograss in the high plains, the bluestem tall grass prairies and savanna's of the eastern part of the state. One of the most visible signs of this natural treasure is sideoats grama, Texas's state grass. However, October is the month to also be looking for Indiangrass and big bluestem. The glowing golden color of the Indiangrass and the turkeyfoot appearance of big bluestem seed heads is a photographer's reverie! And do not overlook the colorful abundance and variety of wildflowers.

To celebrate this great resource, the Governor of Texas has designated October as Range Management Month. This month was chosen to publicly recognize what the state's ranchers and wildlife managers have known for a long time; the value of rangeland. Join us in celebrating Range Management Month. Rangelands that are kept in a healthy condition by good management benefit all Texans by helping to keep the air cleaner by reducing wind erosion, keeping the water cleaner by filtering out sediment and pollutants, providing a resource base for food and fiber, and by providing excellent wildlife habitat.

So Anderson suggests that if you want a spirit refreshing experience, grab your camera, find a well managed rangeland, seek out the best angle and take your best shot to capture native bluestems, Indiangrass, and gramas at their very best. If you are not a photographer, just take a lawn chair and find a quiet roadside with a view and simply enjoy the sounds of the rangelands.


TSSRM is a professional organization composed of individuals sharing a common interest in the study, management and rational use of rangelands and related ecosystems. For more information on TSSRM, visit their website at www.tssrm.org.

Contact

Charles Anderson, Zone Range Management Specialist
3878 Houston Harte Expressway
San Angelo, TX 76901
Office: 325-944-0147
FAX: 325-9441705

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