 Jim and Judy Reed are taking a holistic approach to managing the lands on their ranch, sustaining wildlife and a way of life.
(Photo by TPWD Wildlife Biologist
Kevin Kraii) |
After a successful career with his computer business, Jim inherited the land from his father, a cattleman and businessman. With no preconceptions, Jim assumed control of the property with a view toward sustaining both the land and his finances. The Reeds were alert to the risks in continuing ranching operations fraught with issues that often pushed land and financial resources beyond reasonable limits. They searched for a better way.
Prudence and decisions based on sound information are traits the Reeds use in their lives. Using their business acumen, the Reeds began devising a long-range comprehensive plan for management of their property. Jim and Judy found an ideal goal modeling process in the approach for holistic resource management set forth by Allan Savory with assistance from the Texas Holistic Resource Management organization.
The whole family participated. Jim and Judy believe that this was the best thing they could have done as they engaged the plans for the future of the ranch. Significant points of the plan are: (1) diversification of ranch uses
(2) maintaining a productive, flexible lifestyle
(3) good land stewardship
(4) and, using informed decision-making principles consistent with ranch goals.
Jim states, "The use of the holistic management process is one of the major reasons we've made the progress we've made. We couldn't be doing what we're doing without this model to follow. When we're trying to make a decision about whether to do something or not, we test our decision against our goals using the seven testing questions that are found in the HRM model."
Much of the property is in the floodplain of the Trinity River about five miles north of Kerens in Navarro County, Texas. This is the western edge of the Lower Mississippi Valley Joint Venture. Subsequent contact with state and federal biologists brought news of opportunities associated with the joint venture mission. The Reeds began to integrate various technical guidance and cost-sharing programs agencies offered to benefit the land.
Through an Environmental Protection Agency grant administered by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, they improved the forest species composition and wildlife value of elm-ash-sugarberry forests from which the original oak and pecan trees were high-graded.
Shortly, they were consulting the local Natural Resources Conservation Service staff for assistance in restoring native range grasses. Likewise, NRCS staff provided survey and design assistance for a crawfish pond conceived for added revenues, erosion control, and supplemental water for wildlife. Currently processes are underway to complete an extensive wetland development project via the East Texas Wetland Project (see Birdscapes Winter 2002).
None of these activities are kept secret. Outdoor recreation and land management demonstrations are integral with the master plan. Revenues are generated from hunting, fishing, and camping. Bird watching is being evaluated for its potential. The problem of damage to wildlife habitat and livestock range by feral hogs was solved by enthusiastically promoted hog hunts. In short, the Reeds want to show that their system is successful.
So, now, when a visitor drives through the cattle guard at the entrance to the Reed Wildlife Ranch no doubt exists about the meaning of the sign at the gate. The effects of holistic, ecologically based land management clearly are visible.
So, now you know the secret to Jim and Judy's success - and it's an award winning secret at that. The Department presented them with its Lone Star Stewards Award, because every day, the Reeds' life work demonstrates that the principals of sustainable land management really do work.
For more information contact:
Jim and Judy Reed
Reed Wildlife Ranch
2209 Dartmouth Lane
Corsicana, Texas 75110
oljim@reedfamilyranch.com
msjudy@reedfamilyranch.com
www.reedfamilyranch.com
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