The Simpsons of San Saba County were recognized as the 2007 Outstanding Wildlife Conservationists for Area 2 of the Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts (ATSWCD) annual awards banquet held in Wall, Texas, on May 6. Area 2 covers a vast region of Texas and includes 51 counties. Joe and Pat Simpson were awarded first place among nominees throughout this region for soil, water and wildlife conservation efforts on their 1,507-acre ranch.

Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts (ATSWCD) Area 2

Background
Prior to the Simpson family’s acquisition of their ranch in 1998, it had been overgrazed and unmanaged. Where soil stabilizing native grasses once grew, dense stands of invasive brush species had taken over, leaving topsoil exposed and vulnerable to erosion. Following recommendations from various sources, including the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA), the Texas Agrilife Extension Service and the San Saba Soil and Water Conservation District (SSSWCD), the Simpsons embarked on a comprehensive land restoration project.

LCRA Creekside Conservation Program 
As part of this project, the Simpsons participated in the LCRA Creekside Conservation Program, an 18-year-old effort to help farmers and ranchers reduce soil erosion and keep topsoil from washing into the waterways of the lower Colorado River basin. In 2004, LCRA received a three-year, $500,000 grant from the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to augment the program. In 2008, LCRA received another $458,000 three-year grant. This funding provided a cost-share incentive for the Simpsons to selectively remove more than 350 acres of invasive brush species. They also implemented an aggressive rotational grazing system which facilitates natural aeration and fertilization of the soil, and creates a niche for native grasses and forbs to thrive.

Quail Habitat Restoration
Joe Simpson is an avid outdoorsman and a quail enthusiast. In 2000, he requested the help of Dale Rollins of the Texas Cooperative Extension Service in determining factors influencing quail predation. In turn, the Simpsons installed conservation practices for quail habitat restoration, food plot installation and predator population reduction.

White-tailed Deer Improvement
With the assistance of Mike Krueger, TPWD wildlife biologist, the Simpsons conduct white-tailed deer spotlight surveys at least three times a year. Likewise, they take daylight surveys to track fawn crop, body condition and antler development. They diligently maintain the information that they gather in data logs to help determine population trends.

The Simpsons have used selective brush management to create a corridor effect, leaving strips of brush along riparian areas. They also abide by Krueger’s deer harvest and food plot development recommendations.

Joe, Pat and Michael Simpson of the San Saba County, Hilltop Ranch receive the 2008 Outstanding Wildlife Conservationist Award for Area 2 of the Association of Texas Soil and Water Conservation Districts.

Following the recommendations of the NRCS and TPWD, the Simpsons have embarked on a selective brush removal program as part of their soil, water and wildlife conservation plans.

Left to Right: San Saba Soil and Water Conservation District Chariman, C.K. Stevenson; Joe Simpson; LCRA Board Member, Clay Nettleship; Michael Simpson; and NRCS District Conservationist, Mike Shomette

Livestock Production 
hrough brush control and rotational grazing, the Simpsons have nearly doubled the carrying capacity of the ranch. They are now able to manage their cow herd in a manner that potentially increases their profit margin and restores ecological balance to the land.

Water Quality and Quantity
An added benefit of the Simpsons’ brush management efforts is enhanced infiltration and absorption of rainfall. To maximize this benefit, the Simpsons have added three stock tanks ranging from one to three acres in size. Likewise, they have identified seven well sites for future water development.

Improved Pastures
The Simpsons have worked to improve native rangeland. They also have converted more than 100 acres of old cropland fields into improved Klein Grass pastures, thus reducing the potential for soil loss and sedimentation in nearby waterways.

Wildlife Management
The Simpsons have actively tracked the quality and quantity of white-tailed deer. With a proactive approach to game management, they have worked diligently to improve buck antler development and buck-to-doe ratios.

Species Diversity
The Simpsons recognize that white-tailed deer are only one part of what comprises a thriving Edwards Plateau ecosystem. With ecological balance in mind, they have strived to increase habitat for all native plant and animal species. In the process of selective brush management, the Simpsons have left corridors of brush for wildlife shelter. They have grown small food plots in various locations to augment the native food supply. An array of native wildlife such as turkey, quail, dove and small mammals can now be seen flourishing throughout the Simpsons’ 1,507-acre ranch.

Artesian Springs
The Simpsons are blessed with a number of artesian springs on the ranch. They take particular care in managing the native grasses and forbs that grow in these areas. Likewise, their brush management efforts have resulted in increased spring flow.

Old Homestead
This ranch was originally settled by German immigrants. The old ranch homestead, built in the early 1900s, remains on the property. Rather than tear it down, the Simpsons chose to restore this homestead as a reminder of the pioneer families who depended on this land for food, water and shelter. This restoration project is ongoing.

Native American Artifacts
Joe Simpson has taken a special interest in Native American culture, particularly the art of flint knapping. In fact, he is an avid flint knapper himself. Additionally, he has worked to preserve Native American artifacts found on the ranch.

Cooperative Research, Demonstration and Education
The Simpsons are members of the San Saba Wildlife Management Association. Likewise, they are co-operators with the San Saba Soil and Water Conservation District. Through these affiliations, they have participated in a number of educational field days and seminars on subjects such as prescribed burning, integrated pest management and white-tailed deer management. They have expressed an interest in potentially hosting an educational field day on their land in the future.

Outdoor Recreational and/or Educational Opportunities
In 2000 and 2001, the Simpsons invited local scout groups comprised of both boys and girls to hunt on the ranch. This hunt, coordinated in cooperation with Mike Krueger of the TPWD provided an opportunity for these youth to learn and apply soil, water and wildlife conservation principles.