United States
£ GBP
Well-managed ranch lands or rangeland in Texas capture the rain that permeates our soils, sustains creeks and rivers, and replenishes aquifers, which, in turn, water our cities. The stewardship of the region is the focus of Common Rangeland Plants of West Central Texas – the largest contributing watershed in the Colorado River Basin – viewed through the lens of its plant communities.
This field guide and management reference to four million acres of rangeland in the Concho River watershed of west central Texas offers general descriptions of more than 200 plant species, including information about the plant's growing period, growth form, livestock and wildlife value, and special management issues. Accompanying photographs give the reader an idea of not only what the plant looks like on the range but also which identifiable features, such as flowers, fruit, or leaf shape, are most important to that particular plant.
In addition, several experts cover the use of fire and the management of deer, turkey, dove, and other wildlife in this region. A discussion of noxious, invasive, and toxic plants; historical accounts of the region; four useful appendixes; a glossary; and a plant list complete the impressive content of this comprehensive volume.
George Clendenin is a rangeland managementspecialist with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. Currently based in Madisonville near College Station, he previously worked with landowners in the Concho Valley, USA.
"This is truly a unique and special book. Nothing like it exists in the world of Texas plant books. It is a well-illustrated field guide and offers concise and useful management guidelines for this region. West Central Texas lies in between the Hill Country and the Trans Pecos; heretofore, there have been no plant books to focus specifically on this vast and important ranching and wildlife area. Clendenin has done a masterful job of integrating the historical, ecological, and practical aspects of range plants and range management into an interesting and informative volume. It will become a favorite reference for ranchers, hunters, natural resource professionals, and anyone interested in the ecology and conservation of the region."
– Steve Nelle, Rangeland Biologist, San Angelo, Texas
"George Clendenin provides a much needed and long overdue treatment of the plant life of this region. His dedication to the natural history of the plants in West Central Texas will be clear to those who keep a copy with them when afield. I plan to keep my copy within easy reach."
– Terry C. Maxwell, distinguished professor emeritus, Angelo State University
"It will be a ranch manager's plant bible for years to come."
– Charley Christensen, general manager, Cargile Cattle Company
"As a conservationist and rancher, I can say that this book will be immensely useful to anyone who wants to maintain a healthy balance between livestock, wildlife, and range management. It offers practical information on plants, grazing plans, and brush management and explains how and why our region has changed and is changing now. George Clendenin's guide is a go-to resource."
– Sandra Tweedy, manager and part owner of Tweedy Ranch
"A fascinating research book which covers a wide spectrum of facts; from basic surface geology of soils with detailed descriptions of formations effecting plant habitat to species and common non-nomenclature which is useful to ranchers and land managers. Easy to follow indexed format. Very useful data for those of us fortunate to be involved in land management. This book is a valuable asset to identification of our flora life that surrounds us."
– Dan Brown, owner of Brown Ranch and The Hummer House, Christoval, Texas
