To participate in the LPHCP for wildlife management, landowners must complete a Wildlife Management Notice of Intent application.  After application approval, a Wildlife Management Notice of Receipt (NOR) is issued.  NORs require annual re-application.

Landowners whose property is not already classified for 1-D-1 tax appraisal may qualify for appraisal as wildlife management land by conveying a Conservation Easement for wildlife management.  House Bill 604, adopted by the Texas Legislature in 2007 and effective as of January 1, 2008, makes it possible for landowners to move from market value to a wildlife management tax valuation without the property first receiving an agricultural tax valuation.

Wildlife management activities covered by the LPHCP include:

• Controlling brush to create additional openings or clearings within post oak and pine forests to create more edge effect for wildlife
• Reforesting tame or native pastures where woody cover or browse is lacking for wildlife
• Prescribed burning to remove excess tree litter and understory vegetation to prevent the understory from becoming too thick and shading out desirable grasses, forbs and browse
• Strip disking to encourage the growth of forbs and other annual plants
• Planting food plots to supplement well-managed native habitats
• Overseeding tame pastures to provide additional forage for wildlife during winter months
• Protecting pond habitat
• Controlling red imported fire ants

Water Management Zones (WMZs)—buffer areas immediately adjacent to stream channels or other water bodies, such as ponds, wetlands, springs or seeps—are a key component to habitat management for the Houston toad.  Due to the importance of WMZs, certain practices within these areas are prohibited.  There are additional limitations during the breeding season and the period when new toads emerge, which extends from January 1 through June 30.

To participate in the county’s LPHCP for wildlife management activities and receive a Notice of Receipt (NOR) for Wildlife Management, landowners:

1. Develop and implement a qualifying wildlife management plan 
2. Complete a Wildlife Management Notice of Intent application that includes:
   1. A copy of an unexpired Wildlife Management Plan that complies with the Wildlife Management Guidelines in the LPHCP
   2. A map of the property showing the location of all water features and WMZs
3. Pay the application fee.
   1. $100 for the initial application
   2. $20 for annual renewal application each uninterrupted year

Visit Texas Parks and Wildlife’s website for Post Oak Savannah ecoregion wildlife management planning guidelines.