A wildlife management valuation, commonly referred to as a wildlife exemption, allows Texas landowners to maintain low property taxes by managing land for native wildlife instead of, or alongside, traditional agriculture. Through Proposition 11 (1995), landowners can preserve open spaces, improve habitats, and save on taxes.
what is wildlife management?what is wildlife management?
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Open-space lands, including those under timber, ag, and wildlife exemptions in Texas help provide clean water, clean air, food and fiber production, and beautiful Texas landscapes.
The requirements of maintaining a wildlife exemption are designed to benefit native wildlife and their habitats on your land. Particularly in the western 2/3rds of the state, local grazing intensity requirements for an ag exemption are difficult to maintain on many properties.
A property that enjoys a wildlife exemption, regardless of size, is part of the six million acres in Texas currently being managed to preserve open spaces and lower property taxes – while increasing property aesthetics and property value.
For more than two decades we’ve been making it simple for landowners like you to turn ag or timber valuation land into private, beautiful, tax-advantaged wildlife property. Our experienced wildlife biologist team, with decades of combined expertise in Texas ecosystems and wildlife management, offers tailored services and products, whether you need hands-on management or expert advice. In the end, transitioning your land with our support means more than just achieving tax benefits.
We’d love to talk about how we can help.
Phone: (512) 894-3479
Toll Free: (888) 289-9409
Email: [email protected]
Mailing Address: PO Box 1251, Dripping Springs, TX 78620
Dripping Springs / Austin Office:
14101 Highway 290 West, Bldg 1300
Austin, TX 78737
Boerne Office:
39340 Frontage Road
Boerne, TX 78006
Annual Report
Best thing I ever did was hire y'all!
Mesquite Treatment
Thank you Plateau, for your efforts in coordinating the mesquite treatment at Curly Pines Ranch. I wanted to pass along a word about our experience with the services crew. Steve Parker and the crew were great to work with. They put in tremendous effort on two very hot and humid days. Steve was super attentive to details in relation to our objectives and identifying the best timing/conditions for the treatment. Steve was also excellent in his communication and a joy to work with. We appreciate another round of great service from Plateau.
Valuable Advice, Infrastructure, and Documentation
I have worked with Plateau Land & Wildlife since its creation and believe the company is one of the reasons private land stewardship has made such advances in Texas in recent years. Plateau employees are knowledgeable and dedicated to wildlife conservation. Habitat and wildlife management on my own ranch has largely been made possible by the valuable advice, infrastructure, and documentation provided by Plateau Land & Wildlife.
Thorough, Professional Work
At the Halifax Ranch, we’ve been using Plateau Land & Wildlife as our wildlife management consultants for 20 years. We’ve been pleased with the thorough and professional work Plateau has performed. I’ve personally enjoyed getting to know the founders and several folks on the staff, such as Mark Gray and Steve Parker. It’s been a good relationship that goes back to Plateau’s early years.
Peace of Mind
From my perspective: Plateau gives me the peace of mind that they are maintaining my requirements to keep my wildlife exemption in place. I turn to Plateau so I don’t have to worry. They do all the work, and I get to enjoy my property and its natural beauty knowing I’m being taxed fairly for keeping it natural.
Protecting & Supporting Conservation Efforts
Plateau has been so good to us and truly interested in protecting and supporting our conservation efforts. Their entire staff is knowledgeable and professional and we would encourage anyone in need of land and wildlife management services to use Plateau.
Easy Appraisal District Approval
Plateau knows and understands the requirements of Wildlife Management Valuation, including the particular approach of our county appraisal office. They worked with us to assemble the supporting documentation and filed our application on time. We were approved without any problems and could not have been more pleased with the service we received.
Cacti Clearing
Last year we decided to get control of the cactus overtaking our property and after some research chose Plateau Wildlife Management. Our initial contact was Steve Parker and he was very responsive to our request for assessment of our property and treatment options. He and another guy came out for two days to treat cactus. Now over a year later we called him because we wanted him to check some of the treated areas that still had cactus. Again, Steve was quick to come out to walk the areas with me; he was accommodating to our concerns and came out several days later to retreat. Both times Steve was customer focused and kept us informed of any schedule changes, the treatment route on our property, and which areas would not be treated due to proximity to valued trees. The service we received from Plateau, through Steve Parker, was impressive and we would not hesitate to recommend your services and plan to use the cactus treatment next year on other areas. Thank you to Steve and his team for a successful experience and some cactus free property.
One Stop Shopping
I have worked with Plateau Wildlife for years on several ranches, not only with habitat and livestock management but also with respect to property tax classification, documentation and tax filing. My experience is that their technical knowledge is deep, their referral sources are reliable, and their service is personal and professional. In one instance regarding tax classification, the information I received from a county appraisal office was inconsistent with Texas constitutional law, and they were unwilling to discuss their position. I engaged Plateau to represent my family’s property to the appraisal office. After proper application of the law, completion of all forms, and communicating with the tax appraisal office, Plateau prevailed against the incorrect and damaging assessment and saved my family tens of thousands of dollars in tax. Shane Kiefer and Team are terrific. One stop shopping for landowners.
A First Class Organization
We have been working with Plateau Wildlife Management for over seven years and consider them to be a first-class organization. Their entire staff is knowledgeable and always willing to help whether it is from an educational standpoint or boots on the ground. They honor their commitments and take pride in what we accomplish together on the property. We definitely feel that our ranch and more importantly our wildlife, have benefited greatly from our relationship with our Plateau Biologist, Shane Kiefer, and the Plateau team. We plan to continue our partnership for years to come.
Professional Plan
The plan looks really, really good. Very professional. I wasn’t expecting this level of detail… but as I sat in my easy chair last night, I saw that it was really easy to follow.
A Seamless Experience
Plateau made the Wildlife Management & Tax Exemption process seamless for our projects. A customized program was tailored to our particular needs. All personnel was professional, courteous and responsive. I look forward to working with Plateau in the future.
