Each year the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board (TSSWCB) and the Association of Texas Soil and Water Conservation Districts (ATSWCD) recognize and honor individuals who dedicate themselves to the conservation and management of renewable natural resources. These outstanding conservationists will be recognized during an awards luncheon on Tuesday, October 5, 2021, at Kalahari Resort in Round Rock.
The program provides an opportunity for competition and incentives to expand and improve conservation efforts as well as the wise utilization of renewable natural resources. Categories recognized through the Texas Conservation Awards Program are: Poster Contest and Junior and Senior Essay Contests, Con servation Farmer, Outstanding Soil and Water Conservation District, Conservation Rancher, Friend of Conservation, Conservation Teacher and Wildlife Conservationist.
Wildlife Conservationist – Quinn Ranch, McCulloch SWCD #249
Located in McCulloch County, Quinn Ranch was established by C.P. Gray in 1898. Beginning in 1997, his great-grandson, John Quinn took over the operation. Through cooperating with the McCulloch SWCD and USDA-NRCS, he has utilized a variety of programs to implement conservation practices on his land which are great providers of food, water, and habitat for wildlife. Those practices include grazing management, prescribed burning, watering facilities, brush management as well as cross fencing. The Quinn Ranch is an active Wildlife Management Cooperator and a supporter of the Lone Star Land Steward Program as well as a member of the Edwards Plateau Prescribed Burning Association. The dedication to conservation and education demonstrated by the Quinn Ranch is widely admired and appreciated.