Image: Wiley Dabbs, manager of Decie Ranch in Far West Texas, is working hard to restore watersheds and native grasses on the 22,000-acre property, with the help of conservation partners like Borderlands Research Institute.
After six years of dedication and collaboration, a transformative habitat enhancement project is finally taking shape on the vast 22,000-acre Decie Ranch, nestled between the communities of Marathon and Alpine in the stunning Big Bend region of West Texas. This ambitious endeavor is led by Decie Ranch Manager, Wiley Dabbs, who believes that preserving the land’s natural beauty and biodiversity is a duty that extends beyond his lifetime.
Managing the Decie Ranch is more than a job for Dabbs; it’s a labor of love. He and his family call this pristine piece of West Texas their home, and their commitment to preserving its natural wonders is unwavering.
Dabbs has not undertaken this ambitious project alone. With the support of Decie Ranch landowners and the collaborative efforts of organizations such as the Borderlands Research Institute, Natural Resources Conservation Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, a comprehensive plan tailored to the Decie Ranch has been developed, funded, and is now being put into action. These organizations offer financial assistance through cost-share programs and grants and provide invaluable on-site consultations with habitat specialists, soil scientists, and other experts to help landowners bring their vision for their land to life.
The Decie Ranch boasts a diverse landscape, ranging from wooded mountain slopes to desert valley flats. However, a significant portion of the property is plagued by a dense monoculture of creosote bush (Larea tridentata), a plant that hinders surface water flow and makes the land susceptible to erosion. This shift has led to a phenomenon known as “woody brush encroachment,” as creosote, juniper (Juniperus spp.), mesquite (Prosopis spp.), and other woody shrubs overtake the once-dominant grass communities.
To combat woody brush encroachment, Dabbs has implemented a multifaceted approach. He has erected brush weirs, windrows, and trincheras to prevent soil erosion and has reintroduced native grasses to the landscape. His efforts include mechanical removal of brush, a process called “grubbing,” and targeted herbicide treatments to eliminate creosote and whitebrush (Aloysia gratissima). Strategically piling brush in windrows helps slow down water flow in problem areas. Additionally, Dabbs has upgraded the water system, installing seven miles of new water lines, new troughs, and solar pumps, while also installing 12 miles of pronghorn-friendly fencing, allowing pronghorn easy passage.
While chemical treatment of brush may take some years to show results, it promises long-term relief from the proliferation of creosote and whitebrush. These conservation measures ultimately result in improved habitat for native wildlife like pronghorn, which thrive in open spaces and native grass and forb communities. Moreover, these practices enhance the quality of the land for livestock, benefiting both ranchers and the broader community by promoting healthy wildlife and livestock populations.
While habitat management may not be an exact science, it is built on a solid foundation of research conducted in the western lands. Organizations like the Borderlands Research Institute continually refine these techniques through ongoing habitat research, ensuring the best possible outcomes for the region.
“Scientists, alongside land managers like Wiley, refine habitat enhancement techniques together. We experience the best outcomes with teamwork, and the Borderlands Research Institute is available as a support tool to serve landowners of the Trans-Pecos,” noted Billy Tarrant, Associate Director of Stewardship Services at the Borderlands Research Institute.
The Borderlands Research Institute’s land stewardship center offers various programs to ease the financial burden of implementing new land management techniques that contribute to natural resource conservation. To learn more about these services, visit bri.sulross.edu/land-stewardship.
Since 2007, the Borderlands Research Institute has been a driving force behind effective land stewardship in the Chihuahuan Desert. Housed at Sul Ross State University, the Borderlands Research Institute has forged strong partnerships with private landowners, the university’s natural resource program, state, federal, and non-governmental organizations, and other stakeholders. Through research, education, and outreach, the Borderlands Research Institute is playing a pivotal role in conserving the last frontier of Texas and the Southwest.
