The Issue

Because President Johnson deeded land to the National Park Service with the specific request that the ranch continue to be a "working ranch," resource management and maintenance staff have had to develop a management program that will allow the continued production of a saleable pecan crop each year while protecting the park's natural resources. Working with several partners, the park has developed a successful IPM program and water quality monitoring regime to meet both goals. The park is currently in the midst of thinning the historic pecan orchard to reduce the risk of pests and improve pecan production while still maintaining the orchard's historic appearance.