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Wildlife
Management Valuation
Frequently
Asked Questions
1.
What is Wildlife Management Valuation
(WMV)? A Wildlife
“Exemption” is properly known as a Wildlife
Management Valuation (WMV). WMV is a category of open space
land (or agricultural) valuation available to landowners who
have a current agricultural valuation or
“exemption.” WMV is an agricultural tax valuation
that resides in tax code of the State
Constitution.
2.
Must I have a current 1-d-1
agricultural exemption to qualify for Wildlife Management
Valuation? Yes, anyone may
manage for wildlife, but if you seek the Wildlife Management
Valuation, you must already have an agricultural exemption.
Some people are so committed to wildlife management that they
are placing their property in agricultural use for 5 years in
order to establish agricultural valuation. Then they may
convert to wildlife valuation.
3.
Is the Wildlife Management Valuation
an additional property tax
break?
No. Your taxes will remain at the same
favorable rate as under your current agricultural
valuation.
4.
Can I keep part of my land in Ag and
put part of it in Wildlife Management?
Yes. You can divide your land between these
two valuations as you wish and change it from year to
year.
5.
Can I move back into Ag valuation
once I move my land into WMV? Yes. Since WMV is a form of Agricultural tax valuation,
you may move back and forth from year to year without losing
your status in Ag.
6.
May I continue livestock grazing or
other agriculture under the WMV? Agricultural activities
may be continued, if they are compatible and secondary to
your wildlife management plan. However, you are not required
to continue any form of agriculture. Livestock can be a
benefit to wildlife habitat if managed carefully.
7.
How does WMV work?
The
requirements for WMV are modest, and most landowners are
already doing enough to meet the minimum requirements. A
minimum of 3 practices from the following menu of 7 (with
several options per category) are required
annually:
·
1. Habitat Control (habitat management), 2.
Erosion Control, 3. Predator Control, 4. Providing
Supplemental Water, 5. Providing Supplemental Food, 6.
Providing Supplemental Shelter and 7. Making Census Counts to
determine population.
·
Most counties require that a wildlife
management plan be filed along with an application for WMV.
The plan should provide several key pieces of information,
including the target wildlife species and the anticipated
management activities. Both should be regionally
appropriate.
8.
Is there a filing deadline for the
required wildlife management plans?
Yes. Applications must be filed between
January 1 and April 30 for the effective year.
9.
How long does it take to have a
wildlife management plan written? About 45 days. There is much professional work and many
steps involved with the production of a comprehensive plan
that will assure acceptance by your County Appraisal District
and successful implementation. Please see the list of
services on the back of our “Professional
Services” sheet for a description of how Plateau
provides a comprehensive service that provides the greatest
value to our clients.
10.
Am I required to manage for game
animals and hunting? It is not
necessary to manage for hunting; non-game wildlife management
also qualifies. In fact, many people manage both game and
non-game under this program. The landowner may manage for any
wildlife native to Texas with the one exception of fish. This
means you could manage for songbirds, butterflies, quail,
rabbits, horned toads, road runners, or turkey, to name just
a few.
11.
How can PLATEAU help
me?
PLATEAU specializes in helping rural landowners protect and
enhance their greatest asset (their land), and to help
them take advantage of tax incentives for doing so. Plateau
is a group of wildlife biologists and property tax
consultants whose primary services include the production and
representation of customized wildlife management plans to
convert their Ag valuation to wildlife management,
comprehensive land and wildlife management services, the sale
and installation of associated products, custom mapping, and
professional consultation regarding tax appraisal issues,
habitat assessment, game management, hunting lease
development and much more.
12.
Can I develop property and offer the
advantages of WMV to the purchasers?
An appropriately planned subdivision can
provide the opportunity to continue open space valuation
under WMV providing favorable tax status to large lot holders
while preventing rollback taxes. Converting to WMV before
development will enhance the aesthetics of the property and
reduce liability by allowing the removal of livestock,
encouraging wildflowers and other natural vegetation to
flourish. PLATEAU has a package of services and the
professionals to assist developers through this process,
including review of plats, owner covenants, establishing a
wildlife management property association, and providing plan
maintenance.
13.
Can appraisal districts refuse to
consider wildlife appraisal
applications?
In 1995, the voters of Texas established
Wildlife Management Valuation in the Texas Constitution. Many
counties are enthusiastic about wildlife valuation. In 2002,
it was made law that if a landowner meets the criteria to
apply for WMV, the County Appraisal District shall
accept their plan.
14.
Why is Plateau my best
choice? The founders of PLATEAU
helped get the legislation passed to enable WMV, and helped
write the implementing regulations for the law. PLATEAU
continues to provide education to the staff of the County
Appraisal Districts around the State. This means that the
professionals at PLATEAU have the highest level of knowledge
and expertise and the best relationships with appraisal
districts available to put to work for you.
The
professionals at Plateau Land & Wildlife Management are
happy to answer any further questions you might
have.
In the Austin area,
call (512) 894-3479, or toll free at (888)
289-9409
In the San Antonio
area, call toll free at (888) 804-7383
Email us at
plateau@plateauwildlife.com
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