Land Management Assistance Program

The Land Management Assistance Program is one of our chapter’s most important contributions to our ten-county region.

The Land Management Assistance Program (LMAP) is a special program through which we offer free assistance to property owners in Bandera, Edwards, Gillespie, Kendall, Kerr, Kimble, Mason, Menard, Real, and San Saba Counties.

Our well-trained, knowledgeable Texas Master Naturalist volunteers visit your property to discuss your goals, plans, and concerns.

• Potential land use issues are identified and possible solutions are described. 
• The LMAP volunteer team helps you survey trees, shrubs, wildflowers, and grasses.
• Good stewardship practices that may apply to your land are explained.
• The visit is followed by a written report including a list of experts who can provide additional information and assistance.

Jim Stanley started the program many years ago and has recently retired, handing over the job to Billy Guin.  Here is some information on Jim (the form follows, below):

Jim teaches volunteers how to identify native grasses.

Jim created the program in 2005 and our LMAP trained volunteer teams have visited more than 450 properties totaling more than 40,000 acres across the beautiful Hill Country.

Books by Jim Stanley

Hill Country Landowner’s Guide charts a practical course for understanding and handling a variety of problems that both new and established landowners in the Texas Hill Country will confront  – from brush control, grazing, and deer overpopulation to erosion, fire, and exotic species management.

A Beginner’s Handbook for Rural Texas Landowners: How to Live in the Country without Spoiling it discusses most issues facing rural landowners and why it is so important that rural land in Texas be well-managed, native flora and fauna be protected, and good land management practices employed.

Hill Country Ecology: Essays on Plants, Animals, Water, and Land Management  The Texas Hill Country is a special place. This book describes Texas Hill Country ecology for current, new, and prospective residents. It seeks to teach readers about the Hill Country, including the native habitat, land, water, plants, animals, people, and the myriad interactions among them. Advice is delivered in brief, easy-to-read essays originally appearing in the Kerrville Daily Times under Jim Stanley’s weekly column, “Hill Country Naturalist”.

Learn more about Hill Country stewardship at hillcountrynaturalist.org

Professionals, agencies, and organizations who assist Hill Country landowners. Land Management Resources and Experts Contacts List