Prairies are essential ecological regions due to the role they play in the ecosystem, and it is imperative to maintain and improve them through holistic management. The Dixon Water Foundation, through their ranches in the Cross Timbers and Trans-Pecos regions of Texas , are focused on restoring prairie lands by implementing well planned cattle grazing regimes. One of the management techniques it employs on its Trans-Pecos ranches is high intensity, low frequency grazing. This method promotes uniform utilization of pastures, adequate plant litter retention, and improved wildlife habitat. With rotational grazing, the manager has more control on the livestock's use of an area. It also allows adequate time for forage recovery and maintains residual plant material which increases soil health. Three of the key wildlife classes which are frequent in far west Texas but have been experiencing population declines include quail, grassland songbirds, and pronghorn antelope (Antilocapra americana). Numerous research projects have been conducted on the Dixon ranches which assist in monitoring, understanding, and increasing populations of these prairie species. The Dixon Water Foundation has illustrated how livestock and wildlife can interact with each other to promote the habitat of one another. Similarly, it has shown that managing for cattle does not mean causing habitat degradation for the other but can help improve it. With proper management, livestock and prairie wildlife can coexist while restoring the overall health of the rangeland.
