Converting Ag exempt to Wildlife exempt (San Marcos, Tierra Grande: buying, tax, exemptions)

[G Grasshopper]

Does anyone know if it is a difficult process to change a piece of property from agricultural exempt to wildlife conservation exempt? If this property is in a development I know it would have to be allowed by the community contract, but it is it common for this to be allowed? Any other thoughts?

Thanks, from a Wildlife enthusiast
G Grasshopper

[austifornian]

You might find what you are looking for in the Guidelines for Qualification of Agricultural
Land in Wildlife Management Use

[ilmd]

Grasshopper- I don't know if this would apply to you or not. I talked to the county the other day- I am wanting to buy property that will be ag exempt. The woman at the tax office told me that it is now very difficult to get an ag exempt status. I will have to buy property that is already exempt. If I did not, I would have to wait 6 years to just apply. She said the chances of getting it made into ag exempt were slim. I don't know why. I raise a few Quarterhorses- registered, of course. The county said I would have to verify breeding stock, they must be registered horses. I don't know what the deal would be if it was cattle, or something else. If you learn anything, please share.

[HappyTexan]

Here's a link that explains ag-exemptions 1-d and 1-d-1 and what it takes to qualify for it.

Ag-Use Exemption: Fact or Fiction? - Tierra Grande (January 2000) (broken link)

[G Grasshopper]

I have read many of the references you-all supplied. My feeling is that the key is buying land that is already ag exempt. My plans for the property are right in line with the qualifications for wildlife exemption, so it seems that there is a good possibility there. Just have to get that property first. I'm looking for at least 10 acres west of San Marcos. Any ideas about good property for central Texas native wildlife would be appreciated.