Landowners in Brazoria County can an agricultural tax valuation by actively managing their land for wildlife. Texas voters approved a proposition that amended Article VIII, Section 1-d-1 of the Texas Constitution in 1995. That change permitted agricultural appraisal for land used to manage for native wildlife. Then a bill implemented the amendment by making wildlife management an agricultural use that qualifies the land for agricultural appraisal.
This change made the “wildlife exemption” an option for property owners in Brazoria County. Though not an actual tax exemption, the management of ag land for wildlife maintains a low tax rate (wildlife appraisal) on the land just as if it was ranched or farmed. It’s a good deal for property owners interested in managing for healthy wildlife habitat.
Qualify for Wildlife Exemption in Brazoria County
Tax Code Chapter 23, Subchapter D addresses the requirements for Brazoria County property owners to qualify their land for agricultural appraisal. It also instructs county appraisal districts in how to appraise qualified agricultural land. Land used for wildlife management must meet all the legal requirements of land qualified for agricultural appraisal.
Land may qualify for wildlife management use in Brazoria County if it is instrumental in supporting a sustaining breeding, migrating or wintering population. A group of animals do not need to permanently live on the land, so long as they regularly migrate across it or are found there seasonally.
A sustaining breeding population is a group of indigenous (native) wild animals that is large enough to live independently over multiple generations. This implies that the population will not die out because reproduction allows the animals to continue as a viable group.
“Wildlife” includes any native species, such as birds, mammals, amphibians and even invertebrates such as bees and butterflies. A professional can provide information to help determine the number of animals of a particular species that must group together to sustain the population.
Apply for Wildlife Exemption in Brazoria County
The degree-of-intensity standard for wildlife management land in Brazoria County is determined in the same way as other agricultural uses. Wildlife management land usually requires management practices that encourage long-term maintenance of the population. Each of these practices has intensity requirements.
Most property owners are not familiar with the variety of habitat management practices that can be used to qualify their lands for wildlife management use. That’s where we can help. A property owner must submit a detailed wildlife management plan to the Brazoria County Appraisal District in order to switch from traditional ag use to wildlife management use. We work with property owners to develop plans that work for them and their land.