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79R14265 KO-D
By: Hilderbran H.R. No. 1419
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Stowers Ranch in Kerr County celebrated its 100th
anniversary in 2004, and this important milestone has provided an
apt occasion to reflect on the ranch's rich history as well as its
current role in the ranching industry; and
WHEREAS, Founded in 1904 by George Arthur Stowers as a cattle
ranch, game management area, and hunting preserve, this 11,251-acre
ranch is located at the headwaters of the north fork of the
Guadalupe River, approximately 13 miles west of Hunt; remaining in
the Stowers family for the past century, the historical property is
now owned and managed by the three grandchildren and six
great-grandchildren of Mr. Stowers; and
WHEREAS, A game-proof perimeter fence, in place for more than
98 years, has ensured a healthy whitetail deer population; in 1910,
nonindigenous game was first introduced with the importation of
elk; while elk are no longer on the ranch, several other exotic
species were introduced in the 1960s, and the ranch now
accommodates freely roaming herds of axis, fallow, and sika deer,
aoudad, and blackbuck; and
WHEREAS, For the past 40 years, the ranch has managed its
pastures by following a carefully planned program of brush removal,
time-controlled grazing, and varying stocking rates that has led to
an aesthetically pleasing blend of open and wooded areas, a broad
diversity of grasses and other plants, and a landscape that is
reminiscent of the way the Texas Hill Country looked two centuries
ago; and
WHEREAS, Today, the ranch conducts a commercial cattle
business and is actively engaged in commercial hunting of native
and exotic game; in recent years, it has also become involved in
several forms of ecotourism, including hiking, game and bird
viewing, and ranch tours; and
WHEREAS, The role of the family ranch in Texas history is both
important and long-standing, and it is fitting that the descendants
of George Arthur Stowers be lauded for their enduring contributions
to agriculture, game conservation, and the preservation of the
natural beauty of the Hill Country landscape; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas
Legislature hereby recognize Stowers Ranch on its 100th anniversary
and extend to all members of the Stowers family sincere best wishes
for continued success; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for the Stowers family as an expression of high regard by
the Texas House of Representatives.