Ten Years Guadalupe-Blanco River Trust

Ten Years
of the
Guadalupe-Blanco
River Trust
preservation matters

Steve Jester
Executive Director
The first 10 years of the Guadalupe-Blanco River
Trust are full of diverse people and places as you will
see in the following pages. This is not at all surprising
given the diversity of the Guadalupe River itself. Like
most rivers, it begins in the hills and winds it way down
to the sea. But the river is unique in many ways. The
Guadalupe River Basin begins and ends in Texas and
forms part of an incredible landscape, both above and
below ground that supports an astonishing array of fish
and wildlife species and habitats. It is also home for a
broad variety of families, including farmers, ranchers
and landowners who are more interested in wildlife and
nature rather than agricultural pursuits. Ultimately,
the Guadalupe River Basin feeds an important estuary
that, in turn, nourishes a coastal area that is critical
to people, fish and wildlife. At the same time, it also
provides an important source of water for an area that
is experiencing rapid growth within the state.
For all that it provides to both people and nature,
the Guadalupe River Basin is important to all Texans
even those who can not find it on a map. It is especially
important to those individuals who worked tirelessly
to establish, nurture and develop what became the first
nationally accredited land trust in Texas. But even
these tireless visionaries would agree that the real stars
of this story are the landowners and their families who
have made the decision to voluntarily and permanently
preserve their special places and in doing so help to
ensure that the Guadalupe River Basin is a special place
for children yet unborn.

The mission of the Guadalupe-
Blanco River Trust is to preserve
the unique natural heritage of the
Guadalupe River Watershed for
future generations, by protecting
open landscapes, working farms and
ranches, and wildlife habitat through
conservation easements, education,
and outreach that connects people to
the water and the land.
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Acknowledgements
Roger Welder, President
Over the past 10 years, the Guadalupe-Blanco
River Trust (GBR Trust) has achieved many major
milestones, including;
• Hiring its first full-time executive director to
advance the organization’s service to the region;
• Preserving more than 10,000 acres of land
and purchasing a preserve located in the Guadalupe
River Delta;
• Establishing partnerships with other organizations
that have grown and developed in a way that positively
affects water and land resources;
• Becoming the first accredited land trust in
the State of Texas.
As the GBR Trust progresses, the staff wants to
provide outstanding assistance and service to landowners
in the Guadalupe River Watershed who desire
to preserve their land through the use of conservation
easements. Ultimately, these arrangements are intended
to help maintain a healthy and vibrant Guadalupe River
Watershed for future generations of Texans.
Voluntary limitations on property development
have a variety of benefits for both landowners and the
watershed. Some landowners want to preserve their
family legacy and land their ancestors worked so hard
to acquire. Others want to ensure the scenic views and
native habitats are protected forever. Some may have
financial reasons through tax incentives offered
by the federal government. The role of the GBR Trust
is to help them achieve their goals with respect to their
land interests.
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Looking Back
There were four forces behind the start of the
GBR Trust: John P. Schneider, Jr., William “Bill”
Blackwell, Pam Hodges, and William E. West, Jr., of the
Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority (GBRA). Schneider
recalled that the initial idea to create a land trust arose
when a landowner below Canyon Reservoir had been
considering donating some land along the Guadalupe
River, however, the only land trust available was a
national organization.
As a result, the GBRA Board started thinking
strategically about a vehicle to accept land gifts. “It
took about a year to educate the GBRA Board and
staff on how a land trust would be a great mechanism
to preserve the water quality and quantity in the
Guadalupe River Watershed,” Schneider said.
The GBRA Board began discussions regarding
the structure and type of an organization that could
benefit the Guadalupe River Watershed. During that
year, a number of GBRA Board members envisioned
the population growth pressures that were developing
within the watershed. “The staff was instructed to
begin the formal process of hiring an attorney to draft
the necessary documents,” Schneider explained.
The group’s forethought led to the creation of the
Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority Endowment in
2001 by GBRA. The Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority
Endowment was eventually renamed the Guadalupe-
Blanco River Trust, which operates today with a
voluntary Board of Trustees consisting of citizens from
throughout the Guadalupe River Watershed.
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History of the GBR Trust
2001 Inception of the GBR Trust.
During the following three years, the
organization created and fine-tuned the
bylaws, articles of incorporation, policies
and procedures.
Todd Votteler, Ph.D. named Executive
Director.
2003 DeWitt County
Conservation Easement.
2004 Guadalupe
County Conservation
Easement and land
donation.
Hays County Conservation
Easement.
2005 GBR Trust
enters into a Memorandum
of Understanding (MOU)
to partner with the
Upper Guadalupe River
Authority and GBRA for
water and land preservation
in Kerr County.
MOU establishing a partnership with
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on the
Aransas National Wildlife Refuge.
MOU between the Aransas National
Wildlife Refuge, GBRA and the
GBR Trust for a joint project to help
meet the long-term water needs of the
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Myrtle-Foester Whitmire Unit near the
Aransas National Wildlife Refuge.
GBR Trust held the first water lease on the
San Marcos River. These senior water
rights are some of the oldest in the
Guadalupe River Basin and amount to 70
acre feet of water per year, equivalent to
almost 23 million gallons of water a year.
2008 Hired
GBR Trust’s first
full-time staff person,
Janaé Reneaud
as conservation
specialist. Reneaud
became Executive
Director in 2009.
Kendall County
Conservation
Easement.
Calhoun County
Conservation
Easement.
Traylors Cut project
completed, restoring
flow in the river channel near the mouth of
the Guadalupe River.
Cleared invasive vegetation at the mouth
of the Guadalupe River.
Wetland enhancement and restoration at
the Myrtle-Foester Whitmire Unit of the
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Aransas
National Wildlife Refuge.
2009 GBR Trust officials formally
award and recognize The Dow Chemical
Company as the first Guadalupe River
Conservation Partner.
Comal County Conservation Easement.
Purchased first fee simple property, the
GBR Trust Hog and Schwing Bayous
Preserve, Calhoun County.
Goliad County Conservation Easement.
Hays County Conservation Easement.
Wilson County Conservation Easement.
Awarded grant funding for wetland
enhancement projects at the Myrtle-
Foester Whitmire Unit, Calhoun County.
Awarded funding to purchase land
expanding the GBR Trust Hog and
Schwing Bayous Preserve.
2010 Completed board and staff
strategic planning retreat, updated the
GBR Trust mission, developed short and
long term plans with the objective of
increasing water and land preservation.
Blanco County Conservation Easement.
Hays County Conservation Easement.
Wilson County Conservation Easement.
Became the first
accredited land trust in
the State of Texas.

Moving Forward
The GBR Trust is the first of the 47 land trusts in
the state of Texas to attain national accreditation by
the Land Trust Accreditation Commission. “Being
accredited lets the public know that the GBR Trust
has undergone an extensive, external review of the
governance and management of its organization
and the systems and policies it uses to protect
land” explained GBR Trust Board member William
‘Bill’ Blackwell. “GBR Trust accreditation status
demonstrates our commitment to ensure permanent
land conservation. Our land trust is a stronger
organization today having gone through the rigorous
accreditation program.”
Another GBR Trust accomplishment has been the
ability of the staff to develop working relationships
with a number of government agencies and non-profit
organizations. This has allowed the GBR Trust to
accomplish more and have a greater impact preserving
our natural resources. The relationship with GBRA
has added stability and a strong foundation for the
GBR Trust’s future. Without GBRA’s support, it would
have taken much longer for the GBR Trust to get
where it is today.
Ultimately, the GBR Trust’s many accomplishments
over the past 10 years are a manifestation of the
vision and passion of what GBRA envisioned for the
preservation of the Guadalupe River Watershed, said
Bill West, general manager of GBRA, who has been
involved from the start of the GBR Trust.
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Completed Projects
1. Kendall County conservation easement preserves 620 acres
of Texas Hill Country property. Conservation of this property
protects land at the beginning of three local watersheds and two
tributaries that flow into the Guadalupe River. The property
features pristine natural areas, Guadalupe River frontage, large
cypress trees and spectacular views.
2. Hays County conservation easement is located in an
area that has seen tremendous growth. The property
has recovered from misuse and overgrazing and serves
as an example of how proper management can restore
the lands natural resources.
3. Guadalupe County conservation easement is located
on an active cattle ranch. This property has both Guadalupe
River frontage and a healthy riparian area.
4. DeWitt County conservation easement has preserved a
riparian area along the Guadalupe River that has large pecan trees
and an abundance of wildlife habitat. The property is managed as a
cattle ranch and family retreat.
5. Calhoun County conservation easement has 2.5 miles of
Guadalupe River frontage located in one of the most biologically
diverse and ecologically complex regions of Texas. This habitat
attracts thousands of birds including migratory waterfowl and
shorebirds, as well as threatened and endangered species.
6. Comal County conservation easement is near the Blanco-
Comal County line. The juniper and oak woodlands along the
canyons and uplands serve as golden-checked warbler habitat.
The endangered songbird has been seen in the area on at least
two separate occasions.
7. Wilson County conservation easement lies over the Carrizo-
Wilcox aquifer recharge zone. The property has undeveloped post
oak woods and native grasses. The Little Alum Creek flows into
the Cibolo Creek then into the San Antonio River.
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© Photo by Chase A Fountain, TPWD
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Completed Projects
8. Goliad County conservation easement inclues 6,200 acres of
undeveloped land that has vistas, native grasses, wildlife habitat
and seven miles of San Antonio River frontage. The landowners
have been awarded the Lone Star Land Steward award from the
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for excellence in habitat
management and wildlife conservation on their property.
9. Hays County conservation easement is unique, as the majority
of the property has Brackett-Rock outcrop soils providing recharge
to the Edwards-Trinity aquifer and Blanco River. The mix of habitats
are home to many native species making the area desirable for a
variety of wildlife.
10. Guadalupe-Blanco River Trust Hog and Schwing Bayous
Preserve conserves multiple biological communities important to
the San Antonio Bay ecosystem including wetlands and 4.35 miles
of streams and riparian areas. A rich diversity of native vegetation
found on this 646 acre preserve attracts thousands of birds that
include migratory waterfowl, shorebirds, and threatened and
endangered species.
11. Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, Myrtle-Foester Whitmire
Unit project enhanced and restored wetland and prairie habitat.
The Whitmire Unit provides an essential wintering area for
waterfowl, breeding and nesting habitat for mottled ducks and
black-bellied whistling ducks. Threatened and endangered
species found on the Whitmire Unit include the whooping crane,
peregrine falcon, aplomado falcon, wood stork and brown pelican.
12. Blanco and Comal Counies conservation easement aids in the
recharge of the aquifer and surface water runoff into the Little
Blanco River.
13. Hays County conservation easement preserved over 1,000 feet of
the Blanco River frontage, and has a mixture of improved pastures
and riparian woodlands.
14. Wilson County conservation easement includes small open
pastures, with a nice mix of wooded areas with fresh water provided
by a creek that runs along the back of the property.
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2003 - DeWitt County
The first conservation easement secured by the
GBR Trust was completed in 2003. It was a learning
experience for the organization, but was also an
exciting time for the GBR Trust. The staff and trustees
had worked diligently during the previous three years
to create policies, bylaws, articles of incorporation,
and procedures for the purpose of water and land
preservation in the Guadalupe River Watershed.
Little did the GBR Trust Board realize at the time,
but this 100-acre conservation easement would grow
to represent more than 10,000 acres in the Guadalupe
River Basin and preserve nearly 20 miles of river
frontage within 10 years.
The first conservation easement completed by
the GBR Trust is located in DeWitt County. The tract
of land is approximately100 acres and is situated along
the Guadalupe River. Vegetation and old trees found
along the river bank provide plenty of shade and help
to control erosion, particularly during flood events.
The land in DeWitt County changed ownership in
2009. The new landowners were aware of the
conservation easement and building restrictions when
they purchased the land, but were not deterred by
them. Since acquiring the land, they have worked hard
at removing invasive plant species that are encroaching
on the pastures and have reduced the number of cows
to allow the range to recover from previous drought
years. Both sets of landowners have been dedicated to
ensuring the land provides quality wildlife habitat and
is preserved in perpetuity.
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“What I see happening is too much
development eroding the land, driving out
the wildlife and things that are natural.”
- Anonymous landowner

© Photo by Chase A Fountain, TPWD
2004 - Guadalupe County
The ranch has cattle, pasture, and horses with an
abundance of wildllife that includes butterflies and
hummingbirds. The tract has 1,200 feet of wooded
frontage along the Guadalupe River that as a child,
the ranch’s landowner swam, caught fish and camped
along its banks with her parents. “It was a wonderful
experience,” she said. “My mom and dad were both
outdoors people. That is why they bought this. It is
about as rustic as you can find.”
This ranch is different from its neighbors, but you
would not know it by looking at the land. The 100-acre
ranch has a conservation easement placed on the land
that limits its use and development. This ensures that
generations of people will see this ranch in a similar
state in perpetuity. The landowner has also fenced the
riparian area along the river to keep cattle from grazing
allowing the native vegetation and trees to filter runoff
and minimize erosion.
The owner, who asked to remain anonymous, signed
the papers restricting the development rights on the
property in 2004. As the holder of the conservation
easement the GBR Trust is committed to preserve her
land. Since placing the conservation easement in 2004,
some of the nearby tracts have been divided and sold
for new home sites. Change is coming to the area, but
this landowner can be assured that her rustric tract will
always be there.
The retired nurse donating the conservation
easement can remain on the land for the remainder
of her life, after which she has donated the land to the
GBR Trust. “I’m not married, and I have no children,”
she said. “I wanted to make sure it would go to people
I trusted to take care of it. I want it to be here for
future generations to enjoy.”
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2004 - Hays County
Julie Johnson and her husband, Gordon, bought
100 acres in Kyle more than 10 years ago. When the
Johnsons bought the land, they knew it was overgrazed
by cattle and that it had been badly abused.
After settling in their new home, Julie decided to
take a Texas Master Naturalist class, which consisted
of natural resource management training specific to
Hays County. Through the class, she learned about
conservation easements and decided they should
donate a conservation easement on their land.
Julie was inspired to preserve the land, located near
Onion Creek, as a way to protect the natural beauty
and water quality. “Even though we’re not very big, we
hope that we can set an example for others,” she said.
Since placing a conservation easement on their
land, they have seen surrounding lands change uses
from ranching to home sites. But she is doing her best
to share with others what one person can do to make
a difference.
In 2010 the GBR Trust hosted a hike at the ranch.
Julie led a small group of landowners and nature lovers
through their restored property. On the tour, the group
was able to see native grasses that help rainwater soak
deep into the soil. Julie has worked hard to restore
the land by planting native seeds and conducting
prescribed burns. You can now see a spectacular spread
of big bluestem and other native grasses that have
sprung up over the land since they have owned and
managed it. Thanks to Gordon and Julie’s dedication
and hard work the land is restored and provides
important habitat and recharge in an area that is losing
these precious resources.
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“I wanted a place for the wildlife, and to be able to
continue ranching and hunting. I think my daddy and
mother would be very proud.”
– Peggy Dean
“The conservation easement has given me great peace of
mind, knowing our land will be kept forever the way it is.”
– Cynthia Guyon

2008 - Kendall County
There are 620 acres near the Texas Hill Country
town of Sisterdale where the Guadalupe River winds
its way downstream, rippling over rocks. Wildflowers
can be seen along the banks of the river, views of the
rugged landscape include fields of live oak trees, rocks,
and grassland. It is preserved through a voluntary
conservation easement.
Sisters Peggy J. Dean and Cynthia A. Guyon grew up
spending time on the ranch their father purchased in
the 1950’s. Because of their deep love for the land and
desire to preserve its natural landscape they began
looking into options that would allow them to keep
their property, but also ensure it would be managed
and protected in accordance with their wishes.
Through research, they learned about conservation
easements and how they could continue to own and
work the land while restricting development. The
sisters, their heirs and the GBR Trust worked together
for more than a year to determine what would be
permitted and restricted in perpetuity.
The ranch was named after their sister Linda Dean
who was killed in an accident at the age of 13. Naming
the ranch the “Linda Dean Ranch” was one way Peggy
and Cynthia were able to keep their family name with
the property. Guyon said, “We have no children and
we knew we needed to do something. I see the natural
landscape eroding away, water disappearing, building
big homes, and installing sprinkler systems to water
lawns.” The sisters have made arrangements to pass
the land on and by placing the conservation easement
on the property they have ensured it will always be
managed in the manner they intended.
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2008 - Calhoun County
More than 2.5 miles of Guadalupe River frontage
in the Guadalupe Delta is protected in perpetuity
through a conservation easement with the GBR Trust.
Dr. Del Williams’ land is used for ranching and
hunting, but he actively manages the land for wildlife,
maintaining habitat for the thousands of migrating
waterfowl and song birds that visit the property each
year. Williams, a dedicated landowner, cares about the
future uses of his land and the impact its use will have
on the wildlife and his ranch. He has set an important
example for other landowners in the area.
The Guadalupe River Delta is one of the few fully
intact deltas on the U.S. Gulf Coast. Williams’ action
in conserving his land is a key element of the GBR
Trust’s work and its future efforts to work with
landowners in the delta.
As a result of this conservation easement, a
partnership developed between the landowner, Ducks
Unlimited and the GBR Trust. Consequently, the
partners have submitted two grant applications to the
North American Wetlands Conservation Act.
The first grant of $1 million, awarded in 2009 provides
for 3,200 acres of private land wetland restoration
throughout the Texas Coast via the Texas Prairie
Wetlands Project as well as wetland enhancement at
Mad Island Wildlife Management Area in Matagorda
County and the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife
Refuge in Cameron County. A second grant for
$1 million, approved in 2010, provides for 3,000 acres
of private wetland restoration, a topographical survey
and 25 acres of wetland enhancement on the GBR Trust
Preserve in Calhoun County. This partnership united
13 conservation partners and more than 7,600 acres of
conservation work throughout the Texas Coast.
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“I preserved the land for my children and
grandchildren so they could see it the way it is
today and this was the only way to do it.”
– Del Williams

Photo by Janet Thome
2009 - Comal County
Approximately 200 acres of property along the
Edwards Plateau in Comal County were preserved
through a conservation easement with the Berkefelt
family and the GBR Trust. The easement was executed
at the end of August in 2009.
Stan Berkefelt and his family own the 208-acre tract
of land situated in the eastern Edwards Plateau and
bordered by Rocky Creek. The land is on a gradient
that provides a stunning view of the surrounding Texas
Hill Country. It also features limestone outcroppings
that contain fossils that are relics of the million year
old reef that thrived in the shallow ocean that once
covered Texas.
After several years and many conversations, it was
determined that there were common ties between
the Berkefelts vision for their land and the mission
of the GBR Trust. This allowed the Berkefelts and the
GBR Trust to work together and place a conservation
easement on the property.
“We felt the need to preserve our property from
future development and my family’s goals align well
with the GBR Trust,” Berkefelt said, adding that “In the
great scheme of things, this tract of land may be small,
but it is very meaningful to me and my family and we
wanted to maintain the integrity of this special piece of
property.”
It is in the interest of the GBR Trust to see the
riparian zone maintained to ensure future water quality
in the river, for wildlife and for the protection of the
beautiful vistas in the Texas Hill Country.
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2009 - Hays County
Known by the locals as the Old Glory Ranch is
located on the Blanco River near Wimberley. The
landowners, Suzanne B. and Charles T. McCord III
had considered placing a conservation easement on
665 acres of their 2,000 acre ranch for a few years.
As they were considering this option they met with
multiple land trusts and decided that GBR Trust was
the best fit for their objectives.
Throughout the entire process, the McCords
discussed their intentions for the land with their two
children. Having them read the final conservation
easement documents in order for them to understand
the restrictions they would be inheriting as part of
the property.
The focus of the conservation easement by the
McCords is the preservation of wildlife habitat, scenic
views, and water conservation. The McCord’s property
is a perfect example of how a conservation easement
can be used. The easement is preserving in perpetuity
part of Shelton Hollow, the winding creek through
the property, and Blanco River frontage, as well as the
beautiful vista of the Devil’s Backbone.
“You can see high ‘cones’ and other bluffs as you
travel across this scenic landscape and then come
upon two beautiful waterfalls. The scenic view of this
property is spectacular. ” said Janaé Reneaud, former
GBR Trust Executive Director. Preservation of this
property fits the mission of the GBR Trust through
the preservation of the riparian zone that is being
maintained. This gift will also help ensure future water
quality in the Blanco River, recharge into the Edwards
Aquifer, and quality habitat for wildlife.
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Photo by Janet Thome

“All of us love the ranch, and our sons are
environmentally conscious and concerned about
keeping the property in tact – preserving it for future
generations. This easement will help us do that.”
– Mary Fuller
2009 - Goliad County
A 6,200 acre ranch located along the San Antonio
River in Goliad County has been preserved through
a conservation easement with the Fuller family and
the GBR Trust in December 2009. At the date of
signing, the conservation easement became the
largest tract of property secured by the GBR Trust
since its inception in 2001.
Dr. James Fuller, his wife Mary and his family own
the 6,201-acre tract that features seven miles of San
Antonio River frontage and diverse topography. The
Fullers plan to pass the land on to their three sons who
are actively involved with management of the land.
“We wanted to see this beautiful property preserved
for our sons and their families, rather than being
fragmented and developed,” Fuller said.
Over the years, the family had considered entering
into a conservation easement, only recently deciding it
was time to move forward with the easement to protect
the land from future development. “All of us love the
ranch, and our sons are environmentally conscious
and concerned about keeping the property intact. This
easement will help us do that,” Mary explained.
The GBR Trust worked with the Fullers to create an
agreement that allows the family to have flexibility for
five future home sites and use of the land as needed
for ranching and wildlife management. The Fullers
work with the U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service and the
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to manage their
land for wildlife, raise cattle and have natural gas
production on the ranch. They also participate in the
Continuous Conservation Reserve Program with the
Natural Resource Conservation Service.
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2009/2010 - Wilson County
In 2009 Clay Lorenz and Betty Bird, owners of
the WH/Jim King Estate Ranch preserved 786 acres
with the use of a conservation easement. The property
lies over the Carrizo-Wilcox recharge zone in
Wilson County.
Crossed by Little Alum Creek, the land provides
a thick tree canopy for wildlife and habitat for native
grasses such as little bluestem. The land is leased
for grazing and hunting, as well as an active wildlife
management plan developed with the Texas Parks and
Wildlife Department.
Determining there were common interests after
many conversations between the landowners and the
GBR Trust the process of developing the conservation
easement began.
“Just about all of the ‘restrictions’ and ‘limitations’
imposed by terms of the easement are conservation
practices we had wanted enforced anyway, so there
were not many downsides,” said Clay Lorenz.
“I would be less than honest to say that the potential
tax preferences did not factor into the final decision,
but I do believe that the conservation easement
is a great model of individuals, institutions and
government working together to do something
positive for the environment.”
The following year, Lorenz asked if the GBR Trust
would consider holding an easement on 170 acres of
land he owns near Stockdale. This property is
mostly wooded, surrounded by farms and has a
creek along the back boundary. Today the family
has preserved almost 1,000 acres of land that will be
protected in perpetuity.
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“Our intention is to leave this property in as close
to its present condition as possible. We feel that
having the ongoing stewardship of an interested
party such as GBR Trust will help guarantee this.”
- Clay Lorenz
Photo by Janet Thome
2010 Guadalupe-Blanco - Blanco CountyTrust
Hog The Wallaces and decided Schwing in the summer Bayous of 2010 that
they wanted to place 400 acres of their land in a
Preserve - Calhoun County
conservation easement to be held by the GBR Trust.
The GBR Trust also holds a conservation easement on
the Wallaces neighboring property in Comal County
Janaé Reneaud, former Executive Director, worked
with the Wallaces on the terms of the easement. The
Wallaces wanted to ensure there was a small area left
out of the conservation easement for their children
to have space to build. Otherwise the property would
remain pristine and undisturbed.
The Wallaces do an outstanding job managing
the land with help from a few ranch hands and a
management plan from Plateau Land and Wildlife
Management. The area has a unique diversity of plants
and animals in addition to its long history of human
settlement. The property is located over the Trinity
Aquifer and has a beautiful hilltop view known as
Easter Mountain.
The placement of a conservation easement on the
land has aided in the recharge of the aquifer and
surface water runoff into the Little Blanco River.
The fact that the land is next to an existing 208-acre
conservation easement further strengthens its value.
The increase in land preserved results in better water
quality and quantity, and wildlife habitat.
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2010 - Hays County
In December 2010, the James Braniff family, through
the GBR Trust, placed a conservation easement on
a tract of land situated along the Blanco River three
miles from Wimberley, Texas.
The property has been used for grazing and also
has an active wildlife management plan that was
implemented in 2008, when the property was
purchased by the Braniff family. The Blanco River
frontage on the property provides both active
recreation and passive aesthetic enjoyment to the
landowners. Wildlife management and family-oriented
activities are the primary uses for their property.
The Braniff property is comprised of riparian
woodlands and a mixture of improved pastures and
juniper brush land along the flood plain paralleling the
river. The woodland provides roosting sites for wild
turkey and the open grass and brush land supports
habitat for mourning dove and white-tailed deer.
The Braniff properties conservation easement
complimented an existing easement of 664 acres on
the Old Glory Ranch, also held by the GBR Trust.
“The combination of the Braniff and Old Glory
Ranch easements conserve a half mile of Blanco River
frontage,” said Janaé Reneaud. “It is so exciting to work
with two neighboring landowners who both have an
appreciation for the importance of wildlife and land
management, habitat conservation and preservation of
water quality.”
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© Photo by Earl Nottingham, TPWD
Habitat Guadalupe-Blanco for Waterfowl Trust -
Calhoun Hog and County Schwing Bayous
Preserve The construction - of Calhoun a 2.6 mile canal and County the
installation of nine water control structures at the
Myrtle Foester-Whitmire Unit (Unit) of the U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service - Aransas National Wildlife
Refuge allow for an efficient and reliable method to
deliver freshwater to wetland impoundments that
directly benefits migratory waterfowl, wading birds and
shorebirds. The Unit lies within the coastal wetlands of
Texas, which are the primary wintering site for ducks
using the Central Flyway. In addition to being a critical
wintering waterfowl habitat, the area serves as an
important estuary that provides food, water and shelter
for over 300 species of migratory birds, including
threatened and endangered species, which spend part
of the year on the Texas Gulf Coast.
The Unit is located in Calhoun County on lands that
were once part of the historic Indianola port area. That
port was an important point of entry for European
immigrants in the 19th century, but was destroyed by
devastating hurricanes in the 1880s.
Additional project partners and contributors that
made this project successful include Conoco Phillips
– SPIRIT of Conservation Migratory Bird Program,
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Coastal
Coordination Council of Texas’ Coastal Management
Program, Friends of Aransas Wildlife Refuge, Formosa
Environmental Trust Fund, ALCOA and Tetra-Tech.
Today, the GBR Trust is working with the USFWS
and Ducks Unlimited to complete additional work
to improve wetlands and habitat for all species that
frequent the Texas coastline.
- 19 -

Guadalupe-Blanco Trust
Hog and Schwing Bayous
Preserve - Calhoun County
The GBR Trust acquired more than 640 acres of
wetlands that are being managed for key breeding,
stop-over and wintering habitats for migratory birds
in the Guadalupe River Delta. This property is called
the Guadalupe-Blanco River Trust Hog and Schwing
Bayous Preserve (Preserve).
The Preserve permanently protects 4.35 miles
of streams and riparian areas in addition to being
located in an area where 147,377 total acres of land
are conserved. The addition of the Preserve helped
create a corridor of conserved lands and will continue
to promote future environmental partnerships. The
surrounding preserved lands are held by the Texas
Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), the U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service (USFWS), private landowners,
and a GBR Trust conservation easement.
The GBR Trust received a USFWS grant of $398,637,
leveraged by GBRA partner funding to acquire the
land. Another project partner that made the land
acquisition possible was Union Carbide Corporation
(a fully-owned subsidiary of The Dow Chemical
Company).
“Working with others to accomplish landscape
conservation is one of the Service’s highest priorities,”
said John Huffman, coastal program coordinator
for the USFWS. “This project is a good example of
collaborative conservation, people working together
to accomplish perpetual conservation of fish and
wildlife habitats. The award of the National Coastal
Wetland Grant to this project could not have been
made possible without the willing participation of the
TPWD,” he added.
“This is just another one of the many projects
- 20 -
“The partners felt this was a significant
land acquisition in a sensitive area of
wetlands that needed to be protected.”
- W.E. West
GBRA General Manager

Guadalupe-Blanco Trust
Hog and and Schwing Bayous
Preserve Preserve - - Calhoun Calhoun County
County
of the GBR Trust with which GBRA is proud to be
associated,” said Bill West, Jr., GBRA General Manager.
“The project partners felt this was a significant land
acquisition in a sensitive area of wetlands that needed
to be protected.”
The GBR Trust is working to acquire an additional
tract of land that connects the Preserve, the TPWD
Guadalupe Management Area and property with a
GBR Trust Conservation Easement. Other efforts in
the region to assist in private land management and
conservation are underway as well.
- 21 -

Financial Statement
and Accountability
The GBR Trust has seen a high level of
conservation activity and diverse donor support
over the past 10 years. Significant support is provided
by contributions from non-profit organizations,
federal grants, foundations, and the Guadalupe-
Blanco River Authority. Conservation easements
and real estate holdings make up the largest part
of the GBR Trust assets. The GBR Trust is working
to diversify its revenue sources to better protect
important natural places and working lands forever.
Each year, the GBR Trust submits its statements of
financial activities for an annual, independent audit.
This past years audit was completed by Holtman,
Wagner and Company, LLP of New Braunfels, Texas.
If you would like to see a copy of the audit, please
contact the GBR Trust.
- 22 -
Photo by Janet Thome

Use of Funds
Operations and overhead are the main expense
of the GBR Trust, but with one staff person and the
generous support of the Guadalupe-Blanco River
Authority, the organization applied 100 percent of
its donations toward programs and projects.
Conservation easements are the GBR Trust’s largest
cost after operations. This is due to the fact that the
GBR Trust strives to keep the expenses incurred by
a landowner donating a conservation easement to a
minimum. The GBR Trust covers a number of the
expenses associated with the easement donation and
is responsible for monitoring the easement annually,
in perpetuity to ensure compliance, once the easement
is in place. To stay fiscally responsible and protect
the GBR Trust, an outside firm is hired to conduct
an annual audit and to complete IRS form 990. The
GBR Trust’s other expenditures include maintaining
required insurance, education and outreach,
publications, mailings and landowner workshops.
Sources of Funding
(Figures are based on available budget information
from fiscal years 2001-2009).
Total Corporate Grants $625,833 10.00%
Total Federal Grants $1,298,991 20.00%
Total State Grants $35,500 0.58%
Total Foundation Grants $168,000 3.00%
Total Non-Profit Grants $2,057,600 34.00%
Total Individual and
Board Donations $175,174 3.00%
Fee Simple $646,000 10.00%
GBRA $1,135,184 19.00%
- 23 -

Board of Trustees
Roger Welder, President
John P. Schneider, Jr., Vice-President
William A. Blackwell, Treasurer
Jack Jones, Secretary
Oscar H. Fogle Grace G. Kunde
Chris A. Hale Todd Merendino, Ph.D.
Claudell S. Kercheville Denis Mueller
Past Trustees
William Block* Michael D. Schultz
Lana Edwards A.L. Curg Starkey
Pam Hodges* Toby Summers*
Catherine McHaney Robert Thornton*
Anne Holt
Staff
Steve Jester
Executive Director - 2011
Janaé Reneaud
Executive Director - 2009-2011
Todd Votteler
Executive Director - 2001-2009
Janet Thome
Grants and Projects Specialist - 2001-2009
Art Direction and Design
Janet Thome
Projects and Publications Specialist
The GBR Trust appreciates the many volunteers
and interns who have assisted with projects and
services throughout its 10-year history.
*Served as President
- 24 -

Partnerships
Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority (GBRA), a conservation and
reclamation district created in 1933 by the Texas Legislature founded
the GBR Trust in 2001. GBRA has since dedicated staff, office space and
operational support to assist in the success of the GBR Trust.
Ducks Unlimited and GBR Trust collaborate on habitat restoration
at the Guadalupe Delta and landowner workshops.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service works with the GBR Trust to restore
and enhance habitat of the Myrtle-Foester Whitmire Unit. Partners
constructed a freshwater delivery system during critical times to benefit
hundreds of thousands migratory waterfowl and shorebirds.
Upper Guadalupe River Authority has an MOU with GBRA and the
GBR Trust for the conservation of important natural resources at the
headwaters of the Guadalupe River.
Earth Share of Texas works with GBR Trust to engage individuals and
organizations in creating a healthy and sustainable environment through
workplace payroll contribution campaigns.
Texas Land Trust Council and GBR Trust collaborate on education
and outreach.
Land Trust Alliance has created a captive insurance program and
an accreditation commission both of which GBR Trust support and
participate in.
Texas Parks and Wildlife and GBR Trust work to restore and
preserve lands throughout the Guadalupe River Watershed.
United States Department of Agriculture
collaborates with the GBR Trust on
education and outreach.
Texas Commission on
Environmental Quality
works with the GBR
Trust, GBRA and USGS
on a real-time water
quality monitoring network.
Benefactors
The Guadalupe-Blanco River Trust has been
supported by generous donations provided by:
Individual Donors, The Guadalupe-Blanco River
Trust Board of Trustees, The Guadalupe-Blanco
River Authority, Ducks Unlimited, Formosa, Alcoa
Corporation, Tetratech, Dow Chemical, North
American Wetlands Conservtion Act, National Fish
and Wildlife Foundation, Conoco Phillips-Spirit
of Conservation Migratory Bird Program, Coastal
Coordination Council-Texas Coastal Management
Program, Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection and
Restoration Act, Coastal Impact Assistance Program,
Supplemental Environmental Program, The Meadows
Foundation, The Holt Foundation, Wells Fargo Bank
and Foundation, Friends of Aransas and Matagorda
Island National Wildlife Refuges, Earth Share of Texas,
The Trull Foundation, Coypu Foundation, and the
Shield-Ayers Foundation.
- 3 -

preservation matters
Gen-Tru-FYR/TWG1500

Yes, I have enclosed my taxdeductible
gift to the GBR Trust
in the amount of $___________.
Please make checks payable to the
Guadalupe-Blanco River Trust
Credit card donations can be made
online at: www.gbrtrust.org
Name: ______________________________
Address: _____________________________
____________________________________
Phone: ______________________________
Email: ______________________________
The Guadalupe-Blanco River Trust is a
501(c)3 non-profit land trust. All donations
are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Please send me information about:
Code: 001GBRT
Guadalupe-Blanco River Trust
______ Conservation Easements
______ How I can make a difference?
______ Volunteer Opportunities
preservation matters
933 East Court Street
Seguin, Texas 78155
www.gbrtrust.org
Donation Mailer
Guadalupe-Blanco River Trust
933 East Court Street
Seguin, Texas 78155