No research involving the comparative evaluation of grazing methods has been performed in South Texas at an operational scale.

We report initial findings from a large-scale demonstration project involving two cattle stocking rates and two grazing methods; our focus was on forage standing crop and forage utilization responses.

Erratic, but typical, rainfall patterns and resulting forage production proved our stocking rates (though realistic for this region) to be unsustainable over the long term, regardless of grazing method.

The “Wild Horse Desert” is a harsh but resilient environment following periods of above average rainfall.

Conversion of rangeland habitats in North America (to more intensive agriculture or to urban/exurban uses) concentrates livestock and predators on a shrinking landscape, making conflict inevitable.

Rural communities often feel disenfranchised by efforts to protect or restore native predators.

Ranching businesses typically bear the direct costs (from livestock depredation) and indirect impacts associated with coexisting with predators.

Many researchers indicate that direct compensation for depredation of livestock does not increase tolerance for predators within ranching communities.

The emerging use of “payments for ecosystem services” (or PES) programs offers an alternative to direct depredation compensation programs.

With the recent re-establishment of gray wolves (Canis lupus) in California, a Pay for Presence program for conserving large carnivores offers an alternative for supporting habitat conservation while acknowledging (and at least partially compensating) the direct and indirect costs to ranchers.