Foreword

The purpose of this book is to provide greater insight into the ecology and biology of juniper and how it impacts rangeland productivity including hydrology, livestock, vegetation, wildlife and the ranching enterprise. We will also emphasize the management of juniper by various control methods including chemical, mechanical, fire and biological and the commercial uses of juniper. We hope that our audience includes students, ranchers, wildlife biologists, agribusiness and other agricultural professionals and the growing segment of the public interested in natural resource management.

Our approach has involved the synthesis of research from other locations but we have concentrated mostly on research generated by the Texas A&M University System. The central theme of this book is to provide a basic understanding of juniper with a minimum amount of scientific jargon. Each author has written their respective chapter at a level that should be easily understood by the novice who is serious about learning about juniper and its effects on our Texas rangelands.

Juniper infestation of Texas rangelands is an important dilemma because of its impact on forage and livestock production, water yield and quality, wildlife habitats, and rapidly increasing costs of conventional control methods. Blueberry juniper (Juniperus ashei) is a serious problem on approximately 10 million acres and redberry juniper (Juniperus pinchotii) on 12 million acres of the Edwards Plateau and Rolling Plains. The invasion of juniper is readily apparent; however, information regarding the effects of juniper on rangelands is scarce. Hopefully this book will be read and understood by a wide array of the public so that all can understand better the effects of juniper on our rangeland resources.

Charles A. Taylor, Jr.

Professor & Research Station Superintendent

Texas A&M University Research Station

Sonora, Texas 76950

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Comments: Allan McGinty, Professor and Extension Wildlife Specialist
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