Texas Ecolab: A Smart Alternative to Traditional Agricultural Valuation

Texas Ecological Laboratory

For land that doesn’t have an “Ag” valuation, Braun & Gresham has an interesting and effective alternative to qualify for an open space valuation.  A property can qualify for “Ag” rates if the property is made available for ecological research. Braun & Gresham is uniquely able to set up qualifying Ecological Laboratories through our many relationships with colleges and universities. 

A compelling alternative to a traditional agricultural exemption.

As a conservation-minded landowner whose acreage is appraised at market value, you could substantially reduce your property taxes, while fostering meaningful university studies, by allowing confidential ecological research on your property with the highly successful Texas Ecolab program. Under this program, developed by Braun & Gresham, your land could then transition into wildlife management use.  

The Ecolab program offers an alternative to grazing or farming, typically required for properties to qualify for favorable Ag tax rates.  

The Texas Tax Code Section 23.51(1) defines qualified open-space land to include “land that is currently devoted principally to agriculture use…or land that is used principally as an ecological laboratory by a public or private college or university.” 

 

Ecolab Advantages 

• Property can qualify for wildlife management in the 7th year 

• Advances important scientific research 

• Enhances relationships with universities and professors 

 

Ecolab Qualifications 

• Properties of 20 acres or more work best 

• Property must be principally used for research by a college and/or university 

• Landowner commits to funding and accommodating research projects for a 6-year period 

 

Our Progress 

Since 2004, we have matched landowners with researchers interested in conducting research on private land. 

We have successfully converted over 88,000 acres for more than 646 clients.  

Our acceptance rate for Ecolab applications in 53 different appraisal districts testifies to our high standards of excellence. 

 

Our Commitment  

• Evaluate your property to determine the ecological studies and restoration that would be appropriate. 

• Identify specific, high-qualified research scientists who have the capability and interest for doing ecological studies and restoration on the property. 

• Negotiate and draft an agreement between you and each researcher’s university that establishes the terms for use of the land. 

• Coordinate and manage all activities of the researchers, including evaluating research proposals, obtaining liability waivers, logistical coordination, and reporting to your appraisal district. 

• Apply to your central appraisal district for appraisal of the land as an Ecological Laboratory. 

 

Texas Ecological Laboratory Program FAQs 

 

What is the legal background for the Texas Ecological Laboratory program? 

The Texas Tax Code Section 23.51(1) defines qualified open space land to include “land that is currently devoted principally to agriculture use…or land that is used principally as an ecological laboratory by a public or private college or university.” 

What do researchers study on my land? 

Past examples include studies of meadow grasses and the preservation and enhancement of native grasses, long-term studies of ecological succession, studies of canyon vegetation, studies of the effects of urbanization on the Edwards Plateau, and soil sampling. 

How will use of my property be restricted or changed? 

The principal use of the property must be for research, but the Texas Ecological Laboratory program allows you to consult with the researchers to clearly ascertain the scope of their research. 

Which universities participate in the Texas Ecological Laboratory program? 

As the Texas Ecological Laboratory program’s reputation grows, so does the distinguished list of institutions of higher learning. The Ecological Laboratory program has partnered with the University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M University, Texas State University, University of Houston, Rice University, Trinity University, Mississippi State, Hofstra University, St. Mary’s University, The University of Texas at San Antonio, The University of Texas at Tyler, Baylor University, University of California – Merced, Mesa Community College, Mesa, AZ, University of Montana, Sam Houston State University, and Penn State.