Book Review 12

Review

Title: Hill Country Landowner's Guide

ISBN 10: 1603441379

ISBN 13: 9781603441377

Published: 2009

Pages: 204

Cost: $19.95

Rating (1-5): 5

Submitted By: Wadia, Adil M.

Date posted: March 16, 2010

Comprehensive information about ecology and environment of the Hill Country

The book provides a very good overview of the ecological, environmental, and managerial aspects of the Hill Country. It refers to the uniqueness of hill country in terms of topography, vegetation, and animal life. The author is highly experienced in the natural aspects of the Hill Country and provides valuable information regarding history, diversity in terms of flora and fauna, and environmental-ecological features. The author has been active regarding the ecological facets of the Hill Country and a member a few Nature Centers. The author is also a certified Texas Master Naturalist and has served as president for three terms of the Hill Country Chapter of the Texas Master Naturalists. The book offers very good definitions and explanations of various terms. The author discusses the history of the Hill Country prior to European settlement. One of the influences of the settlement was the introduction of new species to the Hill Country, which influenced the ecology of the region. The book describes the uniqueness of various environmental and ecological problems that Hill Country residents-landowners encounter. The book also recognizes and describes the problems that affect the environmental and ecological aspects of the Hill Country with reference to the encroachment of cedar, availability of water, overbrowsing, oak wilting, introduction of exotics, land fragmentation, overgrazing, and soil erosion. Most of these problems mentioned have a chapter devoted to them in which the author goes into considerable detail in recognizing the problem and providing recommendations for their remediation. There is also a chapter devoted to the Hill Country’s riparian areas and their characteristics. Also included is a chapter on how to protect homes from Wildfires. The author includes numerous recommendations for environmental and natural resource management techniques for the region. Also included in the book is a comprehensive list of numerous experts and federal, state, and local agencies-sources that would help individuals with the problems afflicting the Hill Country. The appendices provide valuable information regarding plant preferences for deer browsing, and scientific and common names for the plants of the Hill Country. The glossary is self sufficient, and the bibliography provides valuable information regarding general topics, plants, animals, and geology of the Hill Country. Overall, the book is well written, very informative, and comprehensive. I recommend it not only to landowners and individuals with an interest in Hill Country, but also to students studying conservation, ecology, environmental science, and land use and management.