Texas Recreational Land Magazine Vol. 3

TEXAS

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TEXAS RECREATIONAL LAND MAGA ZINE

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R E CRE ATION A L L A ND MAGAZINE

A TX Rec Land Real Estate Exclusive Magazine

HISTORICAL PIECE:

O N

T H E

C O V E R :

MINE & RAIL

NEED HELP?

WORKMAN RANCH

How mines and railroads established Rockdale throughout its 144-year history.

Find a reputable business, contractor, or service provider inside that may be able to help with your property.

A look inside this luxurious Burleson County Ranch, located just 16 miles from Texas A&M University.

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IND EX S E C T I O N

CO N TEN T

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What We Offer

Accomodation of the Estates Doctrine

We take pride in our work. Find out what sets us apart from other real estate companies.

Surface rights vs. mineral rights: Which one is dominant? Find out in this detailed article.

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A Land Manager’s Greatest Tool

Sales agent, Logan Hope, covers topics on GIS mapping and how they can be a valauble tool for your property.

O U R T EA M

John Dean Broker/Owner

Logan Hope Sales Agent

WAlter Dean Sales Agent

512-540-1555

512-688-1513

512-540-1981

Specializing in farm and ranch listings in Burnet, Williamson, Llano, & surrounding counties.

SFA graduate with Bachelors’ in Timber Management.

Works with buyers & sellers in Lee, Milam, Williamson, & surrounding counties.

Knowledgeable in cattle, hunting & recreational properties.

TAMU graduate & acting broker at TX Rec Land Real Estate, covering properties in Milam, Bell, Burleson, Brazos, & adjacent counties.

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Workman Ranch: 275.29 Acres A look inside our exclusive listing in Burleson County. This ranch is the gold standard for luxury living.

TEXAS RECREATIONAL LAND MAGA ZINE

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Mine & Rail: A Story of Rockdale

Mining and railroads help to create the canvas for Rockdale’s rich history.

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Exclusive Listings

Browse all of our currently listed properties to find your next farm or ranch!

CO N N ECT t x r e c l a n d . co m Brian Silverberg Broker Associate

#txrecland

281-731-1791 Over 30 years of real estate experience. Focused on buyer representation for rural tracts in Central Texas.

face b o o k . co m /t x r e c l and

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T HE M A G A Z I N E

At TX Rec Land Real Estate, we are proud to release Volume 3 of the Texas Recreational Land Magazine! With the continued publishing of this magazine, we aim to benefit potential buyers, as well as established local landowners. This magazine is published bi-annually, free of charge to its readers. It’s distributed in 10 counties throughout central Texas in high-traffic areas, as well as direct mail!

On the pages that follow, the magazine features articles that cover various topics having to do with land ownership.

Different from our previous issues, this volume also features an historical article covering stories of the areas we work in. Additionally, you will find advertisements from local businesses, service providers, and contractors that can help new, or even long-time landowners with their property with anything from loans to property improvements. Lastly, there are over 30 real estate listings to help you find your next property and several property highlight articles that cover the detail of some of our best listings! We hope you will find this publication both helpful and informative on the many topics it covers.

W H AT W E O F F E R

Whether it it’s raw land, or a property that has a home, barn, lake or other improvement: each property is unique. Thus, we work to market each property to it’s strengths to find the right buyers, faster.

We don’t do outdated; we set trends. We aim to be a step above the competition and offer the best services possible. For sellers, the way a property is advertised and marketed makes all the difference, so we strive to advertise in the most prominent outlets where the buyers are.

Whether you’re working with our broker or one of our agents, our team is knowledgeable on mineral & water rights, ranching, easements, live-water properties, hunting operations, farms, cropland, subdivisions, ranchettes as well as commercial ag like poultry farms or feed lots. We offer free comparative market analyses to sellers, and develop individual marketing strategies. For buyers, we aim to search and find the perfect property that will fit your needs and desires.

From start to finish, we can guide your through the process of buying or selling a property. To offer the best services in the area, we lean on different tools to help us do our job better. We implement:

DRONE: Our DJI Inspire 2 drone offers state-of-the-art camera capabilities to capture video and still pictures of our listings.

We are FAA licensed and do this in-house.

UTV: We utilize several utility vehicles, that help us show properties in comfort. No more tiresome walking is necessary.

WEBSITE: Newly built from the ground up to be more user-friendly, use larger pictures and maps, and be more informative.

PROPERTY VIDEOS: Videos help garner attention for our properties. We don’t subcontract our work, and aim to show the whole property.

MAGAZINE: This speaks for itself. We aim to inform and help buyers and sellers while showcasing our listings. It also features numerous, reputable local businesses that can help with your property directly or indirectly.

ONLINE ADVERTISING: The life-blood of a 21st century real estate company. We aim to advertise our listings on as many outlets as possible. See below:

WE ADVERTISE WHERE BUYERS ARE LOOKING. We advertise on each of the online platforms below. Combined these sites receive some 12 million+ visits per month.

Texas Recreational Land Magazine is distributed FREE of charge to TX Rec Land Real Estate clients, customers and friends. All photos and articles in this magazine were obtained and/or granted use by permission from the owner, or taken personally by the magazine staff, and are not to be sold or duplicated. Some pictures and information cites its original source. Any inquiries can be sent to magazine@txrecland.com. All rights reserved. If your property is already listed with a broker, this magazine is not intended as solicitation.

While every effort has been made to ensure that the information and listings are correct at the time of going to print, TX Rec Land Real Estate cannot be held responsible for the outcome of any action or decision based on the information contained in this publication. The publishers or authors do not give any warranty for the completeness or accuracy for this publication’s content, explanation or opinion. It is advisable that prospective buyers consult their attorney/s prior to pursuing any business transaction.

DAVENPORT SAND & GRAVEL

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TEXAS RECREATIONAL LAND MAGA ZINE

6473 S. FM 908 Rockdale, Texas

(512) 760-5957 • davenportsandgravel@gmail.com • www.davenportsandgravel.com

Licensed Installer License #OS0029671 License #MP0001756 License #OS0031318

All Types of Materials River Gravel Topsoil Pea Gravel Mason Sand Bull Rock Septic Rock All types of Limestone Fill Sand

Septic System Installation • Aerobic & Standard Systems • Aerobic Maintenance Contracts • Site Evaluator

Land Management Services Road Repair Excavation Services Blade & Loader Work Home Site Preparation House Pads • Brush Clearing Pasture Shredding Pasture Disking • Leveling

F R E E E S T I M AT E S

Did you know that Farmers Insurance offers new competitive pricing and a broad assortment of auto and home discounts?

As a Farmers Agent and a member of your community, I’d like the opportunity to talk with you about making well-informed decisions regarding your insurance coverage. The first step in choosing insurance from any company is finding and meeting with someone that can explain your insurance options and help you understand the types of insurance coverage that makes sense for your individual situation.

Farmers offers many insurance options and discounts...like bundling your auto and home insurance for a multi-policy discount. Why not call me toady and find out what Farmers and my agency can do for you? The quote process does not take long, and we may even be able to save you some money along while educating you on your insurance needs!

Cynthia Zimdars, Agent Farmers Insurance 123 W. Cameron Ave Rockdale, TX 76567 512-446-5433

czimdars@farmersagent.com

Attorneys of Texas Title, Inc. PROUDLY SERVING CENTRAL TEXAS

Phone: 512-446-9911 Fax: 512-446-9913 10 N. Main St Rockdale, TX 76567 Tassie Pendleton-Garza, Manager Rebecca Green & Jenny Melton

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Accommodation of the Estates Doctrine Surface owners without minerals face many perplexing situations when an oil company enters to explore and produce the minerals.

By Judon Fambrough, Texas A&M Real Estate Center

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o the surprise of many Texas landowners, the mineral estate is dominant over the surface when it comes to mineral exploration and production. Simply put, an oil company

(mineral lessee) has the automatic (implied) right to use as much of the physical surface and substances belonging to the surface owner as is reasonably necessary to explore and produce the minerals.

This right comes without asking permission to enter, to use the surface or the surface substances. The mineral lessee need not pay surface damages, for using the surface substances or to clean up.

To gain goodwill, some oil companies offer to pay surface

damages and restore the surface.

This begs the question: What substances belong to the

mineral owner, and what substances belong to the surface owner?

In Texas, the answer depends on the wording of the mineral reservation. When the terms minerals or oil, gas and other minerals are used, oil, gas, salt, sulfur and possibly uranium belong to the mineral owner. Coal, lignite and iron ore are also included when they lie within 200 feet of the surface and can be produced without destroying (depleting) the surface.

The substances owned by the surface owner in this

situation include sand, gravel, caliche, surface shale, building stone, limestone and groundwater. As mentioned earlier, the coal, lignite and iron ore also belong to the surface owner if they lie on or within 200 feet of the surface and the production destroys the surface.

The two surface substances used most often by oil

companies for exploration and production include groundwater for drilling and fracking, and caliche for constructing roads and drilling pads. Statewide, it takes between ten and 40 acre-feet of groundwater to frack a horizontal well. In many cases, this represents a significant amount of free groundwater for the oil companies.

An oil well is drilled where cattle used to graze. A common sight in in oil-rich areas of Texas.

Exceptions to the Rule

Texas case law holds three exceptions. Oil companies

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“To the surprise of many Texas landowners, the mineral estate is dominant over the surface when it comes to mineral exploration and production.” must, by law, pay surface damages when they (1) use more sur-

use by the lessee is reasonably necessary.

face, groundwater and/or caliche than is reasonably necessary, (2)

negligently injure the surface or (3) fail to accommodate the es-

there is an existing use by the surface owner, which would oth-

tates. The Center’s Minerals, Surface Rights and Royalty Payments

erwise be precluded or impaired, and where under the estab-

(recenter.tamu.edu/ pdf/840.pdf) discusses these rules in more

lished practice in the industry there are alternatives available to

detail.

the lessee whereby the minerals can be recovered) the rules of

The accommodation of the estates doctrine or rule is

But under the circumstances indicated here (i.e., where

reasonable usage of the surface may require the adoption of an

the most recently recognized exception and the least understood.

alternative by the lessee.

Many surface owners mistakenly think this means the oil compa-

nies must accommodate all their needs as a surface owner when

be pursued even if it requires additional funds as long as it is an

they enter a property to explore and produce the minerals. The

established industry practice.

rule is much more restrictive.

Also known as the “alternative means doctrine,” the rule serves to

In this case, the surface owner protested the use of massive

balance the rights of the surface owner and the mineral lessee’s

amounts of groundwater in a waterflood project being conduct-

use of the surface when unnecessary injury to the surface occurs.

ed on the property. The owners maintained that the project

significantly affected water flowing to the surface, which in turn

The Texas Supreme Court established the doctrine in

Later, the high court stated that this alternative must

The rule was further refined in Sun Oil Co. v. Whitaker.

Getty Oil v. Jones (1970). Jones was a farmer in Gaines County

reduced the amount of groundwater available for irrigation and

who operated several pivot irrigation systems. The lateral arms

shortened the life of the irrigated farmland. The surface owner

cleared objects less than seven feet high. During the winter of

claimed the accommodation of the estates doctrine required the

1967, Getty entered and drilled two oil wells within these systems

lessee to take water from sources located off the leased premis-

and erected two pump jacks. One rose 17 feet on the upstroke

es. This was a reasonable alternative, according to Whitaker.

and another 34 feet. These heights prevented the operation of

two of Jones’ pivot irrigation systems. Jones asked Getty to install

sonable alternatives that exist on the premises, not off.

shorter pumps or to construct below-surface cellars to allow the

Merriman v. XTO Energy Inc., decided by the Texas Supreme

operation of the irrigation systems.

Court in 2013, offers another refinement. Merriman purchased

the surface to a 40-acre tract in 1996. He received no minerals.

Getty refused, relying on its implied right. Jones sued

The high court disagreed, limiting the doctrine to rea-

Getty for an injunction to install shorter pumps and/or be-

Merriman, a full-time pharmacist in Limestone County, con-

low-ground cellars and for surface damages.

ducted a cattle-raising operation on this and other acreage he

When the issue reached the Texas Supreme Court, it ruled in

owned in the area on weekends.

Jones’ favor. Though Getty had the right to use as much of the

surface as reasonably needed, the right is not exclusive.

them using temporary stock panels and electric fences in

Said the court: the implied right in favor of the mineral es-

Once a year, he drove his cattle to the 40 acres, sorted

conjunction with permanent fencing and structures. When the

tate is to be exercised with due regard for the rights of the owner

sorting ended, he removed the temporary working pens and

of the servient estate. The due regard concept defines more fully

returned the area to grazing.

what is to be considered in the determination of whether a surface

Merriman challenged XTO’s right to place a drill site

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on the 40 acres citing the accommodation of the estates doctrine. The trial court held the doctrine did not apply. Merriman appealed. The appellate court affirmed the trial court, and the issue went to the Texas Supreme Court.

The high court added a wrinkle to the doctrine as

pronounced in Getty Oil v. Jones. It ruled that the surface owner must prove that he or she had no reasonable alternative means of maintaining the cattle operations on the property. The surface owner must show that any alternative means he or she pursues would be impracticable and unreasonable under the circumstances. Merriman failed to meet this burden of proof.

What is interesting about this case is that the surface

owners now face two burdens of proof. They must prove no reasonable alternatives exist to their current uses, while, at the same time, proving the lessee has reasonable alternatives to develop minerals.

Mineral & gas law, like many other real estate issues, can pose intricate and unforseeable impacts well into the future.

In 2014, the Amarillo Court of Appeals rendered an

interesting decision in City of Lubbock v. Coyote Lake Ranch LLC. It did not involve a dispute between the surface owner and the mineral lessee but between the groundwater owner and the surface owner.

This is a monumental decision setting case precedents in Texas.

The City of Lubbock purchased groundwater rights in

The case of Valence Operating Co. v. Texas Genco LP

Bailey County for municipal purposes. The deed gave the city

decided by the Waco Court of Appeals in 2008 involved a rather

the exclusive use of the surface for ingress and egress to explore

complex situation. Valence (the mineral lessee) wanted to drill with-

and produce the groundwater, similar to rights given to an oil

in a disposal area being operated by Genco, a coal-burning electric-

company to explore and produce the minerals in a lease.

ity generating plant. The coal-burning process produces fly ash and

bottom ash that require a class II industrial landfill permit from the

In 2012 and 2013, the city proposed a plan to imple-

ment the exploration and development of the groundwater.

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for disposal.

The surface owner, Coyote Lake Ranch (CLR), sued to stop the

project because a reasonable means existed to ameliorate the

site. In 1994, the site was modified to include the 91 acres where

surface damages. The trial court agreed and issued an injunc-

Valence intended to drill a test well. The disposal sites were record-

tion. The city appealed.

ed in the deed records. Genco sought an injunction to prevent the

drilling based on the doctrine.

The appellate court reversed the trial court and dis-

In 1985, Genco acquired a permit for a 450-acre disposal

solved the injunction. The doctrine applies only when one of the

estates is dominant over the other, such as when the mineral

drilling by allowing it to drill on the outer fringes of the landfill.

and surface estates have been severed. A severance of the

However, the landfill had literally been surrounded by drill sites. The

ownership of the surface from the groundwater does not create

present proposed drill site would be located within the interior of

a dominant estate.

the disposal site.

CLR appealed the case to the Texas Supreme Court.

In the past, Genco accommodated Valence’s needs for

The trial court granted an injunction. Valence appealed.

On May 31, 2016 the high court reversed the appellate court

The appellate court upheld the imposition of the injunction by quot-

and rendered its decision in favor of CLR. The court applied the

ing from Getty Oil v. Jones.

accommodation of the estates doctrine to a severed groundwa-

ter interest and reinstated the injunction against the city.

would otherwise be precluded or impaired, and where under the es-

Where there is an existing use by the surface owner, which

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tablished practices in the industry there are 3 alternatives available

the Texas Supreme Court. The high court reversed both the trial

to the mineral lessee whereby the minerals can be recovered, the

court and the appellate court and dissolved the injunction against

rules of reasonable usage of the surface may require the adoption

Key’s use of the road.

of an alternative by the mineral lessee.

estate has the right to go upon the surface of the land to produce

Basically, the reasonable alternative for Valence was to drill

The court ruled that the owner of the dominant mineral

a directional well located 1,000 to 1,150 feet from the bottom-hole

and remove the minerals. When pooling occurs, the implied right

location. This is an industry-established, technically and economi-

extends to the surface of all tracts having a portion placed in the

cally feasible alternative.

pool regardless of where the production originates. Consequently,

Key had the implied right to cross any part of the 191 acres, which

Valence argued that this would require an off-premise use

in violation of the rule set forth in Whitaker discussed earlier. The

included the Hegars’ 85 acres, to reach the well.

court pointed out that the admission of evidence was not chal-

lenged by Valence at trial, and consequently it could not be raised

doctrine may have altered the outcome of this case. However, be-

on appeal. Second, the directional drilling would occur on the lease

cause the doctrine was not introduced and argued by the Hegars

but outside the disposal area. Consequently, it would occur at an

during the trial, the appellate court could not apply it on appeal.

off-site location but not off the premises.

Application of Doctrine

Missed Opportunity

rules regarding the present application of the doctrine.

In 2014, the Texas Supreme Court rendered an opinion,

The high court indicated that the application of the

These cases summarize the procedural and substantive

Key Operating & Equipment Inc. v. Hegar, that raised concern

• The doctrine applies only where one estate is dominant over

among surface owners regarding the lessee’s right to use the

another, such as where the surface and mineral estates have been

surface of a nondrill site tract to access a well drilled on a pool. The

severed.

lessee (Key) created a 40-acre pooled unit by taking ten acres from

• To prove the doctrine’s application, the surface owner always

a 191-acre tract and combining it with 30 acres from a 60-acre

bears the burden of proof.

tract. Key built an access road across the 191 acres to reach the

• If the surface owner does not raise (introduce and argue) the ap-

well drilled on the pool.

plication of the doctrine at trial, the appellate courts are precluded

from applying it.

The Hegars later purchased 85 surface acres within the

191-acre tract. The 85 acres included the access road. The Hegars

• The surface owner must have some permanent, pre-existing

built a house and were content with Key’s use of the road until

use of the surface that will be precluded by the mineral lessee’s

Key drilled a second well on the 60-acre tract. Key used the road

operations.

to access both wells. The truck traffic became unbearable, and the

• The surface owner always must prove that under established

Hegars sued Key for trespass.

industry practices a reasonable alternative exists on the premises

whereby the surface owners’ pre-existing use can be preserved

The Hegars proved, through expert testimony, that all

the production from the pooled well came from the 30 acres taken

and the lessee can recover the minerals even though it may in-

from the 60-acre tract. As a general rule, absent the surface owner’s

crease costs.

consent, the surface of one tract cannot be used to support or ben-

• In addition, the surface owner must prove that he or she has no

efit minerals produced from another. Key did not have the Hegars’

reasonable alternative means to continue the pre-existing, perma-

permission.

nent use on the premises if the lessee conducts its operations.

• If the surface owner prevails, both surface damages and an

The trial court agreed and enjoined Key from using the

road across the Hegar’s property. The Hegars did not rely, introduce or argue the application of the accommodation of the estates doctrine at trial. Their case was based on trespass. Key appealed.

The appellate court affirmed the trial court’s injunction but relied heavily on the application of the doctrine to do so. Key appealed to

injunction are possible remedies.

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A L AND M A N AG ER’ S

G R E A T E S T

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T O O L

Logan Hope, Sales Agent & GIS Forester at Hope Timberland

ldo Leopold, the father of wildlife management and author A Sand County Almanac and Game Management, said these words, “…game can be restored by the creative use of the same tools which have heretofore destroyed it: axe, cow, plow, fire, and gun. For the modern land manager, these five words should be taken to heart and used religiously. Anybody looking to improve their land can look at these tools and achieve that goal. These five tools set the perfect foundation to build upon. Herbicide is a great example of another tool that can be added, but there is still something missing. So what is the next best tool to add to the toolbox? Maps.

Maps have been used since the dawn of man for two main reasons; “Who owns what?” and “How can I get there?”. From ancient drawings depicting landscape features from 5th century BC found in southern Iraq, to Lewis and Clark’s expedition of mapping and exploring the Louisiana Purchase where they explored and mapped 8,000 miles. Maps have been a vital part of human history, western expansion, and societal advancement.

In recent years, the use and importance of maps has changed dramatically with the invention of software called Geographic Information Systems, or GIS for short.

The idea of using GIS has actually been around for a while. In 1854, Dr. John Snow began to track the cholera in London, England. He would map outbreak locations in relation to property boundaries, waterlines, and roads. The term “GIS” is a relatively new term being coined by Roger Tomlinson in the 1960’s. Considered to be the father of GIS, Tomlinson used climate data, soil data, and drainage class information and layered it on top of a map to determine the land productivity of cropland and forested area in Canada. By the 1970’s the U.S. had jumped on the GIS bandwagon and began to quantify census data throughout the country. As technology improved producing cheaper, faster, more powerful computers and boosted storage, GIS has done nothing but advance.

GIS is mainly a computer based software program that links tabular data and spatial data to create

and compile new features or datasets upon a map called layers. Simply put, GIS links the information you input to a specific point on a map and creates a layer, which can be added or removed from a map. A good example is parcel data. Parcels are ownership boundaries, which are representative to a specific point on the Earth’s surface. Parcels also have information tied to them such as ownership and size. Through the use of GIS, these two pieces of information can be combined, quantified, and projected onto a map. With a visit to your local appraisal district website and the simple click of the mouse, you can discover who owns that land, the acreage, tax roll information, and so much more.

The concept of adding and removing map layers as wanted is an ingenious tool. Texas, and most other states, will take aerial photos of the entire state on a periodic cycle (Texas is every 2 years) to ensure that we will have up-to-date data that we can use. There are endless possibilities and combinations of maps that can be created using GIS. Soil maps, topographic maps, street maps, climate maps, vegetation maps; the possibilities are endless. GIS has changed the way that several industries operate. Real estate developments, local and federal government agencies, natural resource management firms, oil and gas companies, outdoor recreationalists, even fast food franchises employ GIS specialists to aid the companies in future potential store locations, mainly looking at demographics and household income on a map. It can be as simple as planning the route for your family vacation or as difficult as mapping the debris field of the 2003 Columbia Space Shuttle disaster. Whether you notice it or not, GIS is everywhere.

From a land management prospective, GIS has assisted land managers and landowners in improving their land and achieve the management goals that have been established. Let’s look at an example of white-tailed deer. If improving whitetailed deer on your land is your established goal,

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there are four things you need to improve: forage, water, cover, and space. Deer need forage to eat, water to drink, cover to hide in, and space to roam. The first step you are probably going to do is take a map and spread it across the hood of your truck. A GIS constructed map, or a simple aerial photograph, can help you make management decisions for each of the four areas that need to be addressed. A soil map can be created to determine the types of soil that are within the property so you can properly erect food plots. A hydrologic map can be used to determine if and where any water is present. A topographic map is a great tool to look and see if there are any ridges that the mature buck will travel for cover. To look at how much space, a simple aerial photo with a boundary and acreage on it would suit you just fine.

And to even further simplify things, all four of the previously mentioned maps can even be combined onto one map in an easy-to-read, artistic fashion.

Now imagine rolling into a new property, stepping out onto the ground for the first time, and slapping the map across the hood; would you rather that map be a Google Earth print out, or a captivating, detail specific, professionally designed map using GIS? The choice is yours.

The advancement and implementation of GIS has helped landowners, land managers, hunters, anglers, outdoor enthusiasts, and so many others reach their management goals and recreational desires. The five tools Leopold explained to us (axe, cow, plow, fire, and gun) should absolutely be used in

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“A thing is right when it tends to preserve the integrity, stability, and beauty of the biotic community. It is wrong when it tends otherwise.”

-Aldo Leopold, “The Land Ethic”, A Sand County Almanac such a way that will not hurt this beautiful world we live on, but improve it. These tools are necessary without a doubt, but adding a map will help you know where to use one tool and where not to use another tool. A map created in such an artistic and simple way whose main purpose is to depict key features, boundaries, vegetation types, and terrain to land manager a priceless tool. Once you find a place on your tool belt for this new tool, it’s going to stay there.

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WORKMAN WO R KM A N

At 275275 acres, this Burleson County ranch is where Atjust justover over acres, this Burleson County ranch is luxury meets privacy. This property has it all, and its only 20 luxury at its finest.

This property has it all, and it’s minutes living from Texas A&M University.

less than 20 minutes from Texas A&M University.

John Dean, Broker

L

uxury can be a word that is often overused in real estate today. But for Workman Ranch, no other word can do it justice. From its location to its improvements, Workman Ranch is truly “one of the ones”. Located just 16 miles from College Station and Texas A&M University, it leaves little to be uxury can be a word that is often overused in real estate today. But desired for, and builds greatly upon one’s imagination. for Workman Ranch, no other word can do it justice. From its loca Workman ranch spans over 275 acres of prime ranch and hunting land tion to its improvements, Workman Ranch is truly “one of the ones.” dotted with large, scattered oaks and complemented with pristine pastures, thick Located just 16 miles from College Station and Texas A&M Universiwoods and plentiful lakes. ty, it leaves little to be desired for, and builds greatly upon one’s imagination.

The front of the property on FM 1361, in between Snook and Somerville,

Workman ranch spans over 275 acres of prime ranch and hunting land provides an automatic gated access point and begins the 1.25 mile journey down dotted with large, scattered oaks and complemented with pristine pastures, a private, paved driveway, offering great seclusion and privacy. To the right, a thick woods and plentiful lakes. large windmill towers some 30 feet in the air!

The front of the property on FM 1361, in between Snook and Somer The main home is a spacious 7,135 square foot, with approximately 3,500 ville, provides an automatic gated access point and begins the 1.25 mile joursquare foot of balconies and covered porches. It boasts 5 bedrooms and 5.5 baths. ney down a private, paved driveway, offering great seclusion and privacy. To The exterior of the home is built with Austin stone and covered with an elegant the right, a large windmill towers some 30 feet in the air! is accentuated with many large windows and french doors filling metal roof Theand main home is a spacious 7,135 square foot, with approximately the home with natural light. The house/outdoor kitchenfive & pool are on an 3,500 square foot of balconies andmain covered porches. It boasts bedrooms and five and a half baths.

The exterior is built with Austin stone and covered engineered pier & beam concrete foundation. In the interior, the large floor plan with anfirst elegant roof ample and is living accentuated many large and and on the floormetal provides areas, awith bar/office area, windows workout room, french doors filling the home with natural light. In the interior, the large floor large kitchen. The second floor is comprised of a game room, master and guest plan on the first floor provides ample living areas, a bar/office area, workout bedrooms, alongkitchen. with a theater room.floor Youiscan also enjoy androom, pool views room, and large The second comprised of lake a game masfrom flooring woodlake to stone. ter andseveral guest balconies. bedrooms The along with a inside theatrevaries room.from You mesquite can also enjoy and pool views from several balconies.

The flooring inside varies from mesquite The home also boasts an elevator, four gas fireplaces, a 4-car garage, and backup wood to stone.

The home alsocan boasts an elevator, four fireplaces, 4-car generator.

An iPad or phone be used to control thegas entire home’salighting, garage, and backup generator. An iPad or phone can be used to control the temperature, places, and more than a dozenand TV’s.

Thethan fronta of the home entire home’s fire lighting, temperature, fire places, more dozen TV’s. features withan beautiful landscaping, colorful flowers, accent The frontan ofirrigated the homelawn features irrigated lawn with beautiful landscaping, colorful flowers, accent lighting, fountains, and a meandering creek that flows lighting, fountains, and a meandering creek that flows into a lily-filled koi pond. into a lily-filled koi pond.

The 125,000 gallon pool is the highlight of the back yard, complete with

The 125,000 gallon pool is the highlight of the back yard, complete oil derrick fountain, gas fire pit, island grotto with waterfalls and slides, underwith oil derrick fountain, gas fire pit, island grotto with waterfalls and slides, water lighting, swim-up bar, hot tub, bridges.

The back underwater lighting, swim-up bar, hotand tub,several and several bridges.

Theporch back of the main home outdoor for cooking entertaining with plentiful porch of the offers main an home offersarea an outdoor area and for cooking and entertaining with plentiful seating, outdoor TV, fire pit, granite counter tops and gas grille. seating, outdoor TV, fire pit, granite counter tops and gas grille. Nestled throughNestled throughout the pool area are vibrant flowers and beautiful landscaping. out the pool area are vibrant flowers and beautiful landscaping.

WRITTEN BY: JOHN DEAN, Broker

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RANCH RA NC H

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An aerial view tells the whole story: From top to bottom this ranch features emaculate attetnion to details and luxury. From the main home to the meandering creek in the front, this property sets the bar high.

WANT TO SEE THE FULL LISTING? VISIT WWW.TXRECLAND.COM

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Luxury living at its finest.

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A windmill towers some 30’ in the air near the front entrance.

A bar, office and lounge area offer a great place to relax with guests.

Enjoy being on the lake with a custom dock with boat slip and lighting.

An elegant second home offers space for guests with a wine cellar.

The dock is a frequented area for bluegill and trophy bass.

Spend summer nights relaxing in an oasis of blue water.

A rustic kitchen features granite counters and topend appliances.

This area is truly built to entertain family or guests all year long.

A 1,648 square foot guest home is located just beyond the pool area. With two bedrooms and one bath, it’s perfect for guests, family, or corporate meetings & retreats. Tall ceilings, a fireplace, and exquisite furnishings make you feel right at home.

As as nod to luxury, a walk-in wine cellar keeps your wine at a constant temperature and humidity.

Adjacent to the two homes is a tennis/basketball court and golf putting green for the sports enthusiasts. An 1,824 square foot equestrian barn provides four stalls for boarding horses. This area also provides a fenced-in pasture for horses or other livestock.

The ranch features eight ponds & lakes comprising over thirteen acres of surface water, which are great for fishing, or use for wildlife and livestock. The largest is a seven-acre lake just north of the main house. This lake has been professionally constructed, stocked and managed to be a trophy fishery.

Largemouth bass, coppernose bluegill and red-ear sunfish are managed to their greatest potential, and the forage fish are supplementally fed through automatic fish feeders. The large lake features a custom-built, covered dock with boat-slip that makes for a great area to fish, relax, or keep a boat, and it’s even lighted

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for late-evening outings. The remaining ponds offer clear water, great fishing and each have their own character from docks to lilies and cattails.

The property is ag exempt, fenced & cross-fenced for livestock. Scattered pastures offer excellent grazing for livestock on improved grasses, and the property produces horse-quality hay currently. The wooded areas offer superb hunting opportunities for deer, hogs and other game.

There is ample room for recreational activities like trail riding with horses or ATV’s on property’s numerous trails.

To help with maintaining the ranch, there are several implement/hay barns for storage out of the elements.

Workman Ranch is adjacent to the renowned Triple JJJ Ranch, which offers over 3,200 acres as a premier hunting, fishing and lodging destination. To the west,the ranch is bordered by Pigpen Ranch. It is very convenient to Kyle Field as well as roughly 90 minutes from Houston and Austin, and less than 3 hours from Dallas/Fort Worth and San Antonio. Somerville Lake is only 10 miles to the west and offers recreational opportunities for boating, fishing, water sports and hunting.

Workman Ranch is truly luxury living at its finest.

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MIN E & RA I L : a sto ry of Ro c kd a le

John Dean, Broker

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6, 24

hough most of the stories are lost to time, Rockdale and the sur-

electric generators3. As a by-product, many of the mines had large brick-

rounding areas, are rich in history, most notably because of a natural

yards to take advantage of area’s thick clay seams. According to the Texas

resource buried in the ground some 30 to 180 feet . From the earliest

Railroad Commission, the areas mined typically had one seam of lignite,

points in Rockdale’s 144-year history, stories of mines and railroads over-

5-14 feet thick, at an average depth of 50-60 feet16. A University of Texas

whelmingly hint at the future to come.

Mineral Survey, published in July 1900, details the Vogel mine:

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18 60s- 1930s

“ The thickness of the veins average 6 1/2 feet. The mine is entered by a 8x16 foot shaft, 62 feet deep and is ventilated by a

In 1867, just seven years prior to Rockdale’s eventual founding,

Samuel L. Buckley, an assistant state geologist, surveyed and located

10-foot fan. The roof of the mine in places requires lagging. Wa-

extensive deposits of coal beds throughout the area . During the Eocene

ter is present in some parts of the mine, but no difficulty is expe-

Era, Lignite, the lowest grade of coal, harboring the least amount of

rienced in removing it. There are sixty-five men employed...1”

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carbon of all coal grades, was deposited through the rising and falling of a

shallow sea, leaving behind both marine and non-marine material

but a camp, store, and even saloons. Some of the camps were large and

. Fast

7,14

Each mine typically supported not only the actual mine itself,

forward to 1874, the International & Great Northern Railroad (I & G.N.)

had numerous homes. Schools, churches, and cemeteries were also built

established tracks that went through Rockdale, eventually making their

as a result. Labor was made up of both locals and non-locals; but the

way to Austin. These coincidences set up the stage for German-immigrant,

majority of the labor force tended to be made up of Hispanics fleeing the

Herman Vogel, to seize the opportunity that would change Rockdale’s

Mexican Revolution, here legally and illegally. The number of employees

identity for good. In 1890, using his mining experience from Europe and

in the mines ranged anywhere from 400 to over 2000 depending on the

an initial investment of $500 in gold, Vogel opened one of Texas’ first

source2,3. Reports of pay vary, but the average miner could earn anywhere

lignite mines about 3 miles east of Rockdale2. It’s estimated, that by 1895

from $1.75 to $4 per day2. Miners were paid anywhere from 34 to 40

there were six active mining companies operating close of forty individual

cents per cart, which held about 1,400 pounds1. The mining business was

mines, almost all of which were located one-and-a-half to three miles east

a large investment for it’s time; J.J. Olsen noted the cost of the land for

of Rockdale

his mine, a 200 acre parcel, was $6,000, plus an additional $9,000 for

. Some figures even record upwards of twelve to fourteen

1,5,16

mining companies into the early 1900’s . Some of the most notable mines 16

were the Worley, Witcher, International Coal Co., Big Lump, Big Square, Vogel-Lorenz (aka Black Diamond), J.J Olsen & sons, Santa Fe, Sessions, Ira Perry Coal Co., Federal Coal Co., and Rockdale Lignite Co.3. Some mines changed names over the years after bankruptcy or new ownership.

Due to the convenience of the railroad, numerous spurs were

added both north and south of the railroad to efficiently transport the coal from the mine to the main rail line. Initially, railroads purchased the lignite, but they soon realized it was not suited for their purpose. Instead, people burned it to heat their homes. It was also used in boilers for steam-powered generators and broken down to activated carbon, which the sugar industry used as a clarifying agent12.

The typical mine was of a sloped design or had vertical shafts.

Men, mules, and windlass were used to remove the coal, cart by cart.

In the future, some mines would use boilers to power steam-powered

The last Vogel Mine, east of Rockdale6,25.

1 improvements WWW.T X. RAt ECBig L ALump, N D . CC.H O MCoffield reported his cost per ton of lignite to be $1.00, while 32 cents of this was for labor1. Lignite sold on the

TEXAS RECREATIONAL LAND MAGA ZINE

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open market for $5 a ton12. Between 1910 and 1920, as many as 40-to-50 railroad cars loaded with lignite left Rockdale every day12. The entire town was invested directly or indirectly in mining and the railroad2.

Due to their nature, mines were a dangerous place. Unlike mining

for gold in mountains made of rock, this area had little-to-no solid bed material. The mine shafts were reinforced with timber, but cave-ins occurred and accidents were frequent. Herman Vogel, Rockdale’s first mine entrepreneur, fell 45 feet to his death at his mine on July 3, 1905, at the age of 55. A Dallas Morning News obituary called him “one of the wealthiest men in this section of the country”4.

Interior of mine shaft with men and mules at work, 19136,25.

The Vogel mine seemed even more prone to accidents. In 1913,

seven miners and a mule were trapped when a mine tunnel collapsed after heavy rains flooded Sandy Creek and the creek bottom caved in from the weight of the water. One miner perished, while the other six men and the mule were rescued after being trapped in the mine for a total of six days and five nights3. In May 1913, 10-year-old Charley Ramon was shot and accidentally killed by 15-year-old Will Spence, at the Vogel-Lorenz mine4.

Just a few months later, in July 1913, a boiler explosion injured four men and caused “heavy” property damage to the site4. The constant threat of cave-ins did not curtail production and the mines operated heavily through the rest of the 1910’s and into the 1920’s.

Concurrently, in 1921, Rockdale was experiencing an oil boom

from the Minerva oil field just 8 miles to the north, where 200 barrels/day were being produced. By 1927, oil production peaked with a gross yield of

McAlester Fuel Co.’s steam shovel at the Sandow Mine6,24.

455,985 barrels13. I & G.N. railroad continued to play a huge role in moving not only lignite, but it also fueled the thriving agricultural exports on which the county was built on. It is safe to assume that without railroads, Rockdale would have been a much different place.

By the mid-1920’s, around half of the lignite mines remained

open. Into the 1930’s and 1940’s, coal demand started to dwindle due to competition from newer fuel types. By 1949, just one mine remained open, 9 miles southwest of Rockdale, operated by Oklahoma-based, McAlester Fuel Co. This mine began on a 1,498 acre site earlier in 1922, changing

from shaft mining to surface pit mining at their Sandow Mine, initially utilizing a 25-year old, second-hand, 3 1/2 yard steam shovel3,20. The Rockdale Sandow & Southern (RS&S) railroad was established in 1923 to move the Sandow coal on a six-mile rail from the mine to the main railway. This final mine was operated until it lost its last two accounts from Texas A&M College and the University of Texas as they converted from coal to natural gas2,20. The last lignite was loaded October 18, 195011.

1950s-2018

The closure of the Sandow mine led McAlester Fuel Co.’s presi-

dent, J.G. Puterbaugh, to outright purchase the now 10,000 acre site, run cattle on it, and wait for the perceived lignite market to catch up2.

With the notion that the mine was set up for large scale use,

Puterbaugh sought out a company to make better use of the ‘inexhaustible’ amount of coal Milam county possessed2,20. As power plant technology improved, the ability to make large amounts of power with an inexpensively mined resource led to thoughts of using the lignite and the power it could create, for much bigger means.

Enter the Aluminum Company of America (ALCOA) and Texas

Power and Light Co. (T.P.&L.), who would together establish a power

The early days of the alumuninum smelter2,27.

generating plant and smelter while utilizing the existing Sandow mine.

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WWW.TXRECLAND.COM feet. Large earth-moving shovels and draglines made quicker work than the old mules and windlass from the 1890s mines.

Other companies began to establish coal leases in the area as

well, including Shell Oil, Phillips Petroleum, Dow Chemical, Exxon and Texas Utilities21. In late 1976, Shell Oil Company dug 30-40 tons of test samples on 25,000 acres they leased for lignite mining southeast of Rockdale, in hopes to open an operating mine by 1980-81. This potential mine would be a “non-captive” mine, meaning the coal would be shipped to other countries or U.S. plants17. A Railroad Commission Report map showed the site as a proposed mine location as late as 198632. It was estimated the mine would remove 5 million tons of lignite per year21,32. Records show Alcoa smelter and power plant in November 1952.27

that Shell Oil spent over $16 million on extensive environmental and archaeological impact assessments and a mining permit that was requested

With more capital needed, the U.S. Government was brought in. In an

in 197721. The mine would potentially employ about 400 people and have

effort to stockpile aluminum for defense purposes, the government issued

a 30 year life expectancy 21. When overburden proved to be too thick to

a $114 million certificate of necessity to help finance the smelter, the

efficiently exploit the coal (200+ ft), Shell Oil abandoned their plans and

equivalent of a whopping $1.08 billion in today’s economy2,9.

liquidated the leases, lands and assets they owned in the 1990s10.

Upon the announcement, Rockdale experienced another boom:

Into the 1980s, with extra production needed from the Sandow

within two years, the population doubled, taxis filled the streets, and

Mine to fuel the new Sandow 4 Unit (completed in 1981), the draglines

parking meters were installed2,19. Over 19,000 people came to Alcoa’s

were upgraded to a pair of Bucyrus-Erie 2570 walking draglines, weigh-

grand opening tours in April 1954,6,19. The Rockdale Reporter and Mes-

ing in at an astounding 13 million pounds (heavier than 150 Boeing 737

senger put out a 69-page souvenir edition paper that very week, filled

Jetliners). They had a 300+ foot long boom that reached 220 feet in the

with commemorative articles & congratulatory ads from area businesses20.

air. The large buckets were capable moving more than 100 cubics yards

of soil in each cycle. They could “walk” to new locations at a speed of less

Alcoa, with the aid of T.P. & L., built Sandow Units 1, 2, and 3

(120 megawatts each) to supply the smelter with power. A 750-acre cool-

than 1/10th of a mile per hour28. Walking 24 hours a day, the dragline

ing lake was built & supplemented with water pumped out of the Little

would move just 18 miles in a month, granted there were no delays28. The

River near Minerva. Industrial Generating Co. (IGC) initially operated both

draglines were teamed with bulldozers, loaders, haulers, and scrapers. Coal

the mine & power plant.

was loaded onto a system of conveyor belts stretching almost 20 miles

from the mine to the plant. This system was the longest single conveyor

The initial 4 pot line smelter (later 8 pot line) combined carbon,

electricity, alumina, and a lot of employee sweat to create aluminum that

belt in the world18.

would primarily be used for high-end products. Temperatures in the pots

could be in excess of 1,700 degrees30. It would later produce 310,000

tion, or made into lakes, all of which were governed by the Texas Railroad

tons of aluminum each year, and be the sole supplier of aluminum powder

Commission. Since 1988, over 30,000-acre feet of water was pumped to

for the NASA space shuttle program8. In 1952, George Sessions Perry

‘de-water’ the pits and flowed into Yegua Creek29. 6.2 million tons of lignite

wrote that the smelter would produce enough aluminum “to make a

were mined each year, though production varied with each time period10.

After mining an area, the land was reclaimed with native vegeta-

couple of thousand medium bombers or 10,000 fighters, with plenty of scraps left over for tea kettles and skillets2”.The RS&S railroad rolled over from use by McAlester Fuel Co. to Alcoa, garnering upgrades, and was then tasked with transporting aluminum and bauxite to and from the main rail line, once again proving the importance of a rail system11. The brass bell from RS&S steam locomotive number 3 has been used since 1954 as a trophy for the winner of the Rockdale and Cameron football rivalry, “The Battle of the Bell”11.

Sandow mine initially covered around 10,000 acres. Years later,

this mine, with smelter and additional Three Oaks mine (purchased in 2003 for $83 million), would encompass some 48,000 acres29,31. The seam of lignite in the mines ranged from 2-6 feet thick, at a depth of 50 to 180

Unlike the old mine shafts, large draglines remove 100 cubic yards in each bucket.

X Rpower EC L A plant, N D . Cand O Mmine employed some 2,000 Alcoa In all,WWW.T the smelter,

TEXAS RECREATIONAL LAND MAGA This ZINE 21 wind & solar energy alternatives as their reason for closure. compe-

employees, plus contractors, in 20049,10,30. With plentiful jobs and a large

tition drove down the open-market price of power, leading to less profit.

tax-base, times were good, not only for Milam county, but for the sur-

By January 2018, both power plant units and the mine ceased production,

rounding counties as well. Rockdale Operations had an annual payroll of

taking the last 450+ jobs with it. The average retirement age of a U.S. coal-

$100 million, contributed $3.5+ million each year in local taxes, and spent

fired plant is 54 years26. Neither Sandow 4, at 37 years old, or Sandow 5, at

$300 million per year on goods and services in Central Texas19. For a time,

just nine years old, were used to their full lifespan potential. The Luminant

Rockdale would boast the largest aluminum smelter in the United States .

plant and Three Oaks mine sit idle for now.

10

Lignite reserves at the Sandow site would later prove not to be

TODAY

‘inexhaustible’ as the early miners thought. In 2005, dwindling supplies

forced mining to move southwest into Three Oaks Mine in Lee and Bas-

seems that Rockdale may be on the verge of that much-desired “dawn.”

trop Counties, garnering some public contesting . Three Oaks Mine had

Much like the down-turns experienced in the 1930s, when shaft mining

a life expectancy of 35 years, and produced 7 million tons of lignite per

shuttered, in the 1950s, when mining ceased prior to Alcoa’s arrival, and

year . The Sandow site would be retired and reclaimed. The same year,

again in 2009 and 2018, with Alcoa and Luminant closures, one thing

Alcoa released plans to build a new power unit with Texas Utilities (TXU,

remained true in each cycle: something else came along, a little bigger and

later Luminant) and struck an agreement with them to supply the smelter

better each time. History tends to repeat itself.

with power through 2038.

and retrofit parts of the smelter to “mine” for bitcoin. Ironically, Rockdale

10

31

In 2007, Alcoa transferred ownership of the Sandow 4 Unit and

As the saying goes: “It’s always darkest before the dawn.” It

In July 2018, Chinese-based Bitmain announced it would lease

Three Oaks mine to Luminant. After a stressed relationship, caused by

will once again be on the forefront of the mining industry, though this time

frequent power interruptions, an inability to reach agreements on power

the product is vastly different from lignite. While some skepticism has en-

pricing, and weakening aluminum markets, the Alcoa smelter shut down

sued, the underlying demand remains the same for both lignite and bitcoin

several pot lines in mid-2008, and began lay-offs. In October 2008, Alcoa

mining: to turn a high-demand, under-utilized resource (whether tangible

announced plans to completely close the 56-year old smelter operation,

or digital) into something that generates greater revenue.

taking with it 1,100 jobs. It cost Alcoa $48 million to close the operation.

ed to be an independent, unregulated form of payment around the world.

In April 2016, the 31,161-acre Alcoa smelter & Sandow Mine site

Bitcoin is a “crypto-currency” that was invented in 2009, intend-

went on the open market for $250 million, spurring rumors and ending any

Recently, bitcoin has transitioned into an investment platform, though it

lingering hopes of the smelter re-opening under the Alcoa Inc. name.

was never intended for such uses.

Bitcoin mines use numerous servers, requiring substantial electricity.

Bitcoin “mining” is the process of unlocking a blockchain. Block-

chain technology is a record of all transactions ever done in bitcoin, ridding the need for central banks to verify who owns what. There is no one orLuminant’s Sandow 5 after its completion in 2009.

After the smelter closure, Three Oaks Mine continued to operate

ganization or power that can control it outright. Think of it as a worldwide cooperative amongst its users, based completely on transparency. Each

and supply lignite to the Luminant-owned power plants, which then only

user owns a ledger that is updated every few minutes.

supplied power to the open market. Luminant completed a new, $890 mil-

lion Sandow 5 unit in 200922. It was a state of the art 580-megawatt unit,

hardware to verify and tally up the “blocks” in a blockchain — logs in a

that implemented large cooling towers and was designed to more efficient-

online ledger that keep track of digital currency transactions. Computer

ly utilize lower-grade lignite. It was the first coal-fired power plant built

software makes guesses at complex mathematical computations, thou-

in Texas since 1992. This new unit was intended to replace the original

sands of times per second. When a block is discovered, the discoverer may

three Sandow units and continue to run in conjunction with Sandow 4. In

award themselves a certain number of bitcoin, which is agreed-upon by

October 2017, Luminant announced an impending closure of all facilities

everyone in the network. Currently, the bounty is 12.5 bitcoin23. 21 million

citing competitive markets and increased competition from natural gas and

total bitcoin exist and are released in halves of the remainder sequentially

To mine efficiently requires the use of high-powered computing

through time,Abut be Idivided smaller increments.

22 TEX S Rcan ECalso R E AT O N A Linto LAN D M AGA ZINE

Alcoa sites in New York and Washington).

Bitmain plans to hire about 400 WWW.TXRECLAND.COM

employees and invest $500 million in the project. Rockdale has been in

As of October 2018, a bitcoin is worth about $6,200 and has

been as high as $19,000 in recent years. In determining value, it’s the

this position before: another mine being established, another opportunity

same as any other good, dependent solely upon supply and demand. Bit-

presented.

coin has value because it is useful as a form of currency. Bitcoin exhibits

all of the required characteristics of normal currency: durability, portabil-

so more than a few times in Rockdale’s history. In days gone by, Rockdale

ity, scarcity, divisibility, uniformity, and acceptability, but is based on the

and Milam County have been lucky enough to experience some great

properties of mathematics rather than physical properties (like gold and

periods of growth and prosperity, thanks to a coincidence of a long-gone

silver) or trust in central authorities .

shallow sea, mines, railroads, and the people that call it home. A successful

town is more than just the companies that bring jobs: it’s the people that

23

In this proposed mining system, the more servers a mine

Can lightning strike the same spot twice? It seems to have done

contains “guessing” at equations, the better odds of discovering a block.

make the area resilient. Time will tell how bright the future may be for

Hence the large mines popping up all over the world, with Russia and

Rockdale, whether it be solely with Bitmain at the helm, or other future

China leading the surge. Since mines use numerous servers, it requires

companies that could bring even more opportunity with them. With ample

a significant amount of electricity and workforce. Many other shuttered

room, great location, and a hungry appetite, Rockdale and Milam County

smelters, power plants, and hydroelectric dams all over the U.S. are being

may just surprise people, in typical fashion, right on schedule. We’ve done

re-purposed into bitcoin mines, just as in Rockdale (several of them being

it before.

Sources: 1) “University of Texas Mineral Survey”, Issues 1-4, July 1900. 2) Gerorge Sessions Perry: “The Town Where it Rains Money”, 1952. 3) “Lignite in the Rockdale Area”, Ida Jo Marshall, 1974. 4) Dallas Morning News Obituaries, 1913. 5) Rockdale Chamber of Commerce website 6) “Images of America: Rockdale”, Dr. Lucille Estelle, 2012 7) “What are the types of coal?”, USGS.gov 8) “Milam County Men at Work”, Jeanne Wiliams, 2012 9)” Bargaining for Competitiveness: Law, Research, and Case Studies”, W.E. Upjohn Institute, pg 87-89, 2003. 10) Three Oaks Mine: Final EIS, Chapter 1, May 2003 11) Handbook of Texas Online, George C. Werner, “ROCKDALE, SANDOW AND SOUTHERN RAILROAD,” 12) “Cemetery All That Remains of Town Known for Its Lignite” Clay Coppedge, 2005. 13) Handbook of Texas Online, Vivian Elizabeth Smyrl, “MINERVA, TX,” 14) “Depositional environments and stratigraphy of late Eocene sediments, east-central Texas”, Chapter 1, Thomas Yancey , 1997. 16) TRRC: “Historical Mining in Texas and the Abandoned Mine Land Program presentation”, Jon Brandt, 2010. 17) Rockdale Reporter, July 1, 1976, pg 1. 18) “Siemens technology drives the world’s longest conveyor belt system in Texan open-cast mine” Erlangen, Jul 18, 2007. 19) “Alcoa to mark 50 years in Rockdale with Sept. 14 open house”, Jean Williams, Sep 1, 2002. 20) Rockdale Reporter and Messenger, 4/22/54 & 12/15/77. 21) Cameron Herald, 8/25/75 & 1/27/77. 22) “Sandow Unit 5 nearing completion”, Jeanne Williams, 2009. 23) https://bitcoin.org/en/faq 24) Bert Dockall 25) Patricia Whitely Mckee 26) Trimedia, “When Is a Power Plant Past its Prime?”, May 2017. 27) Alcoa Inc. 28) “Two miles a day: Peabody moving huge dragline to new location,” Chuck Stinnett. 29) “The Bad Neighbor,” Esther Cervantes 30) “Their coal plant is gone, the golden age is over. What’s next for the people of Milam County, Texas?”, Jeff Mosier 31) “Alcoa OKs $83 million investment for new Three Oaks Mine” Jeanne Williams, 2003. 32) “Information and statistical facts on coal and uranium mining itn Texas”, Texas Rail Road Commission, 1991.

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James H. Bailey, EA 102 S. Houston St PO Box 710 Cameron, TX 76520

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Come see us for all your hardware needs!

Rockdale Building Material Center 108 S. Main St. Rockdale, TX

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PLAYI NG T The ever-changing game when hunting a

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T H E GAME mature buck.

F

WRITTEN BY: Walter Dean, Sales Agent

all is in the air: the mornings are a little cooler, the 100-degree days of summer are just an unpleasant memory, and hunting season is almost here. It is a time of reflection for many of us as we look back on many great memories. It is also a time of anticipation as we look forward to all the enjoyment and excitement the new season will bring. Hopefully, our favorite hunting spot is ready to hunt. We’ve cleaned out our hunting

blinds, put up new ones if needed, and trimmed the brush and limbs that were blocking our shooting lanes. Our food plots are planted, growing and doing well. Our corn feeders are full and we are taking all the steps we can to manage our hunting property correctly. We can accomplish these best management practices by providing deer with food they prefer, a water source, cover, and a sense of safety and well-being. This should help us attract and hold whitetail deer, especially does, on our property. Concentrating does will allow us to attract mature and potentially trophy-cali-

ber bucks to our property, especially during all the phases of the rut (whitetail breeding season).

Each year as the rut approaches, dominant bucks, who do the majority of the breeding, will establish loosely

defined territories. They mark these areas with scrapes (these are areas that bucks leave their scent) to let does and other bucks know that this is their territory. Bucks patrol and defend these areas in hopes to keep competing bucks out and locate receptive does at the same time. These territories are established during the fall as light hours begin to shorten and bucks testosterone levels begin to rise as nature prepares them for the breeding season.

The whitetail rut has three stages, that may slightly overlap. The first stage is the pre-rut. Hunters will

notice bucks start to chase does, spar with each other, and may make scrapes or rubs in their home range. Most of the time, this period involves smaller, immature bucks. Most mature bucks will participate in these activities, only when the actual rut is near.

The second stage is the actual rut itself. This is the time when breeding occurs and the majority of does

will be bred. Bucks are frantically traveling their territories looking for receptive does. They check their scrapes and defend their breeding territory against intruding bucks. This can be a magical time for the hunter as bucks that have not been seen before and bucks that may have been previously nocturnal start to appear. This is the possibly the best time to encounter trophy bucks, as they “throw caution to the wind� during this phase of the rut.

The third stage of the rut is after the intensity of the actual rut has faded. The mature bucks are still moving,

traveling a lot, checking their scrapes, and looking for does that were not bred during the main rut. By now, because of the rut, most of the breeding bucks have lost weight. Food is again becoming a priority, particularly during cold weather.

Many factors effect deer activity. This is especially true of mature bucks during all the stages of the rut. I

believe it is an ever-changing landscape and can dramatically change day-to-day or even hour-to-hour.

Mature, dominant bucks are often harvested by hunters during hunting season which coincides with the rut.

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Aside from hunters, these bucks are also killed (or injured)

ties. This could be a change in ownership, land use, land clearing,

by automobiles, fighting with other bucks, entanglements in

new homes, oil drilling activities, or a change in hunting pressure.

fences, predators, or disease. As the rut carries on, bucks

These can all effect deer activity and may warrant hunters to alter

can also be driven out of territories by larger, more ag-

their plans.

gressive challengers. In these cases, age has no bearing on

dominance: some bucks as young as 4 1/2 years old can be

drought/wet-weather may effect food sources and the extent the

more aggressive than a 6 1/2 year old buck. As these things

deer choose to utilize them. Weather and temperature extremes

occur, bucks are continually changing their activity in an

also have a great effect on when deer move and how much they

effort to make the most of the rutting period or avoid outside

travel. Flooded creeks, rivers, or low-lying areas may effect white-

threats. Just like in battle, they may expand or regress in their

tail movement as well as the hunter’s ability to easily access these

territory sizes, and could possibly venture to completely new

areas.

areas, miles from where they normally call home.

yond hunters control. The more we know about what is going on

Typically, if a prevalent buck is killed near our

Weather conditions like extreme heat/cold or extreme

In the whitetail world, many things happen that are be-

hunting location, it can start a “domino effect” that could put

around us, the easier it is to adjust to these changing conditions.

a trophy buck on our property that has not previously been

Hopefully, we can quickly formulate a plan that may lessen the

there. When the most dominant buck in an area is removed,

effects of a negative development or allow us to capitalize on a

other bucks will move in to take over its territory and does in

positive one.

a particular herd. Much like pieces on a chess board, any-

thing that effects one of these bucks, effects all others in the

can observing deer. This will help us gain knowledge and under-

area to some extent.

standing of their lives and activity as we enjoy our quest for that

“Trophy of a lifetime”.

At times, conditions may change on nearby proper-

Dominant bucks can change their activities based on numerous factors like rut activity, competition from other aggressive bucks, or even changes in local herd dynamics.

One thing we can always do is spend as much time as we

V E N T U R I N G

I N TEXAS T ORECREATIONAL A N EMAGAW LAND ZINE

PASTIME

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FINANCING FOR: RECREATI ONA L PROPERTY RURAL H OMES RURAL REA L ES TA TE EQ UI PMENT FARM OR RA NCH OPERATI ONS AGRI BUS I NES S ES

GEORGETOWN: 4411 South Interstate 35, Suite 110 Georgetown, Texas 78626 FINANCING YOUR PIECE OF TEXAS

1.512.591.2151

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FEATURE

PROPERTY

S H O OTER RANC H This 278.99 acre ranch offers a great location, multiple ponds, and mixed-use potential for cattle, hunting or commercial.

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ucked away in a group of post oaks just out of sight, three whitetail does watch as I drive by.

This is the norm on the Shooter Ranch. Plentiful deer, hogs, and varmints call this property home. This property is unique in that it has been untouched for some time and the wildlife can

vouch for that.

Located just outside Rockdale, Texas, this property is situated in a prime location, just 45

minutes from Bryan/College Station and less than an hour from the Austin area. Likewise, it’s centrally located approximately 2.5 hours from Houston, Dallas/Forth Worth and San Antonio. Coupled with the great highway frontage on two sides in US Highways 77 and 79, this property is set up for success. Due to its location to Rockdale and easy access to the neighboring railroad, this property is rich in history as well.

The rolling topography of the 278.99-acre property ranges in elevations of 450-510 feet and

has a mixture of flora throughout. Predominately, the property is composed of post oaks, cedar elms, yaupon, honey mesquite and cedars. Several wet-weather creeks meander through the tract as well.

Numerous roads and trails help you traverse the property to get to the best hunting lo-

cations and numerous ponds the ranch has to offer. There are nine ponds on the property that are great for fishing, duck hunting, and also supply wildlife and cattle with much needed water, especially throughout the summer months. The largest pond has an automatic fish feeder in place to supplement forage fish and catfish.

This property is currently devoted to grazing cattle and hunting. Thus, there are seven deer

blinds and feeding locations set up to draw game in. The blinds range from standard ground blinds and tripods, to several tower stands that help give you a larger area to look over, while also keeping your scent and presence less known to the game you are targeting. Perimeter fencing is good and cattleready, with several areas recently upgraded and replaced. Several pastures offer grazing over native and improved pastures. The property is ag exempt currently, leading to lower taxes. The cattle and hunting aspect of the ranch are turn-key and could produce income if leased out.

A two bedroom, one bath home is located at the north west corner of the property. Built

approximately in the 1960s, it offers a great place to stay on the weekend while hunting or working, or as a temporary home while building. The home has central A/C, full utilities, and all the amenities Great access and location makes this ranch perfect for a number of future uses.

needed for a comfortable stay. A Southwest Milam water line runs along the west, and part of the north side of the ranch. Large neighbors border several sides, helping with privacy.

Shooter Ranch truly offers a great opportunity for buyers seeking a recreational property

with great potential. Contact us to set up your private tour through the ranch today!

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TEX A S R EC R E AT I O N A L L A N D M AGA Z I N E

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WORKMAN RANCH: 275.29 acres

$2,568,500

$2,700,000

164.13 acres, WALKER CO.

$9,500,000

ISLAND RANCH: +/-467 acres

$1,458,710

$1,199,657

SOLD! 265.88 acres, CR 250 Lp

SHOOTER RANCH: 278.99 acres

$975,000

$825,390

SOLD! 162.84 acres, ROBERTSON CO.

SAN GABRIEL RANCH: 275.13 acres

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R&J River Ranch: 327.29 acres

$2,300,000

$2,900,000 $2,045,000

also offered in 30 or 60 acres packages

M&M FARMS: 233.78 acres

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SPORTSMAN’S PARADISE: 169.13 acres

$1,050,000

$1,036,237

SOLD! RIVER BEND RANCH: 48.85 acres

SANDY CREEK RANCH: 240 acres

$600,000

$591,550

DEER/EXOTIC RANCH: 115 acres

99.42 acres, FM 486

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Best of luck to hunters in the 2018 deer season!

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$377,000

$362,232

SOLD!

CONTRACT

57.315 acres, CR 234

69.66 acres, CR 316A $392,000

$470,000

SOLD! HILLTOP RANCH: 94.04 acres

56 acres, CR 415 W

$222,000

51.5 acres, FM 935

$200,000

8.92 acres, CR 342 $124,000

$131,200

SOLD! 20.5 acres, FM 2095

21.87 acres, CR 327

512-540-1555

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$302,500

55 acres, CR 325

$261,025

49.25 acres, CR 237

$266,000

CONTRACT 38 acres, CR 447

$223,437

SOLD! 35.75 acres, CR 415 E

$180,000

$136,680

SOLD! 31.51 acres, FM 487

20.4 acres, CR 322

$114,162

$110,000

SOLD! 19.178 acres, CR 353

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14.41 acres, HWY 36 N

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$109,021

$100,178

24.23 acres, CR 336

15.41 acres, CR 336

$95,000

$80,000

SOLD!

SOLD!

20 acres, CR 115

11.56 acres, 1871 Fairview Dr.

$78,000

$70,909

SOLD!

SOLD!

15 acres, CR 115

6 acres, PR 4129

$64,995

$36,377

CONTRACT

6 acres, CR 417

6.51 acres, CR 336

INTERESTED IN BUYING OR SELLING? 512-540-1555 TXRECLAND.COM

6 acres: $119,500

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4.06 acres: $54,995

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We’re here to finance your piece of heaven.

At Capital Farm Credit, we understand that retirement should be full of rest and relaxation. That’s why we work side by side with you, when you find that perfect piece of heaven. Whether you’re looking to finance land for hunting, playing or resting, your goals are our goals. And our patronage dividend program means we share our profits and put money back in your pocket.

Together we’re better.

Partnership that really pays.

TAYLOR 512.352.6351 TEMPLE 254.773.3417 capitalfarmcredit.com

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