Bardwell Lake, located in the blackland prairie region of Texas, currently has a little over two thousand acres in the agricultural lease program. Leases vary in size from about two hundred to seven hundred acres; duration of the leases are from three to five years. Grazing and hay production are utilized to control vegetative growth so that range conditions and wildlife habitat will be improved. Many species of native grasses such as Eastern Gamagrass and Big Bluestem that have been almost eliminated in Ellis County by continuous heavy grazing will hopefully be reestablished through proper management. Work abatement programs are utilized in conjunction with the agricultural lease program to improve resources around the lake. By utilizing the work abatement program, tasks such as new fence construction, establishment of wildlife food plots, seeding of native prairie grasses and spraying of undesirable woody vegetation are accomplished in lieu of cash rental payments. Persons interested in bidding on agricultural leases should contact the Bardwell Lake Office by mail at 4000 Observation Drive, Ennis, Texas 75119 or by telephone at (972) 875-5711 and request that they be added to the Grazing/Hay Lease Bid List.