The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has announced an additional $14.3 million in conservation financial assistance for working lands through the Grassland Reserve Program (GRP), which offers private landowners the opportunity to protect, restore and enhance grassland habitat. Landowners interested in improving native wildlife habitat for endemic plant and animal species should take a good look at this federal funding source.
“This additional funding will enable even more landowners to protect environmentally and economically important agricultural land and preserve the resources that are so critical to the health and prosperity of our rural communities,” said Don Gohmert, NRCS state conservationist for Texas. “The funding will assist landowners in protecting Texas grassland and conserve a resource base on which we all depend.”
GRP helps landowners and operators protect working grasslands, including hay land, pastureland, native grasslands and certain other lands through rental contracts or conservation easements. NRCS and USDA’s Farm Service Agency jointly administer the program.
For information on eligibility, contact your local USDA Service Center or visit NRCS onlinefor more information on enhancing your grassland wildlife habitat.