Grassland Restoration Incentive Grant Program

The Grassland Restoration Incentive Program (GRIP) is a conservation-focused grant initiative administered by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). Developed in collaboration with the Oaks and Prairies Joint Venture, Quail Forever, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, the program aims to reverse the degradation of native grasslands in Central Texas. Since its launch in 2013, GRIP has successfully contributed to the restoration of more than 129,000 acres of habitat critical to a range of native wildlife, including species like the bobwhite quail, meadowlarks, and horned lizards. These species have been significantly affected by brush encroachment, urban development, and the spread of non-native pasture grasses, prompting a focused effort on reclaiming native ecosystems. The primary goal of GRIP is to provide financial assistance to landowners and agricultural producers who are willing to implement approved conservation practices on their properties. These practices must align with GRIP’s ecological objectives and can include brush management, prescribed burning, firebreak installation, herbaceous weed treatment, and the planting of native grasses and wildlife-friendly vegetation. These techniques are critical to managing the spread of invasive species such as mesquite and juniper, which can outcompete native flora and alter the structure of grassland habitats. Eligibility is geographically restricted to landowners and producers operating in a defined set of counties in Central Texas. These include Archer, Austin, Baylor, Callahan, Clay, Colorado, Delta, Dewitt, Edwards, Ellis, Fayette, Fannin, Gonzales, Hunt, Karnes, Kinney, Lamar, Lavaca, Montague, Navarro, Real, Red River, Shackelford, Stephens, Throckmorton, Uvalde, Val Verde, Washington, Wilson, and Wise. The scope is regional rather than statewide, with priority given to habitat enhancement on private lands where voluntary conservation can have the most impact. The application window for the 2026 cycle opens on February 2 and closes March 4. Interested applicants are encouraged to consult with their local USDA Service Center before the deadline. For those already enrolled with USDA services, online applications may be submitted through the farmers.gov portal. Although there is no indication of a formal pre-application or Letter of Intent requirement, early engagement with local TPWD biologists is recommended to ensure alignment with conservation goals and application readiness. Evaluation of submissions likely considers the ecological benefit, scale, and feasibility of proposed restoration efforts, although specific review criteria are not detailed in the public announcement. Funding amounts are not explicitly stated, and there is no mention of required matching contributions, suggesting flexible funding potentially tailored to project size and scope. While multi-year impact is implied, there is no stated performance period or cap on project duration. For more information, applicants can contact Derek Wiley at 512-902-7379 or [email protected]. The program does not reference a recurring schedule, but given its operational history and continued promotion, GRIP may operate on an annual or semi-regular basis. Applicants should monitor TPWD and USDA channels for future funding rounds.