How to Apply

Local Texas Grasslands and Savannas Initiative (TGSI) and Texas Coastal Prairie Initiative (TCPI) partner staff will work with individual landowners who are interested in either program. Approved projects will meet eligibility requirements established by TGSI and TCPI partners.

Land Management and Conservation Easement Funding

Please contact us by emailing info@coastalprairieconservancy.org or through the online contact form in order to be contacted by a TGSI/TCPI partner regarding a potential project.

Establishing Eligibility

To apply for funding under the Texas Coastal Prairie Initiative (TCPI) or Texas Grasslands and Savannas Initiative (TGSI), applicants must be registered with the Farm Service Agency (FSA).

If you have never worked with the United StatesDepartment of Ag riculture (USDA) and don’t have a farm and tract number, you will need to make an appointment with the Farm Service Agency (FSA) at your local USDA Service Center to establish eligibility for USDA programs. You can find your service center by visiting Farmers.gov at: https://www.farmers.gov/service-center-locator.

Coastal Prairie Conservancy Staff will connect you with partner agencies who can assist you in this process.

Click here to reference the following hand-out from Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS): Establishing Eligibility for USDA Programs

Conservation Easement Funding Available

Landowners may enter voluntary conservation easements with a qualified land trust to permanently protect their private lands, which they may continue to use for agricultural uses, such as cattle grazing, or recreational uses, such as hunting. Funds would pay landowners 50% of the appraised value of a conservation easement.

Habitat Management Funding Available

Landowners may receive free assistance to develop plans to enhance and improve wildlife habitat. Funds are available to reimburse private landowners most of the cost of beneficial practices, such as brush control, prescribed fire, or cattle cross-fencing, according to National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) payment rates.

Additional Funding Resources

To learn more about other programs that provide financial assistance to private landowners for land conservation, please visit our Additional Funding Resources page.

Free Conservation Planning and Technical Assistance is available to landowners year-round to develop a conservation plan.