Demonstrate the Conservation and Producer-Based Benefits of Marketing Restored Grassland for Seed, Renewable Energy Generation, Hunting/Eco-Tourism and Grazing

The purpose of this award is for the grantee to provide economic incentives for ranches and farmers to restore genetically unique native Coastal Prairie grasslands by marketing native grass seed and ultimately the grass itself for land and wildlife conservation, alternative Energy production, eco-tourism and hunting.Many landowners in South Central Texas have converted their pastures to non-native grasses, are pushing their land past its productive limit by overstocking cattle and are adversely impacting natural resources. Test plots have shown that ranchers can improve their bottom line and increase wildlife by converting pastures to native prairie grasses.

Although landowners want more wildlife and face higher costs for fuel, fertilizer, machinery by continuing to rely in introduced grasses, they are reluctant to implement worthwhile Habitat and wildlife programs available through USDA agencies, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Texas Parks and Wildlife, Audubon Texas. Wildlife management plans have been written for landowners on about 20,000 acres since the Wildlife Habitat Federation (WHF) was formed two years ago but less than 10 percent have adopted the recommendations suggested. A strong economic incentive is needed to achieve large scale restoration of native grasslands. More private sector involvement is needed to complement what is now being addressed by government wildlife/conservation agencies.

A priority zone will be created in the Texas Gulf Prairie Ecological Region for producing more native prairie grasses. Due to the soils, a mild climate and ample rainfall, this region has more potential than most for producing native grass. Tracts of relict prairie grass will be assembled to meet a fast growing demand for genetically suitable seed by helping landowners contract with select companies. Participants will also be selected to create a tract large enough to sustain populations of quail or be part of wildlife corridors that connect to areas with large native grass tracts. Landowners will be encouraged by the prospect of marketing native grass to coal-firing power plants and/or to an ethanol production facility. Participating landowners will receive financial reimbursement for cost of restoration programs from this project and will have access to specialized equipment.