February 23, 2024
(press release)
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In response to the urgent need to preserve Texas's vital working lands and protect water resources, Texas Agricultural Land Trust, a leading conservation organization, has been awarded a significant $7M grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). This funding aims to assist landowners in the Nueces River Watershed in securing crucial conservation easements, combating the alarming trend of land loss and fragmentation that Texas has experienced in recent years. Nueces River Watershed: A Biodiversity Hotspot at Risk The Nueces River Watershed, a cornerstone of Texas's water resources, spans five ecologically rich ecoregions, including the Edwards Plateau and South Texas Plains. Recognized as one of the most biologically diverse regions in the nation, the Edwards Plateau boasts a unique karst landscape, crucial for capturing and supplying water to this semi-arid terrain. The Edwards Aquifer, a primary water source for San Antonio and beyond, sustains a delicate ecosystem housing rare and endangered species. The South Texas Plains Ecoregion, shaped by the convergence of multiple ecosystems, stands as a haven for species diversity. From the Chihuahuan Desert to the west to subtropical woodlands along the Rio Grande to the south, this region is home to a myriad of flora and fauna, drawing birdwatchers from across the globe. Despite its ecological significance, the Nueces River Watershed has lost over 210,000 acres of working lands due to a 41% population increase since 1997. This loss poses a direct threat to water resources and the vast number of species that call this region home. "The grant from the NRCS RCPP is a game-changer for our efforts to preserve the Nueces River Watershed," says Darren Clark, TALT Director of Land Conservation. "By assisting landowners in securing conservation easements, we are taking a crucial step towards protecting the watershed and safeguarding this vital ecosystem for future generations." How to Apply: TALT encourages landowners within the Nueces River Watershed to participate in this conservation initiative. Funding is available to landowners regardless of which land trust will hold the conservation easement. The application window will be open from February 5 through March 22, 2024. To apply or inquire about eligibility, please contact Darren Clark, Director of Land Conservation atdclark@txaglandtrust.org. Key Partners: Native Prairies Association of Texas Coastal Bends Bays and Estuaries Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Nueces River Authority Grassroots Carbon Public Benefit LLC Texas/Mexico Border Coalition Texas AandM Department of Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management Texas AandM Natural Resources Institute Audubon Texas The Texas Agricultural Land Trust is a private non-profit organization, founded by farmers and ranchers for farmers and ranchers. As the largest state-based land trust in Texas, conserving over 280,000 acres under easements, TALT is dedicated to preserving open spaces, native wildlife habitats, and natural resources on Texas' private working lands. 2024 States News Service
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