Reversing the downward trend of our grassland wildlife species can be accomplished by managing invasive plant species and restoring native warm season bunch grasses, forbs and pollinator plants on…

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Region 2, under the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program (CFDA 15.631), awarded a cooperative agreement of $130,000 to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) effective July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2030. Under this agreement, TPWD will implement the Pastures for Upland Birds (PUB) Program to restore native grassland habitat on privately owned lands in Texas. TPWD will partner with USFWS to enroll private landowners and provide financial incentives for restoring approximately 812 acres of pastureland currently dominated by invasive grass species to native warm-season bunchgrasses, forbs, and pollinator plants.

The primary deliverables include habitat restoration activities that will establish ground-level vegetation cover suitable for nesting and provide essential habitat for grassland wildlife species, migratory and resident birds, monarch butterflies, and other pollinators. Secondary benefits of the restoration include improved water quality, groundwater recharge, reduced chemical use, erosion control, enhanced recreational opportunities for hunting and wildlife viewing, and support for sustainable livestock forage production. The program directly supports the Department of Interior's Strategic Plan Goal 3, Objective 3.3, to restore lands and waters through collaborative engagement with Texas private landowners.

Reversing the downward trend of our grassland wildlife species can be accomplished by managing invasive plant species and restoring native warm season bunch grasses, forbs and pollinator plants on tamed pasture or hayland. Such efforts will improve ground- level cover conditions, provide essential nesting habitat, and enhance the overall plant diversity benefiting numerous migratory and resident grassland game and non-game bird species, monarch butterflies, and other pollinator species. The pastures for upland birds (PUB) program will provide incentives to texas landowners whose goal is to restore lands dominated by invasive grass species to native bunchgrasses and forbs. Texas parks wildlife department (tpwd and recipient) will work collaboratively with the U.S. Fish wildlife service (USFWS) to enroll private landowners into the partners for fish wildlife PUB program via sub-recipient participant agreements. Additionally, properly managed native warm season grasses may provide suitable forage production and protein levels required for livestock. This program benefits landowners whose goals include habitat improvement for sensitive plants and wildlife, pollinators, and game and nongame wildlife. The broader public benefits from native prairie restoration through improved water quality, groundwater recharge, reduction in chemical use, enhanced ecological functions that promote overall health, erosion control, and outdoor education. The PUB program also provides for enhanced outdoor recreational activities by restoring habitat for game species, which provides the opportunity for better hunting and wildlife viewing opportunities.work under this CA supports several of the goals of the department of interiors FY 2026-2030 strategic plan draft framework: under goal 3 of the framework is objective 3.3: restore lands and waters. The goal of this agreement is to restore 812 acres of privately ownedgrasslands. Under goal 3 of the framework is objective 3.2: lands, waters, and americas heritage are protected and conserved. Under this CA, invasive species will be eradicated and native plants replanted and maintained for a 10-year habitat retention period, conserving our nations grassland habitats. Under goal 4 of the framework is objective 4.2: work collaboratively with states, partners, and governments. Under this CA the service will be working with manyinternal and external partners to secure, develop, and maintain high quality habitatrestoration projects on private lands. These partners include the texas parks andwildlife department, state historic preservation office, commercial seed companiesand other contractors, and several private landowners. The PUB program will promote a conservation stewardship ethic through sub-recipient participant agreements with private landowners directed at improving habitat for migratory wildlife and resident game and non-game species using areas enrolled in PUB. Habitat improvements are accomplished through conservation science, which determine the best practices to manage land and water resources and determine adept management actions. The PUB program, in collaboration with our state partners has significantly increased in popularity over the last few years with texas private landowners. The program supports tpwd and private landowners in improving the overall health of the texas landscape, creates outdoor recreational opportunities, and restores habitat for important game and non-game species.