This project will build U.S. Research and workforce capacity at tarleton state university to better understand and manage woody plant cover change in texas savanna-grassland working lands

The Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture awarded Tarleton State University $300,000 under the Capacity Building for Non-Land Grant Colleges of Agriculture program (CFDA 10.326) on September 1, 2026.

The project builds research and workforce capacity at Tarleton to understand and manage woody plant cover change in Texas savanna-grassland working lands. The award funds baseline field data collection on woody cover, plant variety, and productivity across Texas rangelands, integrated with satellite and GIS analyses of woody cover change drivers over the preceding twenty years. Project-generated datasets will be shared through USDA's AG Data Commons with appropriate privacy protections. Education activities integrate project-based learning into existing courses, supporting undergraduate applied learning experiences and graduate research training, and generating student research products and presentations. International collaboration activities, where used, are limited and directly support U.S. project objectives by providing comparative context and methodological insight that improves interpretation of Texas results and expands the evidence base for U.S.-relevant savanna rangeland management.

The project runs from September 1, 2026, through August 31, 2029, with place of performance in Stephenville, Texas. Expected outcomes include improved baseline information and decision support for Texas working lands management, strengthened long-term research and education capacity at Tarleton State University, and a better-prepared natural resources workforce to support U.S. agriculture and rural communities.

Woody encroachment affects forage availability, biodiversity, and land management outcomes across many texas rangelands. The project will generate new baseline field data on woody cover, plant variety, and productivity and will integrate those data with satellite and GIS analyses of woody cover change and key drivers over the last 20 years. Project-generated datasets will be shared through USDA's AG data commons with appropriate privacy protections.education activities will strengthen U.S. Training by integrating project-based learning into existing courses, supporting undergraduate applied learning experiences and graduate research training, and producing student research products and presentations. The expected outcomes are improved baseline information and decision support for texas working lands management, strengthened long-term research and education capacity at tarleton state university, and a better-prepared natural resources workforce to support U.S. Agriculture and rural communities.international collaboration activities, where used, will be limited and will directly support U.S. Project objectives by providing comparative context and methodological insight that improves interpretation of texas results and expands the evidence base for U.S.-relevant savanna rangeland management. The project does not propose regulatory advocacy and will be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.