The state of texas hosts some of the highest plant diversity in the united states, including over 430 rare and declining species of greatest conservation need (sgcns tpwd.texas.GOV) yet, is also…

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has awarded a $381,786 Project Grant under the Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund (CFDA 15.615) to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) to establish and expand the Texas Plant Conservation Alliance (TXPCA). This initiative aims to improve communication and coordination across various botanical gardens, non-profits, and conservation groups in Texas to address the state's rapid urbanization, agricultural expansion, and loss of key habitats that threaten over 430 rare and declining plant species. The funding will support the creation of TXPCA infrastructure, including a conservation-focused listserv, website, and shared objectives working groups, as well as three years of salary support for a TXPCA coordinator to manage online resources, organize meetings, and develop informational materials to promote ethical plant conservation efforts in Texas.

The grant includes a $78,000 sub-award to the University of Texas at Austin to contribute to the development and management of the TXPCA program. This sub-award will leverage the university's research expertise and support the overall goal of enhancing coordination and resource-sharing among Texas plant conservation organizations.

The state of texas hosts some of the highest plant diversity in the united states, including over 430 rare and declining species of greatest conservation need (sgcns tpwd.texas.GOV) yet, is also experiencing some of the U.S.s most rapid urbanization, agricultural expansion, and loss of key habitats. A wide variety of botanical gardens, non-profits, and other conservation groups lead valuable conservation efforts across the state, but these efforts are often limited by a lack of coordination and sharing of resources. To address this issue, we propose the creation and expansion of a new texas plant conservation alliance (txpca), to operate as a decentralized network of conservation professionals connected by a conservation-focused listserv, website, and shared objectives working groups. To successfully launch and grow this program, we request funds for travel and txpca infrastructure, as well as 3 years of salary support for a texas plant conservation alliance coordinator to manage online resources, organize meetings, and develop informational materials to promote ethical plant conservation in texas.