Coastal Prairie Restoration with Private Landowners

Work planned for the property will be for the purposes of reclaiming and/or enhancing a total of 3,000 acres of native coastal prairie to provide habitat for migratory grassland birds and potential habitat for the critically endangered Attwater’s prairie chicken (Tympanuchus cupido attwateri) on private lands.

The project covered entails reclaiming/enhancing 3,000 ac. of coastal prairie that has been invaded by Macartney rose (Rosa bracteata), huisache (Acacia farnesiana) and mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa). The project will be accomplished by installing 16,000’ of fence to facilitate grazing deferral prior to and following prescribed burns, burning the entire 3,000 ac. to prescription at least twice during the 10–year term of the agreement, performing brush management over the entire 3,000 acres, installing a water well, windmill, water storage tank, 1,000’ of water pipeline, 4 troughs, and a wildlife water facility to improve grazing distribution. The pastures will be included in a grazing system, which will facilitate accumulation of fine fuels for burning, provide nesting and brood-rearing habitat for grassland birds, and help maintain the dominance of desirable native grasses and forbs. The term for this project is 10 years.