Published on January 23, 2023 • Last updated on March 6th, 2023

Smaller Acreage Restoration Program

The Fayette Prairie Chapter’s
Smaller Acreage Restoration Program (SARP)

Whatever the size of your acreage, you CAN help restore tallgrass prairie! The Fayette Prairie Chapter of NPAT has developed SARP, a grant program designed to help their members with prairie restoration projects. The goal of this grant is to cover 50% of the upfront costs of herbicide and native grass and flowering plant seeds for restoration on projects smaller than 25 acres. They will also help landowners with equipment and chapter workdays. And they will offer education and information resources for prairie maintenance throughout the restoration period.

There are currently other financial assistance programs for landowners for prairie/savanna restoration through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and other agencies. However, the lower limit for funding is generally 25 acres. SARP fills a need for landowners with smaller acreage projects.

To get started, contact the chapter at [email protected]. They will schedule a site visit to your property and review its potential for restoration. This is done in close cooperation and consultation with their partners at Texas Parks and Wildlife (TPWD), Oaks and Prairies Joint Ventures (OPJV), South Central Texas Prescribed Burn Association (SCTPBA) and others. They will work with you to develop a restoration plan and a set up a SARP agreement.

The South Central Texas Prescribed Burn Association helps landowners with burns.

The Fayette Prairie Chapter of NPAT comprises 11 counties in the Fayette Prairie and the Post Oak Savanna of South Central Texas. Those include Austin, Bastrop, Burleson, Caldwell, Colorado, Dewitt, Fayette, Gonzales, Lavaca, Lee, and Washington counties.

The goal is to develop a local program of education, field trips, outreach and cooperative efforts in conservation and restoration of native grasses.

To join this NPAT chapter, visit texasprairie.org/join/ and designate your chapter affiliation.