Introduction

For more than 50 years grassland bird populations throughout Oklahoma and Texas have been steadily declining.  Among these declining birds is the Northern Bobwhite, a popular game bird and an icon of the American south.  Since 1966, the population of Northern Bobwhite in the Oaks & Prairies Joint Venture (OPJV) has decreased by over 90% (-4.55% annually). There are many factors that contribute Northern Bobwhite and other species' population declines, but the primary cause is the loss of available suitable habitat needed to sustain these species. Conversion of native grasses to introduced pasture, overgrazing, suppression of fire, and brush encroachment have all had a significant impact on the ability of grasslands to provide for the needs of Northern Bobwhite and other grassland species. To address these drastic population declines, it is crucial that private landowners are encouraged and supported in their efforts to improve habitat for these birds on the lands they own and manage.

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Description

The OPJV partnerships’ Grassland Restoration Incentive Program (GRIP) is a multi-organization effort aimed at achieving OPJV grassland bird objectives in focus areas throughout the Oaks and Prairies Ecoregion of Texas and Oklahoma. Since 2013, GRIP has provided funding in the form of direct payment to landowners as an incentive for conducting approved grassland bird habitat improvement practices on their property. Project proposals are prepared and submitted in coordination with local OPJV partner staff (e.g., Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, NRCS or other OPJV partner organization personnel) working with individual landowners. Approved projects will meet eligibility requirements established by OPJV local initiative teams. Payments are made to landowners for approved practices after completion of work is certified by coordinating partner organization staff. Participating landowners are asked to allow geospatial, vegetative, and bird data to be collected and recorded by OPJV partner organization staff for an agreed-upon period of time (entrance onto property subject to landowner approval).