Texas Landowner Incentive Program (LIP) (LIP)

TPWD cost-share for private, non-federal landowners doing habitat and watershed conservation work. Typical practices are native plant restoration, exotic vegetation control, prescribed burning, selective brush management, wetland enhancement, riparian restoration and forest stand improvement. Proposals are ranked competitively, and landowners are reimbursed 50-75% of project cost once the practices are completed.

• Private, non-federal landowners in Texas.

• Project must meet the requirements of the targeted LIP funding series (currently the LIP Partners Watershed Funding Series).

• Landowner must allow biologists onto the property for a pre-agreement survey and periodic progress checks, and must sign a project agreement.

• Not eligible: pond or tank development without a direct tie to federally listed species. Current TPWD employees and acting TPWD Commissioners are not eligible.

Reimbursement only. Payment comes after the planned practices are complete and valid invoices are submitted, and depends on the landowner meeting the agreement. Match can be materials or in-kind services. The landowner works with the TPWD biologist to document results.

Published amounts: LIP is a cost-share reimbursement program. Depending on the funding series, TPWD will contribute between 50% and 75% of a total project cost, while the applicant is expected to contribute the balance (materials or in-kind services are acceptable match).

Contact your local TPWD office or biologist for an ecological assessment of your land. If LIP fits, the biologist helps prepare and submit a project proposal packet. Proposals are ranked competitively and may also be reviewed by USFWS, TPWD diversity or fisheries staff. Applicants not selected can reapply.

Deadline text on the page: Exceptional projects will be funded on a rolling basis so don't wait for a submission deadline to submit.