Explore the TPWD Farm & Ranch Lands Conservation Program (FRPP) for permanent easements, land clearing grants, and conservation enhancements. Learn how Yonder Land Co. can help you protect and improve
- Landon Norris
- Aug 2
- 4 min read
Wondering if there are grants available to help pay for land clearing or forestry mulching in Texas? If you're a landowner, rancher, or property manager trying to improve overgrown pastures, prevent erosion, or restore native habitat, the USDA NRCS programs, EQIP and CSP, can make a big difference.
These programs provide cost-share funding and annual payments for qualifying conservation practices like forestry mulching, brush clearing, and erosion control, making them a smart choice for those managing rural properties across Central Texas.
What Are the USDA NRCS Programs?
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) offers two primary programs for private landowners:
EQIP – Environmental Quality Incentives Program
CSP – Conservation Stewardship Program
Both are designed to improve soil health, water quality, grazing systems, and native habitat while helping landowners offset costs of conservation-based land work. They're especially useful for landowners managing acreage in Bastrop, Burnet, Hays, Caldwell, and Williamson Counties or anyone focused on ranch maintenance in Texas.
What You Can Use These Grants For
If you're focused on land improvement and erosion control, the NRCS programs can help fund projects like:
Forestry mulching in Central Texas
Central Texas land clearing
Wildfire mitigation through mulching
Brush clearing for conservation
Wetland habitat development
Pasture development and fencing
Gravel driveway restoration (in specific planning contexts)
EQIP: Environmental Quality Incentives Program
What It Does:
EQIP provides upfront cost-share funding for installing approved conservation practices.
Great For:
Brush and invasive plant removal
Mulching and clearing overgrowth
Establishing native grasses and wildlife habitat
Fencing, water infrastructure, and erosion control
How It Works:
NRCS pays 50%-75% of the project costs
Historically underserved producers may qualify for up to 90% reimbursement
Projects are selected based on environmental impact, planning, and feasibility
Next Opportunity:
The 2025 deadlines have passed. To be considered for 2026 funding, submit your application before the next cycle opens, typically fall 2025. (Source: NRCS Texas)
CSP: Conservation Stewardship Program
What It Does:
CSP offers annual payments for landowners who maintain or enhance conservation practices.
Great For:
Ongoing brush clearing and mulching
Soil health practices
Grazing management and fencing
Wetland and riparian improvements
How It Works:
Multi-year contracts (typically 5 years)
Annual payments start at $4,000 minimum
Program is ideal if you’re already doing conservation work and want support maintaining or improving it
Next Opportunity:
The application deadline for 2025 has passed. Prepare now to apply during the next CSP intake period, expected to open early 2026. (Source: Morning Ag Clips)
Let’s Talk About Your Land
Want to improve your property with help from a grant program?
Yonder Land Co. can help you understand what qualifies, and get the job done right.
Who's Eligible?
Private landowners, ranchers, and managers of agricultural land
You must work with your local NRCS office to develop a conservation plan
You’ll need to implement or maintain practices that deliver measurable environmental benefits
Must be willing to commit to the contract period (especially for CSP)
What Areas in Texas Are Covered?
All counties in Texas are eligible, but the demand is especially high in regions prone to:
Wildfire risk
Invasive brush spread
Erosion along creek beds and pastures
Habitat degradation
If you're in Central Texas, including Bastrop, Burnet, Hays, Caldwell, and Williamson Counties, these programs are highly relevant to the land conditions you're managing.
How Landowners Use These Grants With Yonder Land Co.
Step 1: Site Assessment & Planning
Landon will evaluate your property, walk the land, and work with your NRCS planner to identify which conservation practices make the most sense for your goals, whether that’s clearing brush, creating erosion barriers, or opening up pastures.
Step 2: Application Support
We’ll help you complete the technical side of the application, including service estimates, maps, and a timeline. Having a clear contractor partnership can give your application a competitive edge.
Step 3: Execute the Work
Once approved, Yonder Land Co. will carry out the forestry mulching, land clearing, or driveway restoration efficiently, safely, and in line with NRCS specifications.
Step 4: Submit for Reimbursement
Many grants reimburse you after the work is completed. We’ll help document every step, photos, invoices, GPS maps, and final reports, so you get paid without headaches.
FAQs: NRCS Grant Programs for Landowners
Q: Can I still apply if I missed the 2025 deadlines?
A: Yes! EQIP and CSP accept applications year-round. If you apply now, you’ll be considered for 2026 funding. Early planning helps you rank higher.
Q: Do I have to own a large ranch to qualify?
A: No. Many landowners with as little as 10–20 acres have successfully used these programs for forestry mulching, pasture development, and erosion control.
Q: Is gravel driveway restoration included?
A: In some cases, yes—especially if the road supports ag access or is part of a conservation plan. We can help you determine eligibility.
Q: Can I use my own equipment and still qualify?
A: You can, but you must follow NRCS specs. Working with a contractor like Yonder Land Co. ensures compliance, quality, and documentation.
Q: Are there any strings attached?
A: You commit to maintaining the improvements (like habitat development or fencing) over the contract period. We’ll help make that easy to manage.
Your Next Step
Whether you’re just starting to manage your land or working to improve a legacy property, EQIP and CSP are two of the most powerful tools available for conservation-minded landowners.
Don’t wait for the deadlines. Start planning today.
Contact Landon Norris Today
Yonder Land Co. serves landowners across Central Texas with expert guidance and boots-on-the-ground work. Whether you’re applying for a cost-share or just looking to improve your land, we’re ready to help.
Serving Bastrop, Burnet, Hays, Caldwell, and Williamson Counties
Meta Description:Looking for grants to help with land clearing or forestry mulching in Texas? Learn how EQIP and CSP from the USDA NRCS can help fund your project, and how Yonder Land Co. can help you qualify and complete the work.
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