How the TPWD Landowner Incentive Program (LIP) Supports Brush Control, Land Clearing & Habitat Restoration in Central Texas

Are you considering brush control, prairie restoration, or strategic land clearing on your ranch or acreage? The Landowner Incentive Program (LIP) through Texas Parks & Wildlife Department and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service offers cost-share funding for conservation-focused improvements, including forestry mulching, invasive species removal, erosion control, and establishing native habitat, services that align perfectly with Yonder Land Co.’s expertise.

What Is the LIP Program?

The Landowner Incentive Program (LIP) is a voluntary conservation cost-share initiative. It’s funded by TPWD and federal partners and provides landowners with financial and technical assistance to implement conservation practices that benefit rare or at-risk species, riparian zones, and watersheds Instrumentl+13Wetland Economic Benefits for Landowners+13Texas Parks & Wildlife+13.

What Projects Qualify?

Eligible Activities Include:

• Forestry mulching and mechanical land clearing

• Brush and invasive plant removal

• Prescribed burning (in coordination with specialists)

• Native species restoration and erosion control

• Practices that improve water flow, riparian health, and wildlife habitat

These projects align well with Landon’s services, from land clearing and forestry mulching to gravel driveway restoration.

How Funding Works

• Cost-share ratio: TPWD covers between 50% and 75% of eligible project costs; landowner match is at least 25% in cash, labor, or materials Wetland Economic Benefits for LandownersTexas Parks & Wildlifepassporttotexas.org.

• For projects directly benefiting at-risk species: up to 75% reimbursement, capped at $40,000.

• Projects with indirect benefit: 50% reimbursement, capped at $25,000 Wetland Economic Benefits for Landowners+15Wetland Economic Benefits for Landowners+15Texas Parks & Wildlife+15.

Who Is Eligible?

• Private, non-federal landowners across Texas, no minimum acreage requirement, some projects can be implemented on even 1 acre, while larger habitat goals may require more land texanbynature.org+5Wetland Economic Benefits for Landowners+5Texas Parks & Wildlife+5.

• Highest priority is given to projects in the Llano, Pedernales, and James River watersheds, especially those benefiting target species like the Guadalupe Bass jesseshunting.com+13Wetland Economic Benefits for Landowners+13Texas Parks & Wildlife+13.

• Also prioritized: proposals offering long-term monitoring, greater-than-minimum match, measurable habitat outcomes.

Application Timeline & Frequency

• Pre‑proposal deadlines typically fall around February 10 annually.

• LIP runs two main funding series: the LIP Watershed Series (central Texas) and Statewide LIP focusing on at-risk species across Texas passporttotexas.org+9Wetland Economic Benefits for Landowners+9Texas Parks & Wildlife+9Instrumentl.

• Open once per year for each series.

How Proposals Are Selected

TPWD evaluates proposals on:

1. Conservation impact—improving habitat for target species or riparian systems

2. Cost-effectiveness—demonstrated budget and landowner match

3. Technical quality—mapped plans, monitoring, durability

4. Alignment with funding series priorities, such as watershed-specific improvement or species goals passporttotexas.orgInstrumentl+2Texas Parks & Wildlife+2Texas Parks & Wildlife+2jesseshunting.com+2Wetland Economic Benefits for Landowners+2Texas Parks & Wildlife+2.

Landowners may be asked to allow site visits, contribute to data sharing, and sign a long-term project agreement Texas Parks & WildlifeWetland Economic Benefits for Landowners.

Typical Participation & Results

• Early years saw $1.4 million in federal funding matched by TPWD and private contributions, supporting projects across habitat types Wetland Economic Benefits for Landowners+15jesseshunting.com+15Instrumentl+15.

• Multiple case studies show projects leveraging LIP to remove cedar, manage brush, restore habitat, and implement fire management practices—all with high cost-share and long-term stewardship Texas Parks & Wildlife+9Texas Parks & Wildlife+9Texas Parks & Wildlife+9.

How Yonder Land Co. Helps You Leverage LIP

Step 1 – Assessment & Planning

Landon Norris collaborates with TPWD wildlife biologists to assess your land and propose a tailored project plan suitable for LIP funding, whether it's brush clearing, forestry mulching, or native habitat restoration.

Step 2 – Application Support

We assist with preparing the pre‑proposal packet, including maps, cost estimates, and supporting documentation aligned with program priorities.

Step 3 – Execution of Services

If approved, Yonder Land Co. handles all forestry mulching, land clearing, erosion control, or gravel driveway restoration, professionally executed and compliant with grant requirements.

Step 4 – Reimbursement & Follow-Up

Post-project, we guide you through documentation and approval to ensure you receive reimbursement (often covering 50-75% of eligible costs).

Why The LIP Grant Matters

• Enables high-value land improvements at lower cost

• Supports long-term conservation steps like native planting or watershed restoration

• Provides resources to manage overgrowth, enhance wildlife habitat, and maintain functional land

• Positions you as a proactive land steward

Want to Take Conservation Action with LIP?

Let's Chat

If you’re a landowner in Central Texas interested in brush management, habitat restoration, or conservation-clearing, Yonder Land Co. can help.

For more details on the Landowner Incentive Program and to download instruction materials, visit the official TPWD LIP page: https://tpwd.texas.gov/landwater/land/private/lip/ Wetland Economic Benefits for LandownersTexas Parks & WildlifeInstrumentl+14Texas Parks & Wildlife+14Texas Parks & Wildlife+14

Meta Description: Central Texas landowners can apply for the TPWD Landowner Incentive Program (LIP) to fund wildlife habitat improvement, brush clearing, and forestry mulching with 50‑75% cost-share. Learn how Yonder Land Co. can help you apply and execute conservation projects.