The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will partner with nine state agencies and with Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakima Nation to improve public access on private lands. Funding authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill will be provided through USDA’s Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program (VPA-HIP).
According to the USDA, funds of $20 million in grants will empower state and tribal governments to partner with landowners to enhance outdoor recreation opportunities, protect at-risk wildlife and open opportunities for rural businesses.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has been selected to receive $2.4 million to increase land available and participation in hunting as well as boosting wildlife populations by working with private landowners.
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will administer the program and will announce a second round of funding this fall. For more details on VPA-HIP projects, click here.