Land and Habitat: Prairie Land Conservation Initiative

Texas coastal prairie land is becoming increasingly threatened due to development, both residential and commercial.  The first major habitat restoration efforts began with the Coastal Prairie Conservation Initiative (CPCI).  The CPCI  was formed in 1999 and formed partnerships with federal and state agencies.  CPCI was also able to get private landowners and organizations working together for a common goal.  The collective goal of the CPCI and its partners is maintaining and restoring the coastal prairie.  


The Landowner Incentive Program assists private landowners with financial and technical assistance to help in achieving conservation goals.  The program works to enhance and protect the habitat for at-risk species on over 250,000 acres across the state.  The program also targets the ecosystems of Texas' coastal plains.


The coastal prairie houses several at-risk species.  Attwater's greater prairie chicken (APC)  is in imminent danger due to urban and industrial expansion.  APC range is limited to the coastal prairie lands.  APC declined to nearly extinct in the early 1990s.  APC are currently captured at a young age, cared for and later released into the wild.  There are currently only 90 Attwater's prairie-chickens in the wild.  


The CPCI is successful due to pooling of resources and everyone working together to achieve a common goal.  


Resources: Texas Parks and Wildlife, Texas Endangered Species