Conservation Program Invests $18.8 Million to Protect Nebraska’s Grassland Cores

GRAND ISLAND, Nebraska — Nebraska landowners now have a new opportunity to protect and restore the state’s most important grasslands through Growing and Expanding Nebraska’s Grassland Cores, a Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) led by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in collaboration with the Rainwater Basin Joint Venture (RWBJV) and a broad coalition of public and private partners.

The multi-year initiative will deliver approximately $18.8 million in NRCS funding to support proactive management on more than 90,000 acres of grassland statewide. The program is designed to slow and reverse woody encroachment, particularly eastern red cedar, by helping landowners implement proven conservation practices that maintain productive, resilient, and tree-free grasslands.

“By investing in proactive management today, we can help keep Nebraska’s grasslands productive, resilient, and working for both agriculture and wildlife.” said Laura Rubeck, RCPP Coordinator with the Rainwater Basin Joint Venture.

Funding will be used to target core grassland areas identified under the Great Plains Grassland Initiative. Eligible practices include brush management, prescribed burning, and grazing deferment.

Participation in the program is voluntary, and applications are accepted on a continuous basis.

For additional information about Growing and Expanding Nebraska’s Grassland Cores or to enroll in the program, visit www.rwbjv.org/rcpp-sign-up/ or contact Laura Rubeck, RCPP Coordinator by email at laura.rubeck@audubon.org or by phone at (402) 276-4982.