Numerous conservation programs offer cost-shares and/or incentives to promote the planting of native warm-season grasses.
Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)
Participation in The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) requires that the land has an agricultural cropping history or is considered marginal pastureland. CRP grass stands that are established in nonnative grasses such as tall fescue or bermudagrass (such as CP10 - Existing Grasses) can be enhanced by converting to native warm-season grasses. CRP also provides cost-shares to manage (such as prescribed fire) CRP conservation covers.
Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP)
The Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) is available to any nonindustrial private landowners (dependent on funding) and provides cost-shares for native warm-season grass establishment and management.
Landowner Incentive Program (LIP)
The Landowner Incentive Program (LIP) is practical for restoration of native warm season grasses in order to enhance, restore, and protect imperiled habitats and benefit at-risk wildlife species on private lands. Contact The Farm Service Agency (FSA) for assistance with CRP and The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) for assistance with CSP, EQIP, and WHIP.
Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and Conservation Security Program (CSP)
The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and Conservation Security Program (CSP) may also have practices that can be used to establish and manage native warm-season grasses for wildlife habitat, sensitive areas protection, or grazing.
Conserving Habitat Through the Federal Farm Bill A Guide For Land Trusts and Landowners