Texas A&M Forest Service is offering $750,000 in grants to support local governments, water utilities, and non-governmental organizations in implementing watershed protection plans. Up to 15 organizations will be awarded grants of up to $50,000 each. The funds will help improve water quality and conserve valuable Texas watersheds.
To qualify, the organizations must have existing watershed protection plans and operate in areas fully within disadvantaged communities, as defined by the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool, or within watersheds that provide drinking water to these communities.
“Fifty percent of freshwater resources in Texas originate in forestland watersheds, which treat and protect water at its origin,” said Karl Flocke, Texas A&M Forest Service Forest Water Resources Program Leader. “This grant allows organizations to conserve watersheds, which are critical for the sustainability and reliance of our abundant water resources now and in the future.”
Texas forests play a key role in water conservation by absorbing rainfall, recharging groundwater aquifers, slowing and filtering stormwater runoff, mitigating erosion, reducing flooding, and maintaining watershed stability. The Texas forest-water relationship is valued at $13.3 billion annually due to these benefits.
Eligible watershed protection plans focus on addressing water quality impairments and solutions, including planting and protecting trees in riparian areas to enhance water management. The goal is to improve water quality, stabilize watersheds, and provide long-term benefits to local ecosystems and communities.
Applications for the grant program are open until Nov. 1, 2024, at 5 p.m. Interested organizations can access more information and submission instructions by visiting Texas A&M Forest Service's Water Resources page. Additionally, other grant opportunities for landowners and municipalities are available through the Funding Connector on the same website.
