When the Texas Playa Conservation Initiative (TxPCI) was established, its mission was simple: help landowners restore the natural function of playas while improving groundwater recharge, wildlife habitat, and the long-term sustainability of working lands across the Texas High Plains. More than a decade later, the initiative has evolved into one of the region’s most successful collaborative conservation efforts.
“Producers are looking at playas differently today than they were ten years ago. We’re having a lot more conversations about water conservation, groundwater recharge, and the long term sustainability of agricultural operations.”
Since its inception, TxPCI has completed more than 124 restoration projects, restoring thousands of acres of playas and surrounding grasslands while helping return an estimated 308 million gallons of clean groundwater recharge annually. The partnership has also invested more than $300,000 directly into incentive payments for participating landowners, demonstrating that voluntary conservation can provide meaningful benefits for both agricultural operations and natural resources.
But perhaps the most exciting milestone isn’t what the program has already accomplished, it’s the opportunity ahead. Today, TxPCI has more funding available for restoration than ever before, positioning the partnership to accelerate conservation efforts across the Texas High Plains.
“This level of investment is a reflection of the confidence our partners have in the program and the results it is delivering,” said Tavin Dotson, Ducks Unlimited Biologist. “More funding means we can move more projects from planning to implementation, provide additional assistance to landowners, and continue building momentum for playa conservation across the Southern High Plains.”
The momentum is being driven not only by increased funding but also by growing interest from producers across the region.
“Producers are looking at playas differently today than they were ten years ago,” said Dotson. “We’re having a lot more conversations about water conservation, groundwater recharge, and the long term sustainability of agricultural operations. Landowners want practical conservation solutions that benefit both their operation and the resource.”
The program’s continued growth is also being strengthened through collaboration with Tomorrow’s Water, an initiative that brings partners together across the Ogallala region to improve conservation delivery, outreach, and technical assistance. By working together, the partnerships are increasing their ability to connect landowners with conservation opportunities and maximize the impact of available resources.
“Tomorrow’s Water has been able to build on a strong foundation of playa education and conservation through TxPCI,” said Lily Abromeit, PLJV Tomorrow’s Water Coordinator. “By working closely with TxPCI, we’re able to reach more landowners and communities, expand conservation efforts across the region, and ultimately restore more playa acres than either program could accomplish on its own.”
To see how TxPCI is helping landowners turn conservation plans into lasting improvements on the ground, read how restoring a playa on his family’s land wasn’t just a conservation decision for Jason Lindeman — it was common sense. And hear him talk about how playa restoration is a natural part of stewardship and sustainability.