American Bird Conservancy

The Oaks and Prairies Joint Venture (OPJV) Is a Voluntary, Non-regulatory Partnership of Public and Private Organizations, and Interested in Strategically Coordinated Conservation of Birds and Their Habitats in the Oaks and Prairies and Edwards Plateau Bird Conservation Regions (BCR) of Central Texas and Oklahoma. the Opjv Mission Is to Plan for and Facilitate Bird Habitat Conservation, Research, and Outreach in an Effort to Ensure Sustainable Populations of Priority Bird Species in the Edwards Plateau and Oaks and Prairies BCRS in Oklahoma and Texas. Since 2008, the Opjv Partners, Management Board, and Staff Built Many Tools and Support Programs to Create Lasting Conservation Gains for Priority Bird Populations While Helping to Increase Recreational Opportunities in the Opjv Region. Using the Opjv Implementation Plan and the Desired Characteristics of Habitat Joint Venture Partnerships Matrix, the Opjv Has Made Great Strides in Coordinating Voluntary Conservation Efforts Over a Large Area Supporting Private Landowners and Partner Organization Staff Biologists and Land Managers. Our Staff and Partners Have Secured Other Partner Investments and Grants for Conservation Efforts, Project Monitoring, Research, and Planning by Leveraging Federal Funding for Base Operations. as a Partnership, We Fully Implement Strategic Habitat Conservation for Priority Grassland Birds, Including Making Significant Strides to Facilitate On-the-ground, Locally-led, Voluntary Conservation. Opjv Staff Works to Organize Individuals and Partner Organizations Into Local Initiative Teams That Work Across State, Federal and Non-governmental Organizations to Provide High Quality Technical Guidance to Private Landowners Interested in Conservation Efforts. Partners Collaborate Together to Facilitate and Fund a Grassland Restoration Incentive Program (grip). the Grip Has Already Provided Support to Private Landowners for Habitat Improvement Work on Over 112,000 Acres Since Implementation in November 2013, and Is Funded Largely by State and Private Sources, Including Texas Parks and Wildlife Upland Game Bird Stamp Fund, NFWF Monarch Butterfly and Spirit of Conservation Funds for Large Scale Grassland Habitat Enhancement and Restoration Projects. We Are on Track to Improve at Least 60,000 Acres During the 2017-2022 Period Through a $6.1 Million RCPP Partnership Agreement With Usda-nrcs Partners. Numerous Other Landowner Cooperatives and Private Lands Conservation Delivery Efforts Are Also Supported by Opjv Partners, Demonstrating a Significant Commitment to Restoring These Resources in a Strategic Manner. With Continued Support Through the U.s. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Opjv Can Continue to Make Strides in Voluntary, Coordinated Conservation Efforts Across the 66.5 Million Acres of the Oaks and Prairies Joint Venture Region.