The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $65 million in 34 Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) projects, which support the development of new tools, approaches, practices, and technologies to further natural resource conservation on private lands.
“Conservation Innovation Grants help turn innovative ideas into practical conservation solutions for America’s farmers and ranchers,” said NRCS Chief Colton L. Buckley. “By investing in these new technologies, NRCS is leveraging partners to develop new tools, technologies and strategies that support next generation conservation efforts to keep working lands in working hands for generations to come. These grants will lay the foundation to help producers improve their operations, conserve natural resources, and strengthen the future of American agriculture.”
The Oklahoma Conservation Commission will receive a Conservation Innovation Grant to develop further and deploy the Agnostic Geo-Spatial Mapping-Software System created by Grass-Ag. This innovative mapping software captures and calibrates reflectance data across multiple spectral bands. The collected information can identify invasive vegetation, evaluate plant health, detect crop nutrient and water stress, classify land cover, measure the density of invasive infestations, and monitor vegetation changes over time, with a focus on woody encroachment in Oklahoma.
“This investment by USDA will greatly improve our understanding of the spread and threat of woody encroachment in Oklahoma. We are excited to work with Grass-Ag to gain new insights and use new technologies to strengthen our fight against invasive woody species,” said Trey Lam, Executive Director, Oklahoma Conservation Commission.
Learn more about what the Oklahoma Conservation Commission is doing to battle invasive woody species here: Invasive Woody Species – Oklahoma Conservation Commission
Learn more about CIG projects in other states: FY 2026 Conservation Innovation Grants Awards | Natural Resources Conservation Service
