Funding and technical assistance for two important forest land management tools were released this week through Texas A&M Forest Service (TFS) for qualified landowners. However, the timelines for applying are short, so you need to act fast.
TFS is accepting grant applications to reimburse landowners for the costs of conducting prescribed burns on their property by certified and insured prescribed burn managers with an application deadline of Friday, September 30, 2019.
Though wildfires are still occurring in areas of Texas this month,” said Andy McCrady, Texas A&M Forest Service Fuels Coordinator, “It is also time for landowners and land managers to begin planning prescribed fire operations for a time when weather conditions moderate.”
Prescribed fire is an effective method for reducing wildfire risk in forests by eliminating brush, dried vegetation and forest debris. Additional benefits from prescribed fire include wildlife habitat improvement, seed and plant regeneration, reduction of invasive plants, and restoration of soil nutrients.
Applications are also being accepted for the 2019 Southern Pine Beetle Prevention Program Thinning Cost Share via a cost-share grant through the USDA Forest Service and administered through TFS. Funds are available for landowners in 21 East Texas counties for first-thin operations in overly dense, pulpwood-sized pine stands. Applications for this program are due by November 15, 2019.
“This program has a history of successfully assisting forest landowners reduce their potential for hosting SPB attacks as well as increasing overall forest health and resiliency,” said Shane Harrington, Texas A&M Forest Service Program Leader, “which is what sound forest management is about.”
If you are interested in Bird Forestry determining your eligibility for these programs, please give us a call. We can also assist with prescribed burning and timber sales on your property.
