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We're tasked by the state with responding to wildfires. We study weather patterns, drought cycles and the status of vegetation across the state to predict when and where dangerous fire conditions may occur. Should a wildfire ignite, we maintain a statewide network of strategically-placed teams of firefighters and equipment so that we're able to respond quickly when the call comes.
Rural fire departments respond to 80 percent of wildfires in Texas - and they do it with shoestring budgets and almost entirely with volunteers. We help fire departments pay for needed training and equipment and help Texans learn how to prevent, prepare for and protect against wildfire.
With roughly 94 percent of forestland in Texas privately owned, the trees, forests—and the benefits they provide - rests in the hands of thousands of Texans. While keeping the entire state's forested landscape in mind, we inform and educate landowners on sustainable land management practices.
We work with communities to plant, care for and conserve trees. We empower local volunteers to make a positive impact in their communities. We are here to assist when disaster strikes with damage assessments, information, technical assistance and long-term recovery.
We analyze and monitor forests, landscapes and communities for susceptibility to health and wildfire risks. We take action with education, information, diagnosis and treatment. We know that any information we have is more powerful when we give it to you.
We can help quench your thirst for learning. Explore links to identify trees using their leaves and branches, create your own tree trails and experience Texas history from the perspective of a witness tree. Share activities in the classroom to open up a world of conservation for new generations.
Rural fire departments respond to 80 percent of the wildfires in Texas - and they do it with shoestring budgets and a staff often made up almost entirely of volunteers. Sometimes they need a little help. Our programs help fire departments pay for needed training and equipment. We also help communities and property owners learn to prevent, prepare for and protect against wildfire.
We work with communities to plant, care for and conserve trees where people live, work and play. We foster appreciation and stewardship of urban forests empowering local volunteers to make a positive impact in their communities. We are here to assist when disaster strikes. From damage assessment, to information and technical assistance, to long-term recovery - we help property owners and communities thrive.
Our experts research, analyze and carefully monitor forests, landscapes and communities for susceptibility to health and wildfire risks. We take action with education, information, diagnosis and treatment. We know that any information or knowledge we have is more powerful when we give it to you. As a state agency, our responsibility is share what we know.
If you have an unquenchable thirst for learning, we offer programs and information that you may either explore independently or share with a group. Learn about trees, forests, the benefits they provide and the challenges they face. Read stories about trees that are living witness to Texas history. Locate champion trees across the state. And bring activities into the classroom to open a world of conservation to a new generation.
-Fire Danger
+Wildland Fire Response
Fire Department Reporting
+Law Enforcement
TWPP
The 2011 wildfire season was the most devastating for Texas. Four of the largest wildfires recorded in Texas history occurred that season. The long recovery and reforestation process can seem overwhelming, but the following resources will provide needed assistance after a fire.
If your forest has been damaged this year by wildfire and you would like help returning it to a productive state, please complete and submit the form provided in the link below. A Texas A&M Forest Service forester will contact you and help you get on the road to recovery.
Request assistance with forest recovery after a wildfire
Wildfire Salvage Operations
Texas A&M Forest Service, along with partners of the Bastrop Recovery Project, lead the effort in the recovery and restoration of natural resources damaged and lost due to the wildfire in Central Texas.
Financial Assistance Programs for Private Landowners
Preventing Soil Erosion After a Fire
Technical Guide (PDF,4MB): Wildfire Recovery: Protecting your Property from Soil Erosion
Reforesting after a wildfire
Tree Planting
How to Plant a Seedling: video tutorial
How to Plant a Seedling Brochure (PDF, 4MB)
Trees for Bastrop Recovery
Lost Pines Seed Mixes
Liability for Hazardous Trees (PDF, 270KB)
Dealing With Standing Dead Snags
Controlling Brush After a Fire
Managing Wildlife After the Wildfire
Feeding Wildlife
What About the Houston Toad?
Minimizing Impacts to the Endangered Houston Toad (PDF, 41KB)
Agricultural Management Considerations
The First Evidence of Recovery
Fire-maintained Ecosystems
Texas A&M Forest Service is in the process of updating the Texas Wildfire Protection Plan. The plan and supporting documents are currently posted online and available for public comment through March 6, 2020.
Texas A&M Forest Service offers careers that can take you anywhere from a wildfire line defending lives and homes, to a forest protecting and conserving Texas natural resources to a computer working on a new application to create solutions for Texans across the state.
Texas A&M Forest Service is currently updating the Texas Forest Action Plan and is requesting comments to consider during its development. Please share your thoughts by clicking the image.
Coronavirus Update As state agencies prepare for Coronavirus, Texas A&M Forest Service is working to ensure the safety of and service to the people of Texas. We are adjusting work schedules and locations for our employees based on essential duties, wildfire risk and risk of Coronavirus contact and spread.
As state agencies prepare for Coronavirus, Texas A&M Forest Service is working to ensure the safety of and service to the people of Texas.
We are adjusting work schedules and locations for our employees based on essential duties, wildfire risk and risk of Coronavirus contact and spread.
Michael Bennett arrested in timber theft investigation Texas A&M Forest Service law enforcement investigators arrested James Michael “Mike” Bennett of Cleveland, Texas for Timber Purchase as a Trustee with Intent to Defraud on Feb. 13, 2020 in Montgomery County. Bennett, 55, was charged with a state jail felony as the timber was valued between $500 and $20,000.
Arrest made in Cherokee County timber theft investigation Troy Lee Grice, 48, of Groveton, Texas was arrested Feb. 16, 2020 in Cherokee County for Timber Purchase as a Trustee with Intent to Defraud. The timber is valued between $100,000 and $200,000, making the crime a second degree felony.