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LA CASITA, Texas  La Casita VFD received a 2.5-ton excess military truck through the Department ofDefense Firefighter Property Program (DoD FFP) and accepted an $18,000 grant from the Rural Volunteer FireDepartment Assistance Program to help purchase a slip-on unit. Both programs are administered by TexasA&M Forest Service. Rough territory is no match for this […]

The last couple months we’ve looked at Chinese tallow from a rural perspective. It is not only a rural issue, though — Chinese tallow is also invading urban areas. For example, Houston has about 5.7 million Chinese tallowtrees at least one inch in diameter, which account for 17 percent of its overall tree population. Of these, 4.6 […]

COLEMAN, Texas  Glen Cove Volunteer Fire Department converted a Stewart Stevenson militarytruck into an apparatus capable of getting into the most challenging of areas since the ranching andfarming area that they serve has heavy brush and rocky terrain. “This truck is a whole different monster,” said Glen Cove VFD President Scott Beaver. “We arereplacing […]

RICHLAND SPRINGS, Texas -– Richland Springs Volunteer Fire Department received a cost share grantthrough the Texas A&M Forest Service Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program. The $6,000 grantand donations from the community made the purchase of a new front bumper water monitor possible. “Our community is very supportive,” said Fire Chief Jeffery Bates. “I like […]

Harbin Volunteer Fire Department now has immediate access to 1,000 gallons of water thanks to a $199,000 grant through the Texas A&M Forest Service Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program. “This 2019 tender is extremely important to us because of our lack of fire hydrants,” said Fire Chief James Brunson. “The large quantity of water […]

From February through June, oak trees should not be pruned or wounded to prevent the spread of oak wilt disease. Texas A&M Forest Service reminds Texans that it is especially critical to avoid pruning oaks in Texas counties affected by oak wilt.

HOLLAND, Texas — Holland Volunteer Fire Department purchased a 2018 Super Duty F750 thanks to a$192,000 grant through the Texas A&M Forest Service Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program. “This new addition to our fleet will have multipurpose capabilities,” said Assistant Fire Chief Joey Perez. “Thefoam system makes it capable of functioning as a wildland […]

Recently, our podcast, “Trees Are Key with Paul Johnson” celebrated a milestone. As of February 7, our free, weekly podcast has received more than 100,000 listens. “Trees Are Key” is hosted by Paul Johnson, Texas A&M Forest Service Community Forestry Program Leader.

Thanks to the support of the community during the department’s boot driveand a cost share grant through Texas A&M Forest Service Rural Volunteer Fire Department AssistanceProgram, Gun Barrel City Fire Department purchased a new Jaws-of-life rescue system, air bags and chocks. “The new rescue tools are an upgrade, replacing older hydraulic tools that took more […]

Eula Volunteer Fire Department adds a new 2018 Freightliner tender to their fleet thanks to a Texas A&M Forest Service Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program cost share grant. The $200,000 grant plus support from the community made it possible for the department to make the purchase and retire an older truck. “This new tender […]