FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 10, 2025    

Texas A&M Forest Service publishes 2024 annual report    

COLLEGE STATION, Texas – Texas A&M Forest Service released its 2024 annual report, highlighting the agency’s impact.

Texas A&M Forest Service is the lead agency in forest conservation and wildfire response in Texas. As a result, the agency works alongside countless communities, governments, non-profit organizations, citizens, and first responders throughout the state and country.     

In times of need, Texas A&M Forest Service also lends a hand to states experiencing natural disasters in the same way they assist Texans during emergency response operations.       

“2024 was characterized by change, challenges, opportunities and notable accomplishments,” said Al Davis, Texas A&M Forest Service Director. “This report serves as a testament to our commitment to responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources and our unwavering dedication to the well-being of the Texans we serve.”    

The annual report highlights the following areas within the agency, which are modeled after the agency’s leading foundational principles—conserve, protect and lead.     

Conservation

Texas A&M Forest Service provides technical assistance and leadership to influence land stewardship practices and guide growth and enhancement of the state’s natural resources so that Texas lands continue to meet the needs of the present without compromising the future.   

In 2024, Texas A&M Forest Service produced enough seeds to plant 245.8 million seedlings, assisted in planting over 57,800 trees, wrote 531 stewardship plans and assisted over 16.5 million Texans.    

Protection

As the lead agency for wildfire response in Texas, Texas A&M Forest Service plays a vital role in safeguarding citizens, property and natural resources from the destructive impacts of wildfires. With strategically placed personnel and equipment, the agency ensures a swift and coordinated response, whether in rural or urban areas.    

In 2024, Texas A&M Forest Service and local fire departments responded to 5,187 Texas wildfires that burned 1,300,579 acres, saving 4,444 structures and $569.2 million in property value. To take on this challenge, the agency utilized over 518 agency personnel as well as 1,479 firefighters from Texas and 42 other states.   

Leadership

Texas A&M Forest Service plays a critical role in ensuring the sustainability and health of Texas’ trees, forests and related natural resources. With a commitment to fostering long-term ecological balance, the agency provides statewide leadership and technical assistance to protect and enhance the state’s diverse ecosystems.     

In 2024, the agency helped lead throughout the state by awarding over $50.9 million to fire departments for equipment acquisition and $15.2 million to local governments and non-profit organizations for community forestry grant projects, while also providing 73,000 hours in training to professionals on forestry and arboriculture related concepts.     

Read the full 2024 annual report here: 2024 Annual Report.

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Texas A&M Forest Service Contacts:

Communications Office, newsmedia@tfs.tamu.edu, 979-458-6606