Landowners in many parts of Texas have an opportunity to receive reimbursement for the cost of having a prescribed burn conducted on their property. This September, Texas A&M Forest Service is accepting applications for three separate grants to assist private property owners with reducing their risks for wildfire and restoring natural ecosystems by using strategically-planned prescribed fires.
“In Texas the weather often provides abundant moisture for extended periods, allowing understory vegetation to quickly build up in our woodlands and forests,” Andy McCrady, fuels coordinator with Texas A&M Forest Service said. “If this hazardous vegetation is not controlled periodically, then during one of our extended dry periods this fuel contributes to wildfires that are a threat to homes, property and habitat. By utilizing moderate intensity planned fires, professional prescribed burn managers are able to mimic nature’s way of removing these hazardous fuel loads from our landscapes. The result is a safer environment around our communities with improved ecosystem function.”
The Community Protection Program — Prescribed Fire Grant is available to fund prescribed burn treatments to property within 10 miles of a National Forest in East Texas. This year a total of $215,820 is available within this program.
The National Fire Plan — Prescribed Fire Grant is new this year, and has a total of $20,690 to fund treatments in 31 eligible counties. These counties have taken the step to mitigate their risk by composing a city or county-wide Community Wildfire Protection Plan. Landowners with property in these counties can now benefit from this additional funding to support prescribed burn projects near their communities.
The Neches River and Cypress Basin Watershed Restoration Program — Prescribed Fire Grant is also new this year, and will provide $78,125 to support prescribed fire in priority watersheds in East Texas. These prescribed burn treatments will help improve water quality and quantity, control invasive species and enhance wildlife habitat by restoring ecosystem function.
Texas A&M Forest Service does not conduct any of the prescribed burns in these programs. Upon approval of funding the prescribed burn will be conducted by a certified and insured prescribed burn manager of the landowner’s choice. Landowners can expect reimbursement of $22.50 to $30 per acre, depending on program eligibility.
The deadline for application submission is Sept. 30, 2016.
For more information and to download an application visit precribed fire grants.
The Neches River and Cypress Basin Watershed Restoration Program at https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/watershedrestoration/
For more information on prescribed burning visit the Prescribed Burning Board.
Texas A&M Forest Service Contacts:
William “Andy” McCrady, Fuels Coordinator, 936-689-9393, [email protected]
NOTE: for printed text version replace Prescribed Burning Board page with http://www.texasagriculture.gov/Home/ProductionAgriculture/PrescribedBurnProgram/PrescribedBurningBoard.aspx