Skip to main content

Grant Funds Available for Rx Burning in TX

October 23, 2013 – COLLEGE STATION, Texas – In an effort to reduce wildfire hazards on private lands, Texas A&M Forest Service is administering grant funding for prescribed burning on private property within 10 miles of a National Forest boundary through the U.S. Forest Service’s Community Protection Program.

Strategically-planned prescribed fires can enhance ecosystems and protect homes and communities from wildfire.

“Prescribed burning is a great tool to help natural resource managers maintain healthy ecosystems, improve wildlife habitat and remove hazardous vegetation,” said Andy McCrady, wildland urban interface specialist with Texas A&M Forest Service.

“Private property owners have the opportunity for trained specialists to conduct an effective and cost-efficient mechanism for removing dangerous fuel loads and returning the ecosystem to its natural state, benefiting both people and wildlife,” McCrady said.

The Texas A&M Forest Service has administered this grant since 2006, having awarded last year, $74,455 to 14 landowners for 2,348.5 acres of prescribed burns.

Landowners who wish to apply for grant funds may submit a prescribed burn plan, property address and location map, map of burn unit with coordinates, and contact information of landowner and burn contactor.

Texas A&M Forest Service will review applications and notify selected landowners prior to burning activities. Texas A&M Forest Service does not assist with the burn. Upon approval of funding, the work will be completed by contractor chosen by the landowner. Selected landowners can be reimbursed up to $30 per acre, pending inspection by TFS personnel of the completed prescribed burn.

The deadline for submission is November 30, 2013.

Download an application under the “Protect Your Community” tab at texasfirewise.com.

For more information on prescribed burning visit goodfires.org or the Prescribed Burning Board page.

Contact:

William “Andy” McCrady, Texas A&M Forest Service

Wildland Urban Interface Specialist

(936) 689-9393, wmccrady@tfs.tamu.edu

*This information was obtained from the Texas A&M Forest Service website