News spotlight: Prescribed Burning in East Texas

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This article was published by ksst radio on 09.05.2024

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COLLEGE STATION, Texas — Texas A&M Forest Service is offering more than $800,000 in grants to help East Texas landowners offset the cost of prescribed fire to reduce wildfire risks and restore ecosystems.

The grant application is now available for eligible landowners conducting prescribed burns on their property by certified and insured prescribed burn managers. The deadline to apply is Sept. 30. Eligible landowners may receive reimbursement for up to $30 per acre for the costs of the prescribed burn, but rates may vary.

Available grants in this application cycle include the Neches River and Cypress Basin Watershed Restoration Program (NRCBW), Community Protection Program (CPP) and State Fire Capacity near Federal lands in East Texas Prescribed Fire Grant (SFC-ETX).

Prescribed fire is a land management practice with numerous benefits, including the reduction of wildfire hazards, habitat restoration and soil health improvement. The allocation of grant funds will prioritize wildfire hazard mitigation that emphasizes the protection of homes, communities and natural ecosystems.