Texas A&M Forest Services Press Release

Texas A&M Forest Service Warns of Fire Danger as Hot, Dry Conditions Persist

August 1, 2023 - Texas A&M Forest Service warns of increased wildfire danger, as high temperatures and dry conditions continue to impact the state.

“Since mid-July, wildfire activity has increased substantially across Texas due to expanding drought conditions,” said Wes Moorehead, Texas A&M Forest Service Fire Chief. “Over the past two weeks, state and local firefighters have responded to 280 wildfires that burned almost 10,000 acres.”

Tree-killing Emerald Ash Borer confirmed in Cooke County

June 30, 2023 - The presence of the invasive emerald ash borer (EAB) has been confirmed in Cooke County this week. EAB is an invasive wood-boring pest of ash trees that has killed millions of trees across 35 states since its arrival to the United States in 2002.

On June 21, Texas A&M Forest Service collected several adult beetle specimens in northern Cooke County and tentatively identified them as EAB. The beetles were collected in an EAB trap that is part of a state monitoring program run by Texas A&M Forest Service each year.

Grants Available for Projects That Promote Sustainable Community Forests

December 21, 2022 - Texas A&M Forest Service is soliciting applications for a pair of $50,000 grants to promote healthy trees and forests.

The agency’s Community Forestry Grants Program seeks to fund community forestry-focused projects in two areas: climate resiliency and community equity.

To be eligible, applicants must be public or non-profit organizations and can include state and local government agencies, educational institutions, non-government organizations and public utility districts. Individuals, businesses and federal agencies are not eligible.

Mass Timber: What to Know About Today’s Options for Building with Wood

October 17, 2022 - Mass timber: What to know about today’s options for building with wood

Mass timber could be the best-kept secret in Texas. But those familiar with the building material recognize its potential to reshape the way buildings are designed and constructed in the U.S. while promoting healthy forests.

Rob Hughes, Texas Forestry Association Executive Director, said the rising popularity of the building material is a game-changer in the forest industry because it will be used in commercial buildings.

Texas A&M Forest Service Raises Preparedness Level as Wildfire Risk Continues

October 7, 2022 — Texas A&M Forest Service raised the State Wildland Fire Preparedness Level to Level 2 this week due to increased wildfire activity, particularly in the eastern half of the state.

Preparedness Levels 1-5 are planning assumptions and actions dictated by fuel and weather conditions, fire activity and fire suppression resource availability in the state. Level 5 is the highest level of wildland fire activity and indicates heavy resource commitment.

Application Period for Community Wildfire Defense Grant Now Open

August 10, 2022 — Eligible communities in Texas can apply now for a federal grant administered by Texas A&M Forest Service to plan for and mitigate against risks created by wildfire.

The Community Wildfire Defense Grant offers financial assistance to at-risk local communities for the development of Community Wildfire Protection Plans and associated mitigation projects. The program is authorized in Public Law 117-58, commonly referred to as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

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