January 12, 2023 - Texas A&M Forest Service firefighting resources are prepared to respond to wildfires as a cold front moves into the state this week.
Today, the fire environment may support increased potential for wildfire activity for communities near Amarillo, Childress, Lubbock, San Angelo, Wichita Falls, Abilene and Eastland.
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.
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.
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.
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.
August 8, 2022 - Over 99% of Texas is under drought conditions, creating negative impacts to our landscape – especially to trees. With no end in sight, how do we protect our trees under extreme heat and dry conditions?
July 29, 2022 - As hot and dry conditions persist, extremely dry vegetation will continue to support wildfire activity across much of the state, even as surface moisture increases in some areas.
July 29, 2022 - How vegetation can counter the urban heat island effect
Cities across Texas have endured record temperatures this summer, and it’s not solely the weather that’s to blame.
Developed areas often experience higher temperatures than nearby rural areas when green spaces are replaced with roads, parking lots and large buildings that retain more heat during the day than natural landscapes.
July 21, 2022 - The presence of the invasive emerald ash borer (EAB) has been confirmed in two additional Texas counties this month – Morris and Rusk. EAB is now confirmed in 11 Texas counties, five of those added just this year.
June 30, 2022 - As Texans make plans to celebrate the Fourth of July with picnics, grilling, camping and fireworks, Texas A&M Forest Service asks everyone to be careful with any outdoor activity that may cause a spark.
Approximately 90 percent of wildfires are caused by humans and their activities, and Independence Day is one of the top days for reported wildfires. With current drought conditions across most of the state, the public is encouraged to help protect Texas by preventing wildfires.