Tx A&M Forest Service

Early Summer Drying Could Indicate a Severe Wildfire Season in Texas

June 17, 2020 — Drought conditions in the western Plains and early drying across the state have led to an increase in wildfire activity and an early start to the summer wildfire season.

Most of the state is trending three to four weeks ahead of typical early summer drying, and the rainfall outlook over the next six weeks is not anticipated to be enough to reverse this trend.

Wildfire analysts with Texas A&M Forest Service report that Texas could experience a severe summer wildfire season.

Parts Of North and Central Texas Affected By Continued Drying Trend

June 15, 2020 — Texas A&M Forest Service, local fire officials and fire departments are advising the public to be aware of the continued drying conditions in Bell, McLennan, Coryell and Hill county regions that can contribute to rapidly growing wildfires.

As Texas moves into the hotter and drier summer months, grasses and surface fuels will begin drying making them more receptive to ignition.

Texas A&M Forest Service Urges Citizens to Prepare Their Communities for wildfire Season

May 1, 2020 - While Texans are doing things differently this spring and summer, the threat of wildfire is constant. Texas A&M Forest Service encourages Texans to take part in National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) Wildfire Community Preparedness Day on May 2. By taking a proactive approach to wildfire prevention, homeowners can significantly increase their safety and their home’s likelihood of survival during a catastrophic event.

Arrest Made in Cherokee County Timber Theft Investigation

February 24, 2020 College Station – Troy Lee Grice, 48, of Groveton, Texas was arrested Feb. 16, 2020 in Cherokee County for Timber Purchase as a Trustee with Intent to Defraud. The timber is valued between $100,000 and $200,000, making the crime a second degree felony.

Grice turned himself in to authorities after a warrant was obtained by Texas A&M Forest Service law enforcement officers and was later released on a $30,000 bond.

Record Number of Acres Treated with Prescribed Fire in Texas

January 28, 2020 - Texans are using prescribed fire more than ever to manage land and mitigate wildfires. Now there is data to support this. A recent statewide survey found that 402,017 acres were treated with prescribed fire in Texas during 2018.

That’s up by nearly 50,000 acres from the previous year for two reasons - Texans are using prescribed fire to manage their land in one of the most successful and cost-effective ways, and they are also doing a better job at reporting that use.

Take Steps to Prevent the Spread of Oak Wilt Disease

October 7, 2019 – Oak wilt is one of the most destructive tree diseases in the United States, and it has been known to kill oak trees in Central Texas at epidemic proportions. This time of year, oak wilt is primarily spread by moving firewood from one geographic region to another. Texas A&M Forest Service urges Texans, hunters in particular, to take preventative measures and be cautious when collecting and purchasing firewood at this time of year to stop the spread of oak wilt.

Texas Scenic Views Leads Texans to Fall Foliage

September 23, 2019 — Texas A&M Forest Service launched Texas Scenic Views in celebration of the first day of fall. This new online application helps Texans find the most impressive views of fall foliage and spring wildflowers throughout state.

Users can preview routes, view photos, read reviews and download directions to their mobile device while browsing scenic points and drives. The crowdsourced application displays a map that shows the current rating of each route to help users find the best displays of fall foliage.

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