Tx A&M Forest Service

Funds May be Available for Landowners Who Help Prevent Southern Pine Beetle by Thinning Their Forests

September 9, 2019 — Eligible forest landowners can receive financial and technical assistance by helping reduce the threat of Southern Pine Beetle (SPB) infestations and outbreaks.

Landowners in 21 East Texas counties conducting first-thin operations in overly dense, pulpwood-sized pine stands may now apply for the 2019 Southern Pine Beetle Prevention Program Thinning Cost Share.

This funding opportunity is available thanks to a cost-share grant through the USDA Forest Service Forest Health Protection Program and administered by Texas A&M Forest Service.

Increased Wildfire Potential Across West, Central Texas This Weekend

September 6, 2019 - This weekend significant wildfire potential will increase across West and Central Texas as temperatures remain near 100 degrees and wind speeds increase to 10 to 15 mph. Due to the emerging drought, hot temperatures and limited rainfall this week, cured grasses and brush are highly receptive to ignitions and burning.

Texas A&M Forest Service is monitoring the situation and forecasts probable wildfire activity from Saturday through Monday. The greatest potential is likely to occur Sunday when winds speeds are highest.

Dove Season Opening Brings New Fire Danger to Texas Wildlands

September 5, 2019 — With hunting season upon us, many Texans are headed to hunting leases and other open areas across the state.

This influx of people into natural environments means a greater potential for human-caused wildfires.

“We know that 90% of wildfires in Texas are human caused,” said Melanie Karns, Texas A&M Forest Service Hazard Mitigation Coordinator. “And this time of year brings more people outdoors which can increase fire starts from escaped campfires, parking on dry grass and chains dragging the road.” 

$543,478 in Grant Funds Available for Prescribed Burning

September 4, 2019 – Some Texas landowners may be eligible for funding to help with prescribed burning costs on private lands. 

Now through September 30, 2019, Texas A&M Forest Service is accepting grant applications to reimburse landowners for the costs of having a prescribed burn conducted on their property by certified and insured prescribed burn mangers. Last year the programs were utilized for over 13,500 acres of treatments.

Texas A&M Forest Service Launches Online Tools to Assist Texas Landowners

August 21, 2019 — Texas A&M Forest Service launched the Learn Plan Act Texas website in partnership with the Southern Group of State Foresters and the Texas Forestry Association to educate Texans on land stewardship practices. The agency also redesigned its My Land Management Connector application in an effort to make stewardship easier than ever before. 

Southern Area Type 1 Incident Management Red Team to Assist on Copper Breaks Fire

August 20, 2019 College Station, Texas — The Southern Area Type 1 Incident Management Red Team arrived in Texas this week to assist with the Copper Breaks Fire in Hardeman County. 

The Copper Breaks Fire is approximately 11 miles southwest of Quanah, Texas, and is currently 8,380 acres and 40% contained. As triple digit temperatures persist and vegetation continues to dry out, significant fire activity has increased across the state of Texas. This summer drying trend is expected to continue in the upcoming weeks. 

Central Texas Airtanker Base Activated to Help Fight Wildfires Across the State

August 16, 2019 — Texas A&M Forest Service is opening the Austin Airtanker Base at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport to assist with increased wildfire activity across the state.

Significant fire activity has increased recently, particularly in northwest Texas, Central Texas and the Cross Timbers region where hot and dry conditions persist and fuel loading is high. Critical fuel dryness is expanding across South Texas, the Hill Country and Rolling Plains as rainfall deficits continue to build across large portions of the state.

Welding Operations Spark Wildfires

August 14, 2019 San Angelo, Texas — Over the last 14 days in West Texas, temperatures climbed over 100 degrees and the last significant rain occurred in June, resulting in dry conditions ripe for wildfire ignition. Local fire departments responded to multiple fires sparked by welding in the last week.

Texas A&M Forest Service reminds everyone to be aware of the increased wildfire potential while using welding equipment and encourages preventative measures and maintenance to avoid ignitions.

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