Central Texas landowners can apply starting April 1 for the State Fire Assistance for Mitigation, SFAM, Mechanical Fuels Reduction Grant to help reduce risks posed to their property by wildfire.
The grant offers financial assistance to landowners to reduce fuels at high risk for wildfire by using fuel reduction practices.
“The grant will help provide wildfire protection to the fastest growing area in the state,” said Victoria Wenkman, Texas A&M Forest Service fuels program specialist. “Historically, fire has been part of the natural process in Texas. However, with the rapid increase in population coupled with fragmentation of wildland areas, fire has been taken out of its normal interval pattern. Mechanical fuels reduction provides an alternative, reducing overall wildfire threat.”
Landowners eligible for reimbursement
Thirty-two counties in Central Texas are eligible for funding of costs not to exceed $750 per acre for hand-cut fuel breaks or $2,000 per acre for mulched fuel breaks. The maximum reimbursement for either method is $10,000.
Funding will be provided to eligible public and private landowners for reimbursement of costs associated with hand-cut fuel breaks using chainsaws, or mechanical mulching using mechanical brush cutters, forestry mulchers and similar equipment.
Fuel breaks are modified sections of vegetation that can decrease intensity of fires, protect first responders by providing wider access lanes, and inhibit or slow incoming wildfires.
“Fuel breaks have multiple benefits for both vegetation and wildlife,” said Wenkman. “Fuel breaks reduce competition of invasive trees, free up vital resources such as water and light for larger trees and reduce ladder fuels. Shaded fuel breaks also increase soil surface moisture and allow first responders better access in case of emergency.”
Applications are due April 30.
After the deadline, submissions will be ranked on their value to mitigate wildfire impacts. Approval or denial letters will be sent by May 31. Once approved, applicants have 180 days to complete the fuel-break work.
For more information about the grant and to view an eligibility map and apply, go to: http://tfsweb.tamu.edu/mechgrant/.
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