Reimbursements available for prescribed burning

​COLLEGE STATION – ​​The Texas A&M Forest Service is accepting applications in September for three separate grants to assist private landowners with reducing their risks for wildfire and restoring natural ecosystems​ by using strategically-​planned prescribed fires.

The Community Protection Program—Prescribed Fire Grant is available to fund prescribed burn treatments on properties within ten miles of a national forest in East Texas. This year a total of $215,820 is available through the program.

Another program, the National Fire Plan—Prescribed Fire Grant, is new this year. It has a total of $20,690 to fund treatments in 31 eligible counties. These counties have taken the step to mitigate their risk by composing a city or county-wide Community Wildfire Protection Plan. 

Also new this year, the Neches Riv​​er and Cypress Basin Watershed Restoration Program—Prescribed Fire Grant will provide $78,125 to support prescribed fire in priority watersheds in East Texas.  

​​​Prescribed burns will be conducted by a certified and insured prescribed burn manager of the landowner’s choice. Landowners can expect reimbursement of $22.50 to $30 per acre, depending on program eligibility.​​