COUNTY LIFE
Grant funds available for vegetative fuel breaks
COLLEGE STATION, Texas — Texas A&M Forest Service is now accepting grant applications from landowners in the high plains region of Texas who construct vegetative fuel breaks on their property.
The Vegetative Fuel Break Grant applications are open now through December 17, 2021, and could result in reimbursement to eligible recipients of up to $2,500 for the cost of trees, weed barriers, planting contractors, drip irrigation systems and other items associated with the creation of vegetative fuel breaks.
“This grant is intended to help protect communities in the high plains by reducing the risks of catastrophic wildfire events on both public and private lands through creating vegetative fuel breaks,” said Jake Gosschalk, Texas A&M Forest Service Program Specialist (Fuels).
Green vegetative fuel breaks are trees and shrubs that are systematically planted adjacent to fields, homesteads or feedlots as a barrier to reduce or redirect the wind. As a result, irrigated and maintained fuel breaks can impact wind-driven fire behavior that could allow time for residents or firefighters to evacuate before the fire impacts nearby homes or structures.
During the 2017 fire season, it was observed that a well-maintained and irrigated vegetative fuel break or homestead windbreak impacted wind-driven fire behavior and provided time for residents to evacuate.
Eligible fuel break projects must have a minimum of three rows of trees and span at least 400 feet in length. Additionally, a bare-ground strip and a short grass strip are required, which will greatly increase the potential benefits of the fuel break.
“When landowners create vegetative fuel breaks on their property, they will be much more prepared for fire season,” said Gosschalk. “Texas A&M Forest Service representatives are happy to answer any questions landowners have regarding the application process or how a vegetative fuel break can mitigate the risk of property damage caused by wildfires.”
All grant applicants will be notified of a decision by January 31, 2022. Texas A&M Forest Service does not complete the actual planting and building of the vegetative fuel break but will conduct an on-site assessment of the landowner’s property prior to the approval of an application. If an application is approved, Texas A&M Forest Service will then further discuss the project details with the recipient.
Interested landowners may visit https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/CommunitiesinAction/ for a copy of the application. Application packages must be mailed to the contact information listed below.
Texas A&M Forest Service
Mitigation & Prevention Department
6330 Hwy. 290 E Suite 115
Austin, TX 78723
COUNTY LIFE
Jammin’ at the Justin makes temporary move
The March 30 Jammin’ at the Justin makes a move to the Nocona Senior Citizens Center, 400 Boston due to a scheduling conflict.
Jammin’ begins at 6 p.m. Come out to play or sing, or just sit back and enjoy the music at the free show. Tips will go to the senior center.
COUNTY LIFE
Bowie one-act advances to area
Bowie High School’s one-act play, “A Monster Calls,” advances to area on April 13 in Clyde after a great showing at bi-district competition.
The production got second place and advances with Eastland and Early. Lia Meier and Corban Word received All Star Cast, and Owen Hofbauer received honorable mention All-Star Cast. The tech award went to Adamari Alonso for lights.
The show is directed by April Word. A time for the area performance will be announced as soon as it is released. There will be a public performance of the play at 6:30 p.m. April 7 in the Bowie Junior High Auditorium.
Area OAPs
Gold-Burg, Saint Jo, Forestburg and Bellevue High Schools take their plays to district contests on March 29 at North Central Texas College theater.
Bellevue will be the first play of the day at 10 a.m. The rest perform at about one-hour intervals with a break for lunch. Saint Jo is next followed by Forestburg and Gold-Burg.
COUNTY LIFE
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