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
It has been quite a busy few days at the Montague County Youth Fair with schedule changes, juggling of events and trying to cope with the unexpected snow storm. However, the youth fair always rolls on thanks to the dedicated volunteers, coordinators, parents and students.
Friday the rabbit how starts at 10 a.m., with heifer and steer show at 2 p.m. Ag. mech. check-in at 6 p.m. with that show at 9 a.m. on Saturday. Swine will move into the barn later today with its show at 9 a.m. Saturday.
Saturday the home economics silent auction will start at 6 p.m. and run to 9 p.m. in the show barn. Showmanship buckles will be presented at 6 p.m. in the barn followed by leadership day awards. The premium sale is at 6:30 p.m. Make plans to come out and support these hard working kids and families.
See all the winners in the Thursday Bowie News.
Top photo – Poultry show photo taken by Rashonda Hobbs of Unfazed Creations, official photographer for the youth fair. Make sure and check out her photos.
When we were going through my grandmother’s house in Nocona after it sold, I found a few neat keepsakes, but the biggest treasure I thought I had found was her biscuit cutter. I was so excited to show my mother (her daughter) and just knew she would be happy it was found and would still be used after all this time.
My mother, however, had a different thought about my precious biscuit cutter. She said, “Suzanne, you know that biscuit cutter is just an old tomato paste can that has both ends cut out.”
I was still no less delighted with my cutter. I continue to use it today. My husband has bought me vintage, new and fancier cutters, but this cutter is something I go back to time and again.
My Memaw was recruited to be a lunch lady from 1952 to 1958 at Nocona Elementary, back when lunches were cooked, not “fixed.” Lenora Brown Burnett was an excellent cook and everyone knew it. She went on to work at the Nocona Major Clinic kitchen from 1958 to 1969.
You could only use shortcuts if you knew how to do it the long way. That is how I still approach cooking. You can only use a cake mix if you know how to make a cake with lots of ingredients, time and effort.
Read Suzanne’s Love & Luck column in the Thursday Bowie News on the On the Table page.
Top photo – Grandmother’s biscuit cutter and hand written recipes. (Photo by Suzanne Storey)
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