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