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Applications Open For Southern Pine Beetle Assistance And Prevention Program
June 17, 2013
The Southern Pine Beetle Assistance and Prevention Program will accept applications from non-industrial, private forest landowners from June 14 through July 31.
The southern pine beetle is one of the most destructive forest pests in the southeast, and periodic outbreaks can rapidly kill millions of pine trees on tens of thousands of acres. The last major outbreaks in Florida occurred from 1999 to 2002, resulting in an estimated $59 million in timber losses.
“This program promotes forest management activities that increase the natural resistance of pine forests to southern pine beetle infestations,” said Jim Karels, Director of the Florida Forest Service. “Conducting these activities now will reduce the likelihood of losses from future outbreaks.”
The program, supported through a grant by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, offers an incentive payment for landowners who conduct a first pulpwood thinning and partial cost reimbursement for prescribed burning, mechanical underbrush treatments and planting longleaf or slash pine. Since it was first offered in 2005, the program has supported these practices on more than 120,000 acres.
The program is limited to 44 northern Florida counties located within the range of the southern pine beetle, including Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. Qualified landowners may apply for no more than two approved practices per year. Funding requests may not exceed $10,000. All qualifying applications received during the submission period will be evaluated and ranked for approval.
To obtain application forms and more information on program requirements and procedures, visit a local Florida Forest Service office or click here.
Comments
One Response to “Applications Open For Southern Pine Beetle Assistance And Prevention Program”
The pine beatles were a real threat a couple of years ago, although I believe that $59 million is an exaggeration. I sure hope they don’t kill the bees in the process.