Private landowners in Hardin, Jasper, Newton, Polk and Tyler counties may now apply for funding to help sustain, enhance and restore longleaf pine on their property.
Funding is available through the Forestland Stewards Initiative to assist with costs associated with site preparation, tree planting, prescribed burning and forest stand improvement activities. The initiative also aims to educate at least 100 private landowners on longleaf ecology and provide targeted technical assistance with longleaf stewardship programs.
“The Forestland Stewards Initiative is a critical partnership that will help restore one of the state’s most valued ecosystems,” said Hughes Simpson, project manager for the Texas longleaf conservation grant. “Not only do longleaf pine ecosystems support the forest sector’s $28 billion dollar contribution to the Texas economy, but they also provide critical habitat to endangered species, produce clean air and water, provide numerous recreational opportunities and promote forest resilience.”
As part of this initiative, the Texas Longleaf Pine Implementation team, including Texas A&M Forest Service and partner organizations, plans to restore almost 1,000 acres of longleaf and enhance 4,900 acres of existing longleaf in the Big Thicket area of Southeast Texas. This native ecosystem, once spanning over 92 million acres across the southern United States, now only covers approximately 4.3 million acres.
Landowners interested in restoring and enhancing longleaf pine on their property can apply for financial assistance at https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/longleaf or by contacting Texas A&M Forest Service at 979-458-6650.