New information available on forest restoration aid
RAYMOND, Miss. -- Forest landowners who incurred damage from last year’s drought now have more information about the federal cost shares for restoration assistance approved in April.
The Emergency Forest Restoration Program, or EFRP, is open to landowners in all 82 counties with private, nonindustrial property in rural areas who have lost pine trees related to pine bark beetle infestations that stemmed from last year’s drought.
“Currently, properties located in city limits are excluded regardless of their acreage,” said Curtis VanderSchaaf, forestry specialist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service.
Administered through the Farm Service Agency, or FSA, the program provides a 75% cost share for restoration practices approved by the Mississippi Forestry Commission, or MFC. The application period closes on Aug. 15.
VanderSchaaf said only landowners with rural properties that had existing pine tree cover before the drought and pine bark beetle infestations are eligible to apply for the funds. The forested land must be at least one acre in size, be at least 120 feet wide and have had a canopy of live trees that covered at least 10% of the area. The landowner must also incur at least $1,000 of the costs related to restoration. The program’s payment limitation is $500,000.
Costs related to debris removal, replanting and/or forest protection can be reimbursed if they are approved by MFC beforehand.
Landowners will be reimbursed for 75% of either the actual costs incurred by the landowner of MFC-approved practices for the site or approved costs of MFC-approved practices for the site, whichever is less.
“In other words, your reimbursement for costs cannot exceed state average rates set by the FSA,” VanderSchaaf said. “Rates are normal, fair market value costs across the state that are then applied to an MFC-approved practice for your property.
“MFC-approved rates may financially limit landowners to planting lower cost seedlings. A landowner can certainly choose to plant any seedling they want, but the reimbursement will be limited to only the rate set by FSA,” VanderSchaaf continued. “Landowners are not required to replant the previous species. For instance, if loblolly pine previously occupied the site, if desired, a landowner could plant longleaf pine or hardwoods.”
Once a landowner applies for the program, the site will be evaluated by an MFC representative to determine what restoration activities the site needs, taking into account landowner objectives. An environmental review will then be done to ensure there are no negative impacts to the land, including erosion. Last, FSA will review the site plan.
If approved by FSA to receive funds, landowners have two years to complete restoration activities. FSA will inspect the work once completed before funds are disbursed.
“Landowners will need to contact vendors themselves,” VanderSchaaf said. “FSA will not do this for them. Or a landowner can do the work themselves and pay themselves a salary at the FSA-approved hourly rate.”
To ensure reimbursement, landowners must also keep good records, including costs and activities by both the vendor and them.
VanderSchaaf said anyone who qualifies must file an application by Aug. 15.
“The approval for your property may occur after Aug. 15, but you must file an application by that date,” he said. “Recordkeeping is very important, and it will also be helpful for tax related purposes during the upcoming tax season.”
For more information or to apply for the program, contact the local FSA office at https://tinyurl.com/2jsb8dec.