STONE MOUNTAIN, Ga. — Applications are being accepted now for two cost share programs for landowners seeking assistance with forest health issues. One program targets pests and the other targets invasive plants. For details, click the links included in these program summaries:
Southern Pine Beetle (SPB) Cost Share Program Open for Applications
The purpose of the SPB cost share program is to help landowners implement various silvicultural practices that will prevent (or minimize) impacts of southern pine beetle infestations, restore healthy, more beetle-resistant forests and suppress current beetle infestations. The sign up period is open from from May 18 – June 5. Click here to view the SPB application and apply. Additional information can be found on the cost share webpage or by contacting your local GFC forester. The highlights of the program are listed below.
- Limit of $2000 for prevention practices per landowner.
- Practices offered: non-commercial thinning of loblolly/shortleaf pine stands, release of loblolly/shortleaf pine stands, prescribed burning of loblolly/shortleaf pine stands and prescribed burning of longleaf stands (10 years old or less).
Invasive Plant Control Cost Share Program Open for Applications
The purpose of the Invasive Plant Control Program (IPCP) is to promote healthy forests by eliminating nonnative, invasive plants. If left unchecked, lands occupied by these plants become unproductive and native flora (and fauna) can be completely displaced. The sign up period is open from May 18 – through June 5. Click here to view the IPCP application and apply. Additional information can be found on the cost share webpage or by contacting your local GFC forester. The highlights of the program are listed below.
- Â $60 per acre, maximum $4,500 per landowner (75 acres max, minimum of 3 acres).
- Practices must be completed by April 1, 2021.
- TargetSpecies:
- Privetsp. (Ligustrum sinense, Ligustrum japonicum, and Ligustrum lucidum)
- Japaneseclimbing fern (Lygodium japonicum)
- ChineseTallowtree (Triadica sebifera)
- Chinaberry (Meliaazedarach)
- Callery Pear(Pyrus calleryana)
–Georgia Forestry Commission