Emergency assistance for landowners impacted by Hurricane Helene is being rolled out by the Georgia Forestry Commission. Aid includes $25 million for debris cleanup and firebreak installation in areas where the storm decimated millions of acres of forestland. Two programs recently approved by the Georgia State Financing and Investment Commission (GSIC) are available to help landowners with specific needs: the Fuels Mitigation Program and the Forest Access Road & Firebreak Restoration Project. Separate application procedures are required for each program.
“We’re grateful to Governor Kemp and the GSIC for making these funds available to impacted Georgia landowners,” said Georgia Forestry Commission Director Johnny Sabo. “Applications are being taken now, and we are optimistic about the effects this program will have on reducing catastrophic wildfires as well as forest pest infestations.”
Landowners who have 10 or more acres of forestland of any size with trees damaged by Hurricane Helene, are eligible for the “Fuels Mitigation Program” (FMit). The sign-up period runs from November 18 through December 6, and landowners can apply here: Hurricane Helene Fuel Mitigation (FMit) Program | Georgia Forestry Commission. Landowners may apply funds retroactively. Upon completion of the work, participants will be required to submit official cost documentation and a detailed map showing boundaries and completed mitigation practices. Cost share payments are based on 80% of the documented cost. Cost share may be limited per taxpayer identification number and a per-acre cap may be set, depending on the demand for funds. GFC foresters confirm completion of the work. The Georgia Development Authority is responsible for payments.
Another program to assist with fire prevention activities is available to landowners in the designated 91-county disaster area* impacted by Hurricane Helene. The Forest Access Road and Firebreak Restoration Project provides for the clearing of forest debris from existing firebreaks and roads at no cost to the landowner. The project is designed to create a more manageable situation should wildfires become prevalent in the region. Eligible tracts must have had existing tree cover containing forest roads and established firebreaks immediately prior to the storm’s arrival. Online applications will be accepted from November 18 to December 6, 2024 and landowners may apply here: Hurricane Helene Firebreaks Cleanout.
“The intent of these programs is to protect communities and reduce their wildfire risk.” said Sabo. “The GFC stands ready with the tools and the expertise to help landowners get through this important phase of recovery.”
*Appling, Atkinson, Bacon, Banks, Ben Hill, Berrien, Bleckley, Brantley, Brooks, Bryan, Bulloch, Burke, Butts, Camden, Candler, Charlton, Chatham, Clinch, Coffee, Colquitt, Columbia, Cook, Dawson, Decatur, Dodge, Dooly, Echols, Effingham, Elbert, Emanuel, Evans, Franklin, Fulton, Gilmer, Glascock, Glynn, Grady, Greene, Habersham, Hancock, Hart, Irwin, Jackson, Jasper, Jeff Davis, Jefferson, Jenkins, Johnson, Lamar, Lanier, Laurens, Liberty, Lincoln, Long, Lowndes, Lumpkin, Madison, McDuffie, McIntosh, Mitchell, Monroe, Montgomery, Newton, Oglethorpe, Pierce, Pike, Pulaski, Putnam, Rabun, Richmond, Screven, Stephens, Taliaferro, Tattnall, Telfair, Thomas, Tift, Toombs, Treutlen, Turner, Twiggs, Ware, Warren, Washington, Wayne, Wheeler, White, Wilcox, Wilkes, Wilkinson, and Worth Counties.
For more information about hurricane relief programs and services of the Georgia Forestry Commission, visit GaTrees.org.
