Kerr landowners urged to apply for wildfire fuel reduction grant

Kerr County landowners who want to reduce the threat of wildfires to their properties have the opportunity to apply for a Texas A&M Forest Service grant that opens April 1.

“Whether you are looking to reduce the amount of wildfire ‘fuel’ around your home by hand cutting, mulching or a combination of both methods of clearing, you should apply for this grant,” said Kerr County Emergency Management Coordinator William B. “Dub” Thomas. “Applications will be accepted this month only, from April 1-30,” he added.

The Texas A&M Forest Service Mechanical Fuel Reduction Grant can reimburse a property owner’s costs up to $750 per acre for hand cutting, up to $2,000 per acre for mulching or up to $1,500 per acre for a combination of both – with a max reimbursement of $6,000.

“That could be money in your pocket, as well as your risk of wildfire destruction reduced significantly -- all thanks to this grant,” Thomas said.

To apply, visit: www.tfsweb.tamu.edu/mechgrant/

The cost-share program is available in Kerr County, as well as 38 other counties in Texas within the identified eligible area.