Agricultural News
Oklahoma Forestry Service Announces Funding to Help Against Beetle Infestation
Thu, 01 Sep 2011 09:33:43 CDT
Oklahoma Forestry Services (OFS), a division of the Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, encourages Oklahoma landowners to apply for funding to prevent the ravages of a Southern Pine Beetle infestation that can devastate stands of pine forest.
"Over 600,000 acres of pine forests in the southeast Oklahoma counties of LeFlore, McCurtain and Pushmataha, as well as adjoining counties are at risk of being lost to damage from these insects," said George Geissler, Oklahoma State Forester. "With the current drought conditions, these pine trees are stressed and become the perfect haven for these destructive pests."
The funding is available from OFS and is made possible through its partnership with the US Forest Service. Landowners can receive grants of $40 to $60 per acre to help them with activities to reduce the risk of infestation such as developing forest management plans and implementing practices such as forest thinning.Oklahoma has had relatively little pine beetle damage in recent years. This is likely due to seasons of good growing conditions and improved forest management.
"OFS is committed to ensuring that Oklahoma has healthy productive forests for future generations," Geissler said. "Over 90 percent of the state's forestlands are owned by private landowners and we are asking these individuals to take advantage of this program and help us protect their forests."
Click here for information about program eligibility and requirements, and to obtain an application. Landowners can also call 405-522-6147 or contact their local OFS office.
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