$488,715 in Grant Funds Available for Prescribed Burning in Central and East Texas
Texas A&M Forest Service • September 2, 2020
Application Deadline is Friday, September 30, 2020.
Texas A&M Forest Service is now accepting grant applications through September 30, 2020 to offset the cost of prescribed burning on private lands for Central and East Texas landowners.
$488,715 in grant funds are available for eligible landowners having prescribed burns conducted on their property by certified and insured prescribed burn managers. Last year, the programs provided $353,916 to landowners for a total of 13,100 acres of treatments.
“While parts of Texas are dealing with dry fuels and wildfire conditions and others are beginning the recovery phase of a major hurricane, it is also time for landowners to begin planning for the next prescribed burn season,” said Andy McCrady, Texas A&M Forest Service Fuels Coordinator. “It is important for land managers to look ahead at what areas have the heaviest undergrowth and consider planning prescribed fire operations in those locations at a time when weather conditions are moderate.”
Prescribed fire is an effective and controlled method to reduce wildfire risk by eliminating brush, weeds, dried vegetation and downed trees. Most of the available funds are set aside for wildfire hazard mitigation and the applications that get selected in these programs will be those that protect the most homes and communities. Some of the programs also focus on habitat restoration because prescribed fire also benefits native species of plants and animals, watershed health, reduction of invasive plants, and restoration of soil nutrients.
“Anyone interested in learning more can find an interactive map on our webpage to navigate to their property and research their eligibility,” said McCrady. “The application process is entirely online as well and allows landowners to work directly with the professional burn contractor of their choice to complete the application, burn plan and map requirements.”
A total of $233,702.88 of Community Protection Program-Prescribed Fire Grant funding is available for property owners within 10 miles of a National Forest in East Texas.
A total of $143,742.50 in State Fire Assistance for Mitigation Central and East Texas- Prescribed Fire Grant is available to 43 eligible counties with a city- or county-wide Community Wildfire Protection Plan.
A total of $61,269.91 is available through the Neches River and Cypress Basin Watershed Restoration Program-Prescribed Fire Grant for prescribed burning in priority East Texas watersheds. Treatments will help improve water supply and quality, control invasive species and enhance wildlife habitat by restoring ecosystem function.
This year, up to $50,000 is available through the Texas Longleaf Conservation Assistance Program-Prescribed Fire Grant for burn treatments on private land in East Texas to enhance longleaf pine ecosystems. This cooperative program is available in select counties throughout the year. For details follow the link on our prescribed fire grants webpage.
Texas A&M Forest Service does not conduct the prescribed burns. Grant recipients will select a certified and insured prescribed burn manager to reimburse costs from $15 to $30 per acre, depending on program eligibility.
Application deadline is Friday, September 30, 2020. Please apply online at http://texasforestservice.tamu.edu/cppgrant/.
Learn more by visiting the Prescribed Burning Board (http://www.texasagriculture.gov/Home/ProductionAgriculture/PrescribedBurnProgram/PrescribedBurningBoard.aspx)
ETCOG is hosting NIMS ICS 300 and ICS 400 training in August at our Kilgore office. These courses are now required under Texas House Bill 33. Please register as soon as possible. The class must have at least 26 participants, or it may be canceled. Please also forward this opportunity to anyone who may need or be interested in attending. Training Details Course: MGT904 / ICS-300 Dates: August 24–26, 2026 Start Time: August 24 at 8:00 a.m. CST Location: ETCOG 3800 Stone Road Kilgore, Texas 75662 Registration Link: https://my.teex.org/TeexPortal/Default.aspx?MO=mCourseCatalog&D=FP&C=MGT904&S=941 Course: MGT905 / ICS-400 Dates: August 26–27, 2026 Start Time: August 26 at 1:00 p.m. CST Location: ETCOG 3800 Stone Road Kilgore, Texas 75662 Registration Link: https://my.teex.org/TeexPortal/Default.aspx?MO=mCourseCatalog&D=FP&C=MGT905&S=732 Cost All online classes, including the ICS 300/400 classes hosted at ETCOG, are free. Prerequisites Please read this section carefully before registering. The following four prerequisite courses are required: ICS 100 ICS 200 ICS 700 ICS 800 FEMA online training link for prerequisites: Emergency Management Institute - National Incident Management System (NIMS) https://training.fema.gov/nims/ Please bring copies of your prerequisite certificates with you to class, if possible. A screenshot of your certificates is also acceptable. What to Bring Please bring the following items to training: Copies or screenshots of your ICS 100, ICS 200, ICS 700, and ICS 800 certificates A tablet or laptop The participant manual downloaded to your device The participant manual will be available after you complete registration. Registration Assistance If you have trouble registering, please send a screenshot of the issue so we can help troubleshoot. Thank you, and please register as soon as possible to help ensure the class meets the minimum attendance requirement.
National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, observed April 12–18, 2026 , honors the dedication, service, and sacrifice of the public safety telecommunicators who answer the call when emergencies happen. Held each year during the second week of April, the observance recognizes the professionals who serve as the critical first point of contact in emergency situations. At ETCOG, we are proud to recognize the telecommunicators who serve communities across our region. Their work requires professionalism, compassion, quick thinking, and a steadfast commitment to public safety. In moments of crisis, they provide calm, skilled support and help connect people to the emergency services they need. In 2025 , telecommunicators in ETCOG’s service area answered more than 174,000 9-1-1 calls and more than 20,000 9-1-1 texts . Behind each of those numbers is a person in need of help and a trained telecommunicator ready to respond. ETCOG supports the region’s dispatch offices through training, equipment upgrades, and management of the regional 9-1-1 system. These efforts help ensure telecommunicators have the tools, technology, and resources needed to serve the public effectively and efficiently. During National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, we extend our sincere appreciation to the men and women who help keep our communities safe every day. Their work is essential, and their service makes a meaningful difference throughout East Texas.
