Alabama Landowners Approved for Emergency Forest Restoration Assistance

By Maggie Edwards

Alabama landowners can now apply for assistance through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency's (FSA) Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP).

Alabama's 67 counties were approved for the EFRP Sept. 23 to restore and rehabilitate private forest lands impacted by drought and insect infestation. Starting Sept. 30, landowners can apply for assistance through March 31, 2025.

The performance-based, cost-share program provides forest owners financial and technical assistance on nonindustrial private forest land. Landowners can contact their local FSA office to submit an application and learn about eligibility requirements.

Alabama FSA State Executive Director Clifton Warren said it's important that impacted forest landowners promptly apply for EFRP.

"Program funds will be obligated to eligible applications based on on-site inspections to determine the extent of the damage and restore forest health," Warren said. "Eligible landowners who haven't previously participated in FSA programs are encouraged to contact their local FSA county office as soon as possible to establish farm records."

Alabama Farmers Federation Forestry Division Director William Green echoed Warren, noting the state's forestry industry is in need due to back-to-back dry years. Forestry has a $36 billion annual contribution to Alabama's economy.

"Alabama's 23.1 million acres of forest land are an integral part of the state's economy," Green said. "The EFRP has the power to help landowners. Drought and infestation have had a devasting impact on our forests this year. Our landowners could greatly benefit from this relief."

Forest eligibility and other resources can be found here.