Purpose
The purpose of the SPBP is to help landowners implement various silvicultural practices that will prevent (or minimize) impacts of southern pine beetle infestations, restore healthy, more beetle-resistant forests and suppress current beetle infestations.
Eligibility
Non-industrial landowners, which means any private individual, group, association, corporation, Indian tribe or other native group, other private legal entity, excluding corporations whose stocks are publicly traded or legal entities principally engaged in the processing or manufacturing of wood products. Minimum practice size is 10 acres.
Forestry Practices Covered
Includes non-commercial thinning, pine release, prescribed burning, and southern pine beetle control.
Pay Rate
A per acre pay rate is based on 40% of the average cost of the practice. Pay rates cannot exceed 75% of the documented, actual cost. There is a limit of $10,000 per landowner for all practices. Prevention practices offered– non-commercial thinning of loblolly/shortleaf pine stands ($70/acre), the release of loblolly/shortleaf pine stands($40/acre), prescribed burning of loblolly/shortleaf pine stands or longleaf stands 10 years old or less ($5/acre).
Contract Length
A period of ten (10) years unless the practice is so noted on the SPBPRS Resource Practice Plan that a lesser number of years are determined for maintenance.
Application Process
The cost share program for Southern Pine Beetle (SPBP) is now accepting applications. This program is administered by the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) with US Forest Service funds. The sign-up period is currently closed. Additional information can be found on the cost share webpage or by contacting your local GFC forester.