Purpose
The purpose of the Invasive Plant Control Program (IPCP) is to promote healthy forests by eliminating nonnative, invasive plants. If left unchecked, lands occupied by these plants become unproductive and native flora (and fauna) can be completely displaced.
Eligibility
Private non-industrial landowners, which means any private individual, group, association, corporation, Indian tribe or other native groups, other private legal entity, and lands owned by local governments (cities, counties, Board of Education, etc.), excluding corporations whose stocks are publicly traded or legal entities principally engaged in the processing or manufacturing of wood products. There is a minimum practice size of 3 acres, and the landowner must own a minimum of 10 acres of forest land.
Forestry Practices Covered
Includes the use of herbicides or a combination of mechanical and herbicide treatments to eradicate nonnative, invasive plants. This program targets certain invasive plant species listed as a top concern in Georgia. The current list of species for this program is:
- Privet sp. (Ligustrum sinense, Ligustrum japonicum, and Ligustrum lucidum)
- Japanese climbing fern (Lygodium japonicum)
- Chinese Tallowtree (Triadica sebifera)
- Chinaberry (Melia azedarach)
- Callery Pear (Pyrus calleryana)
- Non-native olive sp. (Elaeagnus pungens, Elaeagnus umbellata, Elaeagnus angustifolia)
- Kudzu (Pueraria montana)
- Wisteria (Wisteria floribunda)
Pay Rate
Participants receive a rate of $40 per acre for areas treated according to program specifications. There is a maximum of $10,000 per landowner. Payments will not exceed 40% of the documented landowner cost.
Contract Length
Practices must be completed by April 1, 2025.
Application Process
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.