Hurricane Michael was an intense and destructive storm that struck the Florida panhandle as a powerful Category 5 in October, 2018. It entered into Georgia and had a devastating impact on counties all across the state. Forest and agricultural losses were tremendous. Recovery continues in many parts of the state, and there are a number of programs and resources available to landowners impacted by Hurricane Michael.
Helpful Resources
| Title | Description | Document Type |
|---|---|---|
| Forest Debris Management Program Performance Form | Form to help you gather the appropriate information for Forest Debris Management Program (FDMP) activities. | |
| HB 4EX Bill | Bill creates a tax credit for timber growers in the 28 counties included in the disaster area who incurred significant damages and expenses due to Hurricane Michael. | External Website |
| Hurricane Michael – Farm Recovery Block Grant Eligibility Map | Map of 95 counties eligible for the Recovery Block Grant program. | |
| Hurricane Michael – Farm Recovery Block Grants | The Georgia Department of Agriculture will accept online applications for the $347 million in block grant funds beginning March 18, 2020. Georgia farmers and forest landowners in 95 eligible counties, who suffered losses to beef, dairy, fruit and vegetable, pecan, poultry, timber, and uninsured infrastructure can enroll. The federal block grants seek to help recover losses not covered under existing USDA Farm Service Agency programs. Only online applications will be accepted. All applications must be completed and submitted by April 8, 2020. | External Website |
| Hurricane Michael – Farm Recovery Block Grants – Press Release | Description of the Farm Recovery Block Grant program. | |
| Hurricane Michael – FEMA Disaster Map | Map of counties in Georgia declared disaster areas for FEMA assistance following Hurricane Michael. | |
| Hurricane Michael – Forest Landowner Relief Program Meeting (Bainbridge Part 1) | Video 1 of 5 – Video footage of Bainbridge Meeting, 01/23/19 (broken into five sections) | External Website |
| Hurricane Michael – Forest Landowner Relief Program Meeting (Bainbridge Part 2) | Video 2 of 5 – Video footage of Bainbridge Meeting, 01/23/19 (broken into five sections) | External Website |
| Hurricane Michael – Forest Landowner Relief Program Meeting (Bainbridge Part 3) | Video 3 of 5 – Video footage of Bainbridge Meeting, 01/23/19 (broken into five sections) | External Website |
| Hurricane Michael – Forest Landowner Relief Program Meeting (Bainbridge Part 4) | Video 4 of 5 – Video footage of Bainbridge Meeting, 01/23/19 (broken into five sections) | External Website |
| Hurricane Michael – Forest Landowner Relief Program Meeting (Bainbridge Part 5) | Video 5 of 5 – Video footage of Bainbridge Meeting, 01/23/19 (broken into five sections) | External Website |
| Hurricane Michael – Forest Landowner Relief Program Meeting (Colquitt Part 1) | Video 1 of 3 – Video footage of Colquitt Meeting, 01/23/19 (broken into three sections) | External Website |
| Hurricane Michael – Forest Landowner Relief Program Meeting (Colquitt Part 2) | Video 2 of 3 – Video footage of Colquitt Meeting, 01/23/19 (broken into three sections) | External Website |
| Hurricane Michael – Forest Landowner Relief Program Meeting (Colquitt Part 3) | Video 3 of 3 – Video footage of Colquitt Meeting, 01/23/19 (broken into three sections) | External Website |
| Hurricane Michael – Forest Road and Firebreak Clearing Application | ||
| Hurricane Michael – Georgia State Timber Tax Credit Replant and Restoration Guideline | Tax credits can only be claimed in the taxable year in which the taxpayer first completes: | |
| Hurricane Michael – Georgia Timber Tax Credit: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions | Learn more about Hurricane Michael tax credit and who is eligible. | |
| Hurricane Michael – Georgia Timber Tax Program | Presentation from Scott Griffin, GFC’s Forest Management Chief. | |
| Hurricane Michael – Georgia Timber Tax Program – General Eligibility Requirements | In November of 2018, the Georgia General Assembly enacted House Bill 4EX. This bill allows eligible taxpayers to apply for a Timber Tax Credit to assist in offsetting the substantial economic losses incurred during Hurricane Michael. This document outlines general eligibility requirements and guidelines. | |
| Hurricane Michael – Map of 28 GA Counties in declared state of emergency | Map of counties declared to be in a state of emergency following Hurricane Michael. | |
| Hurricane Michael – Resources for Impacted Forest Landowners | Press release about resource available to landowners impacted by Hurricane Michael. | |
| Hurricane Michael – Timber Casualty Losses and Involuntary Conversion | View presentation from Yanshu Li, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Forest Taxation and Economics. | |
| Hurricane Michael – Timber Tax Credit Application Instructions | A taxpayer seeking pre-approval for the Timber Tax Credit, must apply electronically through Georgia Tax Center. Get instructions. | |
| Hurricane Michael – Timber Tax Credit Program Press Release | In November of 2018, the Georgia General Assembly enacted House Bill 4EX. This bill allows eligible taxpayers to apply for a Timber Tax Credit to assist in offsetting the substantial economic losses incurred during Hurricane Michael. | |
| Hurricane Michael Forest Access Road and Firebreak Debris Clearing Program | The Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) has established procedures for landowners seeking assistance with debris clearing and restoration of pre-existing forest roads and firebreaks. | |
| Hurricane Michael Timber Impact Assessment | This survey examined landscape‐level impacts and classified them accordingly. | |
| Map of 28 Counties Declared Under State of Emergency | View GA Map of counties declared under State of Emergency EO under Hurricane Michael. |