Southern Pine Beetle (SPB) and Invasive Plant Control Cost Share Programs Now Accepting Applications!
The Georgia Forestry Commission is currently accepting applications for two programs that provide financial incentives to help landowners manage their forestland. The purpose of the Southern Pine Beetle (SPB) Cost Share Program is to help landowners implement forestry practices that will improve or restore forest health and tree vigor, which can prevent or minimize the impacts of southern pine beetle infestations. This year, tree planting assistance ($100/acre) is available, and four prevention practices are eligible for the SPB 2023 funding year: non-commercial thinning ($70/acre), herbicide release ($40/acre), prescribed burning ($5/acre), and southern pine beetle suppression. Click here to view the SPB application and apply.
The other opportunity available is the Invasive Plant Control Cost Share Program (IPCP). The purpose of IPCP is to promote healthy forests by eliminating nonnative, invasive plants. The program reimburses forest landowners $60 an acre to chemically treat exotic privet, Japanese climbing fern, Chinese tallowtree, chinaberry, non-native olive, and callery pear. Click here to view the IPCP application and apply.
Additional information for both of these programs you can be found here on the GFC’s cost share webpage or by contacting your local GFC forester.