GFC Public Safety Programs Aim to Assist Impacted Landowners

Restorative ground work is underway in 91 Hurricane Helene disaster-designated counties. Forest management services facilitated by the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) are bringing public safety programs to impacted landowners.

 

The Fuel Mitigation Program (FMit) is one of two state-funded programs in place. Under FMit, landowners are working to improve access to their forested property and reducing forest fuel loads that can increase the risk of catastrophic wildfires. As a reminder, it is a landowner’s responsibility to have FMit work completed, documented, and submitted no later than December 31, 2025. Utilizing bulldozers and personnel, GFC is also enhancing forestland access through the Forest Firebreaks and Roads Program.

 

The Farm Service Agency’s Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP) is rolling out services as well. Due to the amount of damage and the large number of landowners who signed up for the program, it could take until summer to complete all of the initial inspections. The challenge is unprecedented, but GFC is here to serve and help landowners take the next steps forward to help recover and restore Georgia's forest landscape. Contact your county GFC forester or visit GaTrees.org for details.