Basic Provisions:
- Available statewide
- Stands of either natural or planted loblolly or shortleaf pines may qualify (50% or greater of the stand must be one or both of these species)
- Areas of natural or planted longleaf pines may qualify. The longleaf pines must be 10 years old or less.
- No Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) stands
- 10+ acres
Approval of cost share funding does not imply that the Georgia Forestry Commission or the USDA Forest Service accepts liability for any prescribed burning.
Prescribed burning is designed for pine stands with a severe hardwood encroachment problem which threatens the health of the stand. Unhealthy stands tend to be at higher risk for southern pine beetle damage so stand must meet certain density factor to qualify. Stands must be a minimum of 10 acres to qualify and only winter burning is permitted. Severe crown scorch can actually attract southern pine beetles so every effort should be made to have a “backing” fire to minimize hot spots with the burn.
All state and local laws must be followed with the burning, and best management practices should be followed when constructing firebreaks. Contact your local GFC office to learn more about state and local ordinances that may apply with this practice.
To apply for this practice, contact your local county GFC forester.
Additional information about prescribed burning.
Fundng provided by the USDA - Forest Service
