COLLEGE STATION — The Texas A&M Forest Service is offering landowners both financial and technical assistance through the Southern Pine Beetle Prevention Program. Applications for this cost-share initiative are now open and will close January 31, 2026, at midnight.
This statewide program aims to reduce the risk of future Southern Pine Beetle infestations by encouraging landowners to thin overly dense pine stands, which promotes healthier and more resilient forests.
Financial Assistance for Eligible Landowners
Eligible landowners can receive $50 per acre—up to a 100-acre maximum—to support their first forest thinning operation. Participants may also qualify for an additional $5 per acre to offset costs associated with hiring a professional consulting forester.
Each landowner may receive up to $5,000 total in combined assistance for thinning and consulting services.
“The Southern Pine Beetle Prevention Program helps landowners reduce the risk that southern pine beetles pose to Texas forests through stand thinning while also promoting overall stand vigor, growth, and health,” said Allen Smith, Texas A&M Forest Service Forest Health Program Leader.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify, applicants must meet the following requirements:
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Own a minimum of 10 contiguous acres composed of at least 70% pine trees
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Tree stands must begin with a minimum of 120 square-feet per acre basal area
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After thinning, stands must be reduced to 80 square-feet per acre basal area or less
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Thinning operations must be completed within 14 months
This program is intended only for first-time pine stand thinning operations.
Priority Counties and Application Details
Funding priority will be given to eligible applicants within the following counties:
Angelina, Cass, Cherokee, Hardin, Harrison, Houston, Jasper, Liberty, Marion, Nacogdoches, Newton, Panola, Polk, Rusk, Sabine, San Augustine, San Jacinto, Shelby, Trinity, Tyler, and Walker.
Landowners are encouraged to submit applications through their local Texas A&M Forest Service office. Notifications of approval status will be distributed by March 1, 2026, and applications will be evaluated based on ranking metrics.
