Forest landowners who have been impacted by Hurricane Michael may qualify for funding and opportunities to clean up debris from damaged and fallen trees on their land through programs with the Georgia Forestry Association. Also, members of the Georgia Forestry Association may qualify for free debris cleanup through a partnership with Twin Rivers Land & Timber.
Free Debris Removal for GFA Members Impacted by Hurricane Michael
Georgia Forestry Association (GFA) member Twin Rivers Land and Timber is offering free debris removal for landowners located within 20 miles of Albany, GA, Quitman, GA and Cottondale, Alabama. Debris will need to be piled with a minimum amount of dirt and soil mixed in and will be evaluated on a site-by-site basis. This opportunity is only available to members of the Georgia Forestry Association.
Step One
Become a GFA member:
- Online by clicking here; OR,
- Call GFA Membership Manager Marilou Myers at 478-992-8110
Step Two
Contact Twin Rivers Land and Timber:
- Tom Tuggle at 478-297-5471
Emergency assistance for landowners impacted by Hurricane Michael is being rolled out by the Georgia Forestry Commission. There are two separate programs available to help landowners with specific needs related to debris clean up (collection and removal). Landowners are encouraged to act quickly as funds are limited.
Forest Debris Management Program (FDMP)
- Qualifications
Forest landowners with a minimum of 10 acres damaged specifically by Hurricane Michael. - Program Details
This is an 80/20 cost-share program (20% covered by the landowner) to remove debris generated by Hurricane Michael. Upon completion of the work (by the landowner or contractor), participants will be required to submit official cost documentation and a detailed map, showing the property boundary. The map should also identify areas within the property where debris management occurred along the acreage of each area. Landowners may apply for debris management funds retroactively. For this program, the landowner must execute the debris clean up themselves or through a contractor. Upon completion of the work, the Georgia Forestry Commission will evaluate the site before funding (80% of the cost) is released to the landowner. - Information and Application
Click here to find more information on the program from GFC. Click here to download an application for funding.
Forest Access Road and Firebreak Restoration Project
- Qualifications
Forest landowners impacted by Hurricane Michael in the designated 28-county disaster area* - Program Details
Provides for the clearing of forest debris from existing firebreaks and roads at no cost to the landowner by the Georgia Forestry Commission. The project is designed to create a more manageable situation should wildfires become prevalent in the region. Eligible tracts must have had existing tree cover containing forest roads and established firebreaks immediately prior to the storm’s arrival. For this program, the Georgia Forestry Commission will execute the debris clean up from pre-existing firebreaks and forest roads for each eligible landowner. - Information and Application
Click here for more information on the program from GFC. Click here to download an application for funding.
*28-County Disaster Area officially includes: Baker, Bleckley, Brooks, Calhoun, Clay, Colquitt, Crisp, Decatur, Dodge, Dooley, Dougherty, Early, Grady, Laurens, Lee, Lowndes, Miller, Mitchell, Pulaski, Randolph, Seminole, Sumter, Terrell, Thomas, Tift, Turner, Wilcox and Worth.
Questions?
For the Forest Debris Management Program, contact:
Scott Griffin
770-530-3929
sgriffin@gfc.state.ga.us
For the Forest Access Road and Firebreak Restoration Project, contact:
Frank Sorrels
(478) 751-3490
fsorrels@gfc.state.ga.us