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We're tasked by the state with responding to wildfires. We study weather patterns, drought cycles and the status of vegetation across the state to predict when and where dangerous fire conditions may occur. Should a wildfire ignite, we maintain a statewide network of strategically-placed teams of firefighters and equipment so that we're able to respond quickly when the call comes.
Rural fire departments respond to 80 percent of wildfires in Texas - and they do it with shoestring budgets and almost entirely with volunteers. We help fire departments pay for needed training and equipment and help Texans learn how to prevent, prepare for and protect against wildfire.
With roughly 94 percent of forestland in Texas privately owned, the trees, forests—and the benefits they provide - rests in the hands of thousands of Texans. While keeping the entire state's forested landscape in mind, we inform and educate landowners on sustainable land management practices.
We work with communities to plant, care for and conserve trees. We empower local volunteers to make a positive impact in their communities. We are here to assist when disaster strikes with damage assessments, information, technical assistance and long-term recovery.
We analyze and monitor forests, landscapes and communities for susceptibility to health and wildfire risks. We take action with education, information, diagnosis and treatment. We know that any information we have is more powerful when we give it to you.
We can help quench your thirst for learning. Explore links to identify trees using their leaves and branches, create your own tree trails and experience Texas history from the perspective of a witness tree. Share activities in the classroom to open up a world of conservation for new generations.
Rural fire departments respond to 80 percent of the wildfires in Texas - and they do it with shoestring budgets and a staff often made up almost entirely of volunteers. Sometimes they need a little help. Our programs help fire departments pay for needed training and equipment. We also help communities and property owners learn to prevent, prepare for and protect against wildfire.
We work with communities to plant, care for and conserve trees where people live, work and play. We foster appreciation and stewardship of urban forests empowering local volunteers to make a positive impact in their communities. We are here to assist when disaster strikes. From damage assessment, to information and technical assistance, to long-term recovery - we help property owners and communities thrive.
Our experts research, analyze and carefully monitor forests, landscapes and communities for susceptibility to health and wildfire risks. We take action with education, information, diagnosis and treatment. We know that any information or knowledge we have is more powerful when we give it to you. As a state agency, our responsibility is share what we know.
If you have an unquenchable thirst for learning, we offer programs and information that you may either explore independently or share with a group. Learn about trees, forests, the benefits they provide and the challenges they face. Read stories about trees that are living witness to Texas history. Locate champion trees across the state. And bring activities into the classroom to open a world of conservation to a new generation.
+Landowner Assistance
+Forest Health
Vegetation Management
+Water Resources & BMPs
-Wildlife Management
+Forest Taxation
Forest Legacy
Windbreaks
+Prescribed Fires
Good wildlife management and good forest management often go hand in hand. Through the Forest Stewardship Program, Texas A&M Forest Service offers guidance to help landowners improve habitats for various wildlife species on their property.
Streamside Management Zones (PDF, 144KB), also called forest buffers, green strips or riparian zones, are forested areas adjacent to streams that are managed with specific attention to water resource protection. SMZs not only help protect water quality, but also provide excellent habitat and travel corridors for many wildlife species. Texas Forestry Best Management Practices (PDF,591KB) recommend a minimum width of 50 feet on both sides of intermittent and perennial streams, though if you are interested in wildlife management, you may consider extending this width to increase wildlife use.
Windbreaks are trees and shrubs systematically planted adjacent to fields, homesteads or feedlots as a barrier to reduce or redirect the wind. Windbreaks enhance aesthetics, increase land value, reduce soil erosion, protect buildings and equipment and establish wildlife habitat; and provide food and cover for wildlife. The TFS West Texas Nursery grows seedlings that are well-suited for use in wildlife and windbreak plantings.
Supplemental food plots are land areas where locally adapted annual and perennial plants are established for wildlife. These areas provide a highly nutritious food source and shelter during critical periods of the year, such as the dry summer months when plant growth slows. High protein supplemental forage is especially important for white-tail deer management.
The shape, size, location and percentage of the total land area of the plot being considered should be based on the requirements of the type of wildlife you would like to accommodate. If you are interested in wildlife management, you should plant at least 1 percent of your property in winter and summer food plots. Planting a variety of forage and excluding livestock from your supplemental food plots are great ways to help ensure plant survival.
Fertilizer can greatly improve forage quality in preferred plants such as honeysuckle, greenbriar and blackberry. Fertilized plants remain favorable and have higher nutrient levels longer into the summer than surrounding vegetation. Applying a balanced fertilizer in the spring and then ammonium nitrate or a high nitrogen fertilizer at 60-day intervals during the growing season often yields the best results.
The Natural Resources Conservation Service, Texas Agrilife Extension, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and local seed dealers can provide guidance on food plot mixtures suitable for your area, as well as local conditions. A soil test should be conducted prior to planting.
Wildlife Planting Guide (PDF, 227KB)
Texas Wildscapes is a habitat restoration and conservation plan for rural and urban areas. Landowners, homeowners and other Texas residents are able to support wildlife conservation by developing wildlife habitats where they live, work and play. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is an excellent source of information on wildlife management.
Come to the 2019 Tax Workshop!
In addition to fighting wildfires, Texas A&M Forest Service is called upon to assist during all-hazard emergencies such as natural and man-made disasters and domestic situations. Follow @AllHazardsTFS on Twitter for the latest updated on incidents across the state.
The Bastrop Lost Pines Recovery AggieREPLANT will take place on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2017. Over the past five years, 2,000 students have planted 43,000 loblolly pine seedlings over 50 acres of parkland.
Texas A&M Forest Service launches online tools to assist Texas landowners Texas A&M Forest Service launched the Learn Plan Act Texas website in partnership with the Southern Group of State Foresters and the Texas Forestry Association to educate Texans on land stewardship practices. The agency also redesigned its My Land Management Connector application in an effort to make stewardship easier than ever before.
Texas A&M AgriLife awards TFS forester for public service Texas A&M AgriLife has awarded Andrew Crocker, Staff Forester for Texas A&M Forest Service, the 2017 Vice Chancellor’s Award in Excellence for Pubic Service in Forestry.
Texas A&M AgriLife awards forester for public service Texas A&M AgriLife has awarded Joel Hambright, Regional Forester for Texas A&M Forest Service, the 2018 Vice Chancellor’s Award in Excellence for Public Service in Forestry.