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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.
Forest Inventory & Analysis
-Forest Economics & Resources
Ecosystem Services
+Tree Improvement
Texas Wildfire Risk Portal
Texas Forest Info Portal
Texas Forest Info
+Maps and Data
Wood-based industries are extremely important to the Texas economy. These industries create thousands of jobs and generate billions of dollars in economic impact. Long-term value can be increased through the wise, efficient and sustainable use of wood and the effective marketing of Texas forest resources.
While Texas A&M Forest Service does not conduct formal research on wood products, our agency is actively engaged in identifying and promoting innovation and new technologies in support of ongoing and new forest-based economic development activities. Staff provide up-to-date information and assistance to Texas landowners, manufacturers, distributors and the public on topics related to the use of wood and the manufacturing and marketing of wood products.
DIRECTORY OF FOREST PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES IN TEXAS
The Directory of Forest Products Industries in Texas is now available online through an interactive application on TexasForestInfo.com. This application enables users to view primary (facilities that process logs) and secondary (facilities that process lumber, plywood into other products) manufacturing facilities using both spatial and text searches. Results are displayed on a map and can be exported to PDF or spreadsheet files.
When biomass is used as fuel, the usable heat energy obtained is dependent on a property called heat of combustion. Heat of combustion is the amount of heat that results from the complete combustion of the material. Values are commonly expressed in British thermal units per oven dry pound (Btu/OD lb.) of material. Table 1 shows the heat of combustion values for southern yellow pine, mesquite, Chinese tallow and juniper. Table 2 lists the heat of combustion values for 22 hardwood species commonly found in Texas.
Table 1. Heat of combustion (Btu/OD lb.) of pine1, mesquite2, Chinese tallow3 and juniper4.
Species
Tissue Type
Average
Range
Southern Yellow Pine
Mesquite (Prosopis sp.)
Wood
Bark
Heartwood
8600
8900
8657
8469-9079
Sapwood
8021
7907-8235
7836
7043-8176
Stem and leaves
8123
7846-8222
Chinese tallow
(Sapium sebiferum (Roxb.))
7586
7226-7835
Juniper (Juniperus spp.)5
Mixed6
88497
Table 2. Heat of combustion (Btu/OD lb.) of twenty-two hardwood species1.
Species2
Stem
Branch
Green ash
7695
7472
7727
7606
White ash
8033
8013
7816
American elm
7770
6840
7857
6904
Winged elm
7917
7019
7869
6889
Hackberry
7882
7147
7867
7141
Hickory
8183
7931
7259
Red maple
7846
7595
7829
7384
Black oak
7680
7642
7692
7847
Blackjack oak
7739
7766
7907
Cherrybark oak
7848
7582
7737
7655
Laurel oak
7828
7897
7653
7806
Northern red oak
7791
7879
7776
7926
Post oak
7889
7191
7845
7728
Scarlet oak
7798
8041
7673
7894
Shumard oak
7789
7970
7745
7913
Southern red oak
7919
7983
7839
Water oak
7876
7930
7833
7918
White oak
7676
7328
7507
7574
Sweetbay
7736
7822
7802
7886
Sweetgum
7667
7200
7690
7214
Black tupelo
7788
7814
8176
Yellow-poplar
7774
7696
7811
7666
Pallets are a standard-sized platform box open on two or four ends on which goods may be stacked. The open ends allow the entry of the blades (forks) of a forklift so that the load can be raised and moved about easily. The following links discuss Pallet Constructions and Designs and Pallet Stowing Patterns in a Container with figures showing different configurations and stowing patterns.
Phytosanitation
For export, all new and used Non-Manufactured Wood Packing used in pallets, crates or boxes must be:
Phytosanitary measures reduce the risk of introduction and/or spread of quarantined pests. Data collected by TFS indicates phytosanitation (heat or fumigation) adds approximately $1 per pallet for treatment, though exporters currently don’t have plans to switch to plastic or steel based shipping products.
The biggest advantage of fumigation is that it can be done anywhere, even after a load is on a pallet. Fumigation should be performed by a licensed fumigator, which can be found at most port cities.
Energy or heat will kill insects when the temperature is increased above 130ºF. The efficiency of heat treatment is based on energy, humidity and air circulation.
Heat Sterilization of Hardwood Pallets and Pallet MaterialsInternational Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM15)USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Plant Protection and Quarantine, Wood Packaging MaterialsHeating Times for Round and Rectangular Cross Sections of Wood in Steam (FPL-GTR-130)
Resource Analysis Publications
Wood Technology and Utilization FAQs
Organizations
Dr. Edward F. DougalWood Utilization and Marketing Specialist PO Box 310Lufkin, TX 75902936-639-8180 office936-639-8185 faxedougal@tfs.tamu.edu
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.