The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency announced Wednesday that Bartholomew County is now accepting applications to restore private forest lands that were impacted by a tornado on May 16.
The Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP) provides financial and technical assistance to help owners restore forest land, which in turn provides shelter for wildlife, nutrients for soil and protect natural water supplies.
To meet eligibility requirements, the land must have had existing tree cover immediately before the natural disaster and must be a sustainable location for tree growth.
“The Farm Service Agency can help landowners recover from natural disasters that impacted your operation,” said CED Janice Acree, FSA County Executive Director for Bartholomew County. “Forest landowners who have trees impacted should call our office before beginning any restoration activities. Eligible landowners who have not previously participated in FSA programs will have to contact their local office to establish farm records.”
Signups for the program began on Monday and end on Aug. 22. Applicants will receive a maximum of $500,000 per natural disaster event to restore forest land. Funds are only reimbursed to landowners after restoration efforts have been completed to the standards of the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. To receive funds, applicants must keep all records of costs including personal labor costs.
For more information, applicants can contact the Bartholomew County FSA office at (812)378-1280 or visit farmers.gov/protection-recovery.
