Washington, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Kevin Brady (R-The Woodlands) today announced that sign-up for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Emergency Forestry Conservation Reserve Program resumes August 6, 2007.  The program helps landowners and operators restore and enhance the approximate 5.6 million acres of forestland damaged by the hurricanes of 2005.

            “This federal partnership from the Department of Agriculture will give Texas landowners the opportunity to continue recovery of timber losses due to destruction caused by Hurricane Rita,” said Brady.  “Nearly two years later, our forests are still in need of restoration.  Every bit of relief will help.”

            Trees planted under this program help reduce flood effects, protect water sources, decrease soil erosion and improve wildlife habitat.  To be eligible, a producer must have experienced at least a 35 percent loss to merchantable timber on private non-industrial forestland.  The loss must relate directly to one of the calendar year 2005 hurricanes – including Hurricane Rita.

            Landowners and operators may receive a maximum of the equivalent of $50,000 per "person" per year in benefits.  Those interested can contact their local Farm Service Agency (FSA) office, which will accept offers for enrollment in the Emergency Forestry Conservation Reserve Program from producers starting August 6, 2007, and ending December 31, 2007. 

            A fact sheet with additional program information is available online at http://www.fsa.usda.gov; click on Disaster Assistance.