Tx A&M Forest Service

Welding Operations Spark Wildfires

August 14, 2019 San Angelo, Texas — Over the last 14 days in West Texas, temperatures climbed over 100 degrees and the last significant rain occurred in June, resulting in dry conditions ripe for wildfire ignition. Local fire departments responded to multiple fires sparked by welding in the last week.

Texas A&M Forest Service reminds everyone to be aware of the increased wildfire potential while using welding equipment and encourages preventative measures and maintenance to avoid ignitions.

Wild Fires Sparked by Outdoor Equipment Can Be Prevented

August 12, 2019 - Texas A&M Forest Service and local fire departments remind people operating equipment outdoors to be aware of current conditions to help reduce wildfires.

Over the past week, Texas A&M Forest Service firefighters responded to six wildfires ignited by equipment use. 

Equipment use continues to be a major cause of wildfires. Each year, people using chainsaws, weed eaters, lawn mowers, welders, grinders, bulldozers, farm harvesting equipment, off-road vehicles and other equipment that generate sparks, start numerous fires.

Texas A&M Forest Service Issues Safety Tips for Fourth of July Holiday

July 2, 2019 – As Texans make plans to celebrate the Fourth of July with picnics, parades, grilling a favorite dish or using fireworks, Texas A&M Forest Service encourages everyone to be careful with outdoor activities that may cause a spark. 

Approximately 90 percent of wildfires are caused by humans and their activities, and Independence Day is one of the top days for reported wildfires. Recent rains have reduced some of the potential for wildfires across much of the state, but it is still important to be careful when it comes to wildfire prevention.

Western Gulf Forest Tree Improvement Program Commemorates 50 Years

May 16, 2019 - This year marks 50 years since the Western Gulf Forest Tree Improvement Program (WGFTIP) was established in 1969. The program formalized the collaborative tree improvement efforts led by Texas A&M Forest Service.

Tree improvement supports research in forest genetics, selection, breeding and testing, and technology transfer for the long-range regeneration of our forests. Over the past 50 years, WGFTIP has contributed research to the forest industry and has positively impacted forest health and the economy.

Suspect Pleads Guilty to Second Degree Felony Timber Theft in Cherokee County

May 10, 2019 College Station – A suspected timber thief plead guilty this week to a Second Degree Felony of Unauthorized Harvesting of Timber valued between $100,000 and $200,000. 

Thomas Curtis Fields, 49, of Frankston, Texas, harvested timber on private property near Jacksonville, Texas in Cherokee County without the landowner’s knowledge or permission.

“Unfortunately there are criminals out there who take advantage of landowners and steal valuable timber without the landowner’s knowledge,” said Texas A&M Forest Service Investigator Colton Covington.

Texas A&M Forest Service Law Enforcement Investigators Help Protect Against Timber Theft

April 26, 2019 - The theft of timber is a serious crime in Texas. Each year, Texas A&M Forest Service investigators receive theft complaints from landowners that total over one million dollars.

Theft of timber is not only costly for victims, it can also destroy generations of careful forest stewardship and cause irreparable environmental damage.

Urban Forests Contribute Significant Capital to Texas Economy

April 25, 2019 - Many of us appreciate urban trees for the aesthetic appeal they bring to our communities, neighborhoods and properties. Urban forests make up a vital part of Texas’ natural resources, providing aesthetic, recreational, health and environmental benefits.

Urban forests also provide significant economic benefits which haven’t been well-studied, such as job creation for arborists, nursery operators and urban foresters. Texas A&M Forest Service released the summary report “Economic Impact of Urban Forests in Texas” after analyzing data on:

Texas Forest Service BMP Implementation Monitoring Update

April 11, 2019 Lufkin – Every three years, Texas A&M Forest Service conducts Best Management Practices (BMP) implementation monitoring on randomly-selected forested tracts across East Texas. For each round of monitoring, foresters evaluate 150 tracts on which silvicultural activities occurred. This program of monitoring non-regulatory forestry BMPs in East Texas is funded by Clean Water Act Section 319(h) grants from the Environmental Protection Agency through the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board.

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