Hurricane recovery would not be possible without chainsaws, and thanks to Jerry Pate Company, Jerry Pate Design and Mark DeShetler with Florida Outdoor Equipment, Florida Forest Service teams now have 64 additional chainsaws and power fuel – at no cost – to help them assist Floridians by clearing debris. [Read more…] about Pro-Golfer Jerry Pate and Mark DeShetler Donate 64 Chainsaws to Florida Forest Service for Hurricane Relief Efforts
Florida Forest Service
Florida Forest Service Provides Safety Tips for Burning Hurricane Debris and Yard Waste
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam and the Florida Forest Service, a division of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, urge the public to exercise extreme caution when burning hurricane debris and yard waste in the wake of Hurricane Michael. Large amounts of flammable building debris and millions of acres of dead trees and shrubs throughout the Florida Panhandle create ideal conditions for wildfires. [Read more…] about Florida Forest Service Provides Safety Tips for Burning Hurricane Debris and Yard Waste
Blackwater River State Forest Expands by 800 Acres
Thanks to funding from the U.S. Forest Service and the U.S. Navy, Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam announced today that the Blackwater River State Forest will expand by 800 acres due to the acquisition of the Florida Forever Project Area Wolfe Creek Forest. [Read more…] about Blackwater River State Forest Expands by 800 Acres
Florida Forest Service Now Accepting Urban and Community Forestry Grant Applications
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services today announced that the Florida Forest Service is accepting applications for the 2018 Urban and Community Forestry grant program. The program provides funding to local governments, educational institutions, Native American tribal governments and nonprofit groups for urban forestry projects within their communities.
“As we prepare to assist our neighbors already facing a potentially devastating hurricane season, I urge our cities and counties to take advantage of this grant opportunity to more actively manage urban forests,” said Florida Forest Service Director Jim Karels.
The Urban and Community Forestry grant program is part of Florida’s ongoing initiative to increase and protect existing tree canopies in developed areas. The program is offered for projects implemented on public lands in all Florida counties. This year, the program will focus on promoting storm preparedness and storm recovery assistance. Qualified participants may apply for up to $30,000 in matching grant funds. Program participant projects include:
- Public tree inventory or assessment;
- Community storm preparedness planning;
- Storm preparedness information and education; and
- Replacement of urban canopy due to storms.
The Florida Forest Service will accept applications until Nov. 13, 2018. To submit a proposal or to learn more, contact your local Florida Forest Service county forester or visit the Florida Urban and Community Forestry grant program webpage. All qualifying applications will be evaluated and ranked for approval.
The Florida Forest Service, a division of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, manages more than one million acres of public forest land while protecting homes, forestland and natural resources from the devastating effects of wildfire on more than 26 million acres. To learn more about Florida Forest Service programs, visit FloridaForestService.com.
For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FreshFromFlorida.com.
Florida Forest Service Deploys 20 Additional Firefighters to Help Battle Western Wildfires
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam announced that 20 Florida Forest Service firefighters are deploying to Oregon to help battle wildfires, bringing the total number of Florida Forest Service personnel currently deployed across the country to 132. This year, the Florida Forest Service has deployed 382 individuals to help battle wildfires across the country. [Read more…] about Florida Forest Service Deploys 20 Additional Firefighters to Help Battle Western Wildfires
Governor and Cabinet Recognize Florida Forest Service Employee as Natural Resource Manager of the Year
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam, his fellow Cabinet members and Governor Scott today presented Keith Mousel of the Florida Forest Service with the Resource Manager of the Year award for his outstanding leadership and dedication to protecting Florida’s natural resources. Since 1988, Mousel has worked diligently to conserve native state lands with prescribed fire, to improve recreational activities in state forests, and to maintain natural habitats by controlling invasive species. [Read more…] about Governor and Cabinet Recognize Florida Forest Service Employee as Natural Resource Manager of the Year
Florida Forest Service to Host Operation Outdoor Freedom Purple Heart Day Event, Tract Dedication
MEDIA ADVISORY
The Florida Forest Service will host a Purple Heart Day event for Purple Heart recipients and their families in recognition of Purple Heart Day tomorrow. To honor these heroes, the 4,500-acre Prairie Tract on the Lake Wales Ridge State Forest will be dedicated as a Purple Heart Tract. [Read more…] about Florida Forest Service to Host Operation Outdoor Freedom Purple Heart Day Event, Tract Dedication
Florida Forest Service Sends 20 Firefighters to Help Suppress Wildfire in Sierra National Forest
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam announced today that the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Florida Forest Service has deployed a Type 2 Initial Attack Hand-Crew of 20 firefighters to help suppress the Ferguson Fire on the Sierra National Forest in California. The 36,500-acre wildfire began on July 13. [Read more…] about Florida Forest Service Sends 20 Firefighters to Help Suppress Wildfire in Sierra National Forest
Commissioner Adam Putnam Announces Cause of Eastpoint Wildfire
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam today announced that, following an investigation led by his Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement, a prescribed burn conducted by Wildland Fire Services, Inc. on behalf of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission caused the wildfire in Eastpoint, which burned more than 800 acres and destroyed 36 homes. [Read more…] about Commissioner Adam Putnam Announces Cause of Eastpoint Wildfire
Commissioner Adam Putnam Provides Update on Franklin County Wildfire
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam issued the following update on the Lime Rock Road Fire in Franklin County:
Lime Rock Road Fire (Franklin County):
- Approximately 950 acres and 80 percent contained.
- Approximately 38 structures destroyed. Law enforcement officers with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services as well as the State Fire Marshall’s office will assess structure loss and damage today.
- Approximately 25 Florida Forest Service personnel are on scene with 7 dozers and 5 engines.
- The cause of the wildfire is under investigation.
“My thoughts and prayers go out to the families impacted by this devastating wildfire as well as the entire Franklin County community. First responders from across the region sprang into action and rushed to the scene of this fast-moving wildfire, helping to prevent even more destruction. Florida has a year-round wildfire season, and I encourage Floridians to be vigilant,” said Commissioner Adam Putnam.
The Florida Forest Service urges residents to be cautious with fire and heat sources and to remember the following:
- Develop and implement a family wildfire action plan;
- Call 911 or a local Florida Forest Service field unit office immediately in the event of a wildfire;
- Obey Florida’s outdoor burning laws;
- Never burn on windy days;
- Always keep a water source and suppression tools on hand when burning yard debris;
- Never leave an outdoor fire or hot grill unattended; and
- Avoid parking vehicles on dry grass.
The Florida Forest Service, a division of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, manages more than 1 million acres of state forests and provides forest management assistance on more than 17 million acres of private and community forests. The Florida Forest Service is also responsible for protecting homes, forestland and natural resources from the devastating effects of wildfire on more than 26 million acres. Learn more at FloridaForestService.com.
For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FreshFromFlorida.com.
