Cogongrass Treatment Cost-Share Program Now Accepting Applications from Private Landowners

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	Contact: Aaron Keller
September 22, 2014	(850) 617-7737 Twitter: @FDACSNews
Cogongrass Treatment Cost-Share Program Now Accepting Applications from Private Landowners Applications Accepted Sept. 22, through Feb. 27, 2015 to Remove Invasive Plant Tallahassee, FL –The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services announced today that the Florida Forest Service is now accepting applications for the Cogongrass Treatment Cost-Share Program. “Invasive cogongrass spreads quickly and aggressively and can cause long-term problems if left untreated,” said State Forester Jim Karels. “In addition to reducing the productivity and value of forests and rangelands, it can greatly increase the risk and severity of wildfire.” Cogongrass is an invasive, non-native grass, which occurs in Florida and several other southeastern states. Cogongrass infestations negatively affect tree regeneration, growth and survival, as well as wildlife habitat, native plant diversity, forage quality and property values. They also increase the risk of wildfires and alter fire behavior. The Cogongrass Treatment Cost-Share Program is offered for non-industrial private lands in all Florida counties. It provides reimbursement of 50 percent of the cost to treat Cogongrass infestations for two consecutive years. Applicants who wish to conduct treatments in 2014 may apply from Sept. 22, 2014 through Oct. 3, 2014. Applicants who wish to conduct treatments in 2015 may apply from Oct. 6, 2014 through Feb. 27, 2015. To learn more about this program and obtain an application form, contact a local Florida Forest Service office or visit www.FloridaForestService.com. All qualifying applications will be evaluated and ranked for approval. This program is supported through a grant from the U.S. Forest Service. The Florida Forest Service manages more than 1 million acres of public forest land while protecting 26 million acres of homes, forestland and natural resources from the devastating effects of wildfire. For more information about the Florida Forest Service, go towww.FloridaForestService.com. For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit www.FreshFromFlorida.com.  ###

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