The Texas A&M University System, Texas A&M Forest Service

Amount Appropriated?

$500,000

FFID tracks stages 1–2 — stages 3–5 vary by agency, assistance type, and earmark structure.

Project Description

Stand Ready Texas (SRT) is an interdisciplinary approach to working with communities at highest risk from Southern Plains Wildfire Outbreaks (SPWO). From 2005 through 2018 there were 28 SPWO events that resulted in 2,754 fires that burned 3.9 million acres, caused the deaths of 27 civilians, one volunteer firefighter and destroyed 763 homes. An additional 12,328 homes were directly threatened and saved by the efforts of firefighters. The primary objectives of Stand Ready Texas include:\n1)\tProtect communities at highest risk for wildfires\n2)\tIncrease resiliency of natural resources and threatened landscapes\n3)\tBuild capacity to support community planning efforts\n4)\tProvide recognition for community success\nIn District 11, the market value of agricultural products sold is $1,239,636,000 with more than 65% of that from livestock and the other 35% in crops. Pastureland is the main source of feed for livestock. If communities and producers are not prepared against wildfires, there could be major losses that not only impacts one\u2019s livelihood but threatens the agriculture supply chain. When agriculture is threatened with disruptions, this can impact food security and national security. \nThere is also critical infrastructure such as windfarms, research facilities, and utilities that if threatened by wildfire, may significantly impact the safety of Texans. By acting prior to a wildfire event, these values at risk will be better protected from fire.\nStand Ready Texas addresses community protection goals described in the Texas A&M Forest Service Strategic Plan, 2020 Texas Forest Action Plan, USFS Southeast Regional Action Plan, Southern Group of State Foresters Implementation Plan and National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy. Specifically, this grant meets the 3 primary goals of the National Cohesive Strategy: creating fire adapted communities, restoring, and maintaining fire resilient landscapes, and improving safe and effective wildfire response.