bigrus

North Dakota landowners who lost tree windbreaks in wildfires may be able to get help replacing them, state agency says – InForum

Harry November 8, 2024

TIOGA, ND — A North Dakota Forest Service program may help residents repair tree windbreaks destroyed last month.

According to a news release, officials approved the use of Outdoor Heritage Fund money for the Windbreak Renovation Initiative; so Forest Service personnel can work with residents to rebuild windbreaks damaged during early October fires in northwestern North Dakota.

Matt Olson, Forest Service forest management manager, said the program could use up to $900,000.

“These windbreaks are in real trouble,” he said. “There are a lot of people in bad shape. … Some have lost their entire windbreaks.”

Olson said the program was created to help replace failing windbreaks in North Dakota. Windbreaks can last decades before wind damage begins to wear them down, he said.

This is the fourth round of the grant.

Olson said windbreaks provide protection for farms, especially during the winter months. Winds are strong in winter and blow snow around, sometimes blocking roads.

Having windbreaks can prevent snow from accumulating in the yard, he said. They can also help reduce heating costs and protect livestock, he said.

The Forest Service said windbreaks help control erosion and provide a natural habitat for wildlife. He noted that they improve the health of rural communities and farmland.

“These windbreaks provide very important protection for people both in their yards and on the roads that take them out,” Olson said.

He said the Forest Service has received requests for assistance in replacing windbreaks destroyed by fires. The largest fires near Tioga, Ray, Watford City and Mandaree destroyed nearly 120,000 acres.

Flames burn the side of a hill near Watford City, North Dakota, on Sunday, October 6, 2024

It is unknown how many trees the fires destroyed. The North Dakota Department of Emergency Services determines the cost of damage caused by fires.

Olson said expanding the program is a way for the Forest Service to help fire victims in their time of need.

“We looked at the program with new eyes and said, if this Outdoor Heritage Fund doesn’t mind us switching gears, let’s use this program to help some of these people,” he said. in question.

Olson said landowners can apply for grants that will cover 75% of the costs. He said Forest Service personnel will visit the property, assess the damage, discuss options with landowners and work on a plan to replace wind-blocking trees.

The assessment is free, the Forest Service said.

Although the initiative has had deadlines in the past, Olson said there is no deadline to apply because fire victims are likely dealing with more pressing issues.

“There are a lot of different people with a lot of different priorities right now,” he said. “There are some people who are just trying to make hay. There are some people who have miles of fences that need repairing.