MONTGOMERY– Private forest landowners have a short window to seek pine beetle prevention assistance that could help pay for thinning overcrowded stands.

Applications for Alabama’s 2026 Southern Pine Beetle Prevention Program are due Thursday, October 22, at 5 p.m., according to an October 15 report by Calhoun Journal.

The Alabama Forestry Commission’s current application guidelines confirm reimbursement rates of $100 per acre for qualifying commercial thinning and $300 per acre for qualifying noncommercial thinning. The maximum reimbursement is $10,000 per landowner.

However, landowners must receive approval before doing the work. The program will not reimburse thinning completed before approval.

Assistance Focuses on Prevention

The program serves eligible non-industrial private forest landowners with qualifying loblolly or shortleaf pine stands. Funding comes through temporary grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service.

Its purpose is to improve forest health and reduce vulnerability to southern pine beetle attacks. However, the assistance does not cover individual tree removal or remediation.

For example, a problem pine beside a house does not qualify simply because the owner wants it removed.

The commission’s pine bark beetle guidance identifies crowded growing conditions and tree stress among the factors that can leave pines vulnerable. It also emphasizes maintaining healthy, vigorous trees as a prevention strategy.

Which Pine Stands Qualify?

For commercial thinning, the current guidelines specify stands between 12 and 22 years old. Average tree diameter at breast height should range from 7 to 16 inches.

Foresters also evaluate stand density and the conditions remaining after thinning. Commercial enrollment is limited to 100 acres per landowner.

Meanwhile, noncommercial thinning targets excessively overcrowded stands whose trees are not yet merchantable. An AFC forester determines the appropriate remaining density during a field visit.

Because eligibility depends on the stand, landowners should review the complete guidelines before arranging work.

How to Apply

Applicants can use the commission’s Landowner Assistance Application Portal and select “2026 Alabama Southern Pine Beetle Prevention Program.” A free Submittable account or an available sign-in option is required.

AFC staff will review applications and evaluate eligible sites. Afterward, the local office will contact qualifying landowners with further instructions.

However, submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance.

Approved participants must also register their W-9 information through Alabama’s STAARS Vendor Self Service system. The commission cannot issue reimbursement until the vendor account is complete.

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