Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP)

The Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP) is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture through its Farm Service Agency. It is designed to provide financial assistance to eligible owners of nonindustrial private forestland whose trees and related forest resources have been damaged by natural disasters. The goal of the program is to support forest restoration measures that safeguard soil, water, wildlife habitats, and the long-term usability of forest lands. By offering cost-sharing payments, EFRP helps private landowners address severe conservation problems that result from disasters such as storms, floods, and other qualifying natural events. The program is managed at the local level by FSA County Committees, which inspect damaged land and determine whether it meets eligibility standards. In the case of disasters caused by drought or insect infestations, national-level FSA approval is required for implementation. Eligible land must have had existing tree cover prior to the disaster or be suitable for replanting trees. Only nonindustrial private forest landowners, whether individuals, associations, corporations, or private legal entities, are allowed to participate. EFRP cost-share assistance can cover up to 75 percent of approved restoration practices. These practices may include removing debris, site preparation, replanting, repairing forestland roads or fire lanes, installing erosion control structures, establishing fencing or tree shelters, and enhancing wildlife habitat. Payment limits are capped at $500,000 per person or entity per disaster. For amounts over $125,000, higher-level approval from state or national FSA committees is required. Program funding levels are determined by congressional appropriations, and sign-up periods are announced locally after qualifying disasters. Applications are submitted through local FSA offices. Producers must contact their county FSA office to learn about enrollment periods and the documentation required. Damage assessments are carried out through on-site inspections, and only damage that creates new conservation problems threatening natural resources or future land use is eligible. Restoration work must comply with FSA-approved standards and timelines. There is no recurring fixed annual deadline. Instead, enrollment is disaster-dependent and announced regionally after events occur. Thus, applications are considered active during designated sign-up windows. Participants are advised to remain in contact with their local FSA offices for updates. Information is also provided through the USDA disaster assistance portal. While the fact sheet and program overview provide essential guidelines, detailed terms and supplemental restrictions may apply. Landowners are encouraged to coordinate early with FSA staff to ensure compliance with technical requirements and to maximize the restoration potential of their forests. More information, including office locators and updates, is available at http://disaster.fsa.usda.gov or through http://offices.usda.gov.