What Is the EFRP? How We Applied After Hurricane Helene
by Erika Rogers
When Hurricane Helene moved through the Southeast in late September 2024, it caused widespread damage across many rural properties. The storm made landfall on September 26, 2024, and as it pushed inland it brought strong winds and heavy rain to our area.
Our property includes about 250 acres with a mix of planted pine stands, hardwood forest, open fields, along Stevens Creek and several smaller creeks that run throughout the land. After the storm passed, we began walking sections of the property to assess potential damage to the wooded areas.
With a property this size, it takes time to really understand the impact of a storm. Some areas may appear fine at first glance, while others require a closer look to identify downed trees or damage within the forest stands.
A Forester Visit That Led to an Unexpected Program
As part of evaluating the storm damage, I had a forester come out to walk the property with me and help determine the condition of the timber. My original goal was simply to document any damage for potential tax purposes.
During that visit, he mentioned a program I hadn’t previously heard about the Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP).
The program is offered through the Farm Service Agency (FSA), which operates under the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). It is designed to help private forest landowners restore forest areas that have been damaged by natural disasters.
Downed trees after Helene
Just Making the Deadline
After learning about EFRP, I quickly realized there was an application deadline approaching. I worked to gather the necessary documentation and managed to submit everything to our local FSA office just in time.
Anyone who has dealt with government paperwork knows it can take time to gather the required documents, so I was grateful to be able to get everything submitted before the deadline.
What Happens After You Apply
Once an application is submitted, the next step is a visit from someone through the Farm Service Agency who comes out to the property to evaluate the storm damage.
During this assessment they look at things like:
Downed or damaged trees
Areas where forest stands were significantly impacted
Roadways or trails that may be blocked by fallen trees
Debris that needs to be removed to restore access and forest health
This visit helps determine the extent of the damage and what types of restoration work may qualify under the program.
Cost-Share Assistance for Cleanup
If the damage qualifies, the Emergency Forest Restoration Program may provide cost-share assistance for the cleanup and restoration work.
This can include removing damaged trees or cutting them in place so the area can safely recover.
Landowners can document their cleanup work in a couple of ways:
Submitting receipts if contractors or equipment are hired
Providing a worksheet documenting the hours personally spent cleaning up damaged areas
This flexibility allows landowners to complete the work themselves if they choose. Our cost-share was up to 75% of the clean up cost.
Two Years to Complete the Work
One aspect of the program that is particularly helpful is the timeline. In our case, we have two years to complete the cleanup and restoration work related to the storm damage.
For larger properties, this makes a big difference. Assessing the land, planning cleanup, and safely working through wooded areas is a process that takes time.
Sharing the Information for Other Landowners
Before this experience, I had never heard of the Emergency Forest Restoration Program. It was only through a conversation with our forester that I learned the program existed.
If you are a landowner whose forest land was impacted by a natural disaster, it may be worth reaching out to your local Farm Service Agency office to learn more about programs that may be available.
Storms are part of life in the Southeast, but programs like this can help landowners restore damaged forests and continue caring for the land for years to come.
For the most up-to-date information about eligibility and application requirements, check the USDA FSA Emergency Forest Restoration Program page ➜