DNR announces grants available to Mat-Su landowners for tree removal

The Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection (DOF) announced on February 23 that grant funding is now available to help homeowners in the Mat-Su Borough reduce wildfire risk by removing spruce trees from within 100 feet of structures.

Landowners with at least 2 acres are eligible for partial reimbursement of up to $2,500 after trees have been removed. A limited number of grants are available, and the work must be completed by April 15, 2024 to be eligible for reimbursement.

“We want to partner with Alaskans to protect their homes from wildfire,” said Cooperative Forestry Manager & Forest Planner Trevor DoBell-Carlsson. “The recent spruce beetle outbreak in Southcentral Alaska significantly impacted the Mat-Su Borough. These funds will help motivate landowners to make their properties safer and reimburse their efforts in cleaning up hazard trees.”

The reimbursement will be paid per tree and set up as a 50% cost share with each landowner, up to $2,500. A total of $86,000 in tree removal grants is available. Spruce trees identified as eligible for this funding must be cut and processed, or hauled to Borough disposal sites.

Mat-Su landowners interested in applying should visit www.forestry.alaska.gov/stewardship/index. They can also contact DOF by phone (907-269-8667) or email (trevor.dobell@alaska.gov) to set up a site evaluation with a forester.