If your timberland was damaged by Hurricane Helene, USDA’s Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP) can cover up to 75% of approved cleanup and replanting costs. The deadline to apply has been extended to August 2, 2025. DHE Contractors handles everything from assessment and FSA paperwork through fieldwork and reporting, so you pay only 25%.
Since 2015, we’ve restored hundreds of acres across Vidalia and surrounding areas, stepping up and supporting our local community after major weather events, like Hurricane Helene. Our local knowledge, specialized equipment, and efficient project management ensure your restoration meets EFRP requirements and passes FSA inspection. We guide you through the application, execute the work correctly, and support long-term success to protect your investment.
Don’t miss the August 2 deadline. Call us at 912-600-3478 or fill out the form below for a free EFRP consultation and quote. Let DHE Contractors maximize your cost-share and simplify your forest restoration.
Q: What is the Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP)?
A: EFRP is a USDA Farm Service Agency cost-share program for non-industrial private forest owners whose timberland is damaged by a qualifying natural disaster. It reimburses up to 75% of approved costs for cleanup, site prep, replanting, erosion control, and required inspections/documentation.
Q: Am I eligible for EFRP funding?
A: You must own non-industrial private forest land with existing tree cover that was harmed by a qualifying event. We perform an initial assessment and guide you to confirm eligibility with your local FSA office.
Q: What costs does EFRP cover, and what will I pay?
A: Approved practices—such as debris removal, site preparation, native tree planting, erosion control measures, and follow-up inspections—are covered up to 75%. You are responsible for the remaining 25% of those eligible expenses.
Q: How do I apply and what is the deadline?
A: DHE Contractors helps assemble documentation (photos, maps, cost estimates) and submits your EFRP application to the county FSA office. For Hurricane Helene damage, applications must be submitted by August 2, 2025; contact us early to meet this cutoff.
Q: What documentation is required for an EFRP application?
A: Items include proof of ownership, evidence of pre-disaster tree cover, photos/maps showing damage, and cost estimates for each restoration practice. DHE compiles and formats these materials per FSA guidelines to streamline approval.
Q: How long does the cleanup and replanting process take?
A: Timelines vary by acreage and damage severity. Debris removal and site prep may take days to weeks; replanting follows recommended planting windows. After our initial assessment, we provide a projected schedule and keep you updated throughout.
Q: Can DHE handle all aspects, including paperwork?
A: Yes. We manage the full process: initial consultation, FSA paperwork, fieldwork execution, follow-up reporting, and post-planting monitoring. You avoid administrative burden and reduce risk of disqualified costs.
Q: What if seedlings don’t survive?
A: We include follow-up visits to check survival rates. If counts fall below acceptable levels, we recommend replacement plantings and early invasive control measures to improve success.
Q: Are there additional services after restoration?
A: While core EFRP work focuses on cleanup and replanting, we offer optional forestry services—timber stand improvement, prescribed burning, habitat enhancements, and erosion mitigation—to support long-term health. These are arranged separately after initial recovery.
Q: How do you ensure my project meets FSA inspection and reimbursement requirements?
A: We document every step with photos, GPS-mapped boundaries, equipment logs, and detailed reports. We coordinate directly with your FSA county committee to verify that all practices align with program specs, minimizing risk of disallowed costs and delays in reimbursement.
Q: What if my property is remote or difficult to access?
A: We plan access routes or temporary trails as needed, grading or clearing them with proper drainage to safely mobilize equipment without harming sensitive areas.
Q: How soon should I contact DHE after a disaster?
A: As early as possible. Prompt action prevents further erosion, pest infestations, or degradation, and helps meet EFRP timelines and optimal planting conditions.
Q: How do I start?
A: Call us at 912-600-3478 or submit the contact form for a free consultation. We’ll schedule a site assessment, review damage, outline required steps for EFRP application, and provide an estimate so you can move forward before the deadline.
