Farmers and private timber owners in Marion County who sustained damage in the April 19 tornado may be eligible for federal help.
The Marion County Farm Service Agency announced two programs are available.
The Emergency Forestry Restoration Program aids owners of non-industrial, private forest land in the Hurricane Creek and Spring Cottage to Pine Burr communities if they were along the tornado's path and had damage that was "so severe that if untreated would either impair or endanger the natural resources on the land or materially affect the use of the land."
Acreage in commercial timber production is not included.
Landowners can receive up to 75% of the costs of restoring their property, including for things like debris removal, site preparation and replanting trees. Salvage value will be reduced from the cost share amount, and the land must be replanted to be eligible.
Also, the Emergency Conservation Program would support commercial agricultural operations that had severe damage to fences and much debris in their fields from the tornado. If they meet criteria, farmers could get up to 75% of the repair costs.
Both programs have a 30-day signup period that began May 1 and goes through May 30. Call the Marion County FSA Office at (601) 731-5400 for more information.
The E-4 tornado that hit southern Marion County communities on March 19 killed one and destroyed more than 20 homes, along with damaging scores of others.
Pictured Above: Damage is seen from the April 19 tornado in Marion County. Two programs through the Farm Service Agency can help with repairs for some. | Photo by Susan Amundson
