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Next Review Date: None
Last Review Cycle: 2010-2011 Review Cycle - 82nd Legislative Session
Sunset Documents for 2010-2011 Review Cycle, 82nd Legislative Session
Summary of Results (Jul 2011)
Final Report (Jul 2011)
Texas Forest Service Response to CCG Report (Mar 2011)
Self-Evaluation Report (Oct 2009)
Legislative Documents
Senate Bill 646 (May 2011)
Final Results of Last Sunset Review
Created in 1915 as part of the Texas A&M University System, the Texas Forest Service assists landowners and communities with the management and protection of forests and trees. Originally focusing on the forests of East Texas, the Forest Service has established a statewide presence over the last 20 years, especially in its wildfire prevention and suppression role. To accomplish its mission, the Forest Service provides personnel and grant funding to help volunteer firefighters suppress wildfires; responds to other incidents such as hurricanes and floods and trains teams of local emergency response staff; and helps landowners and communities with sustainable forestry practices.
Senate Bill 646 continues the Texas Forest Service for 12 years and contains all of the Sunset Commission’s recommendations to improve the agency’s wildfire planning, protection, and response roles. A discussion of the bill’s major provisions follows.
- Continue the Texas Forest Service for 12 years.
- Grant the Texas Forest Service clear authority for its wildfire response and planning role.
- Update the Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program to better serve the Texas Forest Service’s strategic wildfire protection goals.
- Update Texas Forest Service statute to be gender-neutral.