N.C. Forest Service - Timber Loss Relief Program

Program Overview

The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services was awarded a U.S. Department of Agriculture block grant to support Hurricane Helene recovery. Part of these disaster recovery funds will be administered by the N.C. Forest Service through a new Timber Loss Relief Program (TLRP). TLRP funds will be used to partially compensate eligible woodland owners for the value of timber loss as a result of Hurricane Helene. 

Notable Eligibility Criteria

The TLRP category of the block grant covers eligible timber owners in the 39 federally declared disaster counties due to Hurricane Helene. A map highlighting these counties is provided below. To qualify for the program, landowners must own at least 10 contiguous acres of Helene-impacted timber that sustained moderate or greater levels of storm damage.

Landowner Application Period

The TLRP will begin accepting landowner applications April 20, 2026, and will remain open for a two-month period, until June 12, 2026. TLRP timber damage assessment reports associated with a landowner’s TLRP application will need to be submitted by July 10, 2026.

To begin the application process, landowners should contact their local N.C. Forest Service county ranger’s office. If staff are unavailable in that office, the N.C. Forest Service district offices overseeing county offices can be contacted. Contact information is available online.

Program Details

The frequently asked questions document provides answers to many of the questions woodland owners will have regarding the TLRP. Landowners are encouraged to review the FAQ document and the TLRP landowner application form. Then, they can then coordinate with their local N.C. Forest Service county ranger’s office to begin the application process.

Assistance with Completing the Timber Damage Assessment Report

The FAQ document outlines the TLRP timber damage assessment report that needs to be submitted for each landowner application. This timber damage assessment report will document timber loss damage, and help calculate and justify potential TLRP payments made to landowners.

Refer to the links below for lists of private foresters who may be able to function as service providers, assisting landowners with completion and submission of the required TLRP timber damage assessment report. The TLRP does have technical assistance funds that can be requested by the assisting registered, licensed and/or Society of American Foresters-certified forester before work is done. These funds may be used to pay these foresters for completion and submission of the timber damage assessment report associated with a landowner’s TLRP application.