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Flood Recovery Resources for Forest Economy Businesses and Landowners

In the aftermath of the severe storm and as Vermonters unite to aid in the recovery process, here are some valuable resources for forest economy businesses and landowners. Storm damage is widespread, and we are assessing conditions. 

July 2024 Flood Resources:  

FEMA Disaster Assistance for Vermont

FEMA has announced that federal disaster assistance is now available to support Vermont's recovery efforts following the severe storms, flooding, landslides, and mudslides that occurred from July 9-11, 2024. This federal aid is directed towards individuals and communities in Addison, Caledonia, Chittenden, Essex, Lamoille, Orange, Orleans, and Washington counties.

Business Assistance Loans:

  • The US Small Business Administration provides low-interest disaster loans to help businesses and homeowners recover from declared disasters. Loans are in two categories:
  • Physical Damage to Business: Loans of up to $2 million to qualified businesses or most private nonprofit organizations visit -
    • A Disaster Assistance Loan may be used for the repair or replacement of the real property, machinery, equipment, fixtures, inventory, leasehold improvements for losses not covered by insurance or funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
    • SBA Disaster Loans can also be used to cover business operating expenses that could have been met had the disaster not occurred
    • Eligibility: A business of any size or most private nonprofit organizations located in a declared disaster area and that incurred damage during the disaster is eligible.
    • For more information, visit https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance/physical-damage-loans or call 1-800-659-2955.
  • Economic (non-physical) Injury Disaster Loans: Eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, and most private nonprofit organizations and which have suffered substantial economic injury may be eligible for an SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL).

USDA Disaster Declaration:

  • USDA has approved Governor Phil Scott’s request for a Secretarial Disaster Designation for six Vermont counties in response to this July’s rain and flooding events. Caledonia, Essex, Orange, Chittenden, Lamoille and Washington counties were recognized as part of the declaration.
  • The USDA Disaster Declaration will enable non-industrial forest property owners to apply for financial support to restore damaged properties through the USDA Farm Service Agency’s Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP). The program provides a 75% cost share to property owners to cover costs associated with restoring forest lands where the damage from the storm event would either harm the natural resources on the land or significantly affect future land use if left in a damaged state. EFRP projects can include debris removal to help establish a new stand or provide for natural regeneration and forestland road repair or erosion control structures.
  • The signup period for the EFRP in response to the July 2024 floods has not yet been announced yet by the USDA Farm Service Agency, but this website will be updated with that information as soon as it is available. For general information about the EFRP, visit: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/disaster-assistance-program/emergency-forest-restoration/index

Business Emergency Assistance Program (BEGAP) 

  •  BEGAP is a grant program for businesses, nonprofits, landlords, and farms that suffered physical damage from flooding. It is available for properties damaged in 2023 and/or 2024
     
  • To learn more and apply, go to the BEGAP webpage 

  • 2024 BEGAP Funding: Applications are due November 15, 2024, for properties affected by the 2024 floods. Grants will cover 30% of net uncovered damages, up to $100,000. Preference will be given to Vermont-based operations, and 10% of funds have been set aside for Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color applicants. 

  • 2023 BEGAP Funding: Applications are due September 30, 2024, for properties affected by the 2023 floods that have not yet already received 2023 BEGAP funding. Grants will cover 30% of net uncovered damages, up to $50,000, and 20% of funds have been set aside for Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color applicants. 

  • Here is an article with a summary of the BEGAP program. 

Forestland Impacted: Farm Service Agency: Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP)

 

Reporting Damages

Those who also sustained losses should also report their damages to 211, on the Vermont 211 website or call 2-1-1. Note that there are different forms to complete for “personal” and for “business” damage. Reporting damage to 211 will help determine whether a certain county is eligible for federal FEMA resources.

Unemployment Benefits

Is your place of employment closed because of the flood? Are you unable to work or get to your job because of flooding?

If so, the Vermont Department of Labor says you should apply for unemployment benefits as soon as possible. Even if you are deemed ineligible, you may become eligible later if federal Disaster Unemployment Assistance benefits are authorized.

Trees and Flooding

Rebuilding Roads and Stream Crossings

If you are rebuilding forest roads and stream crosses, refer to the Acceptable Management Practices for Maintaining Water Quality on Logging Jobs. You can easily take it out in the field with you with the new AMP App. 

Additional Resources

Forest Economy Loss and Damage Survey - 2024

The Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation is requesting information from forest economy businesses and landowners to understand the overall impact of the flooding on July 10-11, 2024. This survey aims to document the type and extent of the damage experienced by the Vermont forest products sector and forest landowners. Survey data will be used to inform response efforts and advocate for future relief and recovery programs. The survey is now closed. View the Press Release. 

2023 Forest Economy Loss & Damage Survey Results

A survey of forest economy businesses was conducted between August 5 and August 28, 2023, to determine the nature and extent of the losses experienced by Vermont's forest products sector and forest economy. The survey received 98 responses with logging contractors reporting the highest losses. A summary of the survey responses and preliminary findings from the survey were shared with policymakers and partners to advocate for future relief and recovery programs. 

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