Plan targets forest health wildfire risk and rural development
To strengthen U.S. Forest health and support rural economies, the USDA has launched a $200 million initiative under its National Active Forest Management Strategy.
This major investment is part of a broader effort to increase domestic timber supply, support jobs, and make forests more resilient.
This initiative supports President Executive Order to expand timber production. It aims to remove regulatory barriers, streamline approvals, and promote long-term contracts that ensure consistent access to timber resources.
The Forest Service is tasked with increasing national forest timber harvests by 25%, targeting 4 billion board feet annually by 2028.
“President Trump is committed to cutting red tape, rolling back burdensome regulations and unleashing the potential of America’s abundant natural resources. We are doing just that at USDA with this announcement to invest in timber production. This is a win for consumers who will see better prices with American grown products, and a win for forest management which will help keep our forests safer and reduce wildfire risk,” said Secretary Rollins.
The investment will enhance collaborative efforts using the Good Neighbor Authority, enabling federal and state partnerships to manage forest lands and expand forest restoration projects. These efforts improve forest health and reduce the risk of wildfires.
The strategy also promotes innovative wood products such as cross-laminated timber, known for its strength and usefulness in commercial construction.
Additionally, it creates opportunities for the use of timber byproducts in biomass energy, including wood pellets and renewable fuels.
By expanding domestic timber harvesting and processing, this investment reduces reliance on foreign wood imports and helps stabilize market prices. It supports rural communities by creating jobs in logging, sawmills, construction, and renewable energy sectors.
The USDA’s approach combines forest conservation with economic development, ensuring the sustainable use of natural resources while enhancing the quality of life in rural America.