By Jamie Martin
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a $200 million investment to expand timber production and strengthen rural communities.
The funding will support the Forest Service’s National Active Forest Management Strategy, aiming to improve forest health, increase wood supply, and reduce wildfire risk.
This investment follows President Executive Order to boost domestic timber production. The strategy focuses on cutting unnecessary regulations, speeding up project approvals, and using long-term contracts to ensure a steady supply of wood products. The goal is to harvest 4 billion board feet of timber each year by 2028, a 25% increase.
“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 plan also includes expanding use of tools like the Good Neighbor Authority, allowing collaboration across federal and state lands to improve forest health and reduce fire hazards. These partnerships help manage forestlands efficiently while supporting rural economies.
The investment will promote innovative wood products such as cross-laminated timber, which is strong and sustainable for construction. It also supports the use of low-value wood byproducts in energy production, including pellets and biomass fuels.
The strategy is designed to revitalize forest-based industries and secure domestic wood supplies, helping mills, harvesters, and bioenergy producers. It will also lessen dependence on foreign lumber and help stabilize prices.
Communities and workers in the wood products sector stand to benefit from this national forest management approach, creating a more sustainable and economically resilient future for rural America.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: National