Washington, D.C. – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced last week a $200 million investment to implement the USDA Forest Service’s National Active Forest Management Strategy, aimed at boosting timber harvests, improving forest health, reducing wildfire risk, and supporting rural economies.

The strategy advances President Trump’s Executive Order on Timber Production, streamlining regulations, expediting project approvals, and leveraging emergency authorities to ensure faster, more efficient forest management. It emphasizes the use of long-term contracts to provide a stable wood supply while promoting healthier forests and stronger rural communities.

“President Trump is committed to cutting red tape and unlocking America’s natural resources,” said Secretary Rollins. “This investment supports U.S. timber production, lowers consumer costs, reduces wildfire risk, and supports rural jobs and communities.”

In line with Secretary Rollins’ directive, the Forest Service has committed to increasing national forest timber harvests by 25%, targeting 4 billion board feet annually by FY 2028.

The investment will use tools like Good Neighbor Authority to promote cross-boundary collaboration and includes a focus on innovative wood products, such as cross-laminated timber—a sustainable, strong alternative to steel used in construction. Byproducts from forest management, including wood chips and biomass, will also support renewable energy and wood pellet markets.

This initiative supports jobs in timber harvest, milling, renewable energy, and advanced wood manufacturing—strengthening domestic supply chains, reducing reliance on foreign lumber, and fueling rural economic growth.