USDA commits $200 million to expand timber production and bolster rural economies

The U.S. Department of Agriculture will invest $200 million to implement the Forest Service’s National Active Forest Management Strategy, aimed at expanding timber production, enhancing forest health, and strengthening rural economies, Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced on Wednesday.

The funding supports President Donald Trump’s executive order calling for an immediate expansion of timber production, and will be used to streamline regulatory processes, accelerate project approvals, and increase the use of long-term contracts to ensure a consistent domestic wood supply.

“President Trump is committed to cutting red tape and unleashing the potential of America’s natural resources,” Rollins said in a statement. “This investment will help our staff protect lives and livelihoods, support jobs in rural communities, and reduce our dependence on foreign lumber.”

As part of the initiative, the Forest Service will seek to increase timber harvests on national forests by 25%, targeting an annual harvest of 4 billion board feet by fiscal year 2028. The strategy prioritizes the use of the Good Neighbor Authority, allowing federal and state agencies to collaborate across jurisdictions to improve forest management practices.

The investment also emphasizes the development of innovative wood products, such as cross-laminated timber, which is gaining traction in commercial construction due to its strength and sustainability. Additional funding will support the utilization of lower-value forest byproducts for wood energy and biomass applications.

According to the USDA, the initiative is expected to generate employment across the timber supply chain—from harvesting operations and sawmills to advanced wood product manufacturing—while contributing to wildfire mitigation and market stability in the forestry sector.