USDA Forest Service invests more than $23M in grants to boost timber production, reduce wildfire risk

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Forest Service today announced it is investing more than $23 million to help 35 grant recipients remove and transport an estimated 1.1 million tons of low-value trees and woody debris from national forests to processing facilities.

The grants, delivered through the agency's Hazardous Fuels Transportation Assistance Program, will fund 65 projects across the lower 48 states. The program is designed to help businesses, nonprofits, and state, local, and tribal governments make use of trees, downed vegetation, and other hazardous fuels that would otherwise go to waste or fuel catastrophic wildfires. The trees and woody debris, often too low in value to cover transportation costs, are transformed from a wildfire hazard to valuable products and a source of energy.

"These grants demonstrate USDA's commitment to active forest management. By removing and hauling these materials, we not only reduce the risk of wildfire but also create opportunities for businesses and workers in the forest products industry," said Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz. "Investments like this help remove barriers and boost timber production while fulfilling our commitment to protect communities and enhance the health and resilience of our forests."

This work directly supports President Trump's Executive Order on increasing domestic timber production as well as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins' direction to have the Forest Service (PDF, 2.9 MB) ramp up active management on national forests to improve forest health, reduce wildfire risk, and support rural prosperity.

Awarded projects may begin after the grants are executed and will continue for up to two full operating seasons. Grant recipients are required to provide at least 50% match in non-federal funding for the projects.

Learn more about the Hazardous Fuels Transportation Assistance Program and see the list of grant recipients at https://www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/forest-management/products/hazardous-fuels-transport-assist-grants.