New funding to boost forest health and local economies
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service has announced a substantial $25 million funding opportunity, backed by the Inflation Reduction Act, to mitigate wildfire risks and support local communities through improved forest management.
This initiative allows local businesses to participate in removing hazardous fuels from national forests, turning them into profitable wood products and services, thereby supporting local economies and job creation.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack emphasized the dual benefits of this program: enhancing forest resilience and supporting the economy.
The program focuses on materials typically considered as waste, such as woody debris, transforming them into useful products while reducing the fire risks they pose when left in forests.
This initiative is a part of the broader efforts by the Administration to ensure sustainable forest management that supports not only environmental health but also economic stability in rural areas.
The funding will facilitate the removal and processing of nearly 59,000 tons of hazardous fuels, demonstrating a proactive approach to environmental management and community safety.
Applications are now open for the next 30 days, with additional support being provided through upcoming public information sessions. This funding represents a strategic investment in the health of national forests and the communities that depend on them, reinforcing the USDA’s ongoing commitment to ecological sustainability and rural prosperity.