US Agriculture Department Expands Timber Production in National Forests
The U.S. Agriculture Department has taken a significant step by opening up millions of acres of national forests for timber production following an executive order signed by President Donald Trump. This move comes in response to an emergency declaration made by the Secretary of Agriculture, covering nearly 60% of the country’s forested lands, including the national forests in Michigan.
Under federal law, the department can declare such emergencies to address public health and safety concerns. The USDA has identified a crisis in federal forests due to the heightened risks of disease outbreaks and wildfires, prompting urgent action.
Recent reports indicate that approximately 67 million acres of U.S. Forest Service lands face high or very high wildfire risk, with a significant portion located in the western regions of the country. Moreover, nearly 79 million acres are at risk from insects and disease, while about 34 million acres face dual threats.
To combat these risks, the USDA has outlined measures aimed at managing wildfire hazards, including the removal of dead or damaged trees. Additionally, the department’s focus is on enhancing domestic timber production on federal lands to meet the growing demand for timber resources.
According to the National Association of State Foresters, around 30% of forested land in the United States is under federal ownership, with the majority of the nation’s forests being privately owned. This shift in policy aims to strike a balance between conservation efforts and sustainable timber production to ensure the long-term health and resilience of national forests.
