USDA Announces Major Reforms to Boost Timber and Forest Health

By Andi Anderson

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins has announced major reforms to improve forest health and expand domestic timber production.

A new Secretarial Memo declares an Emergency Situation Determination on over 112 million acres of National Forest System land. This decision follows a recent executive order aimed at increasing American timber production by 25%.

According to Secretary Rollins, the nation is facing a forest emergency, with excessive timber at high wildfire risk. The memo allows the U.S. Forest Service to act quickly by reducing bureaucratic delays and launching emergency actions to protect forests and communities.

“Healthy forests require work,” said Secretary Rollins. “This effort will reduce risks from fire, insects, and disease while strengthening the American timber industry and helping forests thrive.”

The memo directs the Forest Service to:

• Increase timber production
• Simplify permitting procedures
• Reduce National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements
• Lower contract and implementation delays
• Partner with local governments and forest product producers

These changes are expected to provide a more reliable and consistent timber supply, which supports rural economies and boosts workforce development.

The move also aligns with a broader USDA plan to remove outdated regulations that have limited energy and mineral development. Recently, the USDA reversed two mineral leasing withdrawals, opening Forest Service land to critical mineral production.

This combined strategy is designed to strengthen forest management, protect American communities from wildfire threats, and support local economic growth through expanded natural resource use.

By empowering local managers and simplifying federal processes, the USDA hopes to balance environmental health with economic opportunity, ensuring sustainable forest use for future generations. These actions are a significant step toward long-term conservation and responsible resource development.

Photo Credit: usda