The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing over $8 million in five new forest health projects across the country, according to a statement from Senate Western Caucus Chair Cynthia Lummis (R-WY). The projects are intended to reduce wildfire risk, protect water quality, and expand domestic timber production.
“The Senate Western Caucus applauds Secretary Rollins and the Trump administration for this critical investment in forest management,” said Senate Western Caucus Chair Cynthia Lummis. “For too long, we’ve watched our forests deteriorate under failed Democrat policies that prioritized environmental extremism over common-sense management, leaving Wyoming and western communities vulnerable to wildfires. The Trump administration’s approach is different and will protect our forests and prevent future wildfires through active management while also supporting good-paying jobs. I’m pleased to have leadership that understands that healthy forests require human stewardship, not neglect.”
Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz commented on the importance of collaboration in managing wildfire risks: “Wildfires have no boundaries, and neither should our prevention work. We need everyone at the table to deliver the kind of active management that will return our forests to health and productivity. Joint Chiefs’ puts local leaders in the driver’s seat, enabling cross-boundary work based on shared priorities with states, partners, industry, and forest landowners. It’s a win-win.”
The USDA’s investment is part of President Trump’s efforts to improve life for American families, support rural communities, and increase domestic timber production. The Joint Chiefs’ Landscape Restoration Partnership Program brings together USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Forest Service to address forest health challenges by working across public-private boundaries at a landscape scale.
This $8 million funding supplements an existing $32 million allocated for 24 ongoing three-year Joint Chiefs’ projects nationwide.
