WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced a $23 million grant initiative aimed at addressing wildfire risks by transporting hazardous fuels from national forests to processing facilities. The Hazardous Fuels Transportation Program, managed by the USDA Forest Service, seeks to remove combustible materials like dead trees and dense undergrowth that threaten communities, critical infrastructure, and recreation areas.
“President Trump has directed his cabinet to unleash domestic production of our natural resources, including timber. Our nation is blessed with an abundance of resources and there is no reason we cannot responsibly harvest and use these products right here at home,” said Secretary Rollins. “Investments like these are delivering on our commitment to protect communities, make forests healthier and more resilient. Removing hazardous fuels not only reduces wildfire risk but also creates opportunities for businesses and workers in the wood products industry. These grants also reflect the Forest Service’s dedication to active forest management, and we will continue working to keep our forests productive, sustainable, and safe for future generations.”
Tackling Wildfire Hazards While Supporting Rural Communities
The grants are part of a larger effort tied to President Trump’s Executive Order on enhancing domestic timber production. The initiative aligns with Secretary Rollins’ directive for the Forest Service to ramp up active forest management, a strategy designed to improve forest health and reduce the threat of wildfires while simultaneously fostering economic opportunities in rural areas.
Much of the hazardous fuel being targeted for removal consists of low-value wood, which differs from high-value timber commonly used in construction and manufacturing. These low-value materials, while unsuitable for high-end applications, can still be processed into soil-enriching products, renewable energy sources, and environmentally friendly construction materials like cross-laminated timber. However, the limited number of facilities capable of handling this type of wood has posed challenges. The Hazardous Fuels Transportation Program aims to address this gap by supporting businesses, non-profits, and local governments in utilizing these resources effectively.
A Comprehensive Approach to Forest Management
By prioritizing the removal and utilization of hazardous fuels, the USDA’s program simultaneously tackles multiple challenges. Reducing the buildup of combustible materials helps mitigate the risk of catastrophic wildfires, which have increasingly threatened wildlife habitats and human populations in recent years. At the same time, the program boosts rural economic development by creating opportunities in the wood products industry, from harvesting and transportation to processing and manufacturing.
The Forest Service will accept applications through June 20, 2025. Webinar details will soon be available on the Forest Service Timber Transportation website. To speed up wildfire mitigation and forest restoration, projects in areas under Emergency Situation Determinations (ESDs) will be prioritized. These authorities help the Forest Service act quickly in high-risk firesheds by fast-tracking approvals and cutting delays, ensuring hazardous fuel reduction reaches the most at-risk communities and landscapes..
Looking Ahead
The $23 million investment in hazardous fuels transportation is set to make a significant difference for both forest health and the communities located near these vulnerable areas. By promoting sustainable forest management practices and leveraging previously underutilized resources, the program is poised to create a safer, more resilient environment while supporting economic vitality in rural regions.
Through this initiative, the USDA underscores its commitment to balancing wildfire risk reduction with economic growth, ensuring forests remain productive and ecologically sound for generations to come.
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