WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins has announced an “Emergency Situation Determination” across 112 million acres of National Forestry System (NFS) land, following President Donald J. Trump’s Executive Order to expand American timber production by 25%. This decisive action, outlined in a Secretarial Memo issued on April 4, aims to reduce wildfire risk, bolster rural economies, and increase timber output by streamlining federal processes.
“Healthy forests require work, and right now, we’re facing a national forest emergency,” stated Secretary Rollins. “We have an abundance of timber at high risk of wildfires in our National Forests. I am proud to follow the bold leadership of President Trump by empowering forest managers to reduce constraints and minimize the risks of fire, insects, and disease so that we can strengthen American timber industry and further enrich our forests with the resources they need to thrive.”
The memo empowers the U.S. Forest Service to bypass delays associated with permitting and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) reviews, reducing bureaucratic hurdles to accelerate management activities. Field leadership has been directed to fast-track timber production, streamline contracting, and collaborate with states, local governments, and forest product producers to ensure a dependable timber supply.
This initiative builds on the Executive Order issued on March 1, 2025, which prioritizes domestic timber production, economic revitalization, and improved forest management practices to minimize wildfire risk while addressing supply-chain issues. The USDA’s efforts align with these objectives by creating jobs and supporting rural communities through expanded production and workforce realignment.
Critics, however, voice concerns over the environmental consequences of increased logging on federal lands, warning of potential deforestation, soil degradation, and threats to biodiversity. Environmental groups have also raised questions about the long-term sustainability of the USDA’s accelerated timber strategy.
The USDA’s actions follow a series of measures designed to reduce Biden-era regulatory burdens. Last month, the agency removed restrictions on energy and mineral development across Forest Service lands, including the reversal of two federally withdrawn mineral leasing areas.
This emergency determination reinforces the administration’s “America First” agenda by leveraging natural resources for national economic growth while addressing fire prevention and community safety. The program reflects a balancing act of environmental stewardship and economic advancement, with rural communities standing to benefit most from the initiative’s economic impact.
The USDA has indicated that this approach will remain under close review to ensure alignment with both resource conservation goals and the needs of American industries.
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