WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a series of initiatives last week aimed at bolstering wildfire prevention, improving forest health, expanding domestic timber production, and supporting farmers recovering from natural disasters. The actions represent significant investments in land stewardship, rural economies, and agricultural resilience.
$8 Million to Strengthen Forest Health and Reduce Wildfire Risk
USDA will invest more than $8 million in five new projects designed to reduce wildfire risk, protect water quality, and improve forest health nationwide. The funding comes through the Joint Chiefs’ Landscape Restoration Partnership Program, a collaboration between the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the U.S. Forest Service that coordinates conservation efforts across public and private lands.
The five newly funded projects include:
- Alabama: Alabama Chattahoochee Fall Line Restoring Longleaf (National Forest in Alabama)
- Colorado & Wyoming: Headwaters of the Colorado (Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest)
- Montana: Blackfoot River Valley Landscape Mosaic (Lolo National Forest)
- North Carolina: Uwharries to Sandhills, Phase 2 (National Forests in North Carolina)
- Oregon: Hood River Wildfire and Watershed Resilience (Mt. Hood National Forest)
These projects build on $32 million in existing funding supporting 24 ongoing three-year restoration efforts. USDA officials emphasized that the collaborative, cross-boundary approach enables federal, state, local, and private partners to share resources and coordinate priorities, improving wildfire mitigation strategies and promoting long-term forest productivity.
USDA Secures Fire Retardant Contract Saving Taxpayers $153 Million
USDA also announced a five-year contract with Perimeter Solutions to supply U.S.-made fire retardant for aerial wildfire suppression efforts. The deal secures $153 million in savings over the contract period and ensures that 100% of production remains in the United States, aligning with the agency’s broader “America First” manufacturing priorities.
Federal, state, and tribal firefighting organizations rely on long-term fire retardants—primarily ammonium phosphate compounds—to slow wildfire spread and allow ground crews to establish containment lines safely. In 2024 alone, 48.6 million gallons of fire retardant were used nationwide.
The agreement also commits to transitioning USDA’s aerial firefighting operations to full-service bases and powder retardant by 2030, strengthening supply chains and reducing costs while maintaining safety and environmental standards. All products covered under the contract fall within the Environmental Protection Agency’s “practically non-toxic” classification for humans and wildlife.
$221.2 Million in Disaster Aid for North Carolina Farmers
In a separate announcement, USDA unveiled a $221.2 million block grant to assist North Carolina farmers recovering from the agricultural devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. The agreement, signed by USDA Deputy Secretary Stephen Alexander Vaden and the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS), provides relief funding to cover:
- Infrastructure and timber losses
- Market disruptions
- Future-year revenue shortfalls
The funding is part of a broader $30 billion disaster relief effort under the American Relief Act of 2025, which supports 14 states with customized recovery programs based on local needs.
USDA officials underscored the urgency of the aid, noting that Hurricane Helene caused extensive economic losses across western North Carolina in 2024. North Carolina Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler welcomed the assistance, calling it “much-needed relief” for farmers struggling to rebuild.
Farmers and producers can expect additional program details through NCDA&CS as USDA finalizes implementation plans.
A Unified Approach to Land and Agricultural Resilience
Together, these announcements highlight USDA’s multifaceted strategy to strengthen America’s forests, farmlands, and rural economies. By combining investments in wildfire prevention, domestic manufacturing, and disaster recovery, USDA aims to:
- Enhance forest and watershed health
- Secure American-made supply chains
- Support rural communities affected by natural disasters
- Protect taxpayers through cost-efficient agreements
With wildfire seasons intensifying and natural disasters growing more frequent, the initiatives reflect a broader federal commitment to proactive land management and economic recovery for affected communities.
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