Rollins Yells “Timber!”

It’s going down: an “Emergency Situation Determination,” which gives the U.S. Forest Service freedom to speed up its work to reduce wildfire risks on National Forest System lands. And Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins is yelling, “Timber!”

The memo applies to more than 112M acres of National Forest System land. It’s no coincidence it’s also related to an executive order to boost domestic timber production by 25%. 

What does 112M acres look like? Applicable to an area larger than California, the emergency designation is about 176K square miles, mainly out West, but also in the South, New England, and around the Great Lakes. All in all, it’s nearly 60% of Forest Service lands.

What’s included? The Forest Service is directed to bump up timber production, streamline permit processes, lower national Environmental Policy Act requirements, limit contract and implementation delays, and partner with local governments and forest product producers.

And this: The administration is also aiming to open Forest Service land for mineral production; the USDA just reversed two mineral leasing withdrawals.

Soundbite: “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 the American timber industry and further enrich our forests with the resources they need to thrive.” — Rollins

House Ag Committee Chairmen Glenn “GT” Thompson echoed his support. He said that reducing permitting snags, plus giving forest managers the power to act, would provide more jobs, help rural economies, and ensure proper forest management.

Meanwhile, opponents say this directive isn’t about protecting communities, but about helping the timber industry.