USDA Memo Designates Emergency Situations in Chugach and Tongass National Forests, Increasing Timber Production
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – A recent memo from USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins may lead to an increase in timber production in the Chugach and Tongass National Forests in Alaska. The memo designates over 112 million acres of National Forest System lands as emergency situations under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), with a focus on improving forest durability, resilience, and resistance to fire, insects, and disease.
The designation comes after President Trump signed Executive Order 14225, Immediate Expansion of American Timber Production, on March 1, 2025. The memo highlights that a significant portion of the designated lands are at high wildfire risk or experiencing declining forest health, with emergency actions planned to protect public health and safety, critical infrastructure, and natural resources.
Actions include salvaging dead or dying trees, commercial and non-commercial tree harvests, reforestation, restoration of water sources, and expedited contracting. The aim of increased timber production is to create domestic jobs, boost economic independence, and safeguard national security.
A directive from Deputy Chief of the National Forest Service outlines specific goals for increasing timber volume agency-wide by 25% over the next four to five years. The Forest Service plans to collaborate with states, counties, and tribes to execute active forest management strategies that reduce fire risk, promote forest health, and protect communities and water supplies.
As the summer approaches in Alaska with potentially drier conditions, the move towards increased timber production is seen as a proactive measure to address wildfire risks and support local economies. The Forest Service’s commitment to streamlining timber production processes reflects a broader strategy to achieve sustainable timber supply while enhancing job opportunities and economic prosperity.
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