The U.S. Department of Agriculture has launched a $23 million grant initiative through the Forest Service’s Hazardous Fuels Transportation Program to support the removal of dead trees, fallen branches, and dense undergrowth from national forests to processing facilities. The funding aims to reduce wildfire threats to communities, infrastructure, and recreational areas while supporting domestic timber production and forest health. This initiative reflects the Forest Service’s commitment to active forest management and aligns with President Trump’s Executive Order promoting increased timber production, according to the USDA.
Grants will assist businesses, nonprofits, and state, local, and tribal governments in transporting low-value wood materials that are unsuitable for traditional construction uses but can be processed into renewable energy, soil products, or cross-laminated timber. The application window is open until June 20, 2025, and projects located in Emergency Situation Determination zones will receive priority to accelerate wildfire mitigation and restoration in vulnerable landscapes.
