An executive action during the Trump administration directed the Department of Agriculture, which oversees the U.S. Forest Service, to increase timber harvesting within National Forests. The stated goal was to improve forest health, reduce wildfire risk, and stimulate economic activity in rural communities dependent on the timber industry. For example, specific directives aimed at expediting environmental reviews for logging projects and increasing the volume of timber sold from federal lands.
Proponents argued such measures would generate revenue, create jobs, and actively manage forests to prevent catastrophic wildfires by removing dead and diseased trees that serve as fuel. Historically, timber harvesting has been a significant component of forest management practices, and proponents pointed to the potential for sustainable logging to contribute to overall forest health and resilience. These actions aimed to reverse perceived declines in timber production from federal lands, bringing them closer to historical levels.