The U.S. Forest Service has announced an $80 million investment through its Wood Innovation Grants program to boost wood products manufacturing, expand active forest management, and accelerate energy innovation in timber-producing communities across the United States. This funding initiative is aimed at strengthening rural economies, improving forest health, and promoting sustainable use of natural resources.
The investment supports efforts to reduce overstocked and unhealthy forests that increase the risk of wildfires and other environmental threats. By expanding the market for wood products and facilitating more proactive forest management, the program is expected to create jobs, promote innovation in wood-based energy solutions, and enhance forest resilience.
This initiative builds on a broader strategy from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, including a $200 million timber investment announced in May. It aligns with ongoing efforts to remove regulatory barriers, streamline project approvals, and promote long-term forest sustainability and economic growth in forest-dependent regions.
