President Donald Trump has issued an executive order aimed at dramatically increasing domestic timber production by reducing federal regulations and expediting approval processes. The order, signed on March 1, directs multiple federal agencies to take immediate action to boost the supply of lumber, paper, and bioenergy products, citing national economic security and wildfire prevention as key priorities.

The order mandates the Departments of the Interior and Agriculture to issue new guidance within 30 days to accelerate timber harvesting on federal lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS). This includes streamlining forest management projects under the Endangered Species Act and proposing legislative measures to further ease restrictions.

Within 90 days, officials must present the president with a four-year target for annual timber sales, measured in millions of board feet. Additionally, within 180 days, the administration will explore categorical exclusions under the National Environmental Policy Act to fast-track timber production and wildfire risk reduction.

The order also calls for the elimination of unnecessary delays in federal permitting processes and directs agencies to revise or repeal regulations that impose “undue burdens” on the timber industry. The Endangered Species Committee is tasked with reviewing policies that could hinder logging operations, with a report due on potential regulatory reforms.

Trump’s directive represents a sharp shift in federal land management policy, prioritizing economic development over previous environmental protections. While supporters argue it will create jobs and reduce reliance on foreign lumber, critics warn it may weaken conservation efforts and increase deforestation risks.

As agencies implement the order, its impact on the timber industry, environmental regulations, and wildfire management will be closely watched.

Source: fingerlakes1.com