Senate Western Caucus Chair Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) has expressed support for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s decision to invest in five new forest health projects across the country. The initiative aims to lower wildfire risk, safeguard water quality, and boost domestic timber production.
“The Senate Western Caucus applauds Secretary Rollins and the Trump administration for this critical investment in forest management,” said Senate Western Caucus Chair Cynthia Lummis. “For too long, we’ve watched our forests deteriorate under failed Democrat policies that prioritized environmental extremism over common-sense management, leaving Wyoming and western communities vulnerable to wildfires. The Trump administration’s approach is different and will protect our forests and prevent future wildfires through active management while also supporting good-paying jobs. I’m pleased to have leadership that understands that healthy forests require human stewardship, not neglect.”
Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz added, “Wildfires have no boundaries, and neither should our prevention work. We need everyone at the table to deliver the kind of active management that will return our forests to health and productivity. Joint Chiefs’ puts local leaders in the driver’s seat, enabling cross-boundary work based on shared priorities with states, partners, industry, and forest landowners. It’s a win-win.”
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is providing more than $8 million for these new projects as part of an effort to improve forest conditions nationwide. This funding expands on President Trump’s broader mission focused on American families, rural communities, and increasing domestic timber output.
The Joint Chiefs’ Landscape Restoration Partnership Program involves collaboration between USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Forest Service agencies. The program works at a landscape scale across both public and private lands. The newly announced $8 million supplements $32 million previously dedicated to 24 ongoing three-year Joint Chiefs’ projects.
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