The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Forest Service is offering nearly $50 million in grant funding to support the forestry sector, aiming to create new markets for wood products and renewable wood energy, expand processing capacity, and tackle the climate crisis. The United States Forest Service's Wood Innovations Grant, Community Wood Grant, and Wood Products Infrastructure Assistance Grant Programs are the ones responsible for making the awards available. It is encouraged that all levels of government, including municipal governments, tribal governments, state governments, municipal governments, state governments, businesses, universities, public utility companies, fire departments, conservation groups, and school districts, submit their ideas to the agency.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has remarked that a robust economy in the forest products sector leads to the development of healthier forests, more dynamic communities, and employment opportunities in rural areas. "Thanks to President Biden's Investing in America agenda, we are investing in rural economies by growing markets for forest products through sustainable forest management while reducing wildfire risk, fighting climate change, and accelerating economic development."
These awards will provide funding for forest management projects that are designed to improve the health of forests and make them less prone to being destroyed by fire on both privately owned and publicly owned land. Small diameter lumber and various other forms of woody biomass are common byproducts of these operations; nevertheless, historically speaking, the market value of these goods has not been very high. Businesses who are either directly involved in or provide assistance for the economy of forest products can apply for funding to expand their manufacturing capacity. These kinds of companies are absolutely necessary to the functioning of the regional economy, particularly in more rural or indigenous communities.
The investments would also be beneficial to the Forest Service's 10-year plan to battle the wildfire calamity in locations where it poses the most urgent threats to humans. The federal government is providing money for projects that make use of wood that has been obtained through risk-mitigating procedures such as controlled fire and mechanical thinning.
