On September 27, 2024, the Departments of the Interior, Agriculture, and Commerce released a report recommending strategies to boost community-led economic development in the sustainable forest product sector and outdoor recreation. This initiative supports healthy forests while creating jobs in rural communities. The report was developed in response to climate change impacts, workforce and housing shortages, and barriers to intergovernmental coordination. It builds on President Biden’s Executive Order on Strengthening the Nation’s Forests, Communities, and Local Economies (E.O. 14072), signed on Earth Day 2022.
The release coincides with Climate Week as part of the Biden-Harris administration's ongoing efforts to address the climate crisis.
America’s forests are vital for job creation and local economies, especially in rural areas. The Biden-Harris administration is deploying significant resources through various laws and acts to support these communities. These include the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Inflation Reduction Act, Great American Outdoors Act, and annual appropriations. These measures provide funding for wildfire risk reduction, innovative forest products that create jobs, forest restoration and management, outdoor recreation investments like campgrounds, and research programs.
The Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Land Management’s 21st Century Blueprint for Outdoor Recreation; USDA Forest Service’s Reimagine Recreation initiative; and Department of Commerce’s U.S. Economic Development Administration’s Travel, Tourism and Outdoor Recreation program are also working towards better public lands management for current and future rural communities.
The report encourages federal agencies to collaborate more effectively to deliver resources needed by rural forest-dependent communities to foster economic resilience.
“Not only do America’s public lands provide tremendous beauty and enjoyment,” said Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland. “They are also essential economic drivers across our nation. In rural communities in particular, investments in these lands can provide transformational and enduring opportunities for businesses and workers.”
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack stated: “Across the country, outdoor recreation and wood products innovations are helping to support thriving local communities. To continue these opportunities...we have to find ways to improve how we deliver the countless benefits that forests provide.”
Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo added: “America’s forests are hubs for travel and tourism...This report outlines how rural communities can sustainably grow our forests...while creating good jobs.”
The report suggests connecting communities with tools to manage climate risks while promoting sustainable economic development. It emphasizes coordination across federal agencies to help communities access resources for their economic plans.
Additionally, it highlights how forests benefit underserved communities including Tribes affected by climate impacts. The Interior Department's Equity Action Plans aim to enhance Tribal co-stewardship.
Key recommendations include:
- Connecting served communities with economic development support.
- Working with partners to adapt public recreation facilities facing climate change.
- Investing in wildfire risk reduction benefiting ecosystems.
- Utilizing co-stewardship agreements enhancing Tribal capacity.
- Improving workforce training opportunities.
- Exploring housing initiatives using sustainable materials.
Through the Rural Partners Network, all-of-government programs will assist rural communities in finding resources for job creation, infrastructure building, and long-term stability.
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