The Departments of the Interior, Agriculture, and Commerce have released a report aimed at boosting community-led economic development in the sustainable forest product sector and outdoor recreation. This initiative supports healthy, resilient forests while addressing climate change impacts, workforce and housing shortages, and intergovernmental coordination barriers in rural forest-dependent communities. The report 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 tackle the climate crisis.
America’s forests play a crucial role in providing jobs and supporting local economies, especially in rural areas. The Biden-Harris administration is leveraging resources from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Inflation Reduction Act, Great American Outdoors Act, and annual appropriations to support wildfire risk reduction, innovative forest products that create jobs, restoration efforts to help forests withstand extreme weather events, investments in outdoor recreation facilities like campgrounds, and research programs. Initiatives such as the Bureau of Land Management’s 21st Century Blueprint for Outdoor Recreation, USDA Forest Service’s Reimagine Recreation initiative, and U.S. Economic Development Administration’s Travel, Tourism and Outdoor Recreation program are also contributing to public lands management and benefiting rural communities.
The new report encourages greater collaboration among federal agencies to deliver necessary resources and services to rural communities dependent on forests.
“Across the country, outdoor recreation and wood products innovations are helping to support thriving local communities,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “To continue these opportunities and enhance their impact, we have to find ways to improve how we deliver the countless benefits that forests provide. This report will help guide us in better serving the rural communities that depend on healthy, resilient forests.”
“Not only do America’s public lands provide tremendous beauty and enjoyment; 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,” said Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland. “This report outlines how we can build resilient, healthy forests in the face of the climate crisis while also creating jobs and advancing rural economic development in forest-dependent communities.”
“America’s forests are hubs for travel and tourism and drivers of local economies across the country, particularly in rural communities,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “This report outlines how rural communities can sustainably grow our forests to make them more resilient and make our country more climate-ready – all while creating good jobs and keeping our green spaces and public lands safe for families to enjoy.”
The report suggests fostering community resilience by connecting them with tools to navigate climate-based risks while promoting sustainable economic development practices. Enhanced coordination among federal agencies can help these communities access existing resources for their economic plans.
It highlights how forests benefit underserved communities including Tribes disproportionately affected by climate impacts. For instance, Equity Action Plans from both the Interior Department and Forest Service aim to boost Tribal co-stewardship and equitable access to cultural and recreational opportunities.
Recommendations include:
- Connecting served communities with economic development support through existing networks.
- Collaborating with partners to adapt public recreation facilities facing climate change impacts.
- Investing smartly in wildfire risk reduction benefiting ecosystems.
- Utilizing co-stewardship agreements enhancing Tribal capacity within sustainable forest products sectors.
- Improving workforce pipelines through training opportunities.
- Exploring housing initiatives using sustainable materials for workforce stability.
Through the Rural Partners Network, an all-of-government program is advancing efforts helping rural areas find resources for job creation, infrastructure building, ensuring long-term economic stability.
