On Thursday, July 23, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced a substantial boost to domestic timber production across Oregon and Nevada in an attempt to improve forest health and support timber businesses in the West.
The agency is guaranteeing $80 million through the Timber Production Expansion Guaranteed Loan Program (TPEP) and Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program. According to a press release, the investments represent a commitment by the Trump Administration to expand American timber production by 25%, reduce wildfire risk, and save American lives and communities by strengthening domestic wood processing capacity.
USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins said in the release, “The Timber Production Expansion Partnership program showcases our unified USDA approach in action, bringing together Rural Development and the Forest Service to deliver results for rural America.
Rollins went on to describe how the investments would help strengthen America's timber industry, support jobs in rural communities, and expand the capacity we need to actively manage our forests.
“By investing in Oregon and Nevada’s forest products sector, USDA is reducing wildfire risk, strengthening local economies, and ensuring America’s timber resources continue to power our Nation’s prosperity,” Rollins said.
At the initial announcement, made by USDA Under Secretary Todd Lindsay, the under secretary said the nation must take decisive steps to protect rural communities from the growing threat of wildfires.”
“By strengthening forest‑sector businesses, these efforts boost rural prosperity, support long‑term economic growth, and create much needed jobs in rural communities,” Lindsay said.
U.S. Forest Service Chief Schulz called the investment an important step towards strengthening America's wood products infrastructure, and rural economies while utilizing the ability to actively manage the land, reduce the risk of wildfire, and ensure wood products from our national forests support rural communities.
To read more about the details of the USDA’s investment and commitment to the timber industry, watch for a comprehensive article in the upcoming August 2026 issue of Stock Point magazine.