USDA announces $25 million grant to remove wood from national forests

USDA is looking for businesses to remove woody materials from national forests. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images)

The United States Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service has announced a $25 million grant for local businesses to remove hazardous fuels from national forests.

The goal of the grant, known as the Hazardous Fuels Transportation Assistance Grant , is to reduce wildfire risks across the nation while supporting local businesses, according to a USDA press release.

USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack said the grant provides an opportunity to create jobs and help the USDA Forest Service achieve its goals.

“The timber and wood products industries help support healthy and sustainable forests,” Vilsack said. “Thanks to historic funding from the Biden-Harris Administration, this funding opportunity empowers local communities to create and support jobs while helping the USDA Forest Service implement sustainable forest management practices that reduce wildfire risk and support the Wildfire Crisis Strategy.”

The Forest Service is specifically looking for local businesses or partners to remove woody materials that can serve as fuel for wildfires. These woody materials typically have little commercial value because their value is often outweighed by transportation costs.

In 2024, Iowa had about 15 wildfires.

This same grant from the previous year helped remove 59,000 tons of hazardous fuels from nine national forests and transport that material to facilities to be turned into firewood, animal bedding and wooden peeled poles.

For-profit businesses, non-profit organizations, educational institutions, government entities and tribal nations are all eligible to apply.

Applications will be assessed on a variety of criteria like treatment of hazardous fuels, acres treated, cost-effectiveness, readiness for implementation, innovation and benefits to disadvantaged communities.

Applications are due by Sept. 5 and the winners of the grant will be announced later this year.

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