The Forest Service will emphasize expanded timber production as it shuffles money away from other programs in the final months of the fiscal year, the Trump administration told Democratic senators.
In response to an inquiry from Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and other lawmakers, the Department of Agriculture defended its diversion of funding away from forestry grants to states as part of a broader realignment of the Forest Service’s priorities.
Grants, research and other targeted areas will receive funding this year, but the amounts are still to be determined, Deputy Undersecretary for Natural Resources and Environment Kristin Sleeper said in a letter Thursday.
“Realignment of Forest Service actions with a new Administration remains a Department goal,” Sleeper said.
