Trump Admin Looks to Release 2.5 Million Acres of Timberland in Oregon

Revenue from timber harvested on the lands is shared between the U.S. Treasury and 18 western Oregon counties.

Trees growing on forest land adjacent to Mount Rainier National Park are shown near Ashford, Wash., on Nov. 23, 2015. AP Photo/Ted S. Warren

The Trump administration is moving ahead with its plan to possibly release 2.5 million acres of some of the world’s most productive timberland in western Oregon, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management announced on Feb. 18.

“Bringing timber production back to historic levels is essential for reviving local economies and reducing the threat of catastrophic wildfires,” said acting Director Bill Groffy. “President [Donald] Trump has made it clear—enhanced domestic timber production is vital for our national security, economic prosperity, and effective wildfire management.”