New Executive Order Could Spur Timber Growth, Forest Thinning in Douglas County

On March 1, 2025, a new Executive Order titled "Immediate Expansion of American Timber Production" was signed, aiming to revitalize the U.S. timber industry by increasing domestic production, streamlining regulations, and enhancing forest management. For Douglas County, a region historically tied to timber and home to vast federal forestlands—this order promises significant economic and environmental benefits. Benefits for Douglas County Douglas County, often dubbed the "timber capital of the world," stands to gain substantially. The order mandates the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture to set ambitious timber sale targets within 90 days and expedite permitting processes, which could reverse decades of declining harvests from federal lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and U.S. Forest Service (USFS). Historically, timber revenue funded essential services like schools, roads, and public safety in the county, but cuts since the 1990s Northwest Forest Plan have strained these resources. Increased production could restore jobs—logging, milling, and related sectors—bolstering an economy where unemployment spiked to 16% post-2008 recession. With over half the county’s land federally owned and untaxed, higher timber yields could also replenish county coffers, reducing a projected 74% funding shortfall for road maintenance and other infrastructure. The order’s focus on forest management, including thinning and salvage operations, aligns with local needs. Douglas County’s forests, rich in Douglas fir, have suffered from wildfire risks exacerbated by dense, unmanaged growth. By reducing fuel loads, these efforts could mitigate devastating fires, protecting communities and habitats while generating revenue from salvaged timber. Additionally, lower lumber costs from increased supply could ease construction expenses, supporting housing development in a state with high demand. For Douglas County, the Executive Order could be a significant boost to the timber industry and a chance to enhance forest resilience. As federal agencies implement these directives over the next 4 years, the county could see a resurgence as a timber powerhouse while safeguarding its communities from wildfire threats. The full executive order can be read here: https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/03/immediate-expansion-of-american-timber-production/