The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Forest Service has allocated over $20 million for initiatives that will enhance forest resilience, mitigate wildfire risks, and create job opportunities through the "Good Neighbor Authority" program. The funding will support projects in collaboration with state forestry agencies across 18 states. These endeavors aim to protect communities, improve forest health, combat invasive plant species, and enhance watershed conditions.

The Good Neighbor Authority, established by Congress in 2014, provides a streamlined mechanism for the Forest Service to enter into management agreements with states, tribes, and counties. This collaborative approach pools together federal, state, tribal, and county resources to carry out vital restoration work on national forests and grasslands.

 

Forest Service Chief Randy Moore highlighted the significance of partnership and collaboration in achieving effective forest management, "The work accomplished through the Good Neighbor Authority demonstrates what we can achieve when we work with partners to leverage capacity, funding, and knowledge. Co-stewardship with the states, tribes, and counties increases capacity and allows for greater opportunities and resources for us all to do the critical management work needed to keep our forests healthy and productive."

With a total of 26 projects underway through existing collaboratives and Good Neighbor Authority agreements, these investments strengthen partnerships, prioritize forest improvement based on state and federal management plans, and enhance the collective stewardship of natural resources.

To learn more about the Good Neighbor Authority and explore the list of projects, visit the Forest Service website, demonstrating the commitment to safeguarding forests, supporting job creation, and building resilient landscapes for future generations.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/news/releases/usda-forest-service-invests-20m-restore-forests-reduce-wildfire-risk-create-jobs