The Department of Agriculture will invest more than $48.6 million this year through the Joint Chiefs’ Landscape Restoration Partnership.
The projects mitigate wildfire risk, improve water quality, restore forest ecosystems, and ultimately contribute to USDA’s efforts to combat climate change. This year, the Forest Service and Natural Resources Conservation Service will invest in projects.
Forest Service Chief Randy Moore says, “The need for cross-boundary wildfire risk reduction work as part of our Wildfire Crisis Strategy is more urgent than ever.” The partnership enables the Forest Service and NRCS to collaborate with agricultural producers and forest landowners to invest in conservation and restoration at a large enough scale to make a difference.
Working in partnership, and at this scale, helps reduce wildfire threats to communities and critical infrastructure, protect water quality and supply, and improve wildlife habitat for at-risk species. USDA is investing $31.2 million in 25 existing projects and more than $17 million in 14 new projects.
