The Department of Agriculture (USDA) has raised logging quotas by 25% in an effort to help prevent wildfires in National Forests. 

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins last week said the new quotas are designed to "increase domestic jobs and prosperity, increase economic independence, and protect our national security."

The order instructs the Forest Service to issue new or updated guidance to increase timber production, decrease the time to offer timber supply, and increase certainty in future timber supply. It also directed the service to streamline all processes related to timber production, and Identify legislative proposals that would improve timber production.

The order comes as National Forests are facing a "crisis" because of dangerous wildfires, insect and disease outbreaks, and poor management, stating the result is now "a full-blown wildfire and forest health crisis."

"Immediate action is needed to mitigate risk, protect public health and safety and critical infrastructure, support local and rural economies, and mitigate threats to natural resources on [National Forest Service] lands," she wrote. "We can do more to contribute to American prosperity and protect our national and economic security."

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.