The State of Our Nation’s Federal Forests and Outlook for the 2026 Wildfire Year

The House Committee on Natural Resources GOP Subcommittee on Federal Lands held a hearing on June 5, 2026, to discuss the state of the nation's federal forests and the outlook for the 2026 wildfire season. Chief Tom Schultz of the U.S. Forest Service testified on the agency's efforts to manage wildfire risks, increase timber harvests, and improve forest health despite budgetary and staffing challenges. Key procurement-related topics included the Forest Service's contracts and agreements totaling over $2.3 billion for disaster recovery and restoration projects, efforts to increase timber volume offered by 25% by fiscal year 2028, and the use of long-term stewardship contracts to encourage investment in sawmill infrastructure. The hearing also addressed regulatory and litigation challenges that delay forest management projects, with calls for Congress to pass the Fix Our Forest Act to streamline processes and reduce frivolous lawsuits. Budget discussions highlighted concerns over proposed cuts to research funding and workforce reductions, as well as the potential transfer of wildfire functions from the Forest Service to the Department of the Interior, which would require congressional approval. The committee emphasized the importance of partnerships with states, tribes, and local governments to enhance forest management and wildfire response. Several members raised issues related to specific forest areas, access fees, and the impact of policies such as the roadless rule on forest health and wildfire risk.