New Legislation to Facilitate Forest Management Across the U.S

The Wildfire Reduction Market Expansion Act of 2026 and the Wildfire Emissions Prevention Act tackle two long-standing challenges that have historically slowed forest restoration. The former creates stronger markets for low-value woody material generated during restoration projects, while the latter makes it easier for land managers to use prescribed fire as a forest management tool. Together, the legislation represents a comprehensive approach to advancing active forest management by creating new markets for low-value woody biomass while supporting the safe, effective use of prescribed fire. 

"Healthy, resilient forests require every available management tool," said Matt Lindler, NWTF director of government affairs. "These bipartisan bills address two significant obstacles to active forest management. Together, they represent meaningful progress toward healthier forests, safer communities and more resilient wildlife habitat." 

Active forest management depends on a complete system that supports restoration from start to finish. Land managers need the ability to thin overstocked forests, safely use prescribed fire and find productive uses for the woody material generated during restoration activities. These complementary bills address different pieces of that system, helping remove long-standing barriers that have slowed forest restoration and wildfire mitigation efforts.  

The Wildfire Reduction Market Expansion Act of 2026 expands the types of forest materials that qualify for renewable fuel production under the Renewable Fuel Standard. The bill also broadens eligibility to include qualifying materials from federal, tribal and nonfederal lands, as well as wildfire risk reduction projects in the wildland-urban interface. 

“The NWTF proudly supports the bipartisan, bicameral Wildfire Reduction Market Expansion Act of 2026," Lindler said. "A major barrier to achieving healthy, fire-resilient forests is the lack of viable markets for materials generated through forest-management activities, including small-diameter trees, treetops, limbs and other woody residues. Enabling these materials to be used for energy, like biodiesel and sustainable aviation fuel, creates a critical economic solution that supports active forest management, strengthens rural wood products infrastructure and advances forest health.”   

Similarly, the Wildfire Emissions Prevention Act removes a regulatory hurdle that has discouraged states from expanding prescribed fire. The bill ensures smoke from planned burns is not counted against state air quality calculations under the Clean Air Act, recognizing that prescribed fire helps prevent the much larger emissions produced by catastrophic wildfires while restoring healthy forests and wildlife habitat. 

"Combined with other forest treatments, prescribed fire is one of the most effective tools available to restore healthy forests and reduce wildfire risk," Lindler said. "This legislation gives states and land managers greater certainty to use proactive management practices that protect communities, improve wildlife habitat and reduce the devastating impacts of catastrophic wildfire." 

The NWTF continues to support bipartisan legislation that removes barriers to active forest management and strengthens markets for materials generated during forest restoration. Additional priorities include, among many others, the Fix Our Forests Act, Hazardous Fuels Transportation Assistance Act, Forest Bioeconomy Act, Biomass Facility Construction Act and Mass Timber for Federal Buildings Act. Together, these proposals help address the economic, regulatory and infrastructure challenges that have long limited forest restoration and wildfire resilience. 

As a leader in conservation and forest stewardship, the NWTF remains committed to advancing policies that improve wildlife habitat, strengthen rural economies and equip land managers with the tools needed to restore healthy, resilient forests for future generations. 

About the National Wild Turkey Federation 

Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested over half a billion dollars into wildlife conservation and has positively impacted over 25 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. Since 2022, the NWTF has also invested over $2.3 million in critical wild turkey research that, when leveraged with partner contributions, has resulted in more than $22 million to guide the management of the wild turkey and to ensure sustainable populations. The organization continues to deliver its mission by working across boundaries on a landscape scale to create healthy forests and wildlife habitats, clean and abundant water, resilient communities and robust recreational opportunities. With the help of its dedicated members, partners and staff, the NWTF is committed to creating a nation united by the life-changing power of the outdoors.