The USDA is increasing efforts to improve forest resiliency through a variety of programs and approaches.

"At the U.S. Department of Agriculture, we believe that with innovate policies and incentives, climate smart reforestation and forest management can be a meaningful tool to increasing forest health," said Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack.

He added, to that end, the U.S. Forest Service will be involved in greater actions and reforestation targets by the year 2030, as well as accelerate seed and nursery capacity.

"What I've seen and what leaders like U.S. Forest Service Chief Randy Moore tell me, is our investments in reforestation rebuild our forest to ensure continued carbon, water and wood product benefits."

Among the actions recently announced: the development of support decision tools for aspects from carbon stewardship and water conservation, prescribed fire action plants, innovative markets for sustainable forest products and inventory of old growth and mature forest.

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