This project directly supports the executive order for immediate expansion of american timber production

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service awarded a $1.0 million Cooperative Agreement to Michigan's Department of Natural Resources under the Good Neighbor Authority (CFDA 10.691) program on August 28, 2025. The award supports Phase I archeological and heritage resources inventory surveys across four survey items totaling 2,007 acres within the Huron-Manistee National Forests in Michigan. These federally mandated surveys are conducted in preparation for timber sales and directly support the Executive Order for Immediate Expansion of American Timber Production.

The cooperative agreement extends through September 3, 2029, and encompasses mandatory botany, heritage, and other survey work required under federal law prior to timber harvesting activities. Upon completion of these surveys, the project will establish the foundation for fuels reduction work designed to mitigate wildfire impacts and enhance forest health. Under the Good Neighbor Authority program framework, the surveying work and subsequent restoration activities will be implemented collaboratively between the Forest Service and the state agency, with all work products and project objectives negotiated between the parties and subject to applicable National Environmental Policy Act compliance requirements.

The project is for federally mandated survey work (botany, HERITAGE, and other mandatory survey work) in preparation for timber sales. Additionally, these activities will set the stage for fuels reduction work, which will help mitigate wildfire impacts. This agreement is for phase I archeological (HERITAGE) resources inventory surveys. The project consists of four survey items totaling 2,007 acres within the huron- manistee national forests.