This project establishes a temporary bridge program to support active forest management and timber harvesting where crossing streams, wet areas, buried energy pipelines, and other buried…

Grant Award Summary

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Region 2 (Rocky Mountain Region), awarded Colorado State University a Project Grant totaling $338,719.60 under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Temporary Bridge Program (CFDA 10.721) on July 28, 2025. This grant supports the establishment of a temporary bridge rental program designed to facilitate active forest management and timber harvesting operations while minimizing environmental impact. The program will provide portable skidder bridges, bridge mats, and other temporary water crossing structures available through fee-based rental, no-cost rental, or rent-to-own arrangements. These structures enable loggers and forest managers to safely cross streams, wetlands, buried energy pipelines, and other critical infrastructure without causing stream bed disturbance.

The grant period extends from the award date through February 28, 2028, with the program benefiting rural economies, American timber production, and critical forest management objectives. By reducing operational barriers and downtime for timber producers, the temporary bridge infrastructure supports productivity improvements while simultaneously protecting water supplies and energy infrastructure. The program is structured to serve as a temporary solution for active forest management needs across Colorado, aligning with the federal government's broader commitment to sustainable timber harvesting and environmental stewardship on both federal and non-federal lands.

This project establishes a temporary bridge program to support active forest management and timber harvesting where crossing streams, wet areas, buried energy pipelines, and other buried infrastructure is required. This temporary bridge supports loggers, rural economies, active forest management, safety, and the production of american timber by opening up more forest lands to active forest management and by increasing productivity and reducing down-time for timber producers while protecting american water supplies and energy infrastructure.