"DC Fly In Summary!"

Nearly 100 timber industry stakeholders representing 25 states flew into Washington DC armed with a “Road Map to Recovery” to share with Congressional leaders, high ranking agency officials, and White House representatives. The Fly In was a joint event cosponsored by the American Loggers Council and the American Biomass Energy Association. In two days, donning Making LOGGING Great Again hats and “wooden ties” provided by Bob Verrier (Rhode Island Wood Operators Organization), over 200 meetings and engagements were conducted.  

Additionally, Congressional Representatives and officials addressed the group. Acting Associate USFS Chief Chris French kicked off the breakfast briefing at the Congressional Visitors Center (in the House alternate Chamber). Congressman McClintock (CA) and Congressman Westerman (AR) provided presentations during lunch. Additional Congressional lunch and dinner meetings were held.

Notably, representatives from Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama met with the Assistant Secretary of Commerce to discuss the impacts of imported pulp and structural panels (OSB and Plywood) on U.S. markets. The Louisiana delegation also met with Speaker of the House and Louisiana Congressman Mike Johnson.

A White House meeting with the Office of Public Liaison and the U.S. Trade Representative officials was attended by 12 ALC / State representatives with a heavy emphasis on the European Union Deforestation Regulation discussed.

After the White House meeting a copy of the President’s Executive Order 14225 Immediate Expansion of American Timber Production was presented to the American Loggers Council.

Capping off the event was a Reception at the USDA Headquarters attended by the timber industry stakeholders, Congressional officials, and USDA / US Forest Service representatives. The location of the reception, in the ornate Whitten Building Atrium, with flags from all of (46) represented by the American Loggers Council, and the collaborative partnership between the USDA / USFS and the timber industry as we work together to improve the health of the National Forests.

The American Loggers Council presented the 2025 Congressional Leadership Awards to Senator King (ME), Senator Risch (ID), and Congressman LaMalfa (CA) in recognition of their strong support and legislative leadership for the American timber industry.

The overall takeaway from the participants was that there was a much more positive response and reception in DC regarding increased emphasis and support for forest management. Recognizing this opportunity the American Loggers Council will be investing in, and increasing our efforts and presence in DC, to advance the agenda. Already, legislation has been introduced (Safe Routes, Repeal of the Federal Excise Tax, Future Logging Careers, Fix Our Forests Act, Secure Rural Schools Act) along with the Immediate Expansion of American Timber Production Executive Order and the USDA Secretary of Agriculture Memorandum Increasing Timber Production and Designating an Emergency Situation on National Forest System Lands. Acting Associate Chief, Chris French, released Implementation Guidance in response to the President’s Executive Order and Secretary’s Memorandum to meet the goals and objectives of these directives.

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