Cortez Masto, Rosen Celebrate USDA Support of Innovative Nevada Programs to Reduce Wildfire Risk

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) applauded the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for providing critical support to Tahoe Forest Products, LLC. This Northern Nevada-based business processes salvaged timber from forests in the Tahoe Basin, supporting wildfire fuel reduction efforts. The USDA is providing Tahoe Forest Products with two $25 million loans to expand its processing capabilities. Over the past 20 years, wildfires have burned 8.8 million acres in the state of Nevada. Wildfire season has only gotten longer and more severe, and Western communities desperately need more support combatting this growing challenge. “Wildfire prevention requires all hands on deck: local governments, community organizations, and our private partners,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “Tahoe Forest Products not only creates sustainable, made-in-Nevada goods, but it also plays a critical role in keeping our communities safe. I’m proud that the USDA is helping to expand this important work, and I’ll continue fighting to support innovative solutions to the crises facing Nevada.” “Tahoe Forest Products has been a leader in promoting forest health in the Tahoe basin, with their lumber processing playing a direct role in alleviating wildfire impacts. As wildfires continue to get worse year after year, it is critical that we support industries working to protect our communities,” said Senator Rosen. “Not only will this funding help reduce wildfire risk, but it will also spur economic growth and support our local businesses. I’m thrilled that this funding is coming to Nevada, and will continue to support initiatives to protect our forests and fight the growing threat of wildfires.” Senators Cortez Masto and Rosen are consistent champions of Nevada’s outdoor spaces, including the Lake Tahoe Basin. Together, they passed Senator Cortez Masto’s Lake Tahoe Restoration Reauthorization Act , which will protect the Basin for years to come. Senators Cortez Masto and Rosen have also fought to protect United States Forest Service employees from undue terminations and to prevent a hiring freeze of seasonal firefighters. ###