"Oil, logging, mining, and grazing will be the priorities of national forests and grasslands, with expedited environmental oversight, Agriculture Secretary Sonny Purdue told the U.S. Forest Service Friday.

His memo announced a “blueprint for reforms” that refocuses the Forest Service to produce products and services from the 193 million acres of forests, grasslands, and wilderness areas it oversees.

He directed the agency to find new ways to produce energy on national forestland, promote “active management” to support rural communities, and expedite broadband development to provide internet service to rural areas.

Environmental groups on Friday accused Purdue of attempting to fast-track development of national forests that have long been managed for conservation and multiple uses."

Bobby Magill reports for Bloomberg Environment June 12, 2020. [2]