Garfield County officials say new Forest Service chief signaled local control for timber sales; sawmill owners may pursue long-term contracts

County commissioners described a series of meetings with the new U.S. Forest Service chief, Tom Schultz, congressional staff and the House natural-resources committee during a recent Washington, D.C., trip and at regional public-lands meetings.

Commissioners said the Forest Service flagged a newly opening sawmill that has struggled to secure timber resource and asked Garfield County to work with the local forest supervisor to help facilitate timber sales. Commissioners said the sawmill’s owners told local officials the business could reach about 100 employees if resource access were guaranteed, and that a potential 20-year contract was discussed as a way to secure financing.

County officials said improved local authority over timber sales and more active forest management could reduce wildfire risk and help remove dead and “junk” material. Commissioners and staff also discussed grazing improvements and seed-mix decisions for recent fires; county officials said they had helped resolve a seed-mix disagreement on the France Canyon fire with state and forest partners.

Why it matters: Commissioners framed the Forest Service’s willingness to work with local officials on timber sales as a potential step toward active forest management, economic development through mill jobs, and reduced fire risk on federal land that covers most of Garfield County.

What was not decided: Commissioners did not report a formal agreement at the meeting or a finalized timber-sale contract. They said Forest Service staff asked the county to help facilitate local sales and coordinate with the local forest supervisor; future actions and contractual details would require additional agency processes and approvals.

Ending: Commissioners said they would follow up with the Forest Service and congressional staff and monitor prospects for timber contracts and associated local economic impacts.