New Bipartisan Proposal to Boost Land Restoration Through Sawmills

The Supporting American Wood and Mill Infrastructure with Loans for Longevity (SAWMILL) Act would provide funding for the construction of new sawmills and the retooling of existing sawmills to handle a greater variety of log sizes and forest biomass. By improving America's sawmill capacity, the legislation seeks to support larger-scale timber harvests, especially in areas where overgrown forests are fueling intense wildfires and hindering habitat restoration. 

The NWTF has long advocated for boosting sawmill infrastructure to restore our public and private lands.  

Overgrown and poorly managed forests are an increasing concern across the United States, especially in fire-prone regions and areas where forest wildlife, including wild turkeys, depend on early successional habitat. Without the means to efficiently harvest and process timber, federal and state land managers often face costly delays in implementing forest restoration projects.  

The SAWMILL Act directly addresses this challenge by investing in a more robust and adaptable wood products sector, ultimately removing one of the most significant bottlenecks in forest restoration. 

As with recent pro-conservation legislation in states like Indiana and Pennsylvania, the SAWMILL Act exemplifies the kinds of practical policy changes that support NWTF’s mission of conserving the wild turkey and preserving our hunting heritage. 

About the National Wild Turkey Federation   

Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested over half a billion dollars into wildlife conservation and has positively impacted over 24 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. The NWTF has also invested over $10 million into wild turkey research to guide the management of the wild turkey population and to ensure sustainable populations into perpetuity. The organization continues to deliver its mission by working across boundaries on a landscape scale through its Four Shared Values: clean and abundant water, healthy forests and wildlife habitat, resilient communities, and robust recreational opportunities. With the help of its dedicated members, partners and staff, the NWTF continues its work to provide Healthy Habitats. and Healthy Harvests. for future generations.