Timber Sales

The National Forests were originally envisioned as working forests with multiple objectives: to improve and protect the forest, to secure favorable watershed conditions, and to furnish a continuous supply of timber for the use of citizens of the United States. Forest management objectives have evolved and are broadly captured in the USDA Forest Service Strategic Plan FY 2015-2020 goals to sustain our Nation’s Forests and Grasslands and deliver benefits to the public. More specifically, timber sales and other removals of forest products support agency strategic objectives to foster resilient, adaptive ecosystems to mitigate climate change, mitigate wildfire risk, and strengthen communities.

Forest products include materials derived from a forest for commercial and personal use such as lumber, paper, and firewood as well as “special forest products” such as medicinal herbs, fungi, edible fruits and nuts, and other natural products.

The U.S. Forest Service Timber Sale Preparation Process (The Gate System) A Short Overview is a short narrated video presentation that introduces employees and partners to the Timber Sale gate process as outlined in Forest Service manual 2430 and Forest Service handbook 2409.18.

Timber Sale, Stewardship, and Forest Products Contracts and Permits

The Forest Service sells timber and special forest products on a variety of contract and permit forms based on the complexity and/or value of the sale. Guidance for the use of these forms can be found in Forest Service Handbook (FSH) 2409.18, Chapter 50, Sections 53 and 54.

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For current advertised timber sales, please scroll to the bottom of the Resource Management webpage.