Dependence on petroleum and other fossil fuels threatens U.S. energy, economic, and environmental security. A nation with insecure or inadequate energy resources is at risk of being unable to feed and house its people, care for its environment, and sustain its economy. The Forest Service strives to find alternative renewable energy sources in order to become less dependent on our current energy resources.

A forest is so much more than trees. Not only does it serve as a place of refuge for humans and habitat for many species, it also provides economic benefits. According to the American Forest and Paper Association, the forest products industry accounts for approximately 4.5 percent of the total U.S. manufacturing gross domestic product, manufactures approximately $190 billion in products annually, and employs nearly 900,000 men and women.

The Strategic Energy Framework publication provides specific Forest Service goals and charts a course to achieve these goals. This framework helps the Forest Service become more energy efficient, demonstrates effective sustainable management, and sets standards of energy practices for Americans to follow.

Research at the Forest Products Laboratory in Madison, Wis. helps further USDA goals and provides advanced alternatives to many products, services, and energy sources in use today. Strategic research areas include: advanced composites, advanced structures, forest biorefinery, nanotechnology, and woody biomass.