HR2740-119

What This Bill Does

This bill modifies the Talladega National Forest boundary to include lands shown on the September 6, 2024 proposed proclamation boundary addition map. The map must be kept on file and available for public inspection in the appropriate Forest Service office. Within the mapped area, the Agriculture Secretary may use National Forest System land acquisition authorities, including the Weeks Law, to acquire land, waters, and interests. Acquired property must be managed as Weeks Law land and under National Forest System laws and regulations. Any private land, waters, or interests must be acquired only from willing sellers by donation, exchange, or purchase using donated or appropriated funds, and to the extent practicable without undue delay.

Who Benefits and How

Talladega National Forest managers benefit because the boundary expansion creates authority to acquire and manage additional mapped lands. Willing private landowners benefit because they can sell, donate, or exchange property within the mapped area if they choose. Outdoor recreation users benefit if acquired lands expand public forest access and conservation management. Alabama conservation organizations benefit from a clearer federal pathway to protect lands within the proposed boundary addition.

Who Bears the Burden and How

The Forest Service must maintain the map, negotiate willing-seller acquisitions, and manage acquired lands under National Forest System rules. The Secretary of Agriculture must ensure acquisitions use donation, exchange, or purchase and avoid undue delay where practicable. Federal taxpayers or donors bear acquisition costs when purchases use appropriated or donated funds. Local tax bases may lose private land value if acquired parcels become federally managed lands.

Key Provisions

• Expands the Talladega National Forest boundary to include lands on the September 6, 2024 map.
• Authorizes the Agriculture Secretary to acquire land, waters, and interests within the mapped area.
• Requires acquired property to be managed under Weeks Law and National Forest System authorities.
• Limits private acquisitions to willing sellers through donation, exchange, or purchase with donated or appropriated funds.