HR528-119

What This Bill Does

This bill creates a federal program for reforestation and restoration after unplanned disturbances such as wildfire, storms, pests, or other disasters. Within one year and annually thereafter, the Secretary, in coordination with heads of covered agencies, must identify covered lands that need reforestation and restoration and are unlikely to regenerate naturally without assistance. The Secretary must then propose annual priority projects for reforestation and restoration.

The bill authorizes implementation through competitively awarded grants, contracts, Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act contracts, and cooperative agreements. It also allows support for grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements needed to ensure adequate seed and seedling availability. Covered agencies must conduct outreach to Indian Tribes, states, territories, local governments, Alaska Native organizations, Native Hawaiian organizations, institutions of higher education, federal agencies with nearby land jurisdiction, and other stakeholders. Within two years and annually thereafter, the Secretary must report to congressional committees on covered lands needing restoration, priority projects, progress, outreach, and barriers.

Who Benefits and How

National forests, public lands, and other covered lands damaged by unplanned disturbances benefit from a systematic restoration pipeline. Indian Tribes, Alaska Native organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations benefit from outreach and eligibility for contracts or cooperative work. State forestry agencies, local governments, and institutions of higher education benefit from grant, contract, and cooperative agreement opportunities. Native seed producers, seedling nurseries, restoration contractors, and forestry crews benefit from project demand. Downstream communities benefit if reforestation reduces erosion, watershed damage, wildfire risk, and long-term ecosystem loss.

Who Bears the Burden and How

USDA and Interior land-management staff must identify covered lands, coordinate with covered agencies, create priority project lists, conduct outreach, manage awards, and report annually. Covered agency heads must participate in inventory and project planning. Tribal, state, local, and academic applicants must prepare proposals and comply with grant, contract, or cooperative-agreement requirements. Seed and seedling suppliers may face capacity pressure if project demand exceeds supply. Congressional committee staff must review annual reporting on implementation progress and barriers.

Key Provisions

• Requires annual identification of covered lands needing reforestation and restoration after unplanned disturbances.
• Requires annual priority project lists for reforestation and restoration.
• Authorizes grants, contracts, Indian Self-Determination Act contracts, and cooperative agreements.
• Allows support for seed and seedling availability needed for priority projects.
• Requires outreach to Tribes, states, territories, local governments, Native organizations, institutions of higher education, and nearby federal land agencies.
• Requires annual congressional reports on covered lands, priority projects, progress, outreach, and barriers.