Bill 119 hr 168, also known as the "Resilient Federal Forests Act of 2021," aims to enhance the capabilities of the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior in conducting forest management activities that help mitigate the threat of devastating wildfires. The bill seeks to address the increasing risk of catastrophic wildfires by implementing measures to improve forest health and reduce the likelihood of large-scale fires.
Specifically, the legislation includes provisions to streamline the process for conducting forest management activities, such as thinning and prescribed burns, on federal lands. It also calls for increased collaboration between federal, state, and local agencies to develop and implement forest management plans that prioritize wildfire prevention and mitigation.
Additionally, the bill includes measures to expedite the environmental review process for forest management projects, with the goal of reducing bureaucratic hurdles that can delay critical wildfire prevention efforts. The legislation also emphasizes the importance of utilizing science-based approaches to inform forest management decisions and ensure the long-term health and resilience of federal forests.
Overall, Bill 119 hr 168 seeks to enhance the ability of federal agencies to proactively manage forests and reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires, ultimately protecting communities, wildlife, and natural resources from the devastating impacts of uncontrolled fires.