Summary of Bill HR 5381
The RNGR Support Act of 2023, also known as Bill 118 hr 5381, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The main purpose of this bill is to provide support and resources for the management and conservation of national forests and grasslands.
One of the key provisions of the RNGR Support Act is the establishment of a grant program to assist states and local communities in implementing projects that promote sustainable forest management and conservation practices. This program aims to improve the health and resilience of national forests and grasslands, while also supporting local economies and communities that depend on these natural resources.
Additionally, the bill includes provisions to enhance collaboration between federal, state, and local agencies in managing public lands. This includes promoting partnerships with tribal governments and other stakeholders to ensure that the management of national forests and grasslands is inclusive and transparent.
Furthermore, the RNGR Support Act includes measures to address the impacts of climate change on national forests and grasslands. This includes funding for research and monitoring efforts to better understand and mitigate the effects of climate change on these important ecosystems.
Overall, the RNGR Support Act of 2023 aims to improve the management and conservation of national forests and grasslands, while also supporting local communities and addressing the challenges posed by climate change. It is currently being debated in Congress, with bipartisan support for its goals of promoting sustainable forest management and conservation practices.
Congressional Summary of HR 5381
Reforestation, Nurseries, and Genetic Resources Support Act of 2023 or the RNGR Support Act of 2023
This bill provides statutory authority for the Reforestation, Nurseries, and Genetics Resources (RNGR) program of the Forest Service. Under the program, (1) the Forest Service must provide assistance in supporting nurseries or seed orchards for trees or native plants, and (2) the Department of Agriculture (USDA) must establish a grant program to support of nurseries and seed orchards.
Among other requirements, the bill directs the Forest Service to
- partner with federal and state agencies, Indian Tribes, and private nurseries to provide training, technical assistance, and research to nursery and tree establishment programs that support natural regeneration, reforestation, agroforestry, and afforestation; and
- expand climate-informed reforestation supply chains through science and research, seed collection and storage, and nursery infrastructure and operations.
Under the grant program, USDA may make grants to state forestry agencies, Indian tribes, and certain private nurseries for projects that
- provide certain infrastructure for seeds and seedlings,
- establish or expand nurseries or seed orchards,
- develop or implement quality control measures at nurseries or seed orchards,
- promote workforce development within any facet of the reforestation pipeline, or
- carry out certain other appropriate activities.