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Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program Reauthorization Act of 2023
12/15/2023, 4:05 PM
Summary of Bill S 202
The Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program is a federal initiative that supports collaborative, community-based forest management projects. These projects aim to restore and maintain healthy forest ecosystems, reduce the risk of wildfires, and promote sustainable forest management practices.
If passed, Bill 118 s 202 would provide funding for the Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program for an additional five years. This funding would support a wide range of activities, including forest restoration, hazardous fuels reduction, and wildlife habitat improvement. Proponents of the bill argue that reauthorizing the Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program is essential for promoting healthy forests, protecting communities from wildfires, and supporting local economies. They believe that the collaborative approach to forest management encouraged by the program is an effective way to address complex forest management challenges. Opponents of the bill may argue that the federal government should not be involved in funding forest management projects, or that the program is not an efficient use of taxpayer dollars. They may also raise concerns about the potential impact of the program on private landowners and local communities. Overall, Bill 118 s 202 represents an important opportunity for Congress to support collaborative, community-based forest management efforts and promote the health and sustainability of our nation's forests.
Congressional Summary of S 202
Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program Reauthorization Act of 2023
This bill reauthorizes and expands the Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration program, which helps fund collaborative and community-based forest management.
To be eligible for support, a collaborative forest landscape restoration proposal must describe plans to prevent, remediate, or control invasions of pathogens.
For each proposal nominated for selection by a Forest Service regional office, the office must provide a federal government staffing plan for providing support to collaboratives.
In selecting proposals, the Department of Agriculture must give special consideration to proposals that seek to
- use innovative implementation mechanisms, including conservation finance agreements and good neighbor agreements;
- reduce the risk of uncharacteristic wildfire or increase ecological restoration activities within areas across land ownerships and within the wildland-urban interface; and
- enhance watershed health and drinking water sources.
The bill increases the number of proposals that may be funded during any fiscal year.





