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A bill to amend the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Research Act of 1978 to modify the forest inventory and analysis program.
2/26/2025, 11:56 AM
Summary of Bill S 517
The proposed amendments in this bill seek to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the program by modifying certain aspects of how data is collected and analyzed. Specifically, the bill aims to enhance the accuracy and reliability of the information gathered through the program.
Additionally, the bill includes provisions to ensure that the data collected is used to inform decision-making processes related to forest and rangeland management. This includes providing policymakers with the necessary information to make informed decisions about conservation efforts, resource allocation, and land use planning. Overall, Bill 119 s 517 seeks to strengthen the forest inventory and analysis program to better serve the needs of policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders involved in the management of the nation's forests and rangelands.
Congressional Summary of S 517
Forest Data Modernization Act of 2025
This bill directs the Forest Service to expand and update its Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) program. Under the existing program, the Forest Service collects, analyzes, and reports on information about the condition of forest resources in the United States, such as data concerning wildfires or other forest management issues.
The bill directs FIA to include forest carbon in its inventory.
The bill also requires FIA's strategic plan to include a detailed description of the organization and procedures necessary to (1) understand and report on changes in land cover and use, and (2) evaluate carbon-related data variables.
FIA must update the strategic plan within six months and every five years thereafter. Among other items, the first update must include (1) a plan to implement nationally consistent data collection protocols and procedures; and (2) a plan to expand current data collection, further integrate remote sensing technology, or both.
FIA must also prepare and publish a compilation of certain forest statistics every two years.
Additionally, the bill requires FIA to continue (1) the Timber Products Output survey, and (2) the National Woodland Owner Survey.
To provide data consistency, FIA must include a clear definition of forest when reporting data.
Finally, FIA (1) must also establish an office, a data platform, or both to process and respond to complex data requests submitted by external organizations; and (2) may impose fees on the organizations submitting the requests.
