Post-Disaster Reforestation Act

Official: Post-Disaster Reforestation and Restoration Act

IntroducedJanuary 16, 2025

Public Lands and Natural ResourcesCongressional oversightEcologyEnvironmental assessment, monitoring, researchLand use and conservationForests, forestry, trees

Why This Matters

This bill establishes a program for reforesting and restoring lands affected by disasters. It aims to assist areas that cannot recover naturally after events like wildfires or severe weather.

If you care about restoring forests and ecosystems after disasters, this bill is important for ensuring recovery efforts are funded and organized.

Affects: Communities and ecosystems impacted by natural disasters are most affected by this legislation.

Summary

Post-Disaster Reforestation and Restoration Act of 2025This bill directs the Department of the Interior to carry out a program for post-disaster reforestation and restoration. Interior must identify covered lands requiring reforestation and restoration following unplanned disturbances that are unlikely to experience natural regeneration without assistance. Covered land means (1) any federal land or interest in land administered by the National Park Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the Bureau of Reclamation, the Forest Service, or the Bureau of Indian Affairs; and (2) any Indian Forest Land or Rangeland. Interior must propose a list that prioritizes projects for reforestation and restoration for each fiscal year. Interior may (1) carry out priority projects through grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements; and (2) support any grant contract or cooperative agreement that may be necessary to ensure adequate and appropriate seed and seedling availability to further the objectives of priority projects.

What changes is this bill making?

1. The Secretary of the Interior will identify lands needing reforestation within one year of the bill's enactment. 2. Priority projects for reforestation will be proposed annually and can be funded through grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements. 3. Outreach efforts will be made to various stakeholders, including Indian Tribes, local governments, and educational institutions, to involve them in the restoration process. 4. The Secretary must submit annual reports to Congress detailing project progress, funding, and any gaps in resources for reforestation efforts. 5. The bill defines key terms such as 'covered lands' and 'unplanned disturbance' to clarify the scope of the program.