Emergency Conservation Program Improvement Act of 2025

House Votes

This bill makes it easier and faster for farmers and private forest owners to get help after disasters. It lets producers receive part of their payment up front for repairing fences and other conservation structures—up to 75% for replacement or rehabilitation, and up to 50% for repairs—under the Emergency Conservation Program. It also clarifies that wildfire damage can qualify even if the fire wasn’t natural, including fires started by the federal government, when natural conditions caused the fire to spread. Owners of private, non‑industrial forests can also get up to 75% of costs in advance for emergency restoration, based on standard cost estimates, but must return money they don’t use within 180 days.

Key points

• Who is affected: Agricultural producers and owners of private, non‑industrial forests.
• What changes: Option for advance payments (75% for replacement/rehab; 50% for repairs) for farm conservation work; wildfire eligibility expanded to include certain human‑caused fires; up to 75% advance for forest restoration with a 180‑day use‑it‑or‑return requirement.
• When: If you receive an advance for forest restoration, any funds not used within 180 days must be returned within a reasonable time set by the agency.