Forest Data Modernization Act of 2025

This bill updates how the U.S. measures and reports on forests, including tracking forest carbon. It requires two key data efforts: a timber products output study and a national woodland owner survey. It also sets consistent national standards and requires clear definitions—especially what counts as a “forest”—in all reports, including those shared outside the U.S.

It directs the program to use modern tools like microwave, LiDAR, and hyperspectral remote sensing, plus machine learning, to improve data collection and modeling. It makes data easier to access while protecting private plot locations and the non-aggregated data of woodland owners and forest industry information. It calls for a plan within 180 days, updates every five years, a national forest statistics report every two years, and yearly progress updates. It also creates an office or data platform to handle complex outside data requests, with fees allowed to cover costs.

Key points

• Who is affected: People and groups who use forest data (public and private); woodland owners and the forest industry (privacy protections); outside organizations that need complex data.
• What changes: Clear nationwide definitions in reports; tracking of forest carbon (including below‑ground/soil carbon); better local‑level estimates; greater use of remote sensing and data integration; information on renewable biomass and carbon stocks by area and ownership; required timber products and woodland owner surveys; biennial national statistics and annual progress updates.
• When: Plan due within 180 days of enactment; updates every 5 years; statistics every 2 years; progress updates every year.