Sponsors (2)
The bill broadens and coordinates federal support for forest and watershed restoration and extends program continuity through 2029, but it creates potential access and funding gaps by providing no new money and prioritizing projects tied to state plans while upholding roadless-area protections.
Rural and forested communities will get more projects focused on wildfire recovery and ecosystem restoration, improving recovery, reducing future fire risk, and supporting soil and water conservation.
State governments can prioritize projects using State Forest Action Plans or similar plans, increasing state and local control and alignment with local priorities for forestry and conservation work.
Federal coordination between NRCS and the Forest Service will be formalized, improving use of best available science and consistency across federal forestry and conservation projects.
State and local governments and partners receive no new federal funding, meaning they may need to reallocate resources or face unfunded mandates to meet expanded program purposes.
Communities in states without up-to-date forest or related plans may be disadvantaged when project priority is tied to State plans, delaying approvals and access to projects.
Residents and land managers in roadless areas could see some restoration or fuel-reduction activities restricted because the bill prohibits actions inconsistent with Forest Service roadless protections.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Introduced July 15, 2025 by Michael F. Bennet · Last progress July 15, 2025
Expands and updates the Joint Chiefs Landscape Restoration Partnership program by widening eligible purposes to include wildfire recovery and enhancement of soil, water, and related natural resources; requiring formal coordination and use of best available science between the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Forest Service; allowing projects identified in State forest action plans or similar priority plans; updating a reference to Forest Service roadless-area rules; and extending certain program provisions through 2029. The bill does not appropriate new funds or create new agencies, but changes program priorities, planning references, and agency coordination requirements.