Sponsors (2)
The bill invests federal funds to expand nursery capacity, speed seed collection, and improve reforestation resilience and workforce capacity, but it creates modest new federal spending and leaves room for exclusion of small nurseries and broad agency discretion that could reduce transparency or divert focus from domestic needs.
State forestry agencies, Tribes, and qualified private nurseries can receive grants to expand nursery capacity and seed orchards, increasing local seedling supply and, combined with improved genetics research and technical assistance, raising survival and climate resilience of reforestation projects.
Workers in the reforestation supply chain gain training and workforce-development opportunities funded by the program, supporting jobs in rural communities and nursery businesses.
Faster permit approvals for seed collection on National Forest System lands will speed restoration projects and reduce delays for state and tribal reforestation efforts.
Taxpayers face additional federal expenditure pressure because up to $5 million per year is authorized from the Reforestation Trust Fund to support the program.
Broad Secretary discretion to fund vague “other activities” could reduce transparency and accountability in how funds are allocated.
Limiting grant eligibility to State agencies, Tribes, and experienced private nurseries may exclude newer or smaller nurseries that need support, concentrating benefits among established operators.
Based on analysis of 4 sections of legislative text.
Introduced February 25, 2026 by Kim Schrier · Last progress February 25, 2026
Creates a Forest Service-led partnership and a new grant program to expand and support tree nurseries and seed orchards for reforestation, natural regeneration, agroforestry, and afforestation. The law directs coordination with federal, state, Tribal, academic, nonprofit, and private partners; promotes seed/seedling science, supply-chain resilience, workforce development, and international assistance; and authorizes up to $5,000,000 per year from unobligated amounts in the Reforestation Trust Fund to fund eligible nursery and seed orchard projects.