This bill updates the Tribal Forest Protection Act so tribes can do more work to prevent wildfires, restore forests and rangelands, and protect culturally important places. It expands who can take part and where projects can happen, and it continues the program through fiscal year 2031. It also provides steady funding to support these projects.

Key points

• Who is affected: Indian tribes, Alaska Native corporations, and the Interior and Agriculture Departments.
• What changes:
  • Adds Alaska Native corporation land in Alaska as eligible “Indian forest land or rangeland,” so these corporations can join projects.
  • Projects no longer have to be right next to tribal lands; instead, the federal land must have special geographic, historical, or cultural importance to the tribe.
  • Allows projects to be carried out directly on Indian forest lands and rangelands, not just on nearby federal land.
  • Updates federal reporting on how the program is working.
• Funding and timing:
  • Continues the program through FY2031.
  • Authorizes $15 million per year for FY2026–2031.