,,ii #aaith ,,congress #ast ,session ,s4 #adfb ,,in ,,the ,,senate ,,of ,,the ,,united ,,states ,april #aj1 #bjbe,mr4 ,curtis 7for himself1 ,mr4 ,hickenlooper1 ,mr4 ,sheehy1 and ,mr4 ,padilla7 introduced the following bill2 which was read twice and referred to the ,committee on ,agriculture1 ,nutrition1 and ,forestry ,a ,,bill ,to improve forest management activities on ,national ,forest ,system land1 public land under the jurisdiction of the ,bureau of ,land ,management1 and ,tribal land to return resilience to overgrown1 fire-prone forested land1 and for other purposes4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents 7a7 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,fix ,our ,forests ,act4 7b7 ,table of contents ,the table of contents for this ,act is as follows3 ,sec4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents4,sec4 #b4 ,definitions4,,title ,i--,landscape-scale restoration,subtitle ,a--,addressing emergency wildfire risks in high-priority firesheds,sec4 #aja4 ,designation of fireshed management areas4,sec4 #ajb4 ,wildfire ,intelligence ,center4,sec4 #ajc4 ,fireshed ,registry4,sec4 #ajd4 ,shared stewardship4,sec4 #aje4 ,fireshed assessments4,sec4 #ajf4 ,emergency fireshed management4,sec4 #ajg4 ,sunset4,subtitle ,b--,expanding collaborative tools to reduce wildfire risk and improve forest health,sec4 #aaa4 ,modification of treatment of certain revenue and payments under good neighbor agreements4,sec4 #aab4 ,fixing stewardship end result contracting4,sec4 #aac4 ,fireshed management project strike teams4,sec4 #aad4 ,locally led restoration4,sec4 #aae4 ,joint ,chiefs ,landscape ,restoration ,partnership ,program4,sec4 #aaf4 ,collaborative forest landscape restoration program4,sec4 #aag4 ,utilizing grazing for wildfire risk reduction4,sec4 #aah4 ,water ,source ,protection ,program4,sec4 #aai4 ,watershed ,condition ,framework technical corrections4,sec4 #abj4 ,tribal forest protection management activities and projects4,subtitle ,c--,litigation reform,sec4 #aba4 ,commonsense litigation reform4,sec4 #abb4 ,consultation on forest plans4,subtitle ,d--,prescribed fire,sec4 #aca4 ,prescribed fire eligible activities1 policies1 and practices4,sec4 #acb4 ,human resources4,sec4 #acc4 ,liability of prescribed fire managers4,sec4 #acd4 ,environmental review4,sec4 #ace4 ,cooperative agreements and contracts for prescribed fire4,sec4 #acf4 ,facilitating responsible use of prescribed fire4,,title ,,ii--,protecting communities in wildland-urban interface,subtitle ,a--,community wildfire risk reduction,sec4 #bja4 ,community ,wildfire ,risk ,reduction ,program4,sec4 #bjb4 ,community ,wildfire ,defense ,research ,program4,sec4 #bjc4 ,community wildfire defense accountability4,sec4 #bjd4 ,community wildfire defense grant program improvements4,sec4 #bje4 ,updated definition of at-risk community4,subtitle ,b--,vegetation management1 reforestation1 and local fire suppression,sec4 #baa4 ,vegetation management1 facility inspection1 and operation and maintenance relating to electric transmission and distribution facility rights-of-way4,sec4 #bab4 ,fire-safe electrical corridors4,sec4 #bac4 ,categorical exclusion for high-priority hazard trees4,sec4 #bad4 ,seeds of ,success strategy4,sec4 #bae4 ,program to support priority reforestation and restoration projects4,sec4 #baf4 ,reforestation1 nurseries1 and genetic resources support4,sec4 #bag4 ,fire department repayment4,,title ,,iii--,transparency1 technology1 and partnerships,subtitle ,a--,transparency and technology,sec4 #cja4 ,biochar innovations and opportunities for conservation1 health1 and advancements in research4,sec4 #cjb4 ,accurate hazardous fuels reduction reports4,sec4 #cjc4 ,public-private wildfire technology deployment and demonstration partnership4,sec4 #cjd4 ,,gao study on ,forest ,service policies4,sec4 #cje4 ,keeping forest plans current and monitored4,sec4 #cjf4 ,container ,aerial ,firefighting ,system4,sec4 #cjg4 ,study on pine beetle infestation4,subtitle ,b--,white oak resilience,sec4 #caa4 ,white ,oak ,restoration ,initiative ,coalition4,sec4 #cab4 ,forest ,service pilot program4,sec4 #cac4 ,department of the ,interior white oak review and restoration4,sec4 #cad4 ,white oak regeneration and upland oak habitat4,sec4 #cae4 ,tree nursery shortages4,sec4 #caf4 ,white oak research4,sec4 #cag4 ,,usda formal initiative4,sec4 #cah4 ,use of authorities4,,title ,,iv--,ensuring casualty assistance for firefighters,sec4 #dja4 ,wildland ,fire ,management ,casualty ,assistance ,program4 #b4 ,definitions ,in this ,act3 7#a7 ,end water user ,the term end water user has the meaning given the term in section #cjc7;a7 of the ,healthy ,forests ,restoration ,act of #bjjc 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #fedb7;a774 7#b7 ,executive ,director ,the term ,executive ,director means the ,executive ,director of the ,wildfire ,intelligence ,center appointed under section #ajb7;g74 7#c7 ,fireshed ,the term fireshed means a landscape-scale area1 as delineated using methods developed through research conducted by the ,forest ,service1 that represents similar source levels of community exposure to wildfire4 7#d7 ,fireshed management area ,the term fireshed management area means a fireshed management area designated under section #aja7;a74 7#e7 ,fireshed management project ,the term fireshed management project means any of the following forest or vegetation management activities3 7,a7 ,a hazardous fuels management activity4 7,b7 ,creating a fuel break or fire break4 7,c7 ,removing hazard trees1 dead trees1 or dying trees1 as determined by a responsible official4 7,d7 ,developing1 approving1 or conducting routine maintenance under a vegetation management1 facility inspection1 and operation and maintenance plan under section #eab7;c7 of the ,federal ,land ,policy and ,management ,act of #aigf 7#dc ,u4,s4,c4 #aggb7;c774 7,e7 ,removing trees to address overstocking or crowding in a forest stand1 consistent with achieving the appropriate basal area of the forest stand1 as determined by a responsible official4 7,f7 ,using treatments to address insects or disease or to control vegetation competition or invasive species4 7,g7 ,a wet-meadow1 floodplain1 or riparian restoration activity that increases wildfire resistance4 7,h7 ,a forest stand improvement activity necessary to protect life and property from catastrophic wildfire1 as determined by a responsible official4 7,i7 ,any combination of activities described in this paragraph4 7#f7 ,fireshed ,registry ,the term ,fireshed ,registry means the registry established under section #ajc7;a74 7#g7 ,forest plan ,the term forest plan means-- 7,a7 a land use plan prepared by the ,bureau of ,land ,management for public land pursuant to section #bjb of the ,federal ,land ,policy and ,management ,act of #aigf 7#dc ,u4,s4,c4 #agab72 7,b7 a land and resource management plan prepared by the ,forest ,service for a unit of the ,national ,forest ,system pursuant to section #f of the ,forest and ,rangeland ,renewable ,resources ,planning ,act of #aigd 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #afjd72 and 7,c7 a forest management plan 7as defined in section #cjd of the ,national ,indian ,forest ,resources ,management ,act 7#be ,u4,s4,c4 #cajc77 with respect to ,indian forest land or rangeland4 7#h7 ,governor ,the term ,governor means the ,governor or other appropriate executive official of-- 7,a7 a ,state2 or 7,b7 an ,indian ,tribe4 7#i7 ,hazardous fuels management activity ,the term hazardous fuels management activity means a vegetation management activity1 or any combination of such activities1 that reduces the risk of wildfire1 including mechanical thinning1 mastication1 prescribed burning1 cultural burning 7as determined by an applicable ,indian ,tribe71 timber harvest1 and grazing4 7#aj7 ,,hfra terms ,the terms at-risk community1 community wildfire protection plan1 and wildland-urban interface have the meanings given those terms in section #aja of the ,healthy ,forests ,restoration ,act of #bjjc 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #feaa74 7#aa7 ,indian forest land or rangeland ,the term ,indian forest land or rangeland means land that-- 7,a7 is held in trust1 or subject to a restriction against alienation1 by the ,united ,states for an ,indian ,tribe or a member of an ,indian ,tribe2 and 7,b7 7i7 is ,indian forest land 7as defined in section #cjd of the ,national ,indian ,forest ,resources ,management ,act 7#be ,u4,s4,c4 #cajc772 or 7ii7 7,i7 has a cover of grasses1 brush1 or any similar vegetation2 or 7,,ii7 formerly had a forest cover or vegetative cover that is capable of restoration4 7#ab7 ,indian ,tribe ,the term ,indian ,tribe has the meaning given the term in section #d of the ,indian ,self-,determination and ,education ,assistance ,act 7#be ,u4,s4,c4 #ecjd74 7#ac7 ,national ,forest ,system ,the term ,national ,forest ,system has the meaning given the term in section #aa7;a7 of the ,forest and ,rangeland ,renewable ,resources ,planning ,act of #aigd 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #afji7;a774 7#ad7 ,public land ,the term public land means-- 7,a7 public lands 7as defined in section #ajc of the ,federal ,land ,policy and ,management ,act of #aigf 7#dc ,u4,s4,c4 #agjb772 7,b7 the land reconveyed to the ,united ,states pursuant to the first section of the ,act of ,february #bf1 #aiai 7#dj ,stat4 #aagi1 chapter #dg7 7commonly known as ,coos ,bay ,wagon ,road ,grant lands7 under the jurisdiction of the ,secretary of the ,interior2 and 7,c7 the land revested in the ,united ,states by the ,act of ,june #i1 #aiaf 7#ci ,stat4 #bah1 chapter #acg7 7commonly known as ,oregon and ,california ,railroad ,grant lands7 under the jurisdiction of the ,secretary of the ,interior4 7#ae7 ,relevant committees of ,congress ,the term relevant committees of ,congress means-- 7,a7 in the ,senate-- 7i7 the ,committee on ,agriculture1 ,nutrition1 and ,forestry2 and 7ii7 the ,committee on ,energy and ,natural ,resources2 and 7,b7 in the ,house of ,representatives-- 7i7 the ,committee on ,agriculture2 and 7ii7 the ,committee on ,natural ,resources4 7#af7 ,secretaries ,the term ,secretaries means-- 7,a7 the ,secretary2 and 7,b7 the ,secretary of the ,interior4 7#ag7 ,secretary ,the term ,secretary means the ,secretary of ,agriculture4 7#ah7 ,secretary concerned ,the term ,secretary concerned means-- 7,a7 the ,secretary1 with respect to ,national ,forest ,system land2 and 7,b7 the ,secretary of the ,interior1 with respect to public land4 7#ai7 ,special district ,the term special district means a political subdivision of a ,state that-- 7,a7 has significant budgetary autonomy or control2 7,b7 was established by1 or pursuant to1 the laws of the ,state for the purpose of performing a limited and specific governmental or proprietary function primarily relating to land management2 and 7,c7 is distinct from any other unit of local government within the ,state4 7#bj7 ,state ,the term ,state means-- 7,a7 each of the several ,states2 7,b7 the ,district of ,columbia2 and 7,c7 each territory of the ,united ,states4 ,i ,landscape-scale restoration ,a ,addressing emergency wildfire risks in high-priority firesheds #aja4 ,designation of fireshed management areas 7a7 ,designations 7#a7 ,initial designations ,subject to paragraph 7#d71 for the #e-year period beginning on the date of enactment of this ,act1 the following firesheds are designated as fireshed management areas3 7,a7 ,each landscape-scale fireshed identified as a high-risk fireshed in the document published by the ,forest ,service entitled ,wildfire ,crisis ,strategy and dated ,january #bjbb4 7,b7 ,of the #g1fhh firesheds described in the report published by the ,rocky ,mountain ,research ,station of the ,forest ,service in #bjai1 each landscape-scale fireshed identified by the ,secretary1 in consultation with the ,secretary of the ,interior1 as being in the top #bj percent for wildfire exposure based on the following criteria3 7i7 ,wildfire exposure and corresponding risk to communities1 including risk to life1 critical infrastructure1 and other structures4 7ii7 ,wildfire exposure and corresponding risk to municipal watersheds1 including ,tribal water supplies and systems4 7iii7 ,risk of vegetation type conversion due to wildfire1 based on information from existing forest plans1 ,state forest action plans1 and best available science4 7#b7 ,designations in ,alaska1 ,hawaii1 and territories ,not later than #cj days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary1 in consultation with the ,secretary of the ,interior1 shall designate in the ,states of ,alaska and ,hawaii and the territories of the ,united ,states such additional fireshed management areas as the ,secretaries determine to be appropriate1 based on the criteria described in clauses 7i7 through 7iii7 of paragraph 7#a77;,b74 7#c7 ,map-based updated designations 7,a7 ,map of firesheds ,not later than the date that is #e years after the date of enactment of this ,act1 and not less frequently than once every #e years thereafter1 the ,secretary1 in consultation with the ,secretary of the ,interior1 shall submit to the relevant committees of ,congress an updated map of firesheds1 which shall-- 7i7 be based on the ,fireshed ,registry2 and 7ii7 include firesheds in the ,states of ,alaska and ,hawaii and the territories of the ,united ,states4 7,b7 ,fireshed management areas ,not later than #fj days after submitting an updated fireshed map under subparagraph 7,a71 the ,secretary shall designate as a fireshed management area each fireshed depicted on that map that the ,secretary1 in consultation with the ,secretary of the ,interior1 identifies as being in the top #bj percent of firesheds at risk of wildfire exposure based on the criteria described in clauses 7i7 through 7iii7 of paragraph 7#a77;,b7 and in accordance with this section4 7,c7 ,publication ,the ,secretary shall make each updated map prepared under this paragraph publicly available on the ,fireshed ,registry4 7#d7 ,land location and content ,a fireshed management area designated under this subsection-- 7,a7 shall not overlap with any other fireshed management area2 and 7,b7 may contain ,federal and non-,federal land1 including ,indian forest land or rangeland4 7#e7 ,combining multiple firesheds ,on receipt of a request of an affected ,governor1 the ,secretary1 in consultation with the ,secretary of the ,interior1 may expand a fireshed management area designated under this subsection to include more than #a fireshed4 7b7 ,use ,the ,secretary concerned may carry out fireshed management projects on the fireshed management areas designated under this section4 7c7 ,applicability of ,,nepa ,the designation of a fireshed management area under this section shall not be subject to the requirements of the ,national ,environmental ,policy ,act of #aifi 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #dcba et seq474 #ajb4 ,wildfire ,intelligence ,center 7a7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,board ,the term ,board means the ,board governing the ,center appointed under subsection 7f74 7#b7 ,center ,the term ,center means the ,wildfire ,intelligence ,center established under subsection 7b74 7b7 ,establishment ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary and the ,secretary of the ,interior shall establish a joint office1 to be known as the ,wildfire ,intelligence ,center1 the duties of which are to study1 plan1 coordinate1 and implement issues of joint concern among the ,department of ,agriculture and the ,department of the ,interior1 including-- 7#a7 serving as the development and operational center for the comprehensive assessment and prediction of wildfires and fires that move into the built environment to provide decision support services to inform land and fuels management1 community outreach and risk reduction1 post-wildfire recovery and rehabilitation1 and fire management and response activities carried out by entities1 including-- 7,a7 the ,federal ,government2 7,b7 ,state1 ,tribal1 and local governments2 7,c7 land managers2 7,d7 incident management teams2 7,e7 the ,national ,interagency ,coordination ,center2 7,f7 geographic coordination centers2 7,g7 land1 air1 and water managers2 7,h7 burned area rehabilitation teams2 7,i7 public health entities2 and 7,j7 other entities identified by the ,board2 7#b7 facilitating collaboration and information sharing across ,federal and ,state departments and agencies1 ,tribal entities1 academia1 and the private sector with respect to matters relating to wildfires2 and 7#c7 addressing such other issues as the ,secretary and the ,secretary of the ,interior may identify as issues of joint interest in support of the functions of the ,center described in subsection 7d74 7c7 ,headquarters ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,board shall select from within the ,united ,states a permanent location for the physical headquarters of the ,center4 7d7 ,functions ,the functions of the ,center shall include the following3 7#a7 ,providing real-time1 science-based1 and data-rich scientific and technical analytical services1 decision support1 and predictive services across all phases of fire to inform pre-fire land and fuels management1 pre-fire community and built environment risk reduction1 active fire management and emergency response1 and post-fire recovery in the built and natural environments4 7#b7 ,assessing and monitoring wildfires and wildfire conditions across all phases of fire1 including ignition1 behavior1 and spread1 climate1 weather1 drought1 soil moisture1 fuel conditions1 smoke1 aerosols1 fire severity1 debris flows1 and erosion4 7#c7 ,comprehensive modeling of wildfire behavior and risks1 including ignitions1 wildfire intensity and spread inside the built and natural environments1 air quality1 and dependence on burn history1 vegetation conditions1 climate1 and weather4 7#d7 ,providing and procuring1 if commercially available1 and combining existing data1 mapping1 technological1 and consultation services to support pre-1 active1 and post-fire activities1 including-- 7,a7 creating and maintaining a real-time nationwide wildfire risk catalog by leveraging existing risk mapping at land management agencies2 7,b7 assisting with the creation of evacuation plans for at-risk communities2 7,c7 assisting with the creation of public safety power shutoff plans2 7,d7 assisting with the creation and updating of wildfire response strategies1 plans1 and treatment and mitigation measures1 including mitigation measures in the built environment and the development of community wildfire protection plans2 7,e7 providing decision support and gridded and point data forecast and assessment products in support of operational and planning activities1 including the pre-positioning of wildfire suppression personnel and assets based on real-time-risk2 and 7,f7 assisting with the safe and effective use of prescribed fire4 7#e7 ,consolidating air quality monitoring and forecasting data to support health risk information to help inform risks to public health and protect the public from smoke impacts associated with wildfires1 including providing planning guidance for safe and effective beneficial fire opportunities to prevent the risk of wildfires4 7#f7 ,providing accessible tools and products that support emergency and land management decisions relating to wildfire prevention1 preparedness1 and response1 including risk assessment and contingency planning1 which shall include the development of a data interface to assist and inform1 in real-time1 firefighters1 first responders1 and approved contractors in responding to wildfires1 including the use of any observations by the civil1 military1 and intelligence communities of the ,federal ,government and commercial ,earth observations4 7#g7 ,establishing an interoperable information technology infrastructure accessible by ,federal agencies1 ,state government offices1 units of local government1 and ,tribal governments4 7#h7 ,to the extent feasible1 establishing data interoperability through-- 7,a7 the development of common data standards2 7,b7 the provision of comprehensive searchable data inventories2 7,c7 working with ,tribal governments in nation-to-nation partnership2 7,d7 the integration and sharing of information and resources of the ,federal ,government and ,state and local governments to support the essential functions of the ,center2 7,e7 the development of data standards to protect confidential information that may be essential to the core functions of the ,center2 7,f7 regular updates and maintenance of research and technology essential to achieving the core functions of the ,center2 and 7,g7 the development and maintenance of a big-data architecture to compile1 maintain1 standardize1 and evaluate data associated with the core functions of the ,center4 7#i7 ,in coordination with relevant ,federal agencies and coordinating entities1 as determined by the ,board1 and in consultation with ,state government agencies1 units of local government1 territories of the ,united ,states1 and federally recognized ,indian ,tribes1 developing1 procuring where commercially available1 and disseminating tools to support wildfire planning1 risk reduction and response guidance1 guidelines1 maps1 and training materials to help inform ,state1 territorial1 local1 and ,tribal governments and decisionmakers with respect to-- 7,a7 the use and implementations of wildfire risk assessments2 7,b7 the applied use of the database and information developed under paragraphs 7#g7 and 7#h72 7,c7 reducing losses from wildfires2 7,d7 increasing benefits from wildfires2 7,e7 resources available for communities and responders working to improve wildfire preparedness2 and 7,f7 enhancing communication management in emergency wildfire situations1 land and resource management1 and scientific studies4 7#aj7 ,working with ,federal1 ,state1 and ,tribal agencies to develop and improve ,national ,wildfire ,coordinating ,group wildfire preparedness curricula and training modules for-- 7,a7 ,state1 territorial1 local1 and ,tribal officials2 and 7,b7 ,federal1 ,state1 territorial1 local1 and ,tribal emergency managers and responders4 7#aa7 ,maintaining the ,fireshed ,registry4 7#ab7 ,administering the pilot program established under section #cjc and streamlining procurement processes for technologies identified under that pilot program and technology systems related to addressing wildfire and smoke for purposes of scaling such technologies and systems across ,federal agencies4 7e7 ,administration 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary and the ,secretary of the ,interior shall cooperatively administer the ,center4 7#b7 ,transfer of funds 7,a7 ,in general ,subject to subparagraph 7,b71 the ,secretary and the ,secretary of the ,interior may transfer funds provided to establish1 and carry out the duties of1 the ,center between-- 7i7 the ,forest ,service2 and 7ii7 the ,united ,states ,geological ,survey4 7,b7 ,notice required ,not later than #ae days before transferring funds under subparagraph 7,a71 the ,secretary or the ,secretary of the ,interior1 as applicable1 shall submit to the ,committee on ,appropriations of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,appropriations of the ,house of ,representatives a notice of the proposed transfer4 7f7 ,board 7#a7 ,membership ,the ,center shall be governed by a ,board1 to be composed of #af members1 as follows3 7,a7 #a member who is a career employee of the ,department of ,agriculture1 to be appointed by the ,secretary4 7,b7 #a member who is a career employee of the research and development areas of the ,forest ,service1 to be appointed by the ,chief of the ,forest ,service4 7,c7 #a member who is a career employee in fire and aviation management of the ,forest ,service1 to be appointed by the ,chief of the ,forest ,service4 7,d7 #a member who is a career employee of the ,department of the ,interior1 to be appointed by the ,secretary of the ,interior4 7,e7 #a member who is a career employee of the ,bureau of ,land ,management1 to be appointed by the ,director of the ,bureau of ,land ,management4 7,f7 #a member who is a career employee of the ,bureau of ,indian ,affairs1 to be appointed by the ,assistant ,secretary for ,indian ,affairs4 7,g7 #a member who is a career employee of the ,national ,park ,service1 to be appointed by the ,director of the ,national ,park ,service4 7,h7 #a member who is a career employee of the ,united ,states ,fish and ,wildlife ,service1 to be appointed by the ,director of the ,united ,states ,fish and ,wildlife ,service4 7,i7 #a member who is a career employee of the ,united ,states ,geological ,survey1 to be appointed by the ,director of the ,united ,states ,geological ,survey4 7,j7 #a member who is a career employee of the ,national ,oceanic and ,atmospheric ,administration1 to be appointed by the ,administrator of the ,national ,oceanic and ,atmospheric ,administration4 7,k7 #a member who is a career employee of the ,national ,weather ,service1 to be appointed by the ,director of the ,national ,weather ,service4 7,l7 #a member who is a career employee of the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency1 to be appointed by the ,administrator of the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency4 7,m7 #a member who is a career employee of the ,united ,states ,fire ,administration1 to be appointed by the ,administrator of the ,united ,states ,fire ,administration4 7,n7 #a member who is a career employee of the ,department of ,defense1 to be appointed by the ,secretary of ,defense4 7,o7 #a member who is a career employee of the ,national ,science ,foundation1 to be appointed by the ,director of the ,national ,science ,foundation4 7,p7 #a member who is a career employee of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration1 to be appointed by the ,administrator of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration4 7#b7 ,terms ,a member of the ,board-- 7,a7 shall be appointed for a term of #c years2 and 7,b7 may be reappointed for not more than #c additional terms4 7#c7 ,chairperson2 ,vice ,chairperson ,the ,chairperson and ,vice ,chairperson of the ,board shall-- 7,a7 be selected by the members of the ,board from among the members appointed under subparagraphs 7,b71 7,i71 and 7,j7 of paragraph 7#a72 and 7,b7 serve for a term of #a year4 7#d7 ,majority vote ,a voting consensus by the ,board shall be not less than a #b_/c majority vote of the members present4 7#e7 ,nonvoting status ,at the discretion of the ,board1 the ,board may include nonvoting observers to the ,board4 7g7 ,executive ,director 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,center shall have an ,executive ,director1 who shall be appointed by1 and serve at the direction of1 the ,board4 7#b7 ,drought monitoring ,the ,executive ,director shall engage with relevant ,federal agencies1 ,state agencies1 and entities in the private sector to improve drought monitoring1 forecasting1 communication1 and response that may be essential to the core functions of the ,center1 if the ,executive ,director determines that the engagement is appropriate1 beneficial1 and cost-effective4 7#c7 ,contracting authority 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,executive ,director may enter into and perform contracts1 agreements1 memoranda of understanding1 or other1 similar transactions1 as the ,executive ,director determines to be appropriate to carry out the functions of the ,center described in subsection 7d74 7,b7 ,report ,not later than #ahj days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,board and the ,executive ,director shall submit to the relevant committees of ,congress a report that provides-- 7i7 an assessment of existing contracting authorities of the ,executive ,director2 7ii7 recommendations regarding whether any new contracting authorities or modifications of existing contracting authorities are needed2 and 7iii7 a description of technologies that may be commercially available to perform the functions of the ,center1 together with the costs and timelines of procuring those technologies or developing relevant capabilities4 7h7 ,detailees ,the ,secretary and the ,secretary of the ,interior may detail or assign to the ,center such employees of the ,department of ,agriculture and the ,department of the ,interior1 respectively1 as the ,secretaries determine to be necessary to carry out the duties of the ,center4 7i7 ,interagency financing ,notwithstanding section #gjh of the ,financial ,services and ,general ,government ,appropriations ,act1 #bjbc 7,public ,law #aag-cbh2 #acf ,stat4 #dgjf71 or any other1 similar provision of law1 interagency financing may be used to fund the ,center4 7j7 ,coordination with other agencies and entities ,to carry out the functions of the ,center described in subsection 7d71 the ,board shall coordinate with agencies represented on the ,board and other relevant entities1 including-- 7#a7 the ,national ,wildfire ,coordinating ,group2 7#b7 ,state and ,tribal governments2 7#c7 any other agency that-- 7,a7 is responsible for the management of ,federal or ,state land2 or 7,b7 has data1 science1 and technology expertise relevant to the ,center2 and 7#d7 any other relevant ,federal1 ,state1 ,tribal1 or nongovernmental entity that is representative of an element of the wildland fire community4 7k7 ,operational plan 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #ahj days after the appointment of the ,executive ,director1 the ,executive ,director shall submit to the relevant committees of ,congress an operational plan describing-- 7,a7 the structure of the ,center2 7,b7 staffing and funding needs of the ,center2 7,c7 technological capabilities within the ,department of ,agriculture1 the ,department of the ,interior1 and the other ,federal departments and agencies comprising the ,board that are available to the ,center2 7,d7 an assessment of the potential of commercially available technologies to perform the functions of the ,center2 and 7,e7 a timeline for full operational functioning of the ,center4 7#b7 ,inclusions ,the plan under paragraph 7#a7 shall include estimated costs1 key milestones1 coordination strategies with ,federal1 ,state1 and private entities1 and recommendations for ensuring the effective operation of the ,center4 7#c7 ,updates ,the ,director shall update the plan not less frequently than annually to reflect progress1 adjustments in funding1 and the adoption of new technologies4 7l7 ,rule of construction ,nothing in this section affects the ownership of any data source4 #ajc4 ,fireshed ,registry 7a7 ,establishment ,the ,secretaries1 acting through the ,executive ,director1 shall establish and maintain1 on a publicly accessible website1 a registry1 to be known as the ,fireshed ,registry1 that provides interactive geospatial data relating to individual firesheds1 including information relating to-- 7#a7 wildland fire exposure1 delineated by ownership1 including rights-of-way for utilities and other public or private purposes2 7#b7 any hazardous fuels management activities that have occurred within an individual fireshed during the preceding #aj years2 7#c7 wildland fire exposure with respect to a fireshed1 delineated by-- 7,a7 wildfire exposure and corresponding risk to communities1 including risk to life1 critical infrastructure1 and other structures2 7,b7 wildfire exposure and corresponding risk to municipal watersheds1 including ,tribal water supplies and systems2 and 7,c7 risk of vegetation type conversion due to wildfire2 7#d7 the percentage of a fireshed burned in wildfire during the preceding #aj years1 including1 to the extent practicable1 delineations of acres that have burned at a high severity2 7#e7 spatial patterns of wildfire exposure1 including plausible extreme fire events2 and 7#f7 any hazardous fuels management activities planned for a fireshed1 including fireshed management projects4 7b7 ,community wildfire protection plans ,the ,executive ,director shall make data from the ,fireshed ,registry available to local communities developing or updating community wildfire protection plans4 7c7 ,maintenance ,as part of the website containing the ,fireshed ,registry1 the ,executive ,director shall-- 7#a7 publish fireshed assessments conducted under section #aje2 and 7#b7 maintain a searchable database to track-- 7,a7 the status of ,federal environmental reviews1 permits1 and authorizations for fireshed management projects1 including-- 7i7 a comprehensive permitting timetable2 7ii7 the status of the compliance of each lead agency1 cooperating agency1 and participating agency with the permitting timetable with respect to fireshed management projects2 7iii7 any required modifications of the permitting timetable under clause 7i71 including an explanation regarding why the permitting timetable was modified2 and 7iv7 information regarding any public meetings1 public hearings1 and public comment periods relating to a fireshed management project1 as that information becomes available1 which shall be presented in-- 7,i7 ,english2 and 7,,ii7 the predominant language of each community that is most affected by the fireshed management project1 as that information becomes available2 7,b7 the projected cost of fireshed management projects2 and 7,c7 in the case of a completed fireshed management project1 the estimated effectiveness of the fireshed management project in-- 7i7 reducing the wildfire exposure within the applicable fireshed1 including wildfire exposure described in subparagraphs 7,a7 through 7,c7 of subsection 7a77#c72 and 7ii7 increasing the resilience of wildlife habitats1 including habitat for species listed as threatened or endangered under the ,endangered ,species ,act of #aigc 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #aeca et seq474 7d7 ,incorporation of existing assessments and data ,in carrying out this section1 the ,executive ,director shall incorporate any assessments completed or data gathered through existing partnerships1 to the extent practicable4 7e7 ,applicability of ,,nepa ,the establishment and maintenance of the ,fireshed ,registry under this section shall not be subject to the requirements of the ,national ,environmental ,policy ,act of #aifi 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #dcba et seq474 #ajd4 ,shared stewardship 7a7 ,joint agreements ,the ,secretary concerned shall seek to use an existing shared stewardship agreement1 modify an existing shared stewardship agreement1 or enter into a similar agreement with the ,governor of each ,state and ,indian ,tribe that contains a fireshed management area designated under section #aja7;a7 to jointly-- 7#a7 promote the reduction of wildfire exposure1 based on the criteria described in clauses 7i7 through 7iii7 of section #aja7;a77#a77;,b71 in fireshed management areas across jurisdictional boundaries2 and 7#b7 conduct fireshed assessments under section #aje4 7b7 ,adjustment of boundaries and updates to agreements ,with respect to an agreement under subsection 7a71 the ,secretary concerned1 on request of the applicable ,governor1 may-- 7#a7 adjust the boundaries of any applicable fireshed management area2 and 7#b7 update the agreement to address any new wildfire threats4 7c7 ,cooperative agreements ,the ,secretary and the ,secretary of the ,interior may enter into cooperative agreements with units of local government1 special districts1 end water users1 nongovernmental organizations1 institutions of higher education1 and other entities1 at the discretion of the applicable ,secretary to carry out the activities described in paragraphs 7#a7 and 7#b7 of subsection 7a74 #aje4 ,fireshed assessments 7a7 ,in general ,not later than #abj days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary concerned1 in cooperation with the ,governor with whom the ,secretary concerned enters into an agreement under section #ajd7;a71 if applicable1 shall conduct a fireshed assessment in accordance with this section with respect to each fireshed management area designated in the applicable ,state or area of ,tribal land4 7b7 ,requirements 7#a7 ,in general ,each fireshed assessment under subsection 7a7 shall-- 7,a7 identify-- 7i7 using the best available science1 wildfire exposure risks within the applicable fireshed management area1 including scenario planning and wildfire hazard mapping and models2 and 7ii7 each at-risk community within the fireshed management area2 7,b7 identify the types of fireshed management projects that could benefit the fireshed management area1 with an emphasis on reducing-- 7i7 wildfire exposure and corresponding risk to communities1 including risk to life1 critical infrastructure1 and other structures2 7ii7 wildfire exposure and corresponding risk to municipal watersheds1 including ,tribal water supplies and systems2 7iii7 risk of vegetation type conversion due to wildfire2 7iv7 wildfire risk for wildlife habitats1 including habitat for species listed as threatened or endangered under the ,endangered ,species ,act of #aigc 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #aeca et seq472 7v7 wildfire risk to resources of an ,indian ,tribe1 as defined by the ,indian ,tribe2 or 7vi7 any combination of purposes described in clauses 7i7 through 7v72 and 7,c7 include1 with respect to the applicable fireshed management area-- 7i7 a strategy for reducing the threat of wildfire-- 7,i7 to protect at-risk communities in the wildland-urban interface on ,federal and non-,federal land2 7,,ii7 to improve the effectiveness of wildfire firefighting1 particularly the effectiveness of fuels treatments that would improve wildfire firefighter safety during wildfires2 and 7,,iii7 to reduce risk to wildlife habitats1 including habitat for species listed as threatened or endangered under the ,endangered ,species ,act of #aigc 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #aeca et seq472 7ii7 a timeline for the implementation of fireshed management projects2 7iii7 long-term benchmark goals for the completion of fireshed management projects in the highest wildfire exposure areas to ensure that those fireshed management projects contribute to the development and maintenance of healthy and resilient landscapes2 7iv7 a strategy to ensure that fireshed management projects comply with applicable forest plans and incorporate the best available science2 and 7v7 a strategy for maximizing the retention of late-successional forests1 to the extent that the trees promote stands that are resilient to insects and disease1 and reduce the risk or extent of1 or increase resilience to1 wildfires4 7#b7 ,existing plans ,to the maximum extent practicable1 a fireshed assessment shall incorporate and build on information1 planning1 and strategies contained in relevant forest plans1 ,state forest action plans1 watershed management plans1 community wildfire protection plans1 and similar locally led landscape-scale planning documents4 7#c7 ,participation 7,a7 ,state1 ,tribal1 and local governments ,in addition to the parties to an applicable agreement described in subsection 7a71 the ,secretary concerned shall coordinate with ,states1 ,indian ,tribes1 units of local government1 and other entities that are parties to an agreement under section #ajd7;c7 within a fireshed management area in conducting the fireshed assessment under paragraph 7#a74 7,b7 ,public ,in carrying out a fireshed assessment under this section1 the ,secretary concerned shall provide an opportunity for public participation during the #de-;day period beginning on the date of initiation of the assessment1 including-- 7i7 publication of information regarding the development of the assessment-- 7,i7 on a website maintained by the ,secretary concerned2 and 7,,ii7 at convenient locations within the applicable fireshed management area2 and 7ii7 at least #a public meeting4 7c7 ,updates and availability ,each fireshed assessment under subsection 7a7 shall be-- 7#a7 regularly updated based on the best available science1 subject to the requirements of subsection 7d77#b72 and 7#b7 made publicly available on #a or more websites maintained by the ,secretary concerned1 including the ,fireshed ,registry4 7d7 ,information improvement 7#a7 ,memoranda of understanding ,in carrying out a fireshed assessment under this section1 the ,secretary concerned may enter into memoranda of understanding with other ,federal departments and agencies 7including the ,national ,oceanic and ,atmospheric ,administration71 ,states1 ,indian ,tribes1 private entities1 or research or educational institutions to improve1 with respect to the assessment1 the use and integration of-- 7,a7 advanced remote sensing and geospatial technologies2 7,b7 statistical modeling and analysis2 or 7,c7 any other technology or combination of technologies and analyses that the ,secretary concerned determines will benefit the quality of information in the assessment4 7#b7 ,best available science ,in using the best available science for a fireshed assessment under this section1 the ,secretary concerned and the applicable ,governor shall incorporate1 to the maximum extent practicable-- 7,a7 traditional ecological knowledge from ,indian ,tribes2 7,b7 data from ,state forest action plans and ,state wildfire risk assessments2 7,c7 data from the ,fireshed ,registry2 and 7,d7 data from other ,federal1 ,state1 ,tribal1 and local governments or agencies4 7e7 ,applicability of ,,nepa ,a fireshed assessment under this section shall not be subject to the requirements of the ,national ,environmental ,policy ,act of #aifi 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #dcba et seq474 #ajf4 ,emergency fireshed management 7a7 ,fireshed management projects 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary1 acting through a responsible official1 shall carry out fireshed management projects on land under the jurisdiction of the ,secretary concerned in fireshed management areas in accordance with this section1 the applicable forest plan1 and the laws 7including regulations7 applicable to the ,secretary concerned4 7#b7 ,applicability of other provisions 7,a7 ,in general ,the following shall have the force and effect of law with respect to any fireshed management project carried out in a fireshed management area3 7i7 ,section #bbj4d7;b7 of title #cf1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations 7as in effect on ,april #i1 #bjbe71 with respect to land under the jurisdiction of the ,secretary4 7ii7 ,section #df4aej of title #dc1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations 7as in effect on ,april #i1 #bjbe71 with respect to land under the jurisdiction of the ,secretary of the ,interior4 7iii7 ,section #djb4je of title #ej1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations 7as in effect on ,april #i1 #bjbe74 7iv7 ,section #hjj4ab of title #cf1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations 7as in effect on ,april #i1 #bjbe71 except that any reference contained in that regulation to an agency official shall be considered to be a reference to a responsible official4 7,b7 ,determination of emergency 7i7 ,in general ,a regulation referred to in subparagraph 7,a7 shall not apply pursuant to that subparagraph with respect to a fireshed management project unless1 before carrying out the fireshed management project1 a responsible official-- 7,i7 determines1 in accordance with the regulation1 that an emergency or emergency circumstance exists2 7,,ii7 completes any documentation or identification processes required under such regulation2 and 7,,iii7 provides public notice of the determination of emergency and each related fireshed management project activity by publishing such determination on a website maintained by the ,secretary concerned4 7ii7 ,requirement ,in carrying out a fireshed management project under a regulation referred to in subparagraph 7,a71 a responsible official shall ensure that such fireshed management project is consistent with the applicable forest plan and the laws 7including regulations7 and policies applicable to the ,secretary concerned4 7,c7 ,further clarification ,a regulation referred to in subparagraph 7,a7 shall not apply to any fireshed management project unless such fireshed management project will achieve a land management goal described in section #fjd7;c7 of the ,healthy ,forests ,restoration ,act of #bjjc 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #feia;c7c774 7,d7 ,utilization of existing streamlined authorities in fireshed management areas 7i7 ,in general ,not later than #b years after the date of enactment of this ,act1 with respect to each fireshed management area that contains ,federal land1 the ,secretary concerned1 acting through a responsible official1 shall use not fewer than #a of the following expedited authorities for environmental review to carry out fireshed management projects3 7,i7 ,section #fjc7;a7 of the ,healthy ,forests ,restoration ,act of #bjjc 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #feia;b7a774 7,,ii7 ,section #fje7;a7 of the ,healthy ,forests ,restoration ,act of #bjjc 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #feia;d7a774 7,,iii7 ,section #fjf7;b7 of the ,healthy ,forests ,restoration ,act of #bjjc 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #feia;e7b774 7,,iv7 ,section #djhjf7;b7 of the ,infrastructure ,investment and ,jobs ,act 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #feib;b7b774 7ii7 ,compliance with ,,nepa ,in applying expedited authorities for environmental review to carry out fireshed management projects under clause 7i71 the ,secretary concerned shall ensure-- 7,i7 such project is carried out in accordance with the statute establishing the categorical exclusion applied by the ,secretary concerned2 7,,ii7 compliance with the ,national ,environmental ,policy ,act of #aifi 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #dcba et seq472 and 7,,iii7 such project is carried out in accordance with the applicable forest plan or resource management plan and the laws and policies applicable to the ,secretary concerned4 7iii7 ,additional emergency actions ,the ,secretary may declare an emergency pursuant to section #djhjg of the ,infrastructure ,investment and ,jobs ,act 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #feib;c7 for any fireshed management project4 7iv7 ,fiscal ,responsibility ,act requirements ,in carrying out this section1 the ,secretary concerned shall ensure compliance with the amendments made to the ,national ,environmental ,policy ,act of #aifi 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #dcba et seq47 by the ,fiscal ,responsibility ,act of #bjbc 7,public ,law #aah-e2 #acg ,stat4 #ch74 7v7 ,use of other authorities ,to the maximum extent practicable1 the ,secretary concerned shall use the authorities provided under this section in combination with other authorities to carry out fireshed management projects1 including-- 7,i7 good neighbor agreements under section #hbjf of the ,agricultural ,act of #bjad 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #baac;a7 7as amended by this ,act72 7,,ii7 stewardship contracting projects entered into under section #fjd of the ,healthy ,forests ,restoration ,act of #bjjc 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #feia;c7 7as amended by this ,act72 7,,iii7 self-determination contracts and self-governance compact agreements entered into under the ,indian ,self-,determination and ,education ,assistance ,act 7#be ,u4,s4,c4 #ecja et seq472 and 7,,iv7 agreements entered into under the ,tribal ,forest ,protection ,act of #bjjd 7,public ,law #ajh-bgh2 #aah ,stat4 #hfh74 7b7 ,expansion 7#a7 ,healthy ,forests ,restoration ,act amendments 7,a7 ,definitions ,section #c of the ,healthy ,forests ,restoration ,act of #bjjc 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #fejb7 is amended-- 7i7 in paragraph 7#b71 by striking #dej;b and inserting #ecjd2 and 7ii7 by adding at the end the following3 7#c7 ,local government ,the term local government means-- 7,a7 a county2 7,b7 a municipality2 and 7,c7 a special district4 7#d7 ,special district ,the term special district means a political subdivision of a ,state that-- 7,a7 has significant budgetary autonomy or control2 7,b7 was established by1 or pursuant to1 the laws of the ,state for the purpose of performing a limited and specific governmental or proprietary function primarily relating to forest or rangeland management2 and 7,c7 is distinct from any other unit of local government within the ,state4 4 7,b7 ,administrative review ,section #fjc7;c7 of the ,healthy ,forests ,restoration ,act of #bjjc 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #feia;b7c77 is amended-- 7i7 in paragraph 7#a71 by striking #cjjj acres and inserting #aj1jjj acres2 and 7ii7 in paragraph 7#b77;,b71 by striking ,fire ,regime ,groups ,i1 ,,ii1 or ,,iii and inserting ,fire ,regime ,i1 ,fire ,regime ,,ii1 ,fire ,regime ,,iii1 or ,fire ,regime ,,iv4 7,c7 ,wildfire resilience projects ,section #fje7;c7 of the ,healthy ,forests ,restoration ,act of #bjjc 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #feia;d7c77 is amended-- 7i7 in paragraph 7#a71 by striking #cjjj acres and inserting #aj1jjj acres2 and 7ii7 in paragraph 7#d71 by striking code of ,federal regulations 7or successor regulations7 and inserting ,code of ,federal regulations 7or a successor regulation74 7,d7 ,greater sage-grouse and mule deer habitat ,section #fjf of the ,healthy ,forests ,restoration ,act of #bjjc 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #feia;e7 is amended-- 7i7 in subsection 7a77#a77;,a7-- 7,i7 by striking clause 7ii72 7,,ii7 by redesignating clauses 7iii7 through 7vii7 as clauses 7ii7 through 7vi71 respectively2 and 7,,iii7 in clause 7iii7 7as so redesignated71 in the matter preceding subclause 7,i71 by striking in a sagebrush steppe ecosystem2 7ii7 in subsection 7c71 by striking concurrently for both greater sage-grouse and and inserting for greater sage-grouse or2 and 7iii7 in subsection 7g77#a71 by striking #d1ejj acres and inserting #g1ejj acres4 7#b7 ,infrastructure ,investment and ,jobs ,act amendment ,section #djhjf7;d77#a7 of the ,infrastructure ,investment and ,jobs ,act 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #feib;b7d77#a77 is amended by striking #c1jjj acres and inserting #aj1jjj acres4 #ajg4 ,sunset ,the authority under this subtitle terminates on the date that is #g years after the date of enactment of this ,act4 ,b ,expanding collaborative tools to reduce wildfire risk and improve forest health #aaa4 ,modification of treatment of certain revenue and payments under good neighbor agreements 7a7 ,good neighbor authority ,section #hbjf of the ,agricultural ,act of #bjad 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #baac;a7 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7a7-- 7,a7 in paragraph 7#a77;,b71 by striking either the ,secretary or a ,governor or county and inserting the ,secretary1 a ,governor1 an ,indian tribe1 a special district1 or a county2 7,b7 in paragraph 7#e71 by striking ,governor or and inserting ,governor1 an ,indian tribe1 a special district1 or a2 7,c7 in paragraph 7#f71 by striking or ,indian tribe2 and 7,d7 by adding at the end the following3 7#aa7 ,special district ,the term special district means a political subdivision of a ,state that-- 7,a7 has significant budgetary autonomy or control2 7,b7 was established by1 or pursuant to1 the laws of the ,state for the purpose of performing a limited and specific governmental or proprietary function primarily relating to forest or rangeland management2 and 7,c7 is distinct from any other unit of local government within the ,state4 2 and 7#b7 in subsection 7b7-- 7,a7 in paragraph 7#a77;,a71 by striking or county and inserting 1 an ,indian tribe1 a special district1 or a county2 7,b7 in paragraph 7#b77;,c7-- 7i7 in clause 7i7-- 7,i7 in the matter preceding subclause 7,i71 by inserting special district1 after ,indian ,tribe1 each place it appears2 7,,ii7 in subclause 7,i7-- 7aa7 by striking on2 and 7bb7 by striking 2 and and inserting a semicolon2 7,,iii7 in subclause 7,,ii7-- 7aa7 in the matter preceding item 7aa71 by striking clause 7i7 and inserting subclause 7,i72 and 7bb7 in item 7bb71 by striking the ,good ,neighbor ,authority for ,recreation ,act4 and inserting section #cea of the ,,explore ,act 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #hega722 and 7,,iv7 by adding at the end the following3 7,,iii7 if there are funds remaining after carrying out subclause 7,,ii7-- 7aa7 to carry out authorized restoration services under other good neighbor agreements2 and 7bb7 for the administration of a good neighbor authority program by a ,governor1 ,indian tribe1 special district1 or county4 2 and 7ii7 in clause 7ii71 by striking #bjbh and inserting #bjcj2 7,c7 in paragraph 7#c71 by striking or county and inserting 1 an ,indian tribe1 a special district1 or a county2 and 7,d7 by striking paragraph 7#d74 7b7 ,technical amendment 7#a7 ,in general ,section #ddc of division ,e of ,public ,law #aah-db 7#ach ,stat4 #big7 is amended1 in the matter preceding paragraph 7#a71 by striking ,agriculture ,act of #bjad and inserting ,agricultural ,act of #bjad4 7#b7 ,effective date ,the amendment made by paragraph 7#a7 shall take effect on the date of enactment of ,public ,law #aah-db 7#ach ,stat4 #be74 7c7 ,effective date ,the amendments made by subsection 7a7 shall apply to any project initiated pursuant to a good neighbor agreement 7as defined in section #hbjf7;a7 of the ,agricultural ,act of #bjad 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #baac;a7a777-- 7#a7 before the date of enactment of this ,act1 if the project was initiated after the date of enactment of the ,agriculture ,improvement ,act of #bjah 7,public ,law #aae-ccd2 #acb ,stat4 #ddij72 or 7#b7 on or after the date of enactment of this ,act4 #aab4 ,fixing stewardship end result contracting ,section #fjd of the ,healthy ,forests ,restoration ,act of #bjjc 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #feia;c7 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7b71 by inserting 1 including retaining and expanding existing forest products infrastructure before the period at the end2 and 7#b7 in subsection 7d77#c77;,b71 by striking #aj years and inserting #bj years2 and 7#c7 in subsection 7h71 by adding at the end the following3 7#d7 ,special rule for long-term stewardship contracts 7,a7 ,definition of long-term contract ,in this paragraph1 the term long-term contract means an agreement or contract under subsection 7b7 that-- 7i7 has a term of longer than #e years2 and 7ii7 is entered into on or after the date of enactment of this paragraph4 7,b7 ,special rule ,a long-term contract entered into under subsection 7b7 by the ,chief or the ,director with an entity shall provide that1 in the case of cancellation or termination of the long-term contract by the ,chief or the ,director1 the ,chief or the ,director1 as applicable1 shall provide to the entity an amount equal to #aj percent of the long-term contract amount as cancellation or termination costs4 4 #aac4 ,fireshed management project strike teams 7a7 ,establishment ,the ,secretary concerned shall establish intra-agency strike teams to assist the ,secretary concerned with-- 7#a7 any reviews1 including analysis under the ,national ,environmental ,policy ,act of #aifi 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #dcba et seq471 consultations under division ,a of subtitle ,,iii of title #ed1 ,united ,states ,code 7formerly known as the ,national ,historic ,preservation ,act71 and consultations under the ,endangered ,species ,act of #aigc 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #aeca et seq471 with the intent to accelerate and streamline interagency consultation processes2 7#b7 the implementation of any necessary site preparation work in advance of1 or as part of1 a fireshed management project2 7#c7 the implementation of fireshed management projects2 and 7#d7 any combination of purposes described in paragraphs 7#a7 through 7#c74 7b7 ,members 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary concerned may appoint not more than #aj individuals to serve on an intra-agency strike team under this section1 to be composed of-- 7,a7 employees of the department under the jurisdiction of the ,secretary concerned2 7,b7 employees of a different ,federal department or agency1 with the consent of the head of that department or agency2 and 7,c7 private contractors or volunteers from any nonprofit organization1 ,state government1 ,indian ,tribe1 local government1 quasi-governmental agency1 academic institution1 or private organization4 7#b7 ,requirement ,in appointing individuals under paragraph 7#a71 the ,secretary concerned shall appoint not fewer than #a employee of the ,federal agency with jurisdiction over the applicable ,federal land4 7c7 ,review responsibility ,the ,secretary concerned shall-- 7#a7 determine the sufficiency of the documents prepared by an intra-agency strike team under this section2 and 7#b7 retain responsibility for any authorizing decision relating to such a document4 7d7 ,sunset ,the authority under this section terminates on the date that is #g years after the date of enactment of this ,act4 #aad4 ,locally led restoration ,section #ad7;d7 of the ,national ,forest ,management ,act of #aigf 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #dgb;a7d77 is amended1 in the first sentence1 by striking #aj1jjj and inserting #ee1jjj4 #aae4 ,joint ,chiefs ,landscape ,restoration ,partnership ,program ,section #djhjh of the ,infrastructure ,investment and ,jobs ,act 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #feib;d7 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7a77#b7-- 7,a7 in subparagraph 7,b71 by striking or at the end2 7,b7 in subparagraph 7,c71 by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon2 and 7,c7 by adding at the end the following3 7,d7 to recover from wildfire2 or 7,e7 to enhance soil1 water1 and related natural resources4 2 7#b7 in subsection 7d77#a7-- 7,a7 in subparagraph 7,a71 by inserting and post-wildfire impacts after wildfire risk2 and 7,b7 in subparagraph 7,f71 by inserting 1 as identified in the corresponding ,state forest action plan or similar priority plan 7such as a ,state wildlife or water plan7 before the semicolon2 7#c7 in subsection 7g71 by striking paragraph 7#b7 and inserting the following3 7#b7 ,additional reports ,for each of fiscal years #bjbb and #bjbc1 and not less frequently than once every #b fiscal years thereafter1 the ,chiefs shall submit a report describing projects for which funding is provided under the ,program1 including the status and outcomes of those projects1 to-- 7,a7 in the ,senate-- 7i7 the ,committee on ,agriculture1 ,nutrition1 and ,forestry2 7ii7 the ,committee on ,energy and ,natural ,resources2 and 7iii7 the ,committee on ,appropriations2 and 7,b7 in the ,house of ,representatives-- 7i7 the ,committee on ,agriculture2 7ii7 the ,committee on ,natural ,resources2 and 7iii7 the ,committee on ,appropriations4 2 and 7#d7 in subsection 7h77#a71 by striking and #bjbc and inserting through #bjca4 #aaf4 ,collaborative forest landscape restoration program ,section #djjc of the ,omnibus ,public ,land ,management ,act of #bjji 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #gcjc7 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7b7-- 7,a7 in paragraph 7#b77;,b77ii71 by striking #ejj note and inserting #gabe2 and 7,b7 in paragraph 7#c7-- 7i7 in the matter preceding subparagraph 7,a71 by striking plans to-- and inserting plans--2 7ii7 in each of subparagraphs 7,a7 through 7,h71 by inserting to after the subparagraph designation2 and 7iii7 in subparagraph 7,d71 by inserting or pathogens before the semicolon2 7#b7 in subsection 7c77#c77;,a7-- 7,a7 in clause 7i71 by striking and at the end2 7,b7 in clause 7ii71 by adding and after the semicolon at the end2 and 7,c7 by adding at the end the following3 7iii7 include a ,federal ,government staffing plan for providing staff to support collaborative processes established under subsection 7b77#b72 2 7#c7 in subsection 7d7-- 7,a7 in paragraph 7#b7-- 7i7 in subparagraph 7,e71 by striking and at the end2 7ii7 in subparagraph 7,f71 by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon2 and 7iii7 by adding at the end the following3 7,g7 proposals that seek to use innovative implementation mechanisms1 including good neighbor agreements entered into under section #hbjf of the ,agricultural ,act of #bjad 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #baac;a72 7,h7 proposals that seek to reduce the risk of uncharacteristic wildfire or increase ecological restoration activities-- 7i7 within areas across land ownerships1 including ,state1 ,tribal1 and private land2 and 7ii7 within the wildland-urban interface 7as defined in section #aja of the ,healthy ,forests ,restoration ,act of #bjjc 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #feaa772 and 7,i7 proposals that seek to enhance watershed health and drinking water sources4 2 and 7,b7 in paragraph 7#c7-- 7i7 by striking subparagraph 7,a7 and inserting the following3 7,a7 #d proposals in any #a region of the ,national ,forest ,system to be funded during any fiscal year2 and 2 7ii7 by striking subparagraph 7,b72 and 7iii7 by redesignating subparagraph 7,c7 as subparagraph 7,b72 7#d7 in subsection 7e77#c71 by inserting conflict resolution or collaborative governance1 before and woody2 and 7#e7 in subsection 7f7-- 7,a7 in paragraph 7#d77;,b77ii71 by striking #d1jjj1jjj and inserting #h1jjj1jjj2 and 7,b7 in paragraph 7#f71 by striking #bjbc and inserting #bjca4 #aag4 ,utilizing grazing for wildfire risk reduction 7a7 ,strategy 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #ah months after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary concerned1 in coordination with the holders of permits to graze livestock on ,federal land under the jurisdiction of the ,secretary concerned and in consultation with other relevant stakeholders1 shall develop a strategy to utilize livestock grazing as a wildfire risk reduction tool on ,federal land1 consistent with the laws applicable to the ,secretary concerned4 7#b7 ,inclusions ,the strategy under paragraph 7#a7 shall include-- 7,a7 the completion of any reviews required under the ,national ,environmental ,policy ,act of #aifi 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #dcba et seq47 to allow permitted grazing on vacant grazing allotments during instances of drought1 wildfire1 or other natural disasters that disrupt grazing on allotments already permitted2 7,b7 the use of targeted grazing to reduce hazardous fuels2 7,c7 an increased use of temporary permits to promote targeted fuels reduction and reduction of invasive annual grasses2 7,d7 an increased use of livestock grazing-- 7i7 to eradicate invasive annual grasses2 and 7ii7 as a post-fire restoration and recovery strategy1 as appropriate2 7,e7 an integrated use of advanced technologies to dynamically adjust livestock placement2 7,f7 an increased use of any authorities applicable to livestock grazing1 including modifications to grazing permits or leases to allow variances2 7,g7 the utilization of grazing on ,federal land under the jurisdiction of the ,secretary concerned in a manner that-- 7i7 avoids conflicts with other uses of that ,federal land2 and 7ii7 is consistent with any applicable land management plan2 and 7,h7 the use of any other means determined to be appropriate by the ,secretary concerned4 7b7 ,effect on existing grazing programs ,nothing in this section affects-- 7#a7 any livestock grazing program carried out by the ,secretary concerned as of the date of enactment of this ,act2 or 7#b7 any statutory authority for any program described in paragraph 7#a74 #aah4 ,water ,source ,protection ,program ,section #cjc of the ,healthy ,forests ,restoration ,act of #bjjc 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #fedb7 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7a7-- 7,a7 by redesignating paragraphs 7#a7 through 7#g7 as paragraphs 7#b7 through 7#h71 respectively2 7,b7 by inserting before paragraph 7#b7 7as so redesignated7 the following3 7#a7 ,adjacent land ,the term adjacent land means non-,federal land1 including ,state1 local1 and private land1 that is adjacent to1 and within the same watershed as1 ,national ,forest ,system land on which a watershed protection and restoration project is carried out under this section4 2 and 7,c7 in paragraph 7#b7 7as so redesignated7-- 7i7 by redesignating subparagraphs 7,g7 and 7,h7 as subparagraphs 7,k7 and 7,l71 respectively2 and 7ii7 by inserting after subparagraph 7,f7 the following3 7,g7 an acequia association2 7,h7 a local1 regional1 or other public entity that manages stormwater or wastewater resources or other related water infrastructure2 7,i7 a land-grant mercedes2 and 7,j7 a local1 regional1 or other private entity that has water delivery authority2 2 7#b7 in subsection 7b7-- 7,a7 by inserting and adjacent land before the period at the end2 7,b7 by striking ,the ,secretary and inserting the following3 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary 2 and 7,c7 by adding at the end the following3 7#b7 ,requirements ,a watershed protection and restoration project under the ,program shall be designed-- 7,a7 to protect and restore watershed health1 water supply and quality1 a municipal or agricultural water supply system1 and water-related infrastructure2 7,b7 to protect and restore forest health from insect infestation and disease or wildfire2 or 7,c7 to advance any combination of the purposes described in subparagraphs 7,a7 and 7,b74 7#c7 ,priorities ,in selecting watershed protection and restoration projects under the ,program1 the ,secretary shall give priority to projects that would-- 7,a7 provide risk management benefits associated with drought1 wildfire1 post-wildfire conditions1 extreme weather events1 flooding1 resilience to climate change1 and watershed and fire resilience1 including minimizing risks to watershed health1 water supply and quality1 and water-related infrastructure1 including municipal and agricultural water supply systems2 7,b7 support aquatic restoration and conservation efforts that complement existing or planned forest restoration or wildfire risk reduction efforts2 7,c7 provide quantifiable benefits to water supply or quality and include the use of nature-based solutions1 such as restoring wetland and riparian ecosystems2 7,d7 include-- 7i7 partners with demonstrated capacity to1 and success in1 designing and implementing ecological restoration projects1 wildfire risk-reduction efforts1 or post-wildfire restoration projects2 or 7ii7 in the case of communities that have historically lacked access to adequate resources1 partners with a strong likelihood of success in designing and implementing a watershed protection and restoration project2 and 7,e7 include-- 7i7 a contribution of funds or in-kind support from non-,federal partners in an amount greater than the amount required under subsection 7g77#b72 or 7ii7 such other characteristics as the ,secretary determines to be appropriate4 7#d7 ,conditions for projects on adjacent land 7,a7 ,in general ,no project or activity may be carried out under this section on adjacent land1 unless the owner of the adjacent land provides express support for1 and is a willing and engaged partner in1 carrying out that project or activity4 7,b7 ,effect ,nothing in this section authorizes any change in-- 7i7 the ownership of adjacent land on which a project or activity is carried out under this section2 or 7ii7 the management of adjacent land on which a project or activity is carried out under this section1 except during the carrying out of that project or activity4 2 7#c7 in subsection 7c7-- 7,a7 in paragraph 7#a71 by striking agreements with and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting the following3 agreements with end water users to protect and restore the condition of ,national ,forest watersheds and adjacent land that provide water to-- 7,a7 end water users2 or 7,b7 end water users to protect and restore the condition of ,national ,forest watersheds and adjacent land that provide water for the benefit of another end water user4 2 7,b7 in paragraph 7#b7-- 7i7 in subparagraph 7,c71 by striking or at the end2 7ii7 by redesignating subparagraph 7,d7 as subparagraph 7,e72 and 7iii7 by inserting after subparagraph 7,c7 the following3 7,d7 in the case of an agreement with a ,state1 a county1 or an ,indian tribe for a project carried out on ,national ,forest ,system land1 a good neighbor agreement entered into under section #hbjf of the ,agricultural ,act of #bjad 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #baac;a72 or 2 and 7,c7 by adding at the end the following3 7#c7 ,cooperation with non-,federal partners ,the ,secretary shall cooperate with non-,federal partners in carrying out assessments1 planning1 project design1 and project implementation under this section4 2 7#d7 in subsection 7d7-- 7,a7 by striking paragraph 7#b7 and inserting the following3 7#b7 ,requirements ,a water source management plan shall be-- 7,a7 designed to protect and restore ecological integrity 7as defined in section #bai4ai of title #cf1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations 7as in effect on the date of enactment of this subparagraph772 7,b7 based on the best available scientific information2 and 7,c7 conducted in a manner consistent with the forest plan applicable to the ,national ,forest ,system land on which the watershed protection and restoration project is carried out4 2 and 7,b7 by adding at the end the following3 7#d7 ,reducing redundancy ,an existing watershed plan1 such as a watershed protection and restoration action plan developed under section #cjd7;a77#c71 or other applicable watershed planning documents approved by the ,secretary may be used as the basis for a water source management plan under this subsection4 2 7#e7 in subsection 7e77#a71 by striking purpose of in the matter preceding subparagraph 7,a7 and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting purpose of advancing any of the purposes described in subsection 7b77#b742 and 7#f7 in subsection 7g7-- 7,a7 in paragraph 7#b7-- 7i7 by striking at least equal to and inserting not less than #bj percent of2 7ii7 by striking ,the ,secretary and inserting the following3 7,a7 ,in general ,subject to subparagraph 7,b71 the ,secretary 2 and 7iii7 by adding at the end the following3 7,b7 ,waiver ,the ,secretary may waive the requirement under subparagraph 7,a7 at the discretion of the ,secretary4 2 7,b7 in paragraph 7#d7-- 7i7 in subparagraph 7,b71 by striking fiscal years #bjai through #bjbc and inserting fiscal years #bjbe through #bjca2 7ii7 by redesignating subparagraph 7,c7 as subparagraph 7,d72 and 7iii7 by inserting after subparagraph 7,b7 the following3 7,c7 ,set-aside for partner participation in planning and capacity ,of the amounts made available under subparagraphs 7,a7 and 7,b7 to carry out this section for each fiscal year1 the ,secretary shall use not less than #aj percent for non-,federal partner technical assistance participation and capacity-building efforts in developing or implementing a water source management plan under subsection 7d74 2 and 7,c7 by adding at the end the following3 7#e7 ,in-kind contributions ,the ,secretary may include the value of forest restoration and watershed improvement work implemented on adjacent land in the project area in determining in-kind contributions to a project from non-,federal partners under paragraph 7#d77;,a74 4 #aai4 ,watershed ,condition ,framework technical corrections ,section #cjd7;a7 of the ,healthy ,forests ,restoration ,act of #bjjc 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #fedc7;a77 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#c77;,a71 by inserting protection and before restoration2 7#b7 in paragraph 7#e71 by striking and at the end2 7#c7 in paragraph 7#f71 by striking the period at the end and inserting 2 and2 and 7#d7 by adding at the end the following3 7#g7 to ensure that management activities and authorizations do not result in long-term degradation of watershed health or lower the classification under paragraph 7#a7 of any watershed in a ,national ,forest4 4 #abj4 ,tribal forest protection management activities and projects ,section #hgjc of the ,agriculture ,improvement ,act of #bjah 7#be ,u4,s4,c4 #caae;b7 is amended-- 7#a7 in the section heading1 by striking management demonstration project and inserting protection management activities and projects2 7#b7 by redesignating subsection 7b7 as subsection 7c72 7#c7 in subsection 7a7-- 7,a7 by striking demonstration2 7,b7 by striking federally recognized2 7,c7 by striking programs of and inserting activities and projects under2 7,d7 by striking #ecjd et seq4 and inserting #ecja et seq42 and 7,e7 by striking the subsection designation and heading and all that follows through and the ,secretary and inserting the following3 7a7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,indian ,tribe ,the term ,indian ,tribe means an ,indian ,tribe included on the list published by the ,secretary of the ,interior under section #ajd of the ,federally ,recognized ,indian ,tribe ,list ,act of #aiid 7#be ,u4,s4,c4 #eaca74 7#b7 ,tribal organization ,the term ,tribal organization has the meaning given the term in section #d of the ,indian ,self-,determination and ,education ,assistance ,act 7#be ,u4,s4,c4 #ecjd74 7b7 ,activities and projects ,the ,secretary and the ,secretary of the ,interior 2 7#d7 in subsection 7c7 7as so redesignated7-- 7,a7 in the matter preceding paragraph 7#a71 by striking subsection 7a7 and inserting subsection 7b72 and 7,b7 in paragraph 7#a71 by striking #ecjd et seq4 and inserting #ecja et seq42 and 7#e7 by adding at the end the following3 7d7 ,publication of information ,the ,secretary and the ,secretary of the ,interior shall-- 7#a7 not later than #ahj days after the date of enactment of this subsection1 make available1 in an easily accessible format and location1 on the website of the ,department of ,agriculture and the ,department of the ,interior1 respectively1 a list of the types of activities and projects that ,indian ,tribes and ,tribal organizations may enter into contracts to perform under subsection 7b72 and 7#b7 update the list under paragraph 7#a7 as necessary4 4 ,c ,litigation reform #aba4 ,commonsense litigation reform 7a7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,agency document ,the term agency document1 with respect to a fireshed management project1 means a record of decision1 decision memorandum1 environmental document1 or programmatic environmental document4 7#b7 ,covered agency action ,the term covered agency action means-- 7,a7 the establishment of a fireshed management project by an agency2 7,b7 the application of a categorical exclusion to a fireshed management project2 7,c7 the preparation of any agency document for a fireshed management project2 and 7,d7 any other agency action as part of a fireshed management project4 7#c7 ,,nepa terms ,the terms categorical exclusion1 environmental document1 and programmatic environmental document have the meanings given those terms in section #aaa of the ,national ,environmental ,policy ,act of #aifi 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #dccf;e74 7b7 ,limitations on judicial review 7#a7 ,limitations on injunctive relief 7,a7 ,temporary delay of covered agency action ,notwithstanding any other provision of law1 in the case of a claim arising under ,federal law seeking judicial review of a covered agency action1 a court shall not issue a preliminary injunction against such covered agency action unless the court determines that-- 7i7 subject to subparagraph 7,c71 such preliminary injunction is in the public interest2 7ii7 the balance of equities favors the plaintiff2 7iii7 the plaintiff is likely to succeed on the merits2 and 7iv7 the plaintiff is likely to suffer irreparable injury in the absence of preliminary relief4 7,b7 ,permanent limit on agency action ,notwithstanding any other provision of law1 in the case of a claim arising under ,federal law seeking judicial review of a covered agency action1 a court shall not issue a permanent injunction against such covered agency action1 or an order to otherwise permanently limit such covered agency action1 unless a court determines that-- 7i7 subject to subparagraph 7,c71 such permanent injunction or order is in the public interest2 7ii7 the balance of equities favors the plaintiff2 7iii7 the plaintiff has suffered or will suffer irreparable injury2 and 7iv7 no adequate remedy is available at law4 7,c7 ,public interest determination 7i7 ,in general ,in determining under subparagraphs 7,a7 and 7,b7 whether a preliminary or permanent injunction against1 or other order with respect to1 a covered agency action is in the public interest1 the considerations of the court shall include-- 7,i7 the purpose for which an agency is undertaking the fireshed management project relating to such covered agency action2 7,,ii7 the likelihood that the fireshed management project will achieve the stated purpose of the fireshed management project2 and 7,,iii7 the short- and long-term effects of proceeding with the covered agency action1 as compared to delaying or limiting such covered agency action1 including the potential for significant increases in wildfire risk or severity and significant threats to the health of the ecosystem4 7ii7 ,weight of public interest factor ,in determining whether to issue any injunction or order under subparagraph 7,a7 or 7,b71 a court shall give significant1 but not necessarily dispositive1 weight to its consideration of whether such order is in the public interest4 7#b7 ,remand 7,a7 ,in general ,notwithstanding any other provision of law1 in the case of a claim arising under ,federal law seeking judicial review of a covered agency action1 if the court remands the matter to the agency1 the court shall remand with instructions to carry out1 during the #ahj-;day period beginning on the date of such remand1 such additional actions as may be necessary to redress any cognizable harm giving rise to such claim4 7,b7 ,vacatur 7i7 ,in general ,in remanding a matter to an agency under subparagraph 7,a71 the court shall remand with vacatur only if-- 7,i7 the seriousness of any deficiencies in the covered agency action weigh in favor of vacatur2 and 7,,ii7 the court determines that any disruptive consequences of vacatur1 including the short- and long-term effects of vacating the covered agency action or any part of such covered agency action1 do not outweigh the justification for vacatur4 7ii7 ,considerations ,in making the determination described in clause 7i77,,ii71 the court shall consider whether vacatur would cause-- 7,i7 any significant increases in wildfire risk or severity1 and 7,,ii7 any significant threats to the health of the ecosystem4 7,c7 ,effect of remand on agency ,in the case of a covered agency action subject to remand without vacatur1 or with partial vacatur1 pursuant to this paragraph1 the agency may-- 7i7 continue to carry out such covered agency action1 or such parts of the covered agency action as are not vacated1 to the extent that doing so does not interfere with any additional actions required pursuant to subparagraph 7,a72 and 7ii7 use any format1 as appropriate1 to correct an agency document 7including a supplemental environmental document1 memorandum1 or errata sheet71 provided that such format is appropriate to the nature of the deficiency4 7#c7 ,preservation of authority ,nothing in this section alters1 limits1 or displaces the authority of a court to review a covered agency action under section #gjf7b7 of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code4 7c7 ,limitations on claims ,notwithstanding any other provision of law1 a claim arising under ,federal law seeking judicial review of a covered agency action shall be barred unless-- 7#a7 with respect to an agency document or the application of a categorical exclusion noticed in the ,federal ,register1 such claim is filed not later than #aej days after the date of publication of a notice in the ,federal ,register of agency intent to carry out the fireshed management project relating to such covered agency document or application1 unless a shorter period is specified in such ,federal law2 or 7#b7 in the case of an agency document or the application of a categorical exclusion not described in paragraph 7#a71 if such agency document or application is otherwise published or noticed1 such claim is filed not later than #aej days after the date that is the earlier of-- 7,a7 the date on which such agency document or application is published2 and 7,b7 the date on which such agency document or application is noticed4 #abb4 ,consultation on forest plans 7a7 ,forest ,service plans ,section #f7;d77#b7 of the ,forest and ,rangeland ,renewable ,resources ,planning ,act of #aigd 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #afjd7;d77#b77 is amended to read as follows3 7#b7 ,no additional consultation required under certain circumstances ,notwithstanding any other provision of law1 the ,secretary shall not be required to reinitiate consultation under section #g7;a77#b7 of the ,endangered ,species ,act of #aigc 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #aecf7;a77#b77 or section #djb4af of title #ej1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations 7or a successor regulation71 on a land management plan approved1 amended1 or revised under this section when-- 7,a7 a new species is listed or critical habitat is designated under the ,endangered ,species ,act of #aigc 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #aeca et seq472 or 7,b7 new information reveals effects of the land management plan that may affect a species listed or critical habitat designated under that ,act in a manner or to an extent not previously considered4 4 7b7 ,bureau of ,land ,management plans ,section #bjb of the ,federal ,land ,policy and ,management ,act of #aigf 7#dc ,u4,s4,c4 #agab7 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7g7 ,no additional consultation required under certain circumstances ,notwithstanding any other provision of law1 the ,secretary shall not be required to reinitiate consultation under section #g7;a77#b7 of the ,endangered ,species ,act of #aigc 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #aecf7;a77#b77 or section #djb4af of title #ej1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations 7or a successor regulation71 on a land use plan approved1 amended1 or revised under this section when-- 7#a7 a new species is listed or critical habitat is designated under the ,endangered ,species ,act of #aigc 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #aeca et seq472 or 7#b7 new information reveals effects of the land use plan that may affect a species listed or critical habitat designated under that ,act in a manner or to an extent not previously considered4 4 ,d ,prescribed fire #aca4 ,prescribed fire eligible activities1 policies1 and practices 7a7 ,definition of prescribed fire 7#a7 ,in general ,in this section1 the term prescribed fire means a fire deliberately ignited to burn wildland fuels in a natural or modified state-- 7,a7 under specified environmental conditions that are intended to allow the fire-- 7i7 to be confined to a predetermined area2 and 7ii7 to produce the fireline intensity and rate of spread required to attain planned resource management objectives2 and 7,b7 in accordance with applicable law 7including regulations74 7#b7 ,exclusion ,in this section1 the term prescribed fire does not include a fire that is ignited for the primary purpose of pile burning4 7b7 ,eligible activities 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary concerned may carry out eligible activities described in paragraph 7#b7 for hazardous fuels management with respect to land under the jurisdiction of the ,secretary concerned4 7#b7 ,description of activities ,the activities referred to in paragraph 7#a7 are-- 7,a7 with respect to prescribed fires on ,federal land1 or on non-,federal land if the ,secretary concerned determines that such activities would benefit resources on ,federal land-- 7i7 entering into procurement contracts or cooperative agreements for prescribed fire activities2 7ii7 issuing grants from an existing grant program to a ,state1 ,tribal government1 local government1 prescribed fire council1 prescribed burn association1 or nonprofit organization for the implementation of prescribed fires1 including-- 7,i7 carrying out necessary environmental reviews2 7,,ii7 carrying out any site preparation necessary for implementing prescribed fires2 and 7,,iii7 conducting any required pre-ignition cultural and environmental surveys2 and 7iii7 conducting outreach to the public1 ,indian ,tribes and beneficiaries1 and adjacent landowners2 7,b7 implementing prescribed fires on non-,federal land1 if the ,secretary concerned determines that the prescribed fire would benefit ,federal land1 including-- 7i7 carrying out necessary environmental reviews2 7ii7 carrying out any site preparation necessary for implementing prescribed fires2 and 7iii7 conducting any required pre-ignition cultural and environmental surveys2 7,c7 providing training for prescribed fire and basic smoke management practices to ,federal employees and cooperators2 7,d7 conducting post-prescribed fire activities1 such as monitoring for hazard trees or reignitions and invasive species management2 and 7,e7 providing technical or financial assistance to a ,state1 ,tribal government1 local government1 prescribed fire council1 prescribed burn association1 or nonprofit organization for the purpose of providing training for prescribed fire or basic smoke management practices1 consistent with any standards developed by the ,national ,wildfire ,coordinating ,group or ,state-prescribed fire standards4 7#c7 ,prioritization 7,a7 ,in general ,subject to subparagraph 7,b71 the ,secretary concerned shall coordinate with the other ,secretary concerned1 ,state and local government agencies1 ,indian ,tribes1 and applicable nongovernmental organizations to establish prioritization criteria for carrying out the activities described in paragraph 7#b74 7,b7 ,requirement ,in establishing criteria under subparagraph 7,a71 the ,secretary concerned shall give priority to a project that is-- 7i7 implemented across a large contiguous area2 7ii7 cross-boundary in nature2 7iii7 located in an area that is-- 7,i7 within or adjacent to the wildland-urban interface and identified as a priority area in a statewide forest action plan1 fireshed assessment1 or community wildfire protection plan2 or 7,,ii7 identified as important to the protection of a ,tribal trust resource or the reserved or treaty rights of an ,indian ,tribe2 7iv7 on land that is at high or very high risk of experiencing a wildfire that would be difficult to suppress2 7v7 in an area that is designated as critical habitat and in need of ecological restoration or enhancement that can be achieved with the aid of prescribed fire2 or 7vi7 supportive of potential operational delineations or strategic response zones4 7c7 ,policies and practices ,the ,secretary concerned1 in coordination with ,state1 local1 and ,tribal governments1 shall develop a prescribed fire operational strategy for each region of the ,national ,forest ,system or the ,department of the ,interior1 as applicable1 that describes-- 7#a7 the fire deficit1 by region2 and 7#b7 staffing and funding needs to address the fire deficit described in paragraph 7#a74 #acb4 ,human resources 7a7 ,competencies for firefighters ,the ,secretaries1 in coordination with the ,fire ,executive ,council1 shall task the ,national ,wildfire ,coordinating ,group with the duty to adjust training requirements to obtain a certification to serve in a supervisory role for a prescribed fire and any other positions determined to be necessary by the ,secretaries-- 7#a7 in order to reduce the time required to obtain such a certification2 and 7#b7 such that significant experience1 gained exclusively during a prescribed fire1 is required to obtain such a certification4 7b7 ,enhancing interoperability between ,federal and non-,federal practitioners 7#a7 ,qualification databases and dispatch systems ,the ,secretaries shall establish1 to the extent practicable1 a collaborative process to create mechanisms for non-,federal fire practitioners to be included in prescribed fire and wildfire resource ordering and reimbursement processes4 7#b7 ,partnership agreements ,the ,secretaries may-- 7,a7 develop partnership agreements for prescribed fire with all relevant ,state1 ,federal1 ,tribal1 university1 and nongovernmental entities that choose to be included in resource ordering and reimbursement processes under paragraph 7#a72 7,b7 create agreements and structures necessary to include non-,federal and other nontraditional partners in direct work with ,federal agencies to address prescribed fires2 and 7,c7 treat any prescribed fire practitioner meeting the ,national ,wildfire ,coordinating ,group standards as eligible to be included in statewide participating agreements4 #acc4 ,liability of prescribed fire managers 7a7 ,training course ,the ,secretaries1 in coordination with the ,attorney ,general of the ,united ,states1 shall develop a voluntary training course for employees involved in any activity carried out on ,federal land that is directly related to a prescribed fire in the course of executing a ,federal action4 7b7 ,requirement ,the training course developed under subsection 7a7 shall include a description of-- 7#a7 liability protections afforded to the employees described in that subsection when acting within the scope of their employment2 7#b7 the limits on any liability protections under paragraph 7#a72 and 7#c7 any reimbursement available for qualified employees for professional liability insurance under section #fcf of division ,a of ,public ,law #ajd-bjh 7#e ,u4,s4,c4 prec4 #eida note74 #acd4 ,environmental review 7a7 ,smoke management agencies 7#a7 ,policy ,the ,secretaries shall ensure that policies1 training1 and programs of the ,secretaries are consistent with this subsection-- 7,a7 to facilitate greater use of prescribed fire in a safe and responsible manner1 with appropriate monitoring to prevent prescribed fires from exceeding containment2 and 7,b7 to address public health and safety1 including impacts from smoke from wildfires and prescribed fires4 7#b7 ,coordination among ,federal1 ,tribal1 and ,state air quality agencies and ,federal1 ,tribal1 and ,state land management agencies ,to facilitate the use of prescribed fire on ,federal1 ,state1 ,tribal1 and private land1 the ,executive ,director1 in cooperation with the ,environmental ,protection ,agency1 ,federal and ,state land management agencies1 shall coordinate with ,state1 ,tribal1 and local air quality agencies that regulate smoke under the ,clean ,air ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #gdja et seq47-- 7,a7 to the maximum extent practicable1 to provide ,state1 ,tribal1 and local air quality agencies with guidance1 data1 imagery1 or modeling to support the development of exceptional event demonstrations in accordance with sections #ej4ad and #ea4icj of title #dj1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations 7or successor regulations72 7,b7 to develop archives and automated tools to provide ,state1 ,tribal1 and local air quality agencies with the data1 imagery1 and modeling under subparagraph 7,a72 7,c7 to provide technical assistance1 best practices1 or templates to ,states1 ,indian ,tribes1 and local governments for the use of the ,state1 ,indian ,tribe1 or local government in approving the use of prescribed fire under a ,state1 ,tribal1 or local government smoke management program2 7,d7 7i7 to promote basic smoke management practices and other best practices to protect the public from wildfire smoke2 7ii7 to disseminate information about basic smoke management practices2 7iii7 to educate landowners that use prescribed fire about the importance of-- 7,i7 using basic smoke management practices2 and 7,,ii7 including basic smoke management practices as a component of a prescribed fire plan2 and 7iv7 to share with the public information1 in coordination with other public health agencies1 about measures that individuals can take to protect themselves from wildfire smoke2 and 7,e7 to develop guidance and tools to streamline the demonstration of a clear causal relationship between prescribed fire smoke and a related exceedance of a national ambient air quality standard4 7#c7 ,programs and research ,to address the public health and safety risk of the expanded use of prescribed fire under this subtitle1 the ,secretaries1 in coordination with the ,administrator of the ,environmental ,protection ,agency and the ,director of the ,centers for ,disease ,control and ,prevention1 shall conduct research to improve or develop-- 7,a7 wildfire smoke prediction models2 7,b7 smoke impact display tools for the public and decisionmakers2 7,c7 appropriate1 cost-effective1 and consistent strategies to mitigate the impacts of smoke from prescribed fire on nearby communities2 7,d7 consistent nationally and scientifically supported messages regarding personal protection equipment for the public2 and 7,e7 prescribed fire activity tracking and emission inventory systems for planning and post-treatment accountability4 7b7 ,development of landscape-,scale ,federal prescribed fire plans 7#a7 ,inclusion of landscape-scale prescribed fire plans ,the ,secretary concerned1 with respect to units of the ,national ,forest ,system and ,bureau of ,land ,management districts with existing prescribed fire programs-- 7,a7 not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this ,act1 shall determine which of those units or districts have landscape-scale prescribed fire plans2 7,b7 not later than #b years after the date of enactment of this ,act1 shall-- 7i7 determine whether each plan described in subparagraph 7,a7 requires revision2 and 7ii7 establish a schedule for the revision of each plan described in subparagraph 7,a7 that requires revision2 and 7,c7 may develop landscape-scale prescribed fire plans for any units or districts that do not have landscape-scale prescribed fire plans1 as determined appropriate by the ,secretary concerned4 7#b7 ,environmental compliance ,in carrying out paragraph 7#a71 the ,secretary concerned shall-- 7,a7 comply with-- 7i7 the ,national ,environmental ,policy ,act of #aifi 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #dcba et seq472 7ii7 the ,endangered ,species ,act of #aigc 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #aeca et seq472 7iii7 division ,a of subtitle ,,iii of title #ed1 ,united ,states ,code2 and 7iv7 any other applicable laws2 and 7,b7 consider the site-specific environmental consequences of the landscape-scale prescribed fire decisions under this subsection4 7#c7 ,collaborative development ,in carrying out paragraph 7#a71 the ,secretary concerned shall collaborate with diverse actors from academia1 the ,forest ,service and ,bureau of ,land ,management research and development offices1 nongovernmental organizations1 cultural fire practitioners1 and other entities1 as determined appropriate by the ,secretary concerned4 7#d7 ,reports ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this ,act1 and annually thereafter1 the ,secretary concerned shall submit to ,congress a report describing the progress of the ,secretary concerned in carrying out this subsection4 #ace4 ,cooperative agreements and contracts for prescribed fire 7a7 ,agreements and contracts 7#a7 ,definition of eligible entity ,in this subsection1 the term eligible entity means a ,state1 an ,indian ,tribe1 a unit of local government1 a fire district1 a nongovernmental organization1 and a private entity4 7#b7 ,authorization ,the ,secretary and the ,secretary of the ,interior may each enter into a cooperative agreement or contract with an eligible entity1 for a period of not longer than #aj years1 that authorizes the eligible entity-- 7,a7 to coordinate1 plan1 or conduct a prescribed fire on ,federal land2 or 7,b7 to conduct a prescribed fire training event4 7#c7 ,subcontracts ,a ,state1 ,indian ,tribe1 county1 or eligible entity that enters into a cooperative agreement or contract under paragraph 7#a7 may enter into a subcontract1 in accordance with applicable contracting procedures of the ,state1 ,indian ,tribe1 county1 or eligible entity-- 7,a7 to conduct a prescribed fire on ,federal land2 or 7,b7 to conduct a prescribed fire training event pursuant to that cooperative agreement or contract4 7#d7 ,applicable law ,a prescribed fire conducted pursuant to this subsection shall be carried out on a project-by-project basis under existing authorities of the applicable ,federal agency responsible for the management of the applicable ,federal land4 7#e7 ,preservation of decision authority ,an eligible entity may not carry out a project under this subsection pursuant to a cooperative agreement or contract without the prior written approval of each ,secretary that entered into the cooperative agreement or contract4 7b7 ,tribal ,forest ,protection ,act of #bjjd amendments ,the ,tribal ,forest ,protection ,act of #bjjd 7,public ,law #ajh-bgh2 #aah ,stat4 #hfh7 is amended by adding at the end the following3 #d4 ,tribal prescribed burn demonstration project 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary may enter into a contract or agreement with an ,indian ,tribe under this ,act that provides for prescribed burns on ,federal land pursuant to this section4 7b7 ,scope ,notwithstanding any other provision of law1 a contract or agreement entered into under this section may-- 7#a7 use a burn plan that1 on approval by the ,secretary1 allows multiple prescribed burns to be conducted in accordance with the burn plan to eliminate the need for individual burn plans for each prescribed burn and enable forest managers to have the flexibility to conduct prescribed burns when conditions allow2 and 7#b7 include terms that-- 7,a7 authorize the ,secretary to delegate their authority to an ,indian ,tribe to plan1 coordinate1 and execute prescribed burns on the behalf of the ,secretary within the scope of the burn plan including applying the ,national ,wildfire ,coordinating ,group standards for prescribed fire planning and implementation1 to the extent authorized by ,federal law2 7,b7 any applicable ,federal standard that requires a certain number of personnel to be on-hand during prescribed burns may be satisfied by regional ,federal1 ,state1 or ,tribal resources and personnel2 and 7,c7 where appropriate1 the ,secretary shall work with other ,federal agencies and ,tribal1 ,state1 and local governments to coordinate and communicate the shared objectives of the prescribed burn and ensure activities comply with applicable law and regulations4 4 7c7 ,cooperative ,funds and ,deposits ,act amendments ,public ,law #id-adh 7commonly known as the ,cooperative ,funds and ,deposits ,act7 is amended-- 7#a7 in the first sentence of the first section 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #efe;a-#a71 by inserting prescribed fire and prescribed fire training events1 after including fire protection12 and 7#b7 in section #b 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #efe;a-#b71 by inserting 1 section #d of the ,tribal ,forest ,protection ,act of #bjjd 7,public ,law #ajh-bgh2 #aah ,stat4 #hfh7 or section #ace7;a7 of the ,fix ,our ,forests ,act after authorized by section #a4 #acf4 ,facilitating responsible use of prescribed fire ,the ,secretary1 acting through the ,chief of the ,forest ,service1 shall-- 7#a7 use all available resources to ensure prescribed burns conducted by the ,forest ,service are extinguished2 and 7#b7 update the prescribed burn policies of the ,forest ,service to reflect the findings and recommendations included in the report of the ,forest ,service entitled ,national ,prescribed ,fire ,program ,review and dated ,september #bjbb4 ,,ii ,protecting communities in wildland-urban interface ,a ,community wildfire risk reduction #bja4 ,community ,wildfire ,risk ,reduction ,program 7a7 ,establishment ,not later than #cj days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretaries shall jointly establish an interagency program1 to be known as the ,community ,wildfire ,risk ,reduction ,program 7referred to in this section as the ,program71 which shall consist of at least #a representative from each of the following3 7#a7 ,the ,office of ,wildland ,fire of the ,department of the ,interior4 7#b7 ,the ,national ,park ,service4 7#c7 ,the ,bureau of ,land ,management4 7#d7 ,the ,united ,states ,fish and ,wildlife ,service4 7#e7 ,the ,bureau of ,indian ,affairs4 7#f7 ,the ,forest ,service4 7#g7 ,the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency4 7#h7 ,the ,united ,states ,fire ,administration4 7#i7 ,the ,national ,institute of ,standards and ,technology4 7#aj7 ,the ,national ,oceanic and ,atmospheric ,administration4 7b7 ,purpose ,the purpose of the ,program is to support interagency coordination in reducing the risk of1 and the damages resulting from1 wildland fires in communities 7including ,tribal communities7 in the wildland-urban interface through-- 7#a7 advancing research and science in wildland fire resilience1 land management1 and risk reduction in the built environment1 including support for non-,federal research partnerships2 7#b7 supporting the development of fire-resistant building methods1 codes1 and standards for community wildland fire risk reduction1 including by promoting ignition-resistant construction1 defensible space1 and other measures demonstrated to effectively reduce wildland fire risks1 as informed by the best available science2 7#c7 supporting adoption by ,indian ,tribes and local governmental entities of fire-resistant building methods1 codes1 and standards2 7#d7 supporting efforts by ,indian ,tribes and local governmental entities to address the effects of wildland fire on those communities1 including property damages1 air quality1 and water quality2 7#e7 encouraging public-private partnerships to conduct hazardous fuels management activities in the wildland-urban interface1 including creating or improving defensible space around structures2 7#f7 providing technical and financial assistance targeted towards communities 7including ,tribal communities7 through streamlined and unified technical assistance and grant management mechanisms1 including the portal and uniform grant application established under subsection 7c7-- 7,a7 to encourage critical risk-reduction measures on private property with high wildland fire risk exposure in those communities2 and 7,b7 to mitigate costs for1 and improve capacity among1 those communities2 7#g7 reducing risk in the built environment by encouraging increased mitigation measures1 such as the use of ignition-resistant construction and retrofitting materials2 7#h7 coordinating budgets among the agencies described in subsection 7a7 to identify gaps and reduce overlap2 7#i7 supporting the integration of wildland fire risk reduction measure and technical assistance into existing ,federal programs1 where practicable2 and 7#aj7 advancing the development of early wildfire detection and warning systems for rapid response and community alerts4 7c7 ,portal and uniform grant application 7#a7 ,in general ,as part of the ,program1 the ,secretaries and the ,administrator of the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency shall establish a portal through which a person may submit a single1 uniform application for any of the following3 7,a7 ,a community wildfire defense grant under section #djhjc7;f7 of the ,infrastructure ,investment and ,jobs ,act 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #feib7;f774 7,b7 ,an emergency management performance grant under section #ffb of the ,post-,katrina ,emergency ,management ,reform ,act of #bjjf 7#f ,u4,s4,c4 #gfb74 7,c7 ,a grant under section #cc of the ,federal ,fire ,prevention and ,control ,act of #aigd 7#ae ,u4,s4,c4 #bbbi74 7,d7 ,a grant under section #cd of the ,federal ,fire ,prevention and ,control ,act of #aigd 7#ae ,u4,s4,c4 #bbbi;a74 7,e7 ,financial or technical assistance or a grant under section #bjc1 #bje1 #djd1 #djf1 or #dbj of the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eacc1 #eace1 #eagj;c1 #eagb1 #eahg74 7#b7 ,simplification of application ,in establishing the portal and application under paragraph 7#a71 the ,secretaries and the ,administrator shall seek to reduce the complexity and length of the application process for the forms of assistance described in paragraph 7#a74 7#c7 ,technical assistance ,the ,secretaries shall provide technical assistance to communities or persons seeking to apply for financial assistance through the portal using the application established under paragraph 7#a74 7d7 ,duties ,in carrying out this section1 the representatives described in subsection 7a7 shall-- 7#a7 meet not less frequently than once per year2 7#b7 ensure coordination1 as appropriate1 with other ,federal agencies not identified in that subsection2 and 7#c7 seek to gather feedback1 as appropriate1 from ,states1 ,indian ,tribes1 local governments1 academic or research institutions1 private entities1 and such other entities as the ,secretaries determine to be appropriate1 to improve the function and operation of the ,program4 7e7 ,coordination ,the ,secretaries shall seek to ensure that ,states and ,indian ,tribes are invited and represented in meetings and other activities under this section4 7f7 ,report ,not later than #b years after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretaries shall jointly submit to the relevant committees of ,congress a report that-- 7#a7 describes and itemizes the total amount of funding relating to community wildfire risk reduction that was obligated during the #b preceding fiscal years by the agencies described in subsection 7a72 7#b7 describes the activities carried out under the ,program since the date of enactment of this ,act2 7#c7 describes any feedback incorporated from non-,federal stakeholders to improve the function and operation of the ,program2 and 7#d7 includes an evaluation of the ,program in achieving the purposes described in subsection 7b74 7g7 ,sunset ,the ,program terminates on the date that is #g years after the date of enactment of this ,act4 #bjb4 ,community ,wildfire ,defense ,research ,program 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretaries1 acting jointly1 shall expand the ,joint ,fire ,science ,program to include a performance-driven research and development program1 to be known as the ,community ,wildfire ,defense ,research ,program 7referred to in this section as the ,program71 for the purpose of testing and advancing innovative designs to establish or improve the wildfire resistance of structures and communities4 7b7 ,program priorities ,in carrying out the ,program1 the ,secretaries shall evaluate opportunities to establish wildfire-resistant structures and communities through-- 7#a7 different affordable building materials1 including mass timber2 7#b7 home hardening1 including policies to incentivize and incorporate defensible space2 7#c7 subdivision design and other land-use planning and design2 7#d7 landscape architecture2 and 7#e7 other wildfire-resistant designs1 as determined by the ,secretary4 7c7 ,community wildfire defense innovation prize 7#a7 ,in general ,in carrying out the ,program1 the ,secretaries shall carry out a competition through which a person may submit to the ,secretaries innovative designs for the establishment or improvement of an ignition-resistant structure or fire-adapted community4 7#b7 ,prize ,subject to the availability of appropriations made in advance for that purpose1 the ,secretaries may award a prize under the competition described in paragraph 7#a71 based on criteria established by the ,secretaries and in accordance with paragraph 7#c74 7#c7 ,scale ,in awarding a prize under paragraph 7#b71 the ,secretaries shall prioritize for an award designs with the greatest potential to scale to existing infrastructure4 7d7 ,collaboration and nonduplication ,in carrying out the ,program1 the ,secretaries shall ensure collaboration and nonduplication of activities with the ,building ,technologies ,office of the ,department of ,energy4 7e7 ,sunset ,the ,program terminates on the date that is #g years after the date of enactment of this ,act4 #bjc4 ,community wildfire defense accountability ,not later than #b years after the date of enactment of this ,act1 and not less frequently than once every #b years thereafter1 the ,secretaries1 acting through the ,united ,states ,fire ,administration1 shall submit to the relevant committees of ,congress an assessment of the ,community ,wildfire ,risk ,reduction ,program established under section #bja7;a7 that-- 7#a7 assesses the management1 coordination1 implementation1 and effectiveness of program activities2 7#b7 suggests improvements for improving the coordination and engagement of the program with ,states1 ,indian ,tribes1 units of local government1 and at-risk communities2 7#c7 assesses trends and developments in science and engineering relating to wildfire risk reduction in the built environment1 land use planning1 and vegetation management that could be used to improve the effectiveness or efficiency of the program2 7#d7 provides recommendations to improve the ability of the program to provide financial or technical assistance to ,states1 ,indian ,tribes1 units of local government1 and at-risk communities2 7#e7 identifies opportunities to modify existing requirements for ,federal assistance or programs that support community wildfire risk reduction to improve the delivery1 effectiveness1 or availability of those assistance or programs2 and 7#f7 includes policy and program recommendations to improve that program1 as determined by the ,united ,states ,fire ,administration4 #bjd4 ,community wildfire defense grant program improvements ,section #djhjc7;f7 of the ,infrastructure ,investment and ,jobs ,act 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #feib7;f77 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking paragraph 7#a77;,b71 and inserting the following3 7,b7 to carry out projects including-- 7i7 landscape and hazardous fuels reduction treatments2 7ii7 the retrofit1 modification1 or maintenance of a structure to improve resistance to fire2 7iii7 creating defensible space around structures to improve resistance to fire2 7iv7 hardening infrastructure1 including evacuation routes1 to improve resistance to fire2 7v7 any other project described in a community wildfire protection plan that is not more than #aj years old2 and 7vi7 deployment of wildfire technologies determined to be successful under section #cjc of the ,fix ,our ,forests ,act4 2 7#b7 in paragraph 7#b7-- 7,a7 in subparagraph 7,b71 by striking or at the end2 7,b7 in subparagraph 7,c71 by striking the period at the end and inserting 2 or2 and 7,c7 by adding at the end the following3 7,d7 located in a fireshed management area 7as defined in section #b of the ,fix ,our ,forests ,act74 2 and 7#c7 in paragraph 7#c7-- 7,a7 in subparagraph 7,c77i71 by striking continental2 and 7,b7 by adding at the end the following3 7,d7 ,limitation on administrative expenses ,not more than #g percent of funds obligated under this section may be used for administrative expenses incurred by the ,secretary of ,agriculture or an at-risk community4 4 #bje4 ,updated definition of at-risk community ,section #aja of the ,healthy ,forests ,restoration ,act of #bjjc 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #feaa7 is amended by striking paragraph 7#a7 and inserting the following3 7#a7 ,at-risk community ,the term at-risk community means an area that is composed of-- 7,a7 an interface community 7as defined in the notice entitled ,wildland ,urban ,interface ,communities ,within the ,vicinity of ,federal ,lands ,that ,are at ,high ,risk ,from ,wildfire 7#ff ,fed4 ,reg4 #gec 7,january #d1 #bjja77 issued by the ,secretary of ,agriculture and the ,secretary of the ,interior in accordance with title ,,iv of the ,department of the ,interior and ,related ,agencies ,appropriations ,act1 #bjja 7#aad ,stat4 #ajji772 7,b7 a group of homes and other structures with basic infrastructure and services 7such as utilities and collectively maintained transportation routes7 at risk from wildfire1 as recognized in a fireshed1 ,state1 ,tribal1 local1 regional1 territorial1 or national wildfire risk assessment2 or 7,c7 a group of homes and other structures with basic infrastructure and services 7such as utilities and collectively maintained transportation routes7 located inside1 or within #e miles of1 a ,wildfire ,crisis ,strategy landscape1 as determined by the ,secretary of ,agriculture4 4 ,b ,vegetation management1 reforestation1 and local fire suppression #baa4 ,vegetation management1 facility inspection1 and operation and maintenance relating to electric transmission and distribution facility rights-of-way 7a7 ,hazard trees within #aej feet of electric power line ,section #eab7;a77#a77;,b7 of the ,federal ,land ,policy and ,management ,act of #aigf 7#dc ,u4,s4,c4 #aggb7;a77#a77;,b77 is amended-- 7#a7 in the matter preceding clause 7i71 by striking likely to-- and inserting likely--2 7#b7 in clause 7i71 by inserting to after the clause designation2 and 7#c7 in clause 7ii71 by striking come within #aj and inserting to come within #aej4 7b7 ,consultation with private landowners ,section #eab7;c77#c77;,e7 of the ,federal ,land ,policy and ,management ,act of #aigf 7#dc ,u4,s4,c4 #aggb7;c77#c77;,e77 is amended-- 7#a7 in clause 7i71 by striking and at the end2 7#b7 in clause 7ii71 by striking the period and inserting 2 and2 and 7#c7 by adding at the end the following3 7iii7 consulting with a private landowner with respect to any hazard trees identified for removal from land owned by the private landowner4 4 7c7 ,review and approval process ,section #eab7;c77#d77;,a7 of the ,federal ,land ,policy and ,management ,act of #aigf 7#dc ,u4,s4,c4 #aggb7;c77#d77;,a77 is amended by striking clause 7iv7 and inserting the following3 7iv7 ensures that-- 7,i7 a plan submitted without a modification under clause 7iii7 shall be automatically approved by the date that is #abj days after the date of submission2 and 7,,ii7 for a plan submitted with a modification under clause 7iii71 if the plan is not approved by the date that is #abj days after the date of submission1 the ,secretary concerned shall develop and submit to the owner and operator a letter describing-- 7aa7 a detailed timeline 7to conclude by the date that is #afe days after the date of submission of the plan7 for completing review of the plan2 7bb7 any identified deficiencies in the plan and specific opportunities for the owner or operator to address each deficiency2 and 7cc7 any other relevant information1 as determined by the ,secretary concerned4 4 7d7 ,technical corrections ,section #eab of the ,federal ,land ,policy and ,management ,act of #aigf 7#dc ,u4,s4,c4 #aggb7 is amended-- 7#a7 in the section heading1 by striking managment and inserting management2 and 7#b7 in subsection 7c77#d77;,a77ii71 by striking and at the end4 7e7 ,vegetation management plan review ,not later than #ahj days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretaries shall submit to the relevant committees of ,congress a report describing1 with respect to vegetation management plans submitted under section #eab of the ,federal ,land ,policy and ,management ,act of #aigf 7#dc ,u4,s4,c4 #aggb7-- 7#a7 the extent to which those vegetation management plans under are reviewed and approved within the #abj-;day period required under subsection 7c77#d77;,a77iv7 of that section2 7#b7 for any vegetation management plan not reviewed and approved by the applicable deadline described in paragraph 7#a71 the reason for any delay in review or approval2 and 7#c7 for any vegetation management plan submitted for review and approval for which the ,secretary concerned requested a modification1 the timeline for reviewing the modification on resubmission4 #bab4 ,fire-safe electrical corridors ,section #eab of the ,federal ,land ,policy and ,management ,act of #aigf 7#dc ,u4,s4,c4 #aggb7 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating subsections 7j7 and 7k7 as subsections 7k7 and 7l71 respectively2 and 7#b7 by inserting after subsection 7i7 the following3 7j7 ,permits and agreements with owners and operators of electric transmission or distribution facilities 7#a7 ,in general ,in any special use permit or easement on ,national ,forest ,system land or land under the jurisdiction of the ,bureau of ,land ,management provided to the owner or operator of an electric transmission or distribution facility1 the ,secretary concerned may provide permission to cut and remove trees or other vegetation from within the vicinity of the electric transmission or distribution facility without requiring a separate timber sale1 if that cutting and removal is consistent with-- 7,a7 the applicable plan2 7,b7 the applicable land and resource management plan or land use plan2 and 7,c7 other applicable environmental laws 7including regulations74 7#b7 ,use of proceeds ,a special use permit or easement that includes permission for cutting and removal described in paragraph 7#a7 shall include a requirement that1 if the owner or operator of the electric transmission or distribution facility sells any portion of the material removed under the permit or easement1 the owner or operator shall provide to the ,secretary concerned any proceeds received from the sale1 less any transportation costs incurred in the sale4 7#c7 ,effect ,nothing in paragraph 7#b7 shall require the sale of any material removed under a permit or easement that includes permission for cutting and removal described in paragraph 7#a74 4 #bac4 ,categorical exclusion for high-priority hazard trees 7a7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,high-priority hazard tree ,the term high-priority hazard tree means a standing tree that-- 7,a7 presents a visible hazard to people or ,federal property due to conditions such as deterioration of1 or damage to1 the root system1 trunk1 stem1 or limbs of the tree1 or the direction or lean of the tree1 as determined by the ,secretary2 7,b7 is determined by the ,secretary to be highly likely to fail and1 on failure1 would be highly likely to cause injury to people or damage to ,federal property2 and 7,c7 is located-- 7i7 within #cjj feet of a ,national ,forest ,system road with a maintenance level of #c1 #d1 or #e2 7ii7 along a ,national ,forest ,system trail2 or 7iii7 in a developed recreation site on ,national ,forest ,system land that is operated and maintained by the ,secretary4 7#b7 ,high-priority hazard tree activity 7,a7 ,in general ,the term high-priority hazard tree activity means a forest management activity that mitigates the risks associated with high-priority hazard trees1 including pruning1 felling1 and disposal of a high-priority hazard tree4 7,b7 ,exclusions ,the term high-priority hazard tree activity does not include any activity-- 7i7 conducted in a wilderness area or wilderness study area2 7ii7 for the construction of a permanent road or permanent trail2 7iii7 conducted on ,federal land on which1 by ,act of ,congress or ,presidential proclamation1 the removal of vegetation is restricted or prohibited2 7iv7 conducted in an area in which activities described in subparagraph 7,a7 would be inconsistent with the applicable land and resource management plan2 or 7v7 conducted in an inventoried roadless area4 7b7 ,categorical exclusion 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary shall develop a categorical exclusion 7as defined in #aaa of the ,national ,environmental ,policy ,act of #aifi 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #dccf;e77 for high-priority hazard tree activities4 7#b7 ,administration ,in developing and administering the categorical exclusion under paragraph 7#a71 the ,secretary shall-- 7,a7 comply with the ,national ,environmental ,policy ,act of #aifi 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #dcba et seq472 and 7,b7 apply the extraordinary circumstances procedures under section #bbj4f of title #cf1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations 7or successor regulations71 in determining whether to use the categorical exclusion4 7#c7 ,project size limitation ,a project carried out using the categorical exclusion developed under paragraph 7#a7 may not exceed #f1jjj acres4 #bad4 ,seeds of ,success strategy 7a7 ,establishment ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretaries shall jointly develop and implement a strategy1 to be known as the ,seeds of ,success strategy1 to enhance the domestic supply chain of seeds4 7b7 ,elements ,the strategy developed under subsection 7a7 shall include a plan for each of the following3 7#a7 ,facilitating sustained interagency coordination in1 and a comprehensive approach to1 native plant materials development and restoration4 7#b7 ,promoting the re-seeding of native or fire-resistant vegetation post-wildfire1 particularly in the wildland-urban interface4 7#c7 ,creating and consolidating information relating to native or fire-resistant vegetation and sharing that information with ,indian ,tribes and ,state and local governments4 7#d7 ,building regional programs and partnerships to promote the development of materials made from plants native to the ,united ,states and restore those plants to their respective1 native habitats within the ,united ,states1 giving priority to the building of those programs and partnerships in regions of the ,bureau of ,land ,management where the partnerships and programs do not exist on the date of enactment of this ,act4 7#e7 ,expanding workforce and infrastructure capacity to locally collect1 process1 and store seed as necessary to implement revegetation and reforestation projects on priority land 7as defined in section #bae7;b77#a774 7#f7 ,expanding the warehouse system of the ,bureau of ,land ,management1 particularly the cold storage capacity of the system4 7#g7 ,shortening the timeline for the approval of permits to collect seeds on public land managed by the ,bureau of ,land ,management4 7#h7 ,coordinating with the other ,federal agencies1 ,states1 ,indian ,tribes1 and private entities1 as appropriate1 for the purpose of seed collection4 7c7 ,report ,the ,secretaries shall submit to the relevant committees of ,congress the strategy developed under subsection 7a74 7d7 ,coordination ,in implementing the strategy developed under subsection 7a71 the ,secretary of the ,interior1 acting through the ,director of the ,bureau of ,land ,management1 shall coordinate with the heads of other applicable ,federal agencies1 including the ,department of ,defense1 for the purpose of collecting seeds from land under the jurisdiction under those ,federal agencies4 #bae4 ,program to support priority reforestation and restoration projects 7a7 ,reforestation reports submitted to additional committees ,section #gjcjc of the ,infrastructure ,investment and ,jobs ,act 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #afja note2 ,public ,law #aag-eh7 is amended1 in the matter preceding paragraph 7#a71 by striking inserting 1 the ,committee on ,energy and ,natural ,resources of the ,senate1 the ,committee on ,natural ,resources of the ,house of ,representatives1 after ,senate4 7b7 ,interior reforestation program 7#a7 ,definitions ,in this subsection3 7,a7 ,covered institution of higher education ,the term covered institution of higher education means a land-grant college or university1 including-- 7i7 an #ahfb ,institution 7as defined in section #b of the ,agricultural ,research1 ,extension1 and ,education ,reform ,act of #aiih 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #gfja772 7ii7 an #ahij ,institution 7as defined in that section72 7iii7 an institution that is eligible to receive funding under ,public ,law #hg-ghh 7commonly known as the ,mc,intire-,stennis ,act of #aifb72 and 7iv7 a #aiid ,institution 7as defined in section #ecb of the ,equity in ,educational ,land-,grant ,status ,act of #aiid 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #cja note2 ,public ,law #ajc-chb774 7,b7 ,natural regeneration2 reforestation2 unplanned event ,the terms natural regeneration1 reforestation1 and unplanned event have the meanings given those terms in section #c7;e77#d77;,a7 of the ,forest and ,rangeland ,renewable ,resources ,planning ,act of #aigd 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #afja7;e77#d77;,a774 7,c7 ,priority land ,the term priority land means historically forested land under the jurisdiction of the ,secretary concerned that1 due to an unplanned event-- 7i7 requires reforestation to meet the objectives described in an applicable land use plan2 and 7ii7 is unlikely to experience natural regeneration4 7#b7 ,program establishment ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of the ,interior shall establish a program to implement reforestation projects on priority land identified under paragraph 7#d77;,a71 in accordance with this section4 7#c7 ,support ,in carrying out the program established under paragraph 7#b71 the ,secretary may enter into-- 7,a7 cooperative agreements in accordance with processes established by the ,secretary2 and 7,b7 contracts1 including contracts entered into pursuant to the ,indian ,self-,determination and ,education ,assistance ,act 7#be ,u4,s4,c4 #ecja et seq474 7#d7 ,annual identification of priority projects ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this ,act1 and annually thereafter1 the ,secretary of the ,interior shall-- 7,a7 identify priority land within the ,united ,states2 7,b7 establish a list of reforestation projects on priority land for the upcoming year1 which may include activities to ensure adequate and appropriate seed and seedling availability to further the objectives of other priority projects2 and 7,c7 estimate the costs necessary to implement the list established under subparagraph 7,b74 7#e7 ,consultation ,in carrying out the program under this subsection1 the ,secretary shall consult or coordinate with1 as appropriate-- 7,a7 applicable ,state and local governments2 7,b7 applicable ,indian ,tribes2 7,c7 covered institutions of higher education2 7,d7 ,federal agencies that administer ,federal land that adjoins1 or is adjacent to1 land that is the subject of a project identified under paragraph 7#d77;,b72 and 7,e7 other stakeholders1 at the discretion of the ,secretary4 7#f7 ,annual report ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this ,act1 and annually thereafter for each of the following #f years1 the ,secretary of the ,interior shall submit to the relevant committees of ,congress1 the ,committee on ,appropriations of the ,senate1 and the ,committee on ,appropriations of the ,house of ,representatives a report that includes the following1 with respect to the period covered by the report3 7,a7 ,an accounting of all priority land4 7,b7 ,a list of projects identified under paragraph 7#d77;,b74 7,c7 ,an accounting of any progress made on projects identified in any previous report under this paragraph4 7,d7 ,an accounting of each contract and cooperative agreement established under the program under this subsection4 7,e7 ,the amounts necessary to be appropriated1 in addition to amounts available from other sources1 to implement reforestation projects on all priority land by not later than #aj years after the date of submission of the report4 7#g7 ,nonduplication ,in carrying out this section1 the ,secretary of the ,interior shall collaborate with the ,secretary and the ,secretary of ,defense to ensure the nonduplication of activities carried out under section #bad4 #baf4 ,reforestation1 nurseries1 and genetic resources support 7a7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,eligible recipient ,the term eligible recipient means-- 7,a7 a ,state forestry agency2 7,b7 an ,indian ,tribe2 and 7,c7 a private nursery that has experience1 as determined by the ,secretary1 in growing high-quality native trees of appropriate genetic sources in bareroot or container stocktypes specific for reforestation1 restoration1 or conservation1 including native plants and seeds that are of cultural significance to ,indian ,tribes4 7#b7 ,nursery ,the term nursery means a tree or native plant nursery4 7#c7 ,seed orchard ,the term seed orchard means a tree or native plant seed orchard4 7#d7 ,state ,the term ,state means-- 7,a7 each of the several ,states2 7,b7 the ,district of ,columbia2 7,c7 the ,commonwealth of ,puerto ,rico2 and 7,d7 any territory or possession of the ,united ,states4 7b7 ,partnerships1 collaboration1 and other assistance in support of nurseries and seed orchards ,the ,secretary1 acting through the ,chief of the ,forest ,service1 shall-- 7#a7 partner with ,federal and ,state agencies1 ,indian ,tribes1 institutions of higher education1 and private nurseries to provide training1 technical assistance1 and research to nursery and tree establishment programs that support natural regeneration1 reforestation1 agroforestry1 and afforestation2 7#b7 promote information-sharing to improve technical knowledge and practices and understand demands1 climate change impacts1 and other issues as necessary to address all facets of the reforestation supply chain2 7#c7 provide technical and financial assistance to international nursery and tree establishment programs through the ,forest ,service ,international ,programs1 the ,institute of ,pacific ,islands ,forestry1 and the ,international ,institute of ,tropical ,forestry2 7#d7 collaborate with other relevant ,federal departments and agencies1 including the ,foreign ,agricultural ,service1 the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development1 and the ,united ,states ,fish and ,wildlife ,service1 and international organizations1 including the ,food and ,agriculture ,organization of the ,united ,nations1 to provide technical and financial assistance relating to nurseries and reforestation2 7#e7 coordinate the efforts of the ,department of ,agriculture-- 7,a7 to address the challenges associated with the reforestation supply chain2 and 7,b7 to leverage economic development assistance for work with private nurseries2 and 7#f7 expand reforestation supply chains through science and research1 seed collection and storage1 and nursery infrastructure and operations4 7c7 ,nursery and seed orchard grants 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #b years after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary shall establish or expand an existing program to provide grants to eligible recipients to support nurseries and seed orchards4 7#b7 ,eligible projects ,an eligible recipient that receives a grant under paragraph 7#a7 shall carry out a project that comprises #a or more of the following activities3 7,a7 ,the development1 expansion1 enhancement1 or improvement of nursery production capacity or other infrastructure-- 7i7 to improve seed collection and storage2 7ii7 to increase seedling production1 storage1 and distribution2 or 7iii7 to enhance seedling survival and properly manage tree genetic resources4 7,b7 ,the establishment or expansion of a nursery or seed orchard1 including by acquiring equipment for a nursery or seed orchard4 7,c7 ,the development or implementation of quality control measures at nurseries or seed orchards4 7,d7 ,the promotion of workforce development within any facet of the reforestation pipeline4 7,e7 ,such other activities as the ,secretary determines to be appropriate4 #bag4 ,fire department repayment 7a7 ,establishment of standard operating procedures ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretaries shall-- 7#a7 establish standard operating procedures relating to payment timelines for fire suppression cost-share agreements established under section #b of the ,act of ,may #bg1 #aiee 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #ahef;a7 7commonly known as the ,reciprocal ,fire ,protection ,act72 and 7#b7 with respect to each fire suppression cost-share agreement in operation on that date-- 7,a7 review the agreement2 and 7,b7 modify the agreement as necessary to comply with the standard operating procedures established under paragraph 7#a74 7b7 ,alignment of agreements ,the standard operating procedures under subsection 7a77#a7 shall include a requirement that each fire suppression cost-share agreement shall be aligned with each cooperative fire protection agreement applicable to the entity subject to the fire suppression cost-share agreement4 7c7 ,payments ,with respect to payments made pursuant to a fire suppression cost-share agreement1 the standard operating procedures under subsection 7a77#a7 shall require that the ,federal paying entity shall reimburse a local fire department or a ,state wildland firefighter agency if that entity submits to the ,federal paying entity an invoice in accordance with applicable cost settlement procedures4 7d7 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that the ,secretaries should carry out reciprocal fire suppression cost-share agreement repayments to local fire suppression organizations and ,state wildland firefighting agencies as soon as practicable1 but not later than #a year1 after the date on which the applicable fire suppression occurs4 ,,iii ,transparency1 technology1 and partnerships ,a ,transparency and technology #cja4 ,biochar innovations and opportunities for conservation1 health1 and advancements in research 7a7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,biochar ,the term biochar means carbonized biomass produced by converting feedstock through reductive thermal processing for a nonfuel use4 7#b7 ,eligible entity ,the term eligible entity means-- 7,a7 a unit of ,state1 ,tribal1 or local government2 7,b7 a special district2 7,c7 an eligible institution2 7,d7 a public1 private1 or cooperative entity or organization2 7,e7 a ,national ,laboratory 7as defined in section #b of the ,energy ,policy ,act of #bjje 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #aehja772 and 7,f7 a partnership or consortium of #b or more entities described in subparagraphs 7,a7 through 7,e74 7#c7 ,eligible institution ,the term eligible institution means a land-grant college or university1 including-- 7,a7 an #ahfb ,institution 7as defined in section #b of the ,agricultural ,research1 ,extension1 and ,education ,reform ,act of #aiih 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #gfja772 7,b7 an #ahij ,institution 7as defined in that section72 7,c7 an institution that is eligible to receive funding under ,public ,law #hg-ghh 7commonly known as the ,mc,intire-,stennis ,act of #aifb72 and 7,d7 a #aiid ,institution 7as defined in section #ecb of the ,equity in ,educational ,land-,grant ,status ,act of #aiid 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #cja note2 ,public ,law #ajc-chb774 7#d7 ,feedstock ,the term feedstock means excess biomass in the form of plant matter or materials that serves as the raw material for the production of biochar4 7#e7 ,secretaries ,the term ,secretaries means-- 7,a7 the ,secretary1 acting through the ,chief of the ,forest ,service2 7,b7 the ,secretary of the ,interior1 acting through the ,director of the ,bureau of ,land ,management2 and 7,c7 the ,secretary of ,energy1 acting through the ,director of the ,office of ,science4 7b7 ,demonstration projects 7#a7 ,establishment 7,a7 ,in general ,subject to the availability of appropriations made in advance for that purpose1 not later than #b years after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretaries shall establish a program under which the ,secretaries shall enter into partnerships with eligible entities to carry out demonstration projects to support the development and commercialization of biochar in accordance with this subsection4 7,b7 ,location ,in carrying out the program established under subparagraph 7,a71 the ,secretaries shall1 to the maximum extent practicable1 enter into partnerships with eligible entities in a manner that ensures that-- 7i7 at least #a demonstration project is carried out in each region of the ,forest ,service2 and 7ii7 at least #a demonstration project is carried out in each region of the ,bureau of ,land ,management4 7#b7 ,proposals ,to be eligible to enter into a partnership under paragraph 7#a77;,a71 an eligible entity shall submit to the ,secretaries a proposal at such time1 in such manner1 and containing such information as the ,secretaries may require4 7#c7 ,priority ,in selecting proposals under paragraph 7#b71 the ,secretaries shall give priority to entering into partnerships with eligible entities that submit proposals to carry out biochar demonstration projects that-- 7,a7 have the most potential to improve forest health and resiliency2 7,b7 have the most potential to create new jobs and contribute to local economies1 particularly in rural areas2 7,c7 have the most potential to demonstrate-- 7i7 new and innovative uses of biochar2 7ii7 market viability for cost-effective biochar-based products2 7iii7 the restorative benefits of biochar with respect to forest health and resiliency1 including forest soils and watersheds2 or 7iv7 any combination of the purposes described in clauses 7i7 through 7iii72 7,d7 are located in areas that have a high need for biochar production1 as determined by the ,secretaries1 due to-- 7i7 nearby land identified as having high1 very high1 or extreme risk of wildfire2 7ii7 availability of sufficient quantities of feedstocks2 or 7iii7 a high level of demand for biochar or other commercial byproducts of biochar2 or 7,e7 satisfy any combination of the purposes described in subparagraphs 7,a7 through 7,d74 7#d7 ,use of funds ,in carrying out the program established under paragraph 7#a77;,a71 the ,secretaries may enter into partnerships and provide funding to the partnerships to carry out demonstration projects-- 7,a7 to acquire and test various feedstocks and the efficacy of those feedstocks2 7,b7 to develop and optimize commercially and technologically viable biochar production units1 including mobile and permanent units2 7,c7 to demonstrate-- 7i7 the production of biochar from forest residue2 and 7ii7 the use of biochar to restore forest health and resiliency2 7,d7 to build1 expand1 or establish biochar facilities2 7,e7 to conduct research relating to new and innovative uses of biochar2 7,f7 to demonstrate cost-effective market opportunities for biochar and biochar-based products2 7,g7 to carry out any other activities the ,secretaries determine to be appropriate2 or 7,h7 to achieve any combination of the purposes described in subparagraphs 7,a7 through 7,g74 7#e7 ,feedstock requirements ,to the maximum extent practicable1 an eligible entity that carries out a biochar demonstration project under this subsection shall derive not less than #ej percent of the feedstock used under the project from forest thinning and management activities1 including mill residues1 conducted on ,national ,forest ,system land or public land4 7#f7 ,review 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,secretaries shall conduct regionally specific research1 including economic analyses and lifecycle assessments1 relating to any biochar produced from a demonstration project carried out under the program established under paragraph 7#a77;,a71 including-- 7i7 the effects of that biochar on-- 7,i7 forest health and resiliency2 7,,ii7 carbon capture and sequestration1 including increasing soil carbon in the short-term and long-term2 7,,iii7 productivity1 reduced input costs1 and water retention in agricultural practices2 7,,iv7 the health of soil and grasslands used for grazing activities1 including grazing activities on ,national ,forest ,system land and public land2 and 7,v7 environmental remediation activities1 including abandoned mine land remediation2 7ii7 the effectiveness of biochar as a coproduct of biofuels or in biochemicals2 and 7iii7 the effectiveness of other potential uses of biochar to determine if any such use is technologically and commercially viable4 7,b7 ,coordination ,the ,secretaries1 to the maximum extent practicable1 shall provide data1 analyses1 and other relevant information collected under subparagraph 7,a7 to recipients of grants under subsection 7c74 7#g7 ,limitation on funding for establishing biochar facilities ,the amount provided by the ,secretaries under this subsection to an eligible entity for establishing a biochar facility may not exceed #ce percent of the total capital cost of establishing that facility4 7c7 ,biochar research and development grant program 7#a7 ,establishment ,the ,secretary of the ,interior1 in consultation with the ,secretary of ,energy1 shall establish1 or expand an existing1 applied biochar research and development grant program to provide to eligible institutions grants1 on a competitive basis1 to carry out the activities described in paragraph 7#c74 7#b7 ,applications ,to be eligible to receive a grant under this subsection1 an eligible institution shall submit to the ,secretary of the ,interior a proposal at such time1 in such manner1 and containing such information as the ,secretary of the ,interior may require4 7#c7 ,use of funds ,an eligible institution that receives a grant under this subsection shall use the grant funds to conduct applied research relating to-- 7,a7 the effect of biochar on forest health and resiliency1 taking into account variations in biochar1 soil1 climate1 and other factors2 7,b7 the effect of biochar on soil health and water retention1 taking into account variations in biochar1 soil1 climate1 and other factors2 7,c7 the long-term carbon sequestration potential of biochar2 7,d7 best management practices with respect to biochar and biochar-based products that maximize-- 7i7 carbon sequestration benefits2 and 7ii7 the commercial viability and application of those products in forestry1 agriculture1 environmental remediation1 water quality improvement1 and any other similar uses1 as determined by the ,secretary of the ,interior2 7,e7 the regional uses of biochar to increase productivity and profitability1 including-- 7i7 uses in agriculture and environmental remediation2 and 7ii7 use as a coproduct in fuel production2 7,f7 new and innovative uses for biochar byproducts2 and 7,g7 opportunities to expand markets for biochar and create related jobs1 particularly in rural areas4 7d7 ,reports 7#a7 ,report to ,congress ,not later than #b years after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretaries shall submit to ,congress a report that-- 7,a7 includes policy and program recommendations to improve the widespread use of biochar2 7,b7 identifies any area of research needed to advance biochar commercialization2 and 7,c7 identifies barriers to advancing biochar commercialization1 including permitting and siting considerations4 7#b7 ,materials submitted in support of ,president's budget ,beginning with the second fiscal year that begins after the date of enactment of this ,act1 and annually thereafter until the date described in subsection 7e71 the ,secretaries shall include in the materials submitted to ,congress in support of the ,president's budget pursuant to section #aaje of title #ca1 ,united ,states ,code1 a report describing1 for the fiscal year covered by the report1 the status of-- 7,a7 each demonstration project carried out under subsection 7b72 and 7,b7 each research and development grant provided under subsection 7c74 7e7 ,sunset ,the authority to carry out this section terminates on the date that is #g years after the date of enactment of this ,act4 #cjb4 ,accurate hazardous fuels reduction reports 7a7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,federal land ,the term ,federal land means any land under the jurisdiction of-- 7,a7 the ,secretary2 or 7,b7 the ,secretary of the ,interior4 7#b7 ,hazardous fuels reduction activity 7,a7 ,in general ,the term hazardous fuels reduction activity means any vegetation management activity to reduce the risk of wildfire1 including mechanical treatments1 grazing1 and prescribed burning4 7,b7 ,exclusion ,the term hazardous fuels reduction activity does not include the provision or execution of a contract to carry out an activity described in subparagraph 7,a74 7b7 ,materials submitted in support of ,president's budget 7#a7 ,in general ,beginning with the first fiscal year that begins after the date of enactment of this ,act1 and annually thereafter1 the ,secretary concerned shall include in the materials submitted to ,congress in support of the ,president's budget pursuant to section #aaje of title #ca1 ,united ,states ,code1 a report describing the number of acres of ,federal land on which the ,secretary concerned carried out hazardous fuels reduction activities during the preceding fiscal year1 as determined using-- 7,a7 the methodology of the ,secretary concerned in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this ,act2 and 7,b7 the methodology described in paragraph 7#b74 7#b7 ,requirements ,for purposes of a report required under paragraph 7#a71 the ,secretary concerned shall-- 7,a7 in determining the number of acres of ,federal land on which the ,secretary concerned carried out hazardous fuels reduction activities during the period covered by the report-- 7i7 record acres of ,federal land on which hazardous fuels reduction activities were completed during that period2 and 7ii7 record each acre described in clause 7i7 once in the report1 regardless of whether multiple hazardous fuels reduction activities were carried out on that acre during the applicable period2 and 7,b7 with respect to the acres of ,federal land recorded in the report1 include information relating to-- 7i7 which acres are located in the wildland-urban interface2 7ii7 the level of wildfire risk 7high1 moderate1 or low7 of the acres on the first and last day of the period covered by the report2 7iii7 the types of hazardous fuels reduction activities completed with respect to the acres1 including a description of whether those hazardous fuels reduction activities were conducted-- 7,i7 in a wildfire managed for resource benefits2 or 7,,ii7 through a planned hazardous fuels reduction project2 7iv7 the cost per-acre of the hazardous fuels reduction activities carried out during the period covered by the report2 7v7 the region or ,system unit in which the acres are located2 and 7vi7 the effectiveness of the hazardous fuels reduction activities with respect to reducing the risk of wildfire4 7#c7 ,transparency ,the ,secretary concerned shall make each report submitted under paragraph 7#a7 publicly available on the website of the ,department of ,agriculture or the ,department of the ,interior1 as applicable4 7c7 ,accurate data collection 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #ij days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary concerned shall implement standardized procedures for tracking data relating to hazardous fuels reduction activities carried out by the ,secretary concerned4 7#b7 ,elements ,the standardized procedures required under paragraph 7#a7 shall include-- 7,a7 regular1 standardized data reviews of the accuracy and timely input of data used to track hazardous fuels reduction activities2 7,b7 verification methods that validate whether those data accurately correlate to the hazardous fuels reduction activities carried out by the ,secretary concerned2 7,c7 an analysis of the short- and long-term effectiveness of the hazardous fuels reduction activities on reducing the risk of wildfire2 and 7,d7 for hazardous fuels reduction activities that occur partially within the wildland-urban interface1 methods to distinguish which acres are located within the wildland-urban interface and which acres are located outside the wildland-urban interface4 7#c7 ,report ,not later than #ad days after implementing the standardized procedures required under paragraph 7#a71 the ,secretary concerned shall submit to ,congress a report that describes-- 7,a7 the standardized procedures2 and 7,b7 any programmatic or policy recommendations to ,congress to address limitations in tracking data relating to hazardous fuels reduction activities under this subsection4 7d7 ,,gao study ,not later than #b years after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states shall-- 7#a7 conduct a study regarding the implementation of this section1 including any limitations with respect to-- 7,a7 reporting hazardous fuels reduction activities under subsection 7b72 or 7,b7 tracking data relating to hazardous fuels reduction activities under subsection 7c72 and 7#b7 submit to ,congress a report that describes the results of the study under paragraph 7#a74 7e7 ,no additional funds authorized 7#a7 ,in general ,no additional funds are authorized to carry out this section4 7#b7 ,subject to appropriations ,the activities authorized by this section are subject to the availability of appropriations made in advance for those purposes4 #cjc4 ,public-private wildfire technology deployment and demonstration partnership 7a7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,covered agency ,the term covered agency means-- 7,a7 each ,federal land management agency 7as defined in section #hjb of the ,federal ,lands ,recreation ,enhancement ,act 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #fhja772 7,b7 the ,department of ,defense2 7,c7 the ,bureau of ,indian ,affairs2 7,d7 the ,national ,oceanic and ,atmospheric ,administration2 7,e7 the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency2 7,f7 the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration2 7,g7 the ,united ,states ,fire ,administration2 7,h7 a ,state1 ,tribal1 county1 or municipal fire department or district operating through the ,united ,states ,fire ,administration or pursuant to an agreement with a ,federal agency2 and 7,i7 any other ,federal agency involved in wildfire response4 7#b7 ,covered entity ,the term covered entity means-- 7,a7 a private entity2 7,b7 a nonprofit organization2 and 7,c7 an institution of higher education 7as defined in section #aja of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajja774 7#c7 ,pilot program ,the term ,pilot ,program means the deployment and demonstration pilot program established under subsection 7b74 7#d7 ,secretaries ,the term ,secretaries means the ,secretary and the ,secretary of the ,interior1 acting jointly4 7b7 ,establishment ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretaries1 in coordination with the heads of the covered agencies1 shall establish a deployment and demonstration pilot program for new and innovative wildfire prevention1 detection1 communication1 and mitigation technologies4 7c7 ,functions ,in carrying out the ,pilot ,program1 the ,secretaries shall-- 7#a7 incorporate the ,pilot ,program into the ,national ,wildfire ,coordinating ,group2 7#b7 in consultation with the heads of the covered agencies1 identify and advance the demonstration and deployment of key technology priority areas with respect to the deployment of wildfire prevention1 detection1 communication1 and mitigation technologies1 including-- 7,a7 hazardous fuels reduction activities or treatments2 7,b7 dispatch communications2 7,c7 remote sensing1 detection1 and tracking2 7,d7 safety equipment2 7,e7 common operating pictures or operational dashboards2 and 7,f7 interoperable commercial data2 and 7#c7 connect each covered entity selected to participate in the ,pilot ,program with the appropriate covered agency to coordinate real-time and on-the-ground testing of technology during wildfire mitigation activities and training4 7d7 ,applications ,to be eligible to participate in the ,pilot ,program1 a covered entity shall submit to the ,secretaries an application at such time1 in such manner1 and containing such information as the ,secretaries may require1 including a proposal to demonstrate technologies specific to key technology priority areas identified under subsection 7c77#b74 7e7 ,prioritization of emerging technologies ,in selecting covered entities to participate in the ,pilot ,program1 the ,secretaries shall give priority to covered entities that-- 7#a7 have participated in the ,fire ,weather ,testbed of the ,national ,oceanic and ,atmospheric ,administration2 or 7#b7 propose in the application under subsection 7d7 to develop and apply emerging technologies for wildfire mitigation1 including artificial intelligence1 quantum sensing1 computing and quantum-hybrid applications1 satellite detection1 augmented reality1 #e;,g private networks1 and device-to-device communications supporting nomadic mesh networks and detection4 7f7 ,outreach ,the ,secretaries1 in coordination with the heads of the covered agencies1 shall make publicly available the key technology priority areas identified under subsection 7c77#b7 and invite covered entities to apply under subsection 7d7 to deploy and demonstrate technologies to address those priority areas4 7g7 ,reports and recommendations ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this ,act1 and annually thereafter for the duration of the ,pilot ,program1 the ,secretaries shall submit to the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate1 the ,committee on ,science1 ,space1 and ,technology of the ,house of ,representatives1 and the relevant committees of ,congress a report that includes the following with respect to the ,pilot ,program3 7#a7 ,a list of participating covered entities4 7#b7 ,a brief description of the technologies deployed and demonstrated by each such covered entity4 7#c7 ,an estimate of the cost of acquiring the each such technology and applying the technology at scale4 7#d7 ,outreach efforts by covered agencies to covered entities developing wildfire technologies4 7#e7 ,assessments of1 and recommendations relating to1 new technologies with potential adoption and application at-scale in the wildfire prevention1 detection1 communication1 and mitigation efforts of ,federal land management agencies 7as defined in section #hjb of the ,federal ,lands ,recreation ,enhancement ,act 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #fhja774 7#f7 ,a description of the relationship and coordination between the ,pilot ,program and the activities of the ,national ,oceanic and ,atmospheric ,administration1 including the ,fire ,weather ,testbed4 7h7 ,sunset ,the ,pilot ,program terminates on the date that is #g years after the date of enactment of this ,act4 #cjd4 ,,gao study on ,forest ,service policies ,not later than #c years after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states shall-- 7#a7 conduct a study evaluating-- 7,a7 the effectiveness of ,forest ,service wildland firefighting operations2 7,b7 transparency and accountability measures in the budget and accounting process of the ,forest ,service2 and 7,c7 the suitability and feasibility of establishing a new ,federal agency with responsibility for responding to1 and suppressing1 wildfires on ,federal land2 and 7#b7 submit to ,congress a report that describes the results of the study under paragraph 7#a74 #cje4 ,keeping forest plans current and monitored 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall-- 7#a7 to the maximum extent practicable and subject to the availability of appropriations-- 7,a7 ensure that each forest plan for a unit of the ,national ,forest ,system is in compliance with the applicable requirements of section #f7;f77#e77;,a7 of the ,forest and ,rangeland ,renewable ,resources ,planning ,act of #aigd 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #afjd7;f77#e77;,a772 and 7,b7 prioritize revising any forest plan not in compliance with that section2 7#b7 not be considered to be in violation of section #f7;f77#e77;,a7 of the ,forest and ,rangeland ,renewable ,resources ,planning ,act of #aigd 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #afjd7;f77#e77;,a77 solely because more than #ae years have passed without revision of the plan for a unit of the ,national ,forest ,system2 7#c7 not later than #abj days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 submit to the relevant committees of ,congress a notice describing the date on which each forest plan referred to in paragraph 7#a77;,a7 was most recently revised1 amended1 or modified2 7#d7 seek to publish a new1 complete version of any forest plan that the ,secretary has been directed by court order to amend1 revise1 or modify by not later than #fj days after the date of the amendment1 revision1 or modification1 subject to the availability of appropriations made in advance for that purpose2 and 7#e7 maintain a central1 publicly accessible website with links to-- 7,a7 the most recently available forest plan adopted1 amended1 or modified by a court order as a single document2 and 7,b7 the most recently published forest plan monitoring report for the unit4 7b7 ,good faith updates ,if the ,secretary fails to act expeditiously and in good faith using available funding to revise1 amend1 or modify a plan for a unit of the ,national ,forest ,system as required by an applicable law or court order-- 7#a7 subsection 7a7 shall be void with respect to the plan2 and 7#b7 a court of competent jurisdiction may order completion of the plan on an accelerated basis4 7c7 ,report ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary shall submit to the relevant committees of ,congress a report summarizing the implementation of this section4 7d7 ,sunset ,the authority under this section terminates on ,september #cj1 #bjca4 #cjf4 ,container ,aerial ,firefighting ,system 7a7 ,evaluation ,not later than #ij days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary and the ,secretary of the ,interior1 in consultation with the ,national ,interagency ,aviation ,committee and the ,interagency ,airtanker ,board1 shall jointly conduct an evaluation of the container aerial firefighting system to assess the use of that system to mitigate and suppress wildfires4 7b7 ,report ,not later than #abj days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary and the ,secretary of the ,interior1 in consultation with the ,national ,interagency ,aviation ,committee and the ,interagency ,airtanker ,board1 shall jointly submit to the relevant committees of ,congress a report that describes the results of the evaluation under subsection 7a74 #cjg4 ,study on pine beetle infestation ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary1 acting through the ,chief of the ,forest ,service1 shall-- 7#a7 carry out a study relating to the causes and effects of1 and solutions for1 the infestation of pine beetles in the ,northeastern region of the ,united ,states2 and 7#b7 submit to the relevant committees of ,congress a report that describes the results of the study under paragraph 7#a74 ,b ,white oak resilience #caa4 ,white ,oak ,restoration ,initiative ,coalition 7a7 ,in general ,there is established a coalition1 to be known as the ,white ,oak ,restoration ,initiative ,coalition 7referred to in this section as the ,coalition7-- 7#a7 as a voluntary collaborative group of ,federal1 ,state1 ,tribal1 and local governments and private and nongovernmental organizations the purpose of which is to carry out the duties described in subsection 7b72 and 7#b7 in accordance with the charter entitled ,white ,oak ,initiative ,coalition ,charter adopted by the ,white ,oak ,initiative ,board of ,directors on ,march #ba1 #bjbc 7or a successor charter74 7b7 ,duties ,in addition to the duties specified in the charter referred to in subsection 7a77#b71 the duties of the ,coalition are-- 7#a7 to coordinate ,federal1 ,state1 ,tribal1 local1 private1 and nongovernmental activities for the restoration of white oak trees in the ,united ,states2 and 7#b7 to make program and policy recommendations1 consistent with applicable forest management plans1 with respect to-- 7,a7 changes necessary to address ,federal and ,state policies that impede activities to improve the health1 resiliency1 and natural regeneration of white oak trees2 7,b7 adopting or modifying ,federal and ,state policies to increase the pace and scale of white oak regeneration and the resiliency of white oak trees2 7,c7 options to enhance communication1 coordination1 and collaboration among forest land owners1 particularly with respect to cross-boundary projects1 to improve the health1 resiliency1 and natural regeneration of white oak trees2 7,d7 research gaps that should be addressed to improve the best available science on white oaks2 7,e7 outreach to forest landowners the land of which possesses white oak trees or white oak regeneration potential1 as determined by the ,coalition2 and 7,f7 options and policies necessary to improve the quality and quantity of white oak trees in tree nurseries4 7c7 ,administrative1 staffing1 and technical support ,the ,secretary and the ,secretary of the ,interior shall make available to the ,coalition such personnel for administrative support1 technical services1 and the development and dissemination of educational materials as those ,secretaries determine to be necessary to carry out this section4 7d7 ,private funding ,subject to the availability of appropriations made in advance for that purpose1 the ,secretary may make funds available to the ,coalition to carry out this section from the account established pursuant to section #abda7;f7 of the ,food ,security ,act of #aihe 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #chda7;f774 #cab4 ,forest ,service pilot program 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary1 acting through the ,chief of the ,forest ,service1 shall establish and carry out #e pilot projects in units of the ,national ,forest ,system to restore white oak trees in those units through white oak restoration and natural regeneration practices that are consistent with applicable forest management plans4 7b7 ,requirement ,of the pilot projects carried out under subsection 7a71 not fewer than #c shall be carried out on units of the ,national ,forest ,system that are reserved or withdrawn from the public domain4 7c7 ,cooperative agreements ,the ,secretary may enter into cooperative agreements to carry out the pilot projects under this section4 7d7 ,sunset ,the authority under this section terminates on the date that is #g years after the date of enactment of this ,act4 #cac4 ,department of the ,interior white oak review and restoration 7a7 ,assessment 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of the ,interior shall carry out an assessment of land under the administrative jurisdiction of the ,department of the ,interior1 including fish and wildlife refuges and abandoned mine land1 to evaluate-- 7,a7 whether white oak trees are present on the land2 and 7,b7 the potential to restore white oak forests on the land4 7#b7 ,use of information ,in carrying out the assessment under paragraph 7#a71 the ,secretary of the ,interior may use information from sources other than the ,department of the ,interior1 including the ,white ,oak ,initiative and the ,forest ,service4 7#c7 ,report ,not later than #ij days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of the ,interior shall submit to ,congress1 and make publicly available on the website of the ,department of the ,interior1 a report describing the results of the assessment carried out under this subsection4 7b7 ,pilot projects ,after the date of submission of the report under subsection 7a77#c71 the ,secretary of the ,interior shall establish and carry out #e pilot projects in different areas of land described in subsection 7a77#a7 to restore and naturally regenerate white oak trees4 7c7 ,cooperative agreements ,the ,secretary of the ,interior may enter into cooperative agreements to carry out the pilot projects under subsection 7b74 7d7 ,sunset ,the authority under this section terminates on the date that is #g years after the date of enactment of this ,act4 #cad4 ,white oak regeneration and upland oak habitat 7a7 ,establishment ,not later than #ahj days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary shall establish a nonregulatory program1 to be known as the ,white ,oak and ,upland ,oak ,habitat ,regeneration ,program 7referred to in this section as the ,program74 7b7 ,purposes ,the purposes of the ,program shall include-- 7#a7 coordinating restoration and conservation activities among ,federal1 ,state1 local1 and ,tribal entities and conservation partners to address white oak restoration priorities2 7#b7 improving and regenerating white oak and upland oak forests and the wildlife habitat such forests provide2 7#c7 carrying out coordinated restoration and conservation activities that lead to the increased growth of species of white oak in native white oak regions on ,federal1 ,state1 ,tribal1 and private land2 7#d7 facilitating strategic planning to maximize the resilience of white oak systems and habitats under changing climate conditions2 7#e7 engaging the public through outreach1 education1 and citizen involvement to increase capacity and support for coordinated restoration and conservation activities for species of white oak2 and 7#f7 increasing scientific capacity to support the planning1 monitoring1 and research activities necessary to carry out such coordinated restoration and conservation activities4 7c7 ,consultation ,in establishing the ,program1 the ,secretary1 acting through the ,chief of the ,forest ,service1 shall consult with-- 7#a7 the heads of ,federal agencies1 including-- 7,a7 the ,director of the ,united ,states ,fish and ,wildlife ,service2 and 7,b7 the ,chief of the ,natural ,resources ,conservation ,service2 and 7#b7 the ,governor of each ,state in which restoration efforts will be carried out pursuant to the ,program4 7d7 ,duties ,in carrying out the ,program1 the ,secretary shall-- 7#a7 draw on the best available science and management plans for species of white oak to identify1 prioritize1 and implement restoration and conservation activities that will improve the growth of white oak trees in the ,united ,states2 7#b7 collaborate and coordinate with the ,white ,oak ,restoration ,initiative ,coalition established by section #caa7;a7 to prioritize white oak restoration initiatives2 7#c7 adopt a white oak restoration strategy that-- 7,a7 supports the implementation of a shared set of science-based restoration and conservation activities developed in accordance with paragraph 7#a72 7,b7 targets cost-effective projects with measurable results2 and 7,c7 maximizes restoration outcomes with no net gain of ,federal full-time equivalent employees2 and 7#d7 establish voluntary grant and technical assistance programs in accordance with subsection 7e74 7e7 ,grants and assistance 7#a7 ,definitions ,in this subsection3 7,a7 ,foundation ,the term ,foundation means the ,national ,fish and ,wildlife ,foundation4 7,b7 ,grant program ,the term grant program means the voluntary grant and technical assistance program established under paragraph 7#b74 7#b7 ,establishment ,to the extent that funds are available to carry out this section1 the ,secretary shall establish a voluntary grant and technical assistance program to achieve the purposes of the ,program described in subsection 7b74 7#c7 ,administration 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall offer to enter into a cooperative agreement with the ,foundation to manage and administer the grant program4 7,b7 ,funding ,subject to the availability of appropriations made in advance for that purpose1 on entering into a cooperative agreement with the ,foundation under subparagraph 7,a71 the ,secretary shall pay to the ,foundation to carry out this subsection for each fiscal year an advance payment of the entire amount for the applicable fiscal year-- 7i7 on ,october #a of that fiscal year2 or 7ii7 as soon as practicable thereafter4 7#d7 ,application of ,national ,fish and ,wildlife ,foundation ,establishment ,act ,amounts received by the ,foundation to carry out the grant program shall be subject to the ,national ,fish and ,wildlife ,foundation ,establishment ,act 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #cgja et seq471 excluding section #aj7;a7 of that ,act 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #cgji7;a774 7f7 ,sunset ,the authority under this section terminates on the date that is #g years after the date of enactment of this ,act4 #cae4 ,tree nursery shortages 7a7 ,in general ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary1 acting through the ,chief of the ,forest ,service1 shall-- 7#a7 develop and implement a national strategy to increase the capacity of ,federal1 ,state1 ,tribal1 and private tree nurseries to address the nationwide shortage of tree seedlings2 and 7#b7 coordinate the strategy under paragraph 7#a7 with-- 7,a7 the national reforestation strategy of the ,forest ,service2 and 7,b7 each regional implementation plan for ,national ,forests4 7b7 ,elements ,the strategy required under subsection 7a7 shall-- 7#a7 be based on the best available science and data2 and 7#b7 identify and address-- 7,a7 regional seedling shortages of bareroot and container tree seedlings2 7,b7 regional reforestation opportunities and the seedling supply necessary to fulfill those opportunities2 7,c7 opportunities to enhance seedling diversity and close gaps in seed inventories2 and 7,d7 barriers to expanding1 enhancing1 or creating new infrastructure to increase nursery capacity4 #caf4 ,white oak research 7a7 ,definition of eligible institution ,in this section1 the term eligible institution means an institution of higher education1 including an #ahfb ,institution1 an #ahij ,institution1 and a #aiid ,institution 7as those terms are defined in section #b of the ,agricultural ,research1 ,extension1 and ,education ,reform ,act of #aiih 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #gfja774 7b7 ,research ,the ,secretary may enter into a memorandum of understanding with an ,indian ,tribe or an eligible institution to collaboratively conduct research relating to-- 7#a7 white oak genes with resistance or tolerance to stress2 7#b7 white oak trees that exhibit vigor for the purpose of increasing survival and growth2 7#c7 establishing a genetically diverse white oak seed bank capable of responding to stressors2 7#d7 providing a sustainable supply of white oak seedlings and genetic resources2 7#e7 improved methods for aligning seed sources with the future climate at planting sites2 7#f7 reforestation of white oak trees through natural and artificial regeneration2 7#g7 improved methods for retaining and increasing white oak trees in forests2 7#h7 improved methods for reforesting abandoned mine land sites2 and 7#i7 economic and social aspects of white oak forest management across land ownerships4 7c7 ,consultation ,in carrying out research under subsection 7b71 an ,indian ,tribe or eligible institution may consult with such ,states1 nonprofit organizations1 and other institutions of higher education and scientific entities as the ,indian ,tribe or eligible institution determines to be appropriate4 7d7 ,sunset ,the authority under this section terminates on the date that is #g years after the date of enactment of this ,act4 #cag4 ,,usda formal initiative 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary1 acting through the ,chief of the ,natural ,resources ,conservation ,service and in coordination with the ,chief of the ,forest ,service1 shall establish a formal initiative on white oak trees-- 7#a7 to reestablish white oak forests where appropriate2 7#b7 to improve the management of existing white oak forests to foster natural regeneration of white oak trees2 7#c7 to provide technical assistance to private landowners to reestablish1 improve the management of1 and naturally regenerate white oak trees2 7#d7 to improve and expand white oak nursery stock2 and 7#e7 to adapt and improve white oak seedlings4 7b7 ,sunset ,the authority under this section terminates on the date that is #g years after the date of enactment of this ,act4 #cah4 ,use of authorities ,to the maximum extent practicable1 the ,secretary and the ,secretary of the ,interior shall use the authorities provided under this title in combination with other authorities to carry out projects1 including-- 7#a7 good neighbor agreements entered into under section #hbjf of the ,agricultural ,act of #bjad 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #baac;a7 7as amended by this ,act72 and 7#b7 stewardship contracting projects entered into under section #fjd of the ,healthy ,forests ,restoration ,act of #bjjc 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #feia;c7 7as amended by this ,act74 ,,iv ,ensuring casualty assistance for firefighters #dja4 ,wildland ,fire ,management ,casualty ,assistance ,program 7a7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,next-of-kin ,the term next-of-kin1 with respect to an individual1 means a person in the highest category of priority in relation to that individual1 as determined in accordance with the following 7in descending order of priority73 7,a7 ,a legal spouse of the individual4 7,b7 ,a child 7whether by current or prior marriage7 aged #ah years or older of the individual1 in descending order of precedence by age4 7,c7 ,the father or mother of the individual1 unless custody has been vested by court order in another individual1 with an adoptive parent taking precedence over a natural parent4 7,d7 ,a sibling 7whether whole or half7 aged #ah years or older of the individual1 in descending order of precedence by age4 7,e7 ,a grandfather or grandmother of the individual4 7,f7 ,any other relative of the individual1 with the order of precedence to be determined in accordance with the civil laws of descent of the ,state of domicile of the individual at time of death4 7#b7 ,program ,the term program means the ,wildland ,fire ,management ,casualty ,assistance ,program established under subsection 7b74 7b7 ,establishment ,not later than #ahj days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of the ,interior shall establish a program1 to be known as the ,wildland ,fire ,management ,casualty ,assistance ,program1 to provide assistance to the next-of-kin of-- 7#a7 firefighters who1 while in the line of duty-- 7,a7 are killed2 7,b7 are critically injured2 or 7,c7 suffer illness as a result of an exposure or incident occurring during that line of duty2 and 7#b7 wildland fire support personnel who are killed or critically injured in the line of duty4 7c7 ,elements ,the program shall address each of the following3 7#a7 ,the initial1 and any subsequent1 notification to the next-of-kin of firefighters or wildland fire support personnel who-- 7,a7 are killed in the line of duty2 or 7,b7 require hospitalization or treatment at a medical facility due to a line-of-duty injury or illness4 7#b7 ,the reimbursement of next-of-kin for expenses associated with travel to visit firefighters or wildland fire support personnel who-- 7,a7 are killed in the line of duty2 or 7,b7 require hospitalization or treatment at a medical facility due to a line-of-duty injury or illness4 7#c7 ,the qualifications1 assignment1 training1 duties1 supervision1 and accountability for the performance of casualty assistance responsibilities4 7#d7 ,the relief or transfer of casualty assistance officers1 including notification to survivors of critical injury or illness in the line of duty of the reassignment of those officers to other duties4 7#e7 ,centralized short-term and long-term case management procedures for casualty assistance1 including rapid access to expert case managers and counselors by-- 7,a7 survivors of firefighters or wildland fire support personnel2 and 7,b7 casualty assistance officers4 7#f7 ,the provision1 through a computer-accessible website and other means and at no cost to survivors or next-of-kin of firefighters or wildland fire support personnel1 of personalized1 integrated information relating to ,federal benefits and ,federal financial assistance available to those survivors and next-of-kin4 7#g7 ,the provision to survivors and next-of-kin of firefighters or wildland fire support personnel of information relating to mechanisms for registering complaints about1 or requests for1 additional assistance related to casualty assistance4 7#h7 ,liaison with the ,department of ,agriculture1 the ,department of ,justice1 and the ,social ,security ,administration to ensure prompt and accurate resolution of issues relating to benefits administered by those agencies for survivors of firefighters or wildland fire support personnel4 7#i7 ,data collection1 in consultation with the ,united ,states ,fire ,administration and the ,national ,institute for ,occupational ,safety and ,health1 regarding the incidence and quality of casualty assistance provided to survivors and next-of-kin of firefighters or wildland fire support personnel4 7d7 ,no effect on other line-of-,duty death benefits ,the program shall not affect any existing authority for line-of-duty death benefits for ,federal firefighters or wildland fire support personnel4