Post-Disaster Reforestation and Restoration Act

Key Points

• This bill creates a new federal program to replant trees and restore nature on public and Tribal lands after disasters like wildfires, insect outbreaks, or severe storms. It specifically targets areas where the land is unlikely to grow back on its own without human help.
• The Department of the Interior will be required to identify damaged lands every year and create a list of priority projects. To get the work done, the government will offer grants and contracts to partner with local communities, Tribes, and colleges.
• The policy also focuses on the supply chain for nature, allowing the government to fund the production of seeds and young trees. This ensures that when a disaster happens, there are enough seedlings ready to be planted to start the recovery process immediately.
• Every year, officials must report to Congress on their progress, including how much land still needs help and what resources are missing. This is designed to help lawmakers understand the cost of fixing damaged forests and address any backlogs in restoration work.

Impact Analysis

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