The TREES Act requires the U.S. Forest Service to install protective fences and barriers around old growth trees in the Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness Area in North Carolina, particularly those located within 10 feet of the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Trail. The goal is to prevent damage to these ancient trees and their root systems from foot traffic on the nearby hiking trail. The Forest Service must complete this installation work within 180 days of the bill becoming law and must do so in ways that minimize disruption to the wilderness area's wildlife and natural character while keeping future maintenance needs as low as possible. The bill does not specify any funding amount, leaving that to be determined through the normal appropriations process. This legislation primarily affects the Forest Service and visitors to this popular hiking destination in the Appalachian Mountains.
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