The GROUSE Act of 2026 creates a new federal program to help private forest landowners restore habitat for upland wildlife species. Under the program, landowners who have recently logged their forest land or experienced damage from natural disasters like wildfires or hurricanes can enter into contracts with the Department of Agriculture to restore native vegetation on at least 10 acres of their property. The government will cover 75 percent of the costs for restoration activities such as planting native trees, shrubs, and other vegetation that support wildlife, with contracts lasting up to five years. Individual landowners can receive payments on no more than 5 percent of their eligible forest land or 250 acres, whichever is smaller. The bill amends the Food Security Act of 1985 and directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish payment amounts and provide technical assistance to participating landowners.
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