This bill allows the U.S. Department of Agriculture to fund emergency repair projects on National Forest lands after natural disasters or other damaging natural events. The law targets situations where forest damage—such as from floods, wildfires, or severe erosion—threatens water supplies or downstream communities. State and local governments, Indian tribes, and water districts can partner with the Forest Service to carry out these protective measures, with the federal government covering all costs and waiving any local matching fund requirements. Projects must be completed within two years of the disaster, with an optional three-year maintenance period afterward, and sponsors are protected from most liability as long as they act responsibly. The legislation streamlines environmental review for these emergency projects to speed up repairs and help restore forest health during critical recovery windows.
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