16 USC 6591a - Designation of treatment areas

U.S Code last checked for updates: Nov 22, 2024

§ 6591a.

Designation of treatment areas

(a)

Definition of declining forest health

In this section, the term “declining forest health” means a forest that is experiencing—

(1)

substantially increased tree mortality due to insect or disease infestation; or

(2)

dieback due to infestation or defoliation by insects or disease.

(b)

Designation of treatment areas

(1)

Initial areas

(2)

Additional areas

(c)

Requirements

To be designated a landscape-scale area under subsection (b), the area shall be—

(1)

experiencing declining forest health, based on annual forest health surveys conducted by the Secretary;

(2)

at risk of experiencing substantially increased tree mortality over the next 15 years due to insect or disease infestation, based on the most recent National Insect and Disease Risk Map published by the Forest Service; or

(3)

in an area in which the risk of hazard trees poses an imminent risk to public infrastructure, health, or safety.

(d)

Treatment of areas

(1)

In general

The Secretary may carry out priority projects on Federal land in the areas designated under subsection (b)—

(A)

to reduce the risk or extent of, or increase the resilience to, insect or disease infestation; or

(B)

to reduce hazardous fuels.

(2)

Authority

(3)

Effect

(4)

Report

(A)

In general

In accordance with the schedule described in subparagraph (B), the Secretary shall issue 2 reports on actions taken to carry out this subsection, including—

(i)

an evaluation of the progress towards project goals; and

(ii)

recommendations for modifications to the projects and management treatments.

(B)

Schedule

The Secretary shall—

(i)

not earlier than September 30, 2018, issue the initial report under subparagraph (A); and

(ii)

not earlier than September 30, 2024, issue the second report under that subparagraph.

(e)

Tree retention

(Pub. L. 108–148, title VI, § 602, as added Pub. L. 113–79, title VIII, § 8204, Feb. 7, 2014, 128 Stat. 915; amended Pub. L. 115–334, title VIII, §§ 8407(b), 8408, Dec. 20, 2018, 132 Stat. 4846, 4847.)

cite as: 16 USC 6591a