16 USC 2103d - Community forest and open space conservation program

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

§ 2103d.

Community forest and open space conservation program

(a)

Definitions

In this section:

(1)

Eligible entity

(2)

Indian tribe

(3)

Local governmental entity

(4)

Nonprofit organization

The term “nonprofit organization” means any organization that—

(A)

is described in section 170(h)(3) of title 26; and

(B)

operates in accordance with 1 or more of the purposes specified in section 170(h)(4)(A) of title 26.

(5)

Program

(6)

Secretary

(b)

Establishment

(c)

Grant program

(1)

In general

The Secretary may award grants to eligible entities to acquire private forest land,1

 So in original. Probably should be “lands,”.

to be owned in fee simple, that—

(A)

are threatened by conversion to nonforest uses; and

(B)

provide public benefits to communities, including—

(i)

economic benefits through sustainable forest management;

(ii)

environmental benefits, including clean water and wildlife habitat;

(iii)

benefits from forest-based educational programs, including vocational education programs in forestry;

(iv)

benefits from serving as models of effective forest stewardship for private landowners; and

(v)

recreational benefits, including hunting and fishing.

(2)

Federal cost share

(3)

Non-Federal share

(4)

Appraisal of parcels

(5)

Application

An eligible entity that seeks to receive a grant under the Program shall submit to the State forester or equivalent official (or in the case of an Indian tribe, an equivalent official of the Indian tribe) an application that includes—

(A)

a description of the land to be acquired;

(B)

a forest plan that provides—

(i)

a description of community benefits to be achieved from the acquisition of the private forest land; and

(ii)

an explanation of the manner in which any private forest land to be acquired using funds from the grant will be managed; and

(C)

such other relevant information as the Secretary may require.

(6)

Effect on trust land

(A)

Ineligibility

(B)

Acquired land

(7)

Applications to Secretary

(d)

Duties of eligible entity

(e)

Prohibited uses

(1)

In general

(2)

Reimbursement of funds

(3)

Loss of eligibility

(f)

State administration and technical assistance

(g)

Authorization of appropriations

(Pub. L. 95–313, § 7A, as added Pub. L. 110–234, title VIII, § 8003(b), May 22, 2008, 122 Stat. 1281, and Pub. L. 110–246, § 4(a), title VIII, § 8003(b), June 18, 2008, 122 Stat. 1664, 2043.)

cite as: 16 USC 2103d