Bill > HR4516

This bill, known as the Protecting and Restoring Our Trees by Enhancing Conservation and Treatments Act or the PROTECT Act, establishes a categorical exclusion to expedite certain critical forest management activities on National Forest System lands or public lands. The activities covered by this exclusion include addressing insect or disease infestations, reducing hazardous fuel loads, protecting municipal water sources, maintaining or enhancing critical habitat, increasing water yield, removing dead or dying trees, and facilitating native species restoration. The bill sets acreage limitations for these activities, with exceptions for larger areas if the activities are developed through a collaborative process, proposed by a resource advisory committee, or covered by a community wildfire protection plan. The bill also excludes certain designated lands, such as those in the National Wilderness Preservation System or inventoried roadless areas, from these authorities.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/4516/all-info