Bill > S2631

This bill, the Forest Conservation Easement Program Act of 2023, would amend the Food Security Act of 1985 to require the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a forest conservation easement program. The key provisions include: - Establishing the Forest Conservation Easement Program to protect the viability and sustainability of forest land and related ecological and human conservation values through the acquisition of conservation easements or other interests in eligible private or tribal land. - Providing cost-share assistance to eligible entities, such as state/local agencies or conservation organizations, to purchase "forest land easements" that protect forest uses and related conservation values. - Creating a separate "forest reserve easement" program to restore, protect, and enhance eligible land to benefit endangered, threatened, and other at-risk species. - Authorizing funding of $100 million per year from 2024-2028 to carry out the program. - Repealing the existing Healthy Forests Reserve Program and transitioning existing contracts and agreements to the new forest conservation programs. The bill aims to promote the conservation and restoration of private and tribal forest lands through partnerships with state and local entities.