Bill > HB175

This bill modifies the Forest and Watershed Restoration Act by expanding definitions and funding eligibility for forest and watershed protection projects. Specifically, the bill defines key terms like "buffer" (an area treated to reduce wildfire fuel and create a safety zone for firefighters), "high-risk area" (an area with high wildfire probability), and "wildland-urban interface" (the zone where human structures meet undeveloped wildlands). The bill allows the Forest Land Protection Revolving Fund to support projects that create or maintain buffers in wildland-urban interfaces, and establishes criteria for project funding eligibility. Projects can now receive funding if they provide public benefits, such as protecting watersheds, targeting high-risk areas, creating buffers, obtaining necessary permits, and offering broader benefits to the state that outweigh potential private landowner benefits. Additionally, the bill prioritizes projects that leverage multiple funding sources, have potential for wood product utilization, create economic incentives, and are identified by the forest and watershed advisory board as high-risk areas. These changes aim to enhance forest health, wildfire prevention, and watershed protection in New Mexico.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?chamber=H&legtype=B&legno=175&year=25