Bill > HR2709

This bill establishes a comprehensive program to protect and restore giant sequoia trees in California, addressing the critical threats of wildfires, insects, and drought. The Save Our Sequoias Act creates a multi-faceted approach that includes establishing a Giant Sequoia Lands Coalition to conduct a health and resiliency assessment, developing emergency response protocols, and implementing reforestation and rehabilitation strategies. The bill creates dedicated strike teams to expedite forest management activities, authorizes collaborative restoration grants, and expands existing authorities like good neighbor and stewardship contracting provisions to facilitate rapid intervention. Key provisions include creating a philanthropic fund to support giant sequoia conservation, streamlining environmental review processes for protection projects, and authorizing up to $40 million annually from 2028 to 2032 to support these efforts. The legislation prioritizes protecting giant sequoia groves through hazardous fuels management, removing at-risk trees, and supporting tribal and local partnerships, with a particular focus on groves that have experienced severe wildfire damage or are at high risk of catastrophic fire.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/2709/all-info