Restoring Healthy Forests for Healthy Communities Act - Fall

This report examines Titles I and II of H.R. 1526, which seeks to increase timber harvests and reduce wildfire risk across the National Forest System. Decades of fire suppression policy have resulted in hazardous fuel accumulation, contributing to catastrophic wildfires and ecological degradation. Simultaneously, declining timber harvests have reduced revenue for rural counties dependent on federal forest lands. Title I mandates harvesting at least 50% of sustainable yield in designated areas, while Title II allows governors to request hazardous fuel reduction projects in high-risk forests.

The team’s implementation strategy proposes Resource Advisory Committees and Forest Risk Management Committees to balance scientific, industry, and governmental perspectives. The report estimates significant staffing increases—potentially 7,800 new Forest Service employees—to manage expanded harvesting. Performance metrics include wildfire frequency and severity, sustainable yield calculations, and county revenue impacts. While the Act aims to strengthen forest health and rural economies, the report highlights legal and constitutional concerns, including limitations on judicial review and exemptions from NEPA requirements. Overall, the bill presents both ecological opportunity and substantial governance controversy.

Learn more about the MPA-ESP Workshop in Applied Earth Systems Management.