H.R. 2405: The White Oak Resilience Act

This bill, known as the White Oak Resilience Act, aims to restore and promote the health of white oak trees in the United States through various collaborative efforts. Here’s a breakdown of its main provisions:

Establishment of the White Oak Restoration Initiative Coalition

The bill proposes creating a voluntary coalition comprised of federal, state, tribal, and local governments, private organizations, and non-profits. This group's role will include:

• Coordinating efforts for the restoration of white oak across different jurisdictions.
• Making recommendations to improve policies that currently hinder white oak regeneration and health.
• Enhancing communication and collaboration among landowners for projects related to white oak.
• Identifying research gaps related to white oak and working to address them.
• Providing information and outreach to landowners who manage white oak or suitable areas for its regeneration.
• Improving the quality and availability of white oak trees in nurseries.

Forest Service Pilot Program

The Secretary of Agriculture is tasked with overseeing five pilot projects in national forests focused on white oak restoration. These projects will emphasize natural regeneration methods aligned with existing forest management plans, with at least three conducted in national forests that are not publicly accessible.

Assessment and Restoration by the Department of the Interior

The Department of the Interior will assess land it manages, including wildlife refuges and abandoned mine lands, to determine the presence of white oaks and the potential for restoration. After the assessment, five more pilot projects for white oak restoration will be established based on the findings.

White Oak and Upland Oak Habitat Regeneration Program

A non-regulatory program will be created to better manage the restoration and conservation of white oak and upland oak habitats. This program will involve:

• Using scientific data to prioritize and implement restoration activities.
• Coordinating with the White Oak Restoration Initiative Coalition to enhance restoration efforts.
• Providing grants and assistance to support these activities.

Tree Nursery Capacity Strategy

The bill calls for developing a national strategy within one year to combat the shortage of tree seedlings, particularly white oak seedlings. This strategy will address regional shortages and aim to enhance the capabilities of tree nurseries.

Research on White Oak

The Secretary of Agriculture may collaborate with tribes or educational institutions to research factors affecting white oak resilience, such as genetic properties that promote stress resistance, and practices for successful regeneration and management of white oak forests.

Formal Initiative on White Oak

A formal initiative will be established to:

• Re-establish and manage white oak forests effectively.
• Provide resources and technical assistance to landowners for white oak management.
• Expand the availability of white oak nursery stock.

Authorities and Funding

The bill sets provisions for the Secretary of Agriculture and Secretary of the Interior to utilize existing legal frameworks and agreements to support the implementation of the act, including funding mechanisms.

Duration and Sunset Clauses

Most sections of this bill include a sunset clause, stating that the authorities granted will terminate seven years after the bill's enactment.

Relevant Companies

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