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Forest Communities Support: New Timber Sales and Funding Rules

This act aims to improve the economic stability of counties with national forest lands by increasing revenue from timber sales. It establishes new active forest management areas, streamlines environmental processes, and alters revenue distribution rules, potentially impacting local jobs and education funding.
Key points
Creation of specific forest areas for active management and timber sales, aiming to provide stable revenue for local communities.
Simplification and acceleration of environmental procedures for forest projects, including expedited consultations for endangered species.
Changes to how timber sale revenues are distributed, prohibiting states from withholding portions of payments, directly supporting counties.
Extension of maximum duration for stewardship contracts to 20 years and direct payment of 25% of revenues from these contracts to counties.
Option to resolve disputes over forest projects through arbitration instead of litigation, aiming to speed up project implementation.
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Expired
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Additional Information
Print number: 118_HR_4228
Sponsor: Rep. McMorris Rodgers, Cathy [R-WA-5]
Process start date: 2023-06-20
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Summarized by: gemini-2.5-flash-preview-05-20
Source data: api.congress.gov
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OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

FORESTS Act of 2023

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 118_HR_4228.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the House of Representatives.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2023-06-20.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • Creation of specific forest areas for active management and timber sales, aiming to provide stable revenue for local communities.
  • Simplification and acceleration of environmental procedures for forest projects, including expedited consultations for endangered species.
  • Changes to how timber sale revenues are distributed, prohibiting states from withholding portions of payments, directly supporting counties.
  • Extension of maximum duration for stewardship contracts to 20 years and direct payment of 25% of revenues from these contracts to counties.
  • Option to resolve disputes over forest projects through arbitration instead of litigation, aiming to speed up project implementation.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Expired.

Where can I read the full text of this legislation?

The full official text is available at: View full text

Who is the primary sponsor?

The primary sponsor is Rep. McMorris Rodgers, Cathy [R-WA-5].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Referred to the Subcommittee on Forestry.

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-25.

CATEGORIES

Agriculture Environment Local Government