What does Preamble of Watershed Protection and Forest Recovery Act of 2025 do?

This bill amends the Agricultural Credit Act of 1978. It authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to implement emergency watershed protection measures. These measures are specifically authorized on National Forest System land.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Watershed Protection and Forest Recovery Act of 2025 do?

This bill is formally titled the Watershed Protection and Forest Recovery Act of 2025.

What does EMERGENCY FOREST WATERSHED PROGRAM. of Watershed Protection and Forest Recovery Act of 2025 do?

This section establishes the Emergency Forest Watershed Program within Title IV of the Agricultural Credit Act of 1978. The program authorizes the Secretary, acting through a sponsor, to undertake emergency watershed protection measures on National Forest System land following a natural disaster. Eligible sponsors include State or local governments, Indian Tribes, and certain water-related districts. The Secretary may enter into agreements with sponsors and make payments to carry out these measures. Project timelines require agreements to be executed expeditiously and completion of measures within two years of the disaster's conclusion. The Secretary may waive matching requirements for payments under the program. Sponsors are generally not liable for damages resulting from carrying out emergency watershed protection measures, except in cases of willful or wanton negligence or reckless conduct. The Chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service is responsible for coordinating the use of funds distributed under this section. Emergency watershed protection measures are deemed emergency response actions for purposes of NEPA compliance.

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Watershed Protection and Forest Recovery Act of 2025

Last updated: 12/2/2025 · Introduced: 10/24/2025

Author: Joe Neguse (D-CO)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill establishes the Emergency Forest Watershed Program to enable rapid watershed protection on National Forest System land following natural disasters.
The program allows State, local, Tribal, and water district entities to act as sponsors, partnering with the Secretary of Agriculture to implement emergency measures.
It streamlines the environmental review process for these emergency watershed protection measures by treating them as emergency response actions under the National Environmental Policy Act.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 1 more.

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