HR-2405 : Still Just a Bill

H.R. 2405, also known as "The White Oak Resilience Act," aims to restore white oak populations in the United States. Here's a summary of the bill's key provisions:

• White Oak Restoration Initiative Coalition: Establishes a collaborative group of government and private organizations to coordinate white oak restoration efforts and make policy recommendations.
• Forest Service Pilot Program: Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish five pilot projects in national forests to restore white oak through restoration and natural regeneration practices.
• Department of the Interior White Oak Review and Restoration: Requires the Secretary of the Interior to assess lands under their jurisdiction to identify opportunities for white oak restoration and to carry out five pilot projects to restore and naturally regenerate white oak.
• White Oak and Upland Oak Habitat Regeneration Program: Establishes a non-regulatory program to improve white oak growth within the United States, including a voluntary grant and technical assistance program.
• Tree Nursery Shortages: Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to develop and implement a national strategy to increase the capacity of tree nurseries to address the shortage of tree seedlings.
• White Oak Research: Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to enter into agreements to conduct research on various aspects of white oak, including genetics, seed banks, reforestation methods, and economic considerations.
• USDA Formal Initiative: Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a formal initiative to re-establish white oak forests, improve management of existing forests, provide technical assistance to private landowners, and improve white oak nursery stock.
• Authorities: Encourages the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture to combine the authorities provided in this bill with other existing authorities to carry out projects.
• Sunset: Most authorities granted under this bill will expire 7 years after enactment.