The bill amends the Forest and Watershed Restoration Act to enhance the eligibility of projects for funding from the Forest Land Protection Revolving Fund. It introduces new definitions, including "buffer," which refers to areas treated to reduce wildfire fuel and act as barriers between properties, and "high-risk area," which denotes regions with a high probability of wildfire spread. The bill expands the definition of "project" to include initiatives that create or maintain buffers in and around wildland-urban interfaces, thereby emphasizing the importance of protecting these areas from wildfires.

Additionally, the bill outlines the criteria for project funding eligibility, which includes public benefit, alignment with state forest and watershed health plans, and the creation or maintenance of buffers in high-risk areas. It prioritizes projects that leverage additional funding sources and are located in areas with potential for biomass utilization. The amendments aim to improve forest and watershed health, reduce wildfire risks, and support economic development through sustainable forest management practices.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 68-4-2, 68-4-5
Final Version: 68-4-2, 68-4-5