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," indicating regions with a high probability of wildfire spread. Additionally, the definition of "project" is expanded to include initiatives that create or maintain buffers in and around wildland-urban interfaces, alongside existing restoration and conservation projects.

Furthermore, the bill specifies that projects eligible for funding must provide public benefits and align with various state-approved plans, such as community wildfire protection plans. It emphasizes the importance of creating or maintaining buffers in high-risk areas and prioritizes projects that leverage additional funding sources or are identified as high-risk by the advisory board. The amendments aim to improve wildfire management and watershed restoration efforts in New Mexico, ultimately enhancing community safety and environmental resilience.

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