This bill addresses funding for watershed restoration and forest health. This bill: - defines terms; - establishes the Utah Forest Restoration Institute (institute) in connection with Utah State University; - provides funding to the institute; - requires the institute to:conduct research as provided by state and federal law;study how the state can improve forest and watershed health;recommend mitigation strategies that reduce the risks and impact of wildfire;coordinate with the Watershed Restoration Initiative to fund watershed and forest restoration projects;review and respond to, in a timely manner, an emergency request for funding a watershed restoration project in response to a natural disaster; andmonitor the long-term effectiveness of watershed and forest restoration projects; - requires the Watershed Restoration Initiative to:coordinate funding decisions with the institute on partnership watershed restoration projects;coordinate the long-term monitoring of a watershed restoration project with the institute;collect data required by the institute; provide research and learning opportunities for higher education students and faculty associated with the institute; andsubmit an annual report to the institute and two legislative committees; and - makes technical and conforming changes.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 79-2-601, 79-2-602, 79-2-605
Amended 2/3/2026 10:02:756: 79-2-601, 79-2-602, 79-2-605