H.R. 8682 · In committee · Environmental Protection

Accelerating Forest Management Act

What it does

Designates salvage harvesting of dead or dying trees as categorically excluded from environmental assessment requirements under the National Environmental Policy Act when conducted on up to 1,000 acres (or lesser of 5,000 acres or one-third of disturbance area.
Permits up to 1 mile of new permanent road construction and maintenance of existing roads to facilitate salvage harvesting, along with temporary roads at a ratio not exceeding 2.25 miles per 1,000 acres of harvest area.
Requires disclosure of design features addressing snag and downed wood retention, erosion control, soil compaction, logging systems, seasonal operations, invasive species prevention, riparian buffers, prescribed fire constraints, and temporary road decommissioning standards.
Extends the Forest Ecosystem Health and Recovery Fund authorization through 2033 (previously set to expire in 2020).

May 21, 2026: Subcommittee Hearings Held

Committee: House Federal Lands Subcommittee