H.R. 8688 · In committee · Environmental Protection

Forest Health and Wildfire Risk Reduction Act

What it does

Designates tree density modification activities on less than 5,000 acres as categorically excluded from environmental assessment or environmental impact statement requirements under the National Environmental Policy Act.
Permits construction of up to 5 miles of new permanent road and temporary roads at a ratio of 2.5 miles per 1,000 acres to facilitate tree density modification, provided temporary roads are decommissioned after use.
Excludes even-aged regeneration harvest, clearcutting, variable retention harvest, and vegetation management converting forest to non-forest cover from the categorical exclusion.
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.

May 21, 2026: Subcommittee Hearings Held

Committee: House Federal Lands Subcommittee