Sec. 2. Reforestation following wildfires and other unplanned events

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Section 3 of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 ( 16 U.S.C. 1601 ) is amended— by redesignating subsection

(e)as subsection (f); by redesignating the second subsection

(d)(relating to the policy of Congress regarding forested land in the National Forest System) as subsection (e); and in subsection

(e)(as so redesignated)— in paragraph (2)— in the first sentence— by striking 9 of this Act, the Secretary shall annually for eight years following the enactment of this subsection and inserting 9, the Secretary shall, annually during each of the 10 years beginning after the date of enactment of the ; and REPLANT Act by striking eight-year and inserting 10-year ; in the second sentence, by striking such eight-year period and inserting the 10-year period ; and in the third sentence, by striking 1978 and inserting 2021 ; in paragraph (3), in the first sentence, by striking subsection

(d)and inserting subsection ; and by adding at the end the following: In this paragraph: The term natural regeneration means the establishment of a tree or tree age class from natural seeding, sprouting, or suckering in accordance with the management objectives of an applicable land management plan. The term natural regeneration may include any site preparation activity to enhance the success of regeneration to the desired species composition and structure. The term priority land means National Forest System land that, due to an unplanned event— does not meet the conditions for appropriate forest cover described in paragraph (1); requires reforestation to meet the objectives of an applicable land management plan; and is unlikely to experience natural regeneration without assistance. The term reforestation means the act of renewing tree cover, taking into consideration species composition and resilience, by establishing young trees through— natural regeneration; natural regeneration with site preparation; or planting or direct seeding. The term Secretary means the Secretary, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service. The term unplanned event means any unplanned disturbance that— disrupts ecosystem or forest structure or composition; or changes resources, substrate availability, or the physical environment. The term unplanned event may include— a wildfire; an infestation of insects or disease; a weather event; and animal damage. Each reforestation activity under this section shall be carried out in accordance with applicable Forest Service management practices and definitions, including definitions relating to silvicultural practices and forest management. In carrying out this subsection, the Secretary shall give priority to projects on the priority list described in clause (ii). The Secretary shall, based on recommendations from regional foresters, create a priority list of reforestation projects that— primarily take place on priority land; promote effective reforestation following unplanned events; and may include activities to ensure adequate and appropriate seed availability. The Secretary shall rank projects on the priority list under subclause

(I)based on— documentation of an effective reforestation project plan; the ability to measure the progress and success of the project; and the ability of a project to provide benefits relating to forest function and health, soil health and productivity, wildlife habitat, improved air and water quality, carbon sequestration potential, resilience, job creation, and enhanced recreational opportunities. . Section 9 of the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 ( 16 U.S.C. 2105 ) is amended, in the undesignated matter following paragraph

(5)of subsection (g)— by striking section 3(d) and inserting subsection

(e)of section 3 ; and by striking 1601(d) and inserting 1601 . Section 9 of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 ( 16 U.S.C. 1607 ) is amended, in the second sentence, by striking 2000 and inserting 2030 . Section 303 of Public Law 96–451 ( 16 U.S.C. 1606a ) is amended— in subsection (b)— by striking paragraph (2); in paragraph (3)— in the second sentence, by striking Proper adjustment and inserting the following: Proper adjustment ; and by striking

(3)The amounts and inserting the following: The amounts ; and by striking the subsection designation and all that follows through the Secretary in paragraph

(1)and inserting the following: The Secretary ; and in subsection (d)(1)— by striking section 3(d) and inserting subsection

(e)of section 3 ; and by striking 1601(d) and inserting 1601 .

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