Sec. 910. Giant sequoia trees protection plan
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Congress finds the following: Giant sequoia trees only naturally grow in California on the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Mature giant sequoia trees can be up to 2,000 years old. Thirty of the largest giant sequoia trees in the world are located in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, with many other large, old-growth trees in the Sequoia National Forest. On August 19, 2020, the lightning-ignited Castle Fire and another fire were discovered in the Sequoia National Forest, ultimately named the SQF Complex Fire.
The SQF Complex Fire burned over 170,000 acres, primarily in the Sequoia National Forest. According to a Federal interagency report, between 7,500 and 10,600 large giant sequoia trees, representing 10 to 14 percent of the world’s giant sequoia tree population, were killed in the SQF Complex Fire. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, the world’s ninth largest giant sequoia tree, the King Arthur Tree, was destroyed by the SQF Complex Fire. Giant sequoia trees play an important role in the region’s ecosystem.
Many communities near giant sequoia groves depend on these unique natural wonders to help support their local economies through tourism. It is critical to protect the unique and ancient giant sequoia trees for current and future generations to see and enjoy. Not later than 1 year after date of the enactment of this section, the Secretary concerned shall develop a protection plan for giant sequoia trees across their natural range in California, on National Forest System lands and public lands, that includes recommendations to increase the health and resiliency of giant sequoia trees with respect to threats including— catastrophic wildfire; insect and disease infestation; and drought.
In developing the protection plan under subsection (b), the Secretary concerned may— conduct research and identify knowledge gaps on giant sequoia tree health and resiliency; establish protocols for monitoring and surveying giant sequoia trees, including through geospatial and remote sensing technologies; identify innovative, experimental, or cutting-edge technologies or management practices to protect individual giant sequoia trees or giant sequoia groves from destruction by wildfires; develop guidelines, protocols, or practices for reducing the risk of catastrophic wildfire to giant sequoia trees; consult with State, Tribal, and local government officials and other interested local stakeholders in implementing this section; and develop materials to educate and promote awareness with respect to the importance of protecting giant sequoia trees from catastrophic wildfires.
Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this section, the Secretary concerned shall submit to the Committees on Agriculture and Natural Resources of the House of Representatives, and the Committees on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry and Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate, a report that includes the following: The protection plan developed under subsection (b). A description of any additional authorities necessary to protect giant sequoia trees. A description of any barriers to protecting giant sequoia trees from catastrophic wildfire.
Not later than 30 days after submitting the report to Congress under subsection (d), the Secretary concerned shall begin to implement the recommendations of the protection plan developed under subsection (b).