Sec. 205. Prescribed fire training exchanges
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/bill/117/hr/5118/eh/section-205·A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
In carrying out the Plan, the Secretaries shall establish 1 or more centers to train individuals in prescribed fire methods and other methods relevant to the mitigation of wildfire risk (referred to in this subsection as a center ). The 1 or more centers shall be— located at 1 or more institutions of higher education; or developed in collaboration with 1 or more institutions of higher education. The 1 or more centers shall advance the following goals: Training individuals and conducting research on prescribed fire methods and other restoration methods relevant to the mitigation of wildfire risk.
Developing and advancing interdisciplinary science relating to wildfire, including social science and human dimensions of wildfire. Conducting ongoing and forward-looking needs assessments among stakeholders, including Federal and State agencies and Indian Tribes, to determine common need requirements and emerging challenges to reduce wildfire risk and adapt communities to increased risk from wildfire, including the following hazard-related focus areas: Increasing disaster resilience.
Mitigation and management methods. Air quality. Firestorm weather forecasting and burn-area debris flow forecasting, including empirical and modeling research. Collaborating with Federal wildfire scientists at the Forest Service, the Department of the Interior, and other related Federal agencies. Identifying, through a detailed engagement process targeting defined end-users, the requirements and delivery mechanisms for products and services that are practical and will have an impact on mitigating wildfire risk.
Promoting technology transfer with pathways for dissemination, implementation, and application of research results on the ground, using and enhancing previous research. Ensuring the connectivity and interoperability of distributed services to maximize synergies and benefits across services. Developing open digital infrastructure to make research data, science, and models open for all sectors to use. Collaborating with prescribed fire and wildfire science programs, including the Joint Fire Science Program, Fire Science Exchange Networks, and State and Regional Prescribed Fire Associations.
Advancing best practices and training for safely pursuing, conducting, and controlling prescribed fires. Creating processes to facilitate public comment prior to prescribed fire implementation. The 1 or more centers shall be located in any State the entirety of which is located west of the 100th meridian. The Secretaries shall consult with the Joint Fire Science Program to solicit and evaluate proposals for the location of the 1 or more centers. Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, based on the consultation under subparagraph (B), the Secretaries shall select a location for the 1 or more centers.
Subject to the availability of appropriations, not later than September 30, 2023, the Secretary of the Interior, in cooperation with the Secretary of Agriculture, shall— establish and operate a prescribed fire training center in a western State; continue to operate a prescribed fire training center in an eastern State; establish a virtual prescribed fire training center; and establish and maintain a Strategic Wildfire Management Training Center.