§ 6543. Watershed Condition Framework

431 words·~2 min read·/usc/title-16/section-6543

A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.

(a)In general The Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service (referred to in this section as the “Secretary”), may establish and maintain a Watershed Condition Framework for National Forest System land—

(1)to evaluate and classify the condition of watersheds, taking into consideration—

(A)water quality and quantity;

(B)aquatic habitat and biota;

(C)riparian and wetland vegetation;

(D)the presence of roads and trails;

(E)soil type and condition;

(F)groundwater-dependent ecosystems;

(G)relevant terrestrial indicators, such as fire regime, risk of catastrophic fire, forest and rangeland vegetation, invasive species, and insects and disease; and

(H)other significant factors, as determined by the Secretary;

(2)to identify for protection and restoration up to 5 priority watersheds in each National Forest, and up to 2 priority watersheds in each national grassland, taking into consideration the impact of the condition of the watershed condition on—

(A)wildfire behavior;

(B)flood risk;

(C)fish and wildlife;

(D)drinking water supplies;

(E)irrigation water supplies;

(F)forest-dependent communities; and

(G)other significant impacts, as determined by the Secretary;

(3)to develop a watershed protection and restoration action plan for each priority watershed that—

(A)takes into account existing restoration activities being implemented in the watershed; and

(B)includes, at a minimum—

(i)the major stressors responsible for the impaired condition of the watershed;

(ii)a set of essential projects that, once completed, will address the identified stressors and improve watershed conditions;

(iii)a proposed implementation schedule;

(iv)potential partners and funding sources; and

(v)a monitoring and evaluation program;

(4)to prioritize protection and restoration activities for each watershed restoration action plan;

(5)to implement each watershed protection and restoration action plan; and

(6)to monitor the effectiveness of protection and restoration actions and indicators of watershed health.

(b)Coordination In carrying out subsection (a), the Secretary shall—

(1)coordinate with interested non-Federal landowners and State, Tribal, and local governments within the relevant watershed; and

(2)provide for an active and ongoing public engagement process.

(c)Emergency designation Notwithstanding paragraph

(2)of subsection (a), the Secretary may identify a watershed as a priority for rehabilitation in the Watershed Condition Framework without using the process described in that subsection if a Forest Supervisor determines that—

(1)a wildfire has significantly diminished the condition of the watershed; and

(2)the emergency stabilization activities of the Burned Area Emergency Response Team are insufficient to return the watershed to proper function.

(Pub. L. 108–148, title III, § 304, as added Pub. L. 115–334, title VIII, § 8405(a), Dec. 20, 2018, 132 Stat. 4843.)

Connections39 cite this · traces to 1

Cited by 39 sections

public-private-law

Public Law 115-334
Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018

statute-compilations

statutes-at-large

Public Law 115–334
To provide for the reform and continuation of agricultural and other programs of the Department of Agriculture through fiscal year 2023, and for other purposes

bill

Traces to 1 document

public-private-law

Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018
Public Law 115-334

2 references not yet in our index

Pub. L. 108–148, title III, § 304
132 Stat. 4843

Citation graph

cites case law

§ 6543

Watershed Condition Framework

Bills×35

Stat. Comp.×2

Pub. L.×1

Stat.×1

Pub. L.Public Law 115-334

Pub. L.Pub. L. 108–148, title III, § 304

Stat.132 Stat. 4843

Cites 3Cited by 39 across 4 sources