National Forest Ecosystem Improvement Act of 2015

To expedite and prioritize forest management activities to achieve ecosystem restoration objectives, and for other purposes. 1. Short title; table of contents (a) Short title This Act may be cited as the National Forest Ecosystem Improvement Act of 2015 (b) Table of contents The table of contents of this Act is as follows: Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. Sec. 2. Definitions. TITLE I—Forest management activities Sec. 101. Purposes. Sec. 102. Definitions. Sec. 103. Ecosystem restoration projects. Sec. 104. National restoration treatment acreage. Sec. 105. Environmental review for ecosystem restoration projects. Sec. 106. Alternative dispute resolution. Sec. 107. Bonding requirements for judicial review. Sec. 108. Performance measures; annual reports. TITLE II—Categorical exclusions Sec. 201. Definitions. Sec. 202. Categorical exclusion to expedite certain critical response actions. Sec. 203. Categorical exclusion to expedite salvage operations in response to catastrophic events. Sec. 204. Categorical exclusion to meet forest plan goals for early successional forests. Sec. 205. Alternative agency consultation procedures. 2. Definitions In this Act: (1) Community wildfire protection plan The term community wildfire protection plan 16 U.S.C. 6511 (2) National Forest System (A) In general The term National Forest System 16 U.S.C. 1609(a) (B) Exclusion The term National Forest System (i) any forest reserve not created from the public domain; or (ii) any national grassland or land utilization project administered under title III of the Bankhead-Jones Farm Tenant Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1010 et seq. I Forest management activities 101. Purposes The purposes of this title are— (1) to establish a reliable and predicable timber supply from the National Forest System that can be harvested, processed, and sold as wood products to help fund ecosystem restoration; and (2) to expedite and prioritize forest management activities to achieve ecosystem restoration objectives. 102. Definitions In this title: (1) Restoration (A) In general The term restoration (B) Inclusions The term restoration (i) timber harvesting; (ii) thinning; (iii) prescribed fire; or (iv) other vegetation manipulation in the National Forest System. (2) Secretary The term Secretary 103. Ecosystem restoration projects (a) In general Subject to subsection (b), the Secretary shall identify, prioritize, and carry out ecosystem restoration projects on National Forest System land in accordance with applicable land and resource management plans prepared by the Secretary for units of the National Forest System under section 6 of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 ( 16 U.S.C. 1604 (1) To restore terrestrial habitat. (2) To sustain water quality, water flows, or watershed health and function. (3) To create, improve, or increase early seral habitat. (4) To carry out a needed timber stand improvement. (5) To reduce the risk or extent of insect or disease infestation. (6) To reduce wildland fire severity potential. (7) To implement a community wildfire protection plan. (8) To establish, recover, or maintain ecosystem resiliency. (b) Exclusions The Secretary may not carry out an ecosystem restoration project under this section on any area of National Forest System land— (1) that is a component of the National Wilderness Preservation System; or (2) on which removal of vegetation is prohibited by law. 104. National restoration treatment acreage (a) In general For fiscal year 2017 and each fiscal year thereafter, the Secretary shall accomplish restoration treatments, at a minimum, on the following acreage throughout the National Forest System: (1) 1,000,000 acres of restoration treatment using mechanical treatment methods, of which the treatment of— (A) not less than 400,000 acres shall be conducted using commercial thinning; and (B) not less than 60,000 acres shall be conducted using even-aged management techniques. (2) 1,000,000 acres of restoration treatment using prescribed fire. (b) Assignment Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall assign the annual acreage for restoration treatments, by National Forest System region, described in subsection (a). (c) Publication As soon as practicable after the date of each assignment of acreage for restoration treatments under subsection (b), the Secretary shall publish the acreage that will apply, by National Forest System region, on the Internet website of the Forest Service. 105. Environmental review for ecosystem restoration projects (a) Applicability of National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 The Secretary shall prepare an environmental assessment in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 ( 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq. (b) Public notice and comment In preparing an environmental assessment for an ecosystem restoration project under subsection (a), the Secretary shall provide public notice of, and an opportunity to comment regarding, the applicable project. (c) Consideration of alternatives The Secretary shall study, develop, and describe in each environmental assessment under subsection (a)— (1) the ecosystem restoration project as the proposed action; and (2) a no-action alternative, the analysis of which shall include a description of the resulting environmental effects of taking no action on— (A) forest health; (B) habitat diversity; (C) wildfire potential; (D) insect and disease potential; (E) municipal water supplies; and (F) other economic and social factors. (d) Limitations The Secretary shall limit each environmental assessment under this section to a length of not more than 100 pages. (e) Deadline for completion (1) In general Not later than 180 days after the date on which the Secretary publishes a notice regarding an ecosystem restoration project in accordance with subsection (b), the Secretary shall complete the environmental assessment for the ecosystem restoration project. (2) No supplemental analysis required No supplemental analysis of an ecosystem restoration project that is the subject of an environmental assessment under paragraph (1) shall be required after the date on which that environmental assessment is complete. 106. Alternative dispute resolution (a) Arbitration (1) In general The Secretary shall establish within the Forest Service an arbitration program as an alternative dispute resolution process in lieu of judicial review for the projects described in subsection (b). (2) Notification to objectors On issuance of an appeal response to an objection filed with respect to an ecosystem restoration project subject to an objection at the project level under part 218 of title 36, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date of enactment of this Act), the Secretary shall notify each applicable individual or entity that submitted the objection (referred to in this section as the objector (b) Description of projects The Secretary, at the sole discretion of the Secretary, may designate the following types of ecosystem restoration projects for arbitration: (1) Projects developed through a collaborative process (within the meaning of section 603(b)(1)(C) of the Healthy Forest Restoration Act of 2003 ( 16 U.S.C. 6591b(b)(1)(C) (2) Projects identified in a community wildfire protection plan. (3) For each applicable calendar year, not more than 2 other types of ecosystem restoration projects for each region of the Forest Service. (c) Arbitrators (1) Appointment The Secretary shall develop and publish a list of not fewer than 20 individuals eligible to serve as arbitrators for the program under this section. (2) Qualifications In order to be eligible to serve as an arbitrator under this subsection, an individual shall be currently certified by the American Arbitration Association. (d) Initiation of arbitration (1) In general Not later than 7 days after the date of receipt of a notice of intent to file suit challenging an ecosystem restoration project, the Secretary shall notify each applicable objector and the court of jurisdiction that the project has been designated for arbitration in accordance with this section. (2) Demand for arbitration (A) In general An objector that sought judicial review of an ecosystem restoration project that has been designated by the Secretary for arbitration under this section may file a demand for arbitration in accordance with— (i) sections 571 through 584 of title 5, United States Code; and (ii) this paragraph. (B) Requirements A demand for arbitration under subparagraph (A) shall— (i) be filed not later than the date that is 30 days after the date of the notification by the Secretary under paragraph (1); and (ii) include an alternative proposal to the applicable ecosystem restoration project that describes each modification sought by the objector with respect to the ecosystem restoration project. (e) Selection of arbitrator For each arbitration commenced under this section, the Secretary and each applicable objector shall agree on a mutually acceptable arbitrator from the list published under subsection (c)(1). (f) Responsibilities of arbitrator (1) In general An arbitrator selected under subsection (e)— (A) shall address each demand filed for arbitration with respect to an ecosystem restoration project under this section; but (B) may consolidate into a single arbitration all demands for arbitration by all objectors with respect to an ecosystem restoration project. (2) Selection of proposals An arbitrator shall make a decision regarding each applicable demand for arbitration under this section by selecting— (A) the ecosystem restoration project, as approved by the Secretary; or (B) an alternative proposal submitted by the applicable objector. (3) Limitations (A) Administrative record A decision of an arbitrator under this subsection shall be based solely on the administrative record for the ecosystem restoration project. (B) No modifications to proposals An arbitrator may not modify any proposal contained in a demand for arbitration of an objector under this section. (g) Deadline for completion of arbitration Not later than 90 days after the date on which a demand for arbitration is filed under subsection (d)(2), the arbitration process shall be completed. (h) Effect of arbitration decision A decision of an arbitrator under this section— (1) shall not be considered to be a major Federal action; (2) shall be binding; and (3) shall not be subject to judicial review, except as provided in section 10(a) of title 9, United States Code. 107. Bonding requirements for judicial review (a) Bond requirement (1) In general The judicial review of an action challenging an ecosystem restoration project under this title (referred to in this section as an action (2) Bond or security (A) In general As soon as practicable after the date on which a complaint or appeal is filed to initiate an action, each plaintiff shall post a bond or other security acceptable to the court in an amount equal to the anticipated costs, expenses, and attorney fees of the Secretary as a defendant in the action, in accordance with a reasonable estimate of the Secretary. (B) Requirement All proceedings in an action shall be stayed until the bond or security required under subparagraph (A) is posted. (b) Recovery of litigation costs, expenses, and attorney fees (1) Motion for payment If the Secretary prevails in an action, the Secretary shall submit to the court a motion for payment from the bond or other security posted under subsection (a), of the reasonable costs, expenses, and attorney fees incurred by the Secretary as a defendant in the action. (2) Maximum recovery The total amount of costs, expenses, and attorney fees recovered by the Secretary under paragraph (1) may not exceed the amount of the bond or other security posted in the action. (3) Return remainder Any funds remaining from the bond or other security posed under subsection (a) after the payment of costs, expenses, and attorney fees under paragraph (1) shall be returned to the plaintiff that posted the bond or security in the action. (c) Return of bond to prevailing plaintiff If the applicable court rules, in a final enforcement judgment, in favor of a plaintiff on all causes of each action of the plaintiff, the court shall return to the plaintiff any bond or security posted by the plaintiff under subsection (a), plus any interest accruing during the period beginning on the date on which the bond or security was posted. (d) Effect of settlement (1) In general If an action in which a bond or security was posted is resolved by settlement between the Secretary and the plaintiff, the settlement agreement may provide for sharing of the costs, expenses, and attorney fees incurred by the parties to the action. (2) Deferral A settlement agreement under paragraph (1) may defer the resolution of costs, expenses, and attorney fees to— (A) further negotiation; or (B) decision by the court. 108. Performance measures; annual reports (a) Performance measures The Secretary shall annually evaluate the degree to which the Secretary is achieving— (1) the purposes of this title, including— (A) the number of acres covered by ecosystem restoration projects; (B) the number of acres treated by mechanical methods under ecosystem restoration projects; (C) the number of acres treated using stewardship contracts and stewardship agreements under ecosystem restoration projects; (D) the number of acres treated using timber sales under ecosystem restoration projects; (E) the number of acres treated by prescribed fire, mowing, and other noncommercial product producing activities under ecosystem restoration projects; and (F) to the extent practicable, a summary of acres receiving more than 1 type of treatment; and (2) the acreage requirements established under section 104(a). (b) Annual reports Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate and the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives— (1) a report that describes, with respect to the preceding year, the results of evaluations using the performance measures described in subsection (a); and (2) a report that describes, with respect to the preceding year— (A) the number and substance of ecosystem restoration projects that are subject to arbitration under section 106; and (B) the outcomes of the arbitrations under that section. II Categorical exclusions 201. Definitions In this title: (1) Catastrophic event The term catastrophic event (2) Categorical exclusion The term categorical exclusion 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq. (3) Collaborative process The term collaborative process 16 U.S.C. 6591b(b)(1)(C) (4) Forest management activity The term forest management activity (5) Forest plan The term forest plan 16 U.S.C. 1604 (6) Salvage operation The term salvage operation (A) to prevent wildfire as a result of the catastrophic event, or, if the catastrophic event was wildfire, to prevent a reburn of the fire-impacted area; (B) to provide an opportunity for use of forest materials damaged as a result of the catastrophic event; or (C) to provide a funding source for reforestation and other restoration activities for the National Forest System land impacted by the catastrophic event. (7) Secretary The term Secretary 202. Categorical exclusion to expedite certain critical response actions (a) Availability of categorical exclusion A categorical exclusion is available to the Secretary to develop and carry out a forest management activity on National Forest System land in any case in which the primary purpose of the forest management activity is— (1) to address an insect or disease infestation; (2) to treat land at risk of insect or disease infestation; (3) to reduce hazardous fuel loads; (4) to protect a municipal water source; (5) to maintain, enhance, or modify critical habitat to protect the habitat from catastrophic disturbances; (6) to increase water yield; or (7) any combination of the purposes specified in paragraphs (1) through (6). (b) Acreage limitations (1) In general Except in the case of a forest management activity described in paragraph (2), a forest management activity covered by the categorical exclusion granted by subsection (a) may not contain harvest units exceeding a total of 5,000 acres. (2) Larger areas authorized A forest management activity covered by the categorical exclusion granted by subsection (a) may not contain harvest units exceeding a total of 15,000 acres if the forest management activity is— (A) developed through a collaborative process; (B) proposed by a resource advisory committee (as defined in section 201 of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 ( 16 U.S.C. 7121 (C) covered by a community wildfire protection plan. 203. Categorical exclusion to expedite salvage operations in response to catastrophic events (a) Availability of categorical exclusion A categorical exclusion is available to the Secretary to develop and carry out a salvage operation as part of the restoration of National Forest System land following a catastrophic event. (b) Acreage limitations A salvage operation covered by the categorical exclusion granted by subsection (a) may not contain harvest units exceeding a total of 5,000 acres. (c) Additional requirements (1) Road construction A salvage operation covered by the categorical exclusion granted by subsection (a) may not include any permanent road construction. (2) Stream buffers A salvage operation covered by the categorical exclusion granted by subsection (a) shall comply with the standards and guidelines for stream buffers contained in the applicable forest plan, unless the standards and guidelines are modified for a specific salvage operation as part of a categorical exclusion by the Regional Forester. (3) Reforestation plan A reforestation plan shall be developed under section 3 of the Act of June 9, 1930 (commonly known as the Knutson-Vandenberg Act 16 U.S.C. 576b 204. Categorical exclusion to meet forest plan goals for early successional forests (a) Availability of categorical exclusion A categorical exclusion is available to the Secretary to develop and carry out a forest management activity on National Forest System land in any case in which the primary purpose of the forest management activity is to modify, improve, enhance, or create early successional forests for wildlife habitat improvement and other purposes, in accordance with the applicable forest plan. (b) Acreage limitations A forest management activity covered by the categorical exclusion granted by subsection (a) may not contain harvest units exceeding a total of 5,000 acres. 205. Alternative agency consultation procedures (a) Forest management activities (1) In general Subject to paragraph (2), for each forest management activity covered by a categorical exclusion granted by this title, the Secretary shall satisfy the applicable interagency consultation obligations under section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 ( 16 U.S.C. 1536 (2) References For purposes of this subsection, all references contained in subpart D of part 402 of title 50, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations)— (A) to the term U.S. Environmental Protection Agency EPA (B) to the term FIFRA action (b) Interim timelines Until the date on which an alternative consultation agreement under subpart D of part 402 of title 50, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations), is entered into with respect to a forest management activity under subsection (a)— (1) any formal or informal interagency consultation regarding the forest management activity shall be completed by not later than the date that is 30 days after the date on which the Secretary submits a written request for consultation; and (2) a biological opinion or letter of concurrence, as appropriate, shall be issued by not later than the date that is 10 days after the date of completion of that consultation.

Summary: National Forest Ecosystem Improvement Act of 2015 This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA), acting through the Forest Service, to identify, prioritize, and carry out ecosystem restoration projects on National Forest System land in accordance with applicable land and resource management plans, if any, to accomplish one or more of the following objectives: restore terrestrial habitat; sustain water quality, water flows, or watershed health and function; create, improve, or increase early seral habitat; carry out a needed timber stand improvement; reduce the risk or extent of insect or disease infestation; reduce wildland fire severity potential; implement a community wildfire protection plan; or establish, recover, or maintain ecosystem resiliency. USDA may not carry out an ecosystem restoration project on any area of System land in the National Wilderness Preservation System or on which removal of vegetation is prohibited by law. USDA must accomplish restoration treatments throughout the National Forest System on 1 million acres using certain mechanical treatment methods and on another 1 million acres using prescribed fire. USDA shall prepare an environmental assessment in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) for each ecosystem restoration project that accomplishes one or more objectives of this Act. USDA shall study, develop, and describe in each ecosystem restoration project both the proposed action and a no-action alternative. USDA shall establish within the Forest Service an arbitration program as an alternative dispute resolution process in lieu of judicial review for specified types of ecosystem restoration projects. The judicial review of an action challenging an ecosystem restoration project under this Act shall be subject to specified plaintiff bonding requirements. A categorical exclusion is made available to USDA for certain forest management activities in order to: (1) expedite specified critical response actions, (2) expedite salvage operations in response to catastrophic events, and (3) meet forest plan goals for early successional forests. (A "categorical exclusion" under NEPA is a category of actions which do not individually or cumulatively have a significant effect on the human environment and which have been found to have no such effect in procedures adopted by a federal agency in implementing environmental regulations and for which, therefore, neither an Environmental Assessment nor an Environmental Impact Statement is required.) For each forest management activity covered by a categorical exclusion granted by this title, USDA shall satisfy the interagency consultation obligations under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 by achieving compliance with certain alternative consultation procedures established by federal regulation.