16 U.S.C. § 2106c : US Code - Section 2106C: Enhanced community fire protection

Search 16 U.S.C. § 2106c : US Code - Section 2106C: Enhanced community fire protection

(a) Cooperative management related to wildfire threats
The Secretary may cooperate with State foresters and equivalent
State officials in the management of lands in the United States for
the following purposes:
(1) Aid in wildfire prevention and control.
(2) Protect communities from wildfire threats.
(3) Enhance the growth and maintenance of trees and forests
that promote overall forest health.
(4) Ensure the continued production of all forest resources,
including timber, outdoor recreation opportunities, wildlife
habitat, and clean water, through conservation of forest cover on
watersheds, shelterbelts, and windbreaks.
(b) Community and Private Land Fire Assistance Program
(1) Establishment; purpose
The Secretary shall establish a Community and Private Land Fire
Assistance program (in this subsection referred to as the
"Program") -
(A) to focus the Federal role in promoting optimal
firefighting efficiency at the Federal, State, and local
levels;
(B) to augment Federal projects that establish landscape
level protection from wildfires;
(C) to expand outreach and education programs to homeowners
and communities about fire prevention; and
(D) to establish space around homes and property of private
landowners that is defensible against wildfires.
(2) Administration and implementation
The Program shall be administered by the Forest Service and
implemented through State foresters or equivalent State
officials.
(3) Components
In coordination with existing authorities under this chapter,
the Secretary, in consultation with the State forester or
equivalent State official, may undertake on non-Federal lands -
(A) fuel hazard mitigation and prevention;
(B) invasive species management;
(C) multiresource wildfire planning;
(D) community protection planning;
(E) community and landowner education enterprises, including
the program known as FIREWISE;
(F) market development and expansion;
(G) improved wood utilization; and
(H) special restoration projects.
(4) Consent required
Program activities undertaken by the Secretary on non-Federal
lands shall be undertaken only with the consent of the owner of
the lands.
(5) Considerations
The Secretary shall use persons in the local community wherever
possible to carry out projects under the Program.
(c) Consultation
In carrying out this section, the Secretary shall consult with
the Administrator of the United States Fire Administration, the
Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and
the heads of other Federal agencies, as necessary.
(d) Authorization of appropriations
There are hereby authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary
to carry out this section -
(1) $35,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2002 through 2007; and
(2) such sums as are necessary for fiscal years thereafter.