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This bill would expedite environmental reviews for salvage logging and reforestation projects in national scenic areas following catastrophic events like wildfires, windstorms, or volcanic eruptions. Proposed response activities would be submitted by the Forest Service within 30 days of the conclusion of a catastrophic event. Environmental reviews would be completed in a 60 day timeframe — 30 days for public scoping and comment, 15 days for filing an objection, and 15 days for the agency to respond to the filing of an objection.

The reforestation goal would be set at 75 percent of impacted lands before the end of the two-year period after the catastrophic event’s conclusion. Response activities could receive a categorical exclusion and be exempt from environmental reviews in areas of up to 10,000 acres that:

Are visible from key viewing areas, as described in the management plan for the National Scenic Area;
Provide screening for human development;
Are part of a municipal watershed;
Contain utility or power transmission right-of-ways.

No Endangered Species Act consultations would be required if response activities are determined “not likely” to adversely affect a listed species or critical habitat by the Secretary of Agriculture. If a consultation is requested by the secretary, it would be completed within 90 days, and if it comes to no conclusion the activities will be considered in compliance with the Endangered Species Act and carried out.

Courts would be prohibited from issuing restraining orders, preliminary injunctions, and injunctions pending appeal related to response activities.

Catastrophic event is defined by this bill as any natural disaster or any fire, flood, or explosion, regardless of cause.

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Should Reforestation & Salvage Projects in National Scenic Areas be Expedited After Catastrophic Events Like Wildfires?