H.R.8688

Forest Health and Wildfire Risk Reduction Act codifies categorical exclusion for tree density modification activities.

The Forest Health and Wildfire Risk Reduction Act codifies the categorical exclusion for tree density modification activities from environmental assessments or impact statements under the National Environmental Policy Act. This exclusion applies to actions within treatment areas of less than 5,000 acres, including cutting, yarding, skid trail use, slash removal, pile burning, seeding, and planting. It excludes silvicultural methods for whole stand regeneration and vegetation management for non-forest cover.