H.R. 605: Headwaters Protection Act of 2025

The Headwaters Protection Act of 2025 proposes several amendments to the existing Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003, specifically focusing on the Water Source Protection Program. The main objectives of the bill are to enhance the protection and restoration of water sources and watersheds, especially in areas adjacent to National Forest System land.

Key Aspects of the Bill

• Reauthorization of Water Source Protection Program: The bill seeks to reauthorize and improve the Water Source Protection Program that helps manage and protect water resources related to forest health and watershed restoration.
• Expansion of Eligible Participants: The bill expands the definition of eligible participants in watershed protection projects to include various local and regional public and private entities, including:
  • Acequia associations (traditional irrigation systems),
  • Public entities managing stormwater or wastewater resources,
  • Land-grant mercedes (land grants), and
  • Entities with water delivery authority.
• Definition of Adjacent Land: The bill defines "adjacent land" as non-Federal land that is close to the National Forest System land involved in watershed protection and restoration projects.
• Project Requirements: Projects funded under this program must aim to:
  • Protect watershed health and water supply,
  • Restore forest health against pests or diseases,
  • Address issues like drought, flooding, and wildfire risks.
• Prioritization of Projects: When selecting projects, the Secretary of the Interior must prioritize those that:
  • Mitigate risks related to extreme weather,
  • Support aquatic restoration alongside forest restoration initiatives,
  • Involve successful partners in ecological restoration, particularly in disadvantaged communities,
  • Use nature-based solutions, such as wetlands restoration.
• Collaboration with Landowners: The bill emphasizes that any projects on adjacent lands require the support and cooperation of the landowners involved.
• Improved Planning and Implementation: It promotes the involvement of non-Federal partners in assessing, planning, and implementing projects to enhance efficiency and resource use.
• Watershed Framework Improvements: The bill aims to improve the watershed condition framework to ensure that forest management activities do not degrade watershed health.
• Funding Provisions: The bill proposes to increase authorized funding for these initiatives from $10,000,000 annually to $30,000,000 per year from 2025 to 2033.

Impact and Limitations

The legislation stipulates that it will not conflict with any state or federal water laws, nor will it lead to the acquisition of non-Federal land by the government. This means that while it empowers protective actions related to watersheds and water sources, it maintains existing property rights and regulatory frameworks.

Relevant Companies

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