S. 1114: Watershed Protection and Forest Recovery Act of 2025

This bill, titled the **Watershed Protection and Forest Recovery Act of 2025**, aims to amend the Agricultural Credit Act of 1978 to enhance the United States' ability to respond to natural disasters affecting National Forest System lands. Below are the key features of the bill:

Emergency Watershed Protection Program

The bill establishes an emergency watershed protection program that allows the Secretary of Agriculture to take necessary actions to protect watersheds on National Forest System lands after a natural disaster.

Definitions

It defines "emergency watershed protection measures" as actions needed to:

• Reduce runoff and soil erosion
• Mitigate flooding caused by natural disasters or other occurrences
• Prevent significant impairment to natural resources on National Forest land
• Protect downstream water resources, life, and property
• Maintain or restore forest health

Authorization of Actions

The Secretary of Agriculture is authorized to undertake these protection measures through agreements with various sponsors, including state or local governments and water districts.

Funding and Payments

Under the program, the Secretary may make payments to sponsors for carrying out these measures, which could include:

• Uses of funds distributed through agreements
• Partial payments before project completion
• Final payments within 30 days of project completion

Waived Matching Requirements

The bill states that the Secretary will waive any matching payment requirements usually associated with these funds, easing financial burdens on local sponsors.

Liability Protections

Sponsors that implement these emergency measures under the bill will not be held liable for certain injuries or damages, provided they did not act with willful negligence.

Coordination and Compliance

The bill also mandates coordination between different agencies regarding the use of funds and declares that the emergency measures will comply with existing environmental laws as emergency responses.

Project Timelines and Monitoring

After a disaster, the Secretary must act swiftly to enter agreements, and sponsors are required to complete projects within two years. They may also monitor and maintain the measures for up to three additional years if necessary.

Conforming Amendments

The legislation includes various technical amendments to existing laws to ensure consistency with the new emergency watershed protection program.

Relevant Companies

None found.