S. 476: White Oak Resiliency Act of 2025

The White Oak Resiliency Act of 2025 aims to promote the restoration and conservation of white oak trees in the United States. Below are the key components of the bill:

Establishment of Coalition

The bill establishes a White Oak Restoration Initiative Coalition, a voluntary group that will include public, state, private, and non-governmental organizations. The Coalition's main duties are:

• To coordinate restoration efforts for white oak.
• To recommend policy changes to improve white oak health and regeneration.
• To enhance collaboration between forest landowners.
• To identify research gaps and conduct outreach to landowners.
• To improve the quality and quantity of white oak available in nurseries.

Pilot Projects

The Secretary of Agriculture will initiate five pilot projects in national forests aimed at restoring white oak through natural regeneration practices. At least three of these projects will be in national forests that are reserved or withdrawn from the public domain.

Assessment of Covered Lands

The Secretary of the Interior is tasked with conducting an assessment of lands under its jurisdiction to evaluate the presence of white oak and the potential for its restoration. A report on the assessment's findings is due within 180 days of the bill's enactment.

White Oak Regeneration and Upland Oak Habitat Program

A non-regulatory program called the White Oak and Upland Oak Habitat Regeneration Program will be established to prioritize and implement restoration activities for white oak and other upland oak species. This program will involve:

• Coordinating efforts among various governmental and local entities.
• Facilitating community outreach, education, and reference activities.
• Providing technical assistance and grants to support restoration efforts.

Tree Nursery Strategies

The bill requires the development of a national strategy to address the shortage of white oak seedlings in nurseries. This involves enhancing nursery capacity and identifying regional shortages and reforestation opportunities.

Research Initiatives

Research on white oak will be promoted, focusing on genes that offer disease and stress resistance, methods for natural reforestation, and the establishment of a seed bank. Collaboration with land-grant colleges and universities will support these research initiatives.

Natural Resources Conservation Service Initiative

The initiative mandates the re-establishment of white oak forests wherever suitable, enhances management of existing forests, and provides technical assistance to private landowners for white oak restoration.

Administrative Support

The bill ensures that the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture will provide administrative support, technical services, and resources to facilitate these ongoing efforts in white oak restoration.

Reporting Requirements

The Coalition will submit a report of its activities and recommendations to relevant Senate and House committees within two years after the bill’s enactment.

Relevant Companies

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