The White Oak Resilience Act
Sponsored By: Representative Barr
In Committee
Summary
Restore and strengthen white oak forests across Federal, State, Tribal, and private lands. This bill would direct the Agriculture and Interior Secretaries to coordinate restoration actions, fund pilot projects, expand nursery and seedling capacity, and support research and landowner assistance to boost natural regeneration of white oak species.
Show full summary
- Federal land managers would run five white oak pilot projects in national forests and five pilot projects on Interior-managed lands. The Interior Department would assess its lands for white oak and post a report to Congress within 90 days.
- Private, State, and Tribal landowners would gain access to a voluntary White Oak Regeneration and Upland Oak Habitat Program that provides grants and technical help, and a national strategy would be produced within one year to address seedling and nursery shortages.
- A White Oak Restoration Initiative Coalition would be created to coordinate policy, outreach, and research, and the bill would authorize MOUs with Tribes and land-grant colleges and a National Fish and Wildlife Foundation-administered grant program; several authorities would sunset seven years after enactment.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Grants and help to restore white oak
If enacted, USDA would set up a non‑regulatory White Oak and Upland Oak Habitat Regeneration Program within 180 days. The program would use a science‑based plan and work with the White Oak Restoration Initiative Coalition. It would offer voluntary grants and technical help through the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. If Congress provides money, the Foundation would receive an advance each year on October 1. This authority would end 7 years after enactment.
More seedlings, landowner help, and research
If enacted, the Forest Service would create a national plan within one year to grow more tree seedlings and expand nursery capacity. NRCS, with the Forest Service, would start a white oak initiative to re‑establish stands, improve management, and provide technical help to private landowners. USDA could also sign agreements with Tribes and land‑grant colleges to research genetics, seed banks, seedling supply, climate alignment, and reforestation methods. The NRCS initiative and research authority would end 7 years after enactment.
Public land white oak pilots
If enacted, the Interior Secretary would review DOI lands for white oak potential and report to Congress within 90 days. After the report, DOI would start five pilot projects to restore and naturally regenerate white oak, using cooperative agreements if needed. The Forest Service would also run five pilots in national forests, with at least three on forests reserved or withdrawn from the public domain. All pilots must follow forest plans. These authorities would end 7 years after enactment.
Coalition to coordinate white oak work
If enacted, a voluntary White Oak Restoration Initiative Coalition would operate under a charter adopted March 21, 2023. USDA could provide funds from a specified account if Congress appropriates them, and Interior and Agriculture would provide staff and technical support. The bill also directs agencies to use these tools with existing authorities, like good neighbor agreements and stewardship contracting, to speed projects.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Barr
KY • R
Cosponsors
Comer
KY • R
Sponsored 3/27/2025
DesJarlais
TN • R
Sponsored 3/27/2025
Rogers (KY)
KY • R
Sponsored 3/27/2025
Guthrie
KY • R
Sponsored 3/27/2025
McGarvey
KY • D
Sponsored 3/27/2025
Cohen
TN • D
Sponsored 3/27/2025
Bera
CA • D
Sponsored 3/27/2025
Vindman
VA • D
Sponsored 8/29/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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