§2106c Enhanced community fire protection

Summary

The Secretary may work with State foresters and similar state officials to manage lands in the United States to prevent and control wildfires, protect communities from wildfire threats, improve the growth and health of trees and forests, and keep forest resources like timber, outdoor recreation, wildlife habitat, and clean water. The Secretary must set up a Community and Private Land Fire Assistance program to improve firefighting coordination, support landscape-level wildfire protection projects, teach homeowners and communities about fire prevention, and help create defensible space around homes. The Forest Service will run the program through State foresters. With the State forester’s agreement, work on non-Federal land can include fuel hazard reduction, invasive species control, wildfire and community planning, education (including FIREWISE), market and wood‑use work, and special restoration projects. Work on private land needs the landowner’s permission, and local people should be used when possible. The Secretary must consult with the U.S. Fire Administration, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and other Federal agencies as needed. The law authorizes $35,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2002 through 2007 and such sums as are necessary for fiscal years thereafter.