§6542 Water Source Protection Program

Summary

Creates and runs a Water Source Protection Program to do watershed protection and restoration work on National Forest System land. The Forest Service can team up with non-Federal water users through agreements (for example, a memorandum of understanding, a cost-share deal, a long-term funding promise, or another appropriate tool). The agency can make a water source management plan with partners and with State, local, and Tribal governments. Projects must follow the forest plan and other laws, and the agency may do one environmental review per project or for the whole plan. Forest work is allowed when needed to protect a municipal water supply, to restore forest health after insects or disease, or both. The agency may use adaptive-management guidance to meet Endangered Species Act rules. Partners must provide at least as much money or in-kind help as the federal contribution. The Forest Service can accept funds through the National Forest Foundation, set up a matching fund, make multiyear commitments, and Congress authorized $10,000,000 per year for fiscal years 2019–2023. End water user — a non-Federal group (for example, a State, local government, tribe, utility, water system, irrigation district, nonprofit, or corporation). Forest management activity — a project on National Forest land by the Secretary. Forest plan — the Forest Service land-management plan for the area. Non-Federal partner — an end water user in a partnership. Program — the Water Source Protection Program. Secretary — the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service. Water source management plan — the plan developed with partners under the Program.