§6553 Accelerated Information Gathering Regarding Forest-damaging Insects

Summary

The Secretary must set up an accelerated program, using the Forest Service and the U.S. Geological Survey as needed, to collect and share detailed information about insects and diseases that harm forests. The program will study prevention and control methods, how infestations and diseases affect forest ecosystems, restoration efforts, ways to use infested trees, and models to predict outbreaks. It must help land managers create treatments and strategies to improve forest health and lower the risk of severe infestations on Federal, State, and private land, and it must share the results. The Secretary must run the program with scientists from colleges and universities (including forestry schools, land‑grant colleges, and 1890 Institutions), with Federal, State, and local agencies, and with private and industrial landowners. The Secretary must also designate specific colleges and universities to help carry out the work.