Gluesenkamp Perez, Risch, Fulcher Introduce Bill to Manage Forests, Reduce Wildfire Risk

Today, Congresswoman Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA-03) joined U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-ID) and Congressman Russ Fulcher (R-ID-01) in introducing the bipartisan Treating Tribes and Counties as Good Neighbors Act to fully extend eligibility for the Good Neighbor Authority (GNA) program for federal forest restoration and management projects to Tribes and counties as well as increase opportunities for cross-boundary restoration.

“Keeping the woods working for future generations is central to who we are as rural Americans,” said Gluesenkamp Perez. “This bipartisan bill builds on the success of the Good Neighbor Authority to allow Tribes and Counties to receive the full benefits of these agreements so we can continue to enjoy these resources for years to come.”

“Idaho has long been a leader in conservation and collaboration, and the Good Neighbor Authority program has been an important tool to help get forest management projects on the ground faster. Because of this success, Congress extended GNA to Tribes and Counties in 2018, but unfortunately, they still have not been granted the ability to effectively execute projects,” said Sen. Risch. “The Treating Tribes and Counties as Good Neighbors Act will empower Tribes and counties to take a leading role in conservation and enable all GNA partners to better manage our forests and reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires.”

“I am proud to join Senator Risch and Representative Gluesenkamp Perez on reintroducing this vital piece of legislation in the 118th Congress. Throughout the Western United States, the Good Neighbor Authority has proven a valuable forest management tool for many states, including my home state of Idaho. I am proud of the work the Idaho Department of Lands and their partners have performed to better optimize the utility of Idaho’s lands,” said Rep. Fulcher. “Our country is vastly rich in natural resources and our counties and tribes deserve a chance to share in the success of the GNA program. The time is now to provide the communities on the frontlines of our nation’s forest with all the relevant resources essential to success as well as restore sound management practices.”

The Treating Tribes and Counties as Good Neighbors Act has received support from Governor of Idaho Brad Little, National Association of Counties, Intertribal Timber Council, Idaho Forest Group, Boone and Crockett Club, Mule Deer Foundation, National Association of State Foresters, and National Congress of American Indians.

Background:

The Good Neighbor Authority (GNA) program has allowed the U.S. Forest Service to partner with states on federal forest restoration and management projects to improve wildlife habitats, enhance watersheds, and reduce wildfire risks. In the 2018 Farm Bill, Congress amended GNA to make Tribes and Counties eligible to enter into Good Neighbor Agreements. However, Tribes and Counties were not afforded the same authority as states to retain GNA project receipts to reinvest in conservation, reducing a significant incentive to partner on forest management projects.

Additionally, the 2018 Farm Bill removed the ability for restoration services to take place off of federal lands. This means adjacent state, tribal, county, and other land that is essential to the health and productivity of National Forests can no longer be restored as comprehensive landscapes.

The Treating Tribes and Counties as Good Neighbors Act provides Tribes and Counties with the ability to reinvest receipts in authorized restoration and enables all GNA partners to perform restoration not just on federal lands, but also on lands approved under the project’s Good Neighbor Agreement. The Good Neighbor Authority program is expected to be reauthorized in the upcoming 2023 Farm Bill.