Veronica PiscitelliSeveral state representatives are introducing new legislation to expand funding for forest management projects and prevent natural disasters, such as wildfires.
Reps. Ryan Zinke of Montana and Joe Neguse of Colorado have introduced the Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration (CFLR) Program Reauthorization Act of 2025, which would extend the existing CFLR by 10 years.
The federal CFLR program was introduced as a model of how communities, industry partners, landowners and local governments can work together to improve forest conditions and prevent catastrophic wildfires. Through the Forest Service, the CFLR provides competitive funding opportunities to entities that encourage the collaborative, science-based ecosystem restoration of priority forest landscapes.
Since its implementation in 2009, 5.7 million acres of forests have been treated and restored, 1,000 miles of trails restored and over 25,000 miles of forest roads maintained to keep public lands open and safe. The 2025 reauthorization will continue to focus on reducing wildfire risk, restoring forest health and supporting rural economies through proven, locally driven strategies.
The proposed legislation would extend the successful program by 10 years. Additionally, it would increase support for collaborative, science-based forest projects, expand the program’s reach to more high-risk areas, improve flexibility and reduce bureaucratic delays.
Image by Ted Erski from Pixabay
