The Protect the West Act of 2025 would create an Outdoor and Watershed Restoration Fund and two programs to support restoration and wildfire resilience projects on federal and non-federal land. Eligible recipients could include state, local, and Tribal governments, regional organizations, special districts, and nonprofits. Projects could focus on forests, rangelands, watersheds, wildlife habitat, wildfire risk, and outdoor access. The bill also sets up an advisory council and requires reports on project results and fund use.
Eligible organizations could apply for grants or performance-based contracts for project planning, coordination, monitoring, and implementation. The Secretary of Agriculture would select priority projects. The bill directs the Secretary to help lower-capacity and underserved organizations take part in the grant program. Projects must follow applicable laws, and the partnership program excludes certain areas, including wilderness and roadless areas.
The bill would appropriate $60 billion, available until spent: $20 billion for grants and $40 billion for the Restoration and Resilience Partnership Program. At least $20 billion of the partnership funding would support projects on federal land. Some partnership funds could cover program staffing and other workforce needs.
The bill states that its aims include improving ecosystem health, reducing wildfire risks, supporting outdoor jobs, and strengthening community resilience. No publicly available information.
No publicly available information.