RNGR Support Act of 2026

Summary#

The RNGR Support Act of 2026 directs the Secretary of Agriculture, through the Chief of the Forest Service, to work with Federal and State agencies, Indian Tribes, universities, nonprofits, and private nurseries to support nurseries, seed orchards, and reforestation supply chains. The bill requires partnerships, training, research, and information sharing about seeds, seedlings, tree genetics, climate effects, and nursery practices. It calls forinternational and interagency collaboration and directs efforts to improve workforce development, nursery infrastructure, seed collection and storage, and permits to collect seed on National Forest System lands.

The bill also requires the Secretary to set up a grant program within 2 years to fund eligible recipients for projects such as expanding nursery production, improving seed collection and storage, increasing seedling production and distribution, enhancing seedling survival and genetic management, building or equipping nurseries or seed orchards, quality control at nurseries, and workforce development. The bill allows the Secretary to use up to $5,000,000 each fiscal year from the Reforestation Trust Fund (amounts not otherwise obligated) to carry out this section. The bill defines eligible recipients to include State forestry agencies, Indian Tribes, and qualified private nurseries.

What it means for you#

• If you are a State forestry agency, an Indian Tribe, or a private nursery with experience growing native tree stock, you may be eligible to apply for grants once the program is established.
• The Secretary must create the grant program within 2 years after the bill becomes law.
• Grant funds can be used for nursery or seed orchard development, equipment, seed collection and storage, seedling production and distribution, genetic resource management, quality control, and workforce training.
• The Forest Service will coordinate research, technical assistance, international partnerships, and efforts to shorten seed-collection permit timelines on National Forest System lands.

Expenses#

• The bill permits the Secretary to obligate up to $5,000,000 per fiscal year from amounts in the Reforestation Trust Fund that are not otherwise obligated to carry out this section.
• No publicly available information on total program cost estimates, authorization of additional appropriations, or estimated long-term costs beyond the specified $5,000,000 per year is provided in the bill text.

Proponents' View#

No publicly available information.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information.