The Protect the West Act of 2025 would create an Outdoor and Watershed Restoration Fund and two programs to support restoration and resilience projects on federal and non-federal land. Grants could support project planning, coordination, monitoring, wildfire risk reduction, and outdoor access. A partnership program would carry out projects in designated areas with wildfire risk or wildlife habitat in need of restoration. Projects would have to follow applicable laws and, on federal land, land-management plans. The bill excludes certain places and activities, including wilderness areas, permanent road or trail construction, and removal of old-growth stands. The bill was introduced in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
State, local, Tribal, regional, and nonprofit organizations could apply for grants or contracts. Projects could involve forest, grassland, rangeland, watershed, or wildlife habitat restoration, wildfire risk reduction, and expanded outdoor access. The bill calls for community and homeowner involvement in planning some wildfire mitigation work. It does not describe a direct benefit or application process for individuals.
The bill would appropriate $60 billion to the Fund, available until spent. Of this amount, $20 billion would support the grant program and $40 billion would support the partnership program. At least $20 billion of the partnership funding would be for projects on federal land. Partnership funds could also pay program staffing, salaries, and other workforce expenses.
No publicly available information.
No publicly available information.