Forest Data Modernization Act of 2025
Forest Data Modernization Act of 2025
Plain Language Summary
# Forest Data Modernization Act of 2025 - Summary **What It Does:** This bill would modernize how the U.S. Forest Service tracks the condition of America's forests. Currently, the Forest Service's Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) program collects data on things like wildfires and forest health. This bill would expand that program to include tracking forest carbon—an important metric for understanding climate change impacts and forest management.
It would also require the Forest Service to develop better, standardized methods for collecting forest data nationwide and to use more advanced technology like remote sensing (satellite imagery) to gather information. **Who It Affects:** The bill primarily affects the Forest Service and forest management agencies, but has broader implications for anyone interested in forest health, climate change, and land conservation. Landowners, environmental organizations, and policymakers who use forest data for decision-making would benefit from more comprehensive and consistent information. **Key Provisions:** The bill requires the Forest Service to update its strategic plan within six months and every five years after that, outlining how it will track land cover changes and carbon data. It emphasizes creating nationally consistent data collection methods and expanding the use of modern technology to improve data gathering efficiency and accuracy. **Current Status:** The bill is currently in committee (as of the 119th Congress) and has not yet been passed.
CRS Official Summary
Forest Data Modernization Act of 2025This bill directs the Forest Service to expand and update its Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) program. Under the existing program, the Forest Service collects, analyzes, and reports on information about the condition of forest resources in the United States, such as data concerning wildfires or other forest management issues.The bill directs FIA to include forest carbon in its inventory. The bill also requires FIA's strategic plan to include a detailed description of the organization and procedures necessary to (1) understand and report on changes in land cover and use, and (2) evaluate carbon-related data variables.FIA must update the strategic plan within six months and every five years thereafter. Among other items, the first update must include (1) a plan to implement nationally consistent data collection protocols and procedures; and (2) a plan to expand current data collection, further integrate remote sensing technology, or both. FIA must also prepare and publish a compilation of certain forest statistics every two years.Additionally, the bill requires FIA to continue (1) the Timber Products Output survey, and (2) the National Woodland Owner Survey.To provide data consistency, FIA must include a clear definition of forest when reporting data.Finally, FIA (1) must also establish an office, a data platform, or both to process and respond to complex data requests submitted by external organizations; and (2) may impose fees on the organizations submitting the requests.
Latest Action
Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.