Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 116 Part 1.djvu/499

 PUBLIC LAW 107-171—MAY 13, 2002 116 STAT. 473 "(7) STATE FORESTER.— The term 'State forester' means the director or other head of a State Forestry Agency or equivalent State official.". (c) CONFORMING AMENDMENT. —Section 246(b)(2) of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6962(b)(2)) is amended by striking "forestry incentive program" and inserting "forest land enhancement program". SEC. 8003. ENHANCED COMMUNITY FIRE PROTECTION. (a) FINDINGS.— Congress finds the following: (1) The severity and intensity of wildland fires has increased dramatically over the past few decades as a result of past fire and land management policies. (2) The record 2000 fire season is a prime example of what can be expected if action is not taken. (3) Wildland fires threaten not only the forested resources of the United States, but also the thousands of communities intermingled with the wildlands in the wildland-urban interface. (4) The National Fire Plan, if implemented to achieve appropriate priorities, is the proper, coordinated, and most effective means to address the issue of wildfires. (5) While adequate authorities exist to tackle the wildfire issues at the landscape level on Federal lands, there is limited authority to take action on most private lands, and the largest threat to life and property exists on private lands. (6) There is a significant Federal interest in enhancing community protection from wildfire. (b) ENHANCED PROTECTION.— The Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 is amended by inserting after section 10 (16 U.S.C. 2106) the following: "SEC. lOA- ENHANCED COMMUNITY FIRE PROTECTION. "(a) COOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT RELATED TO WILDFIRE THREATS.— The Secretary may cooperate with State foresters and equivalent State officials in the management of lands in the United States for the following purposes: "(1) Aid in wildfire prevention and control. "(2) Protect communities from wildfire threats. "(3) Enhance the growth and maintenance of trees and forests that promote overall forest health. "(4) Ensure the continued production of all forest resources, including timber, outdoor recreation opportunities, wildlife habitat, and clean water, through conservation of forest cover on watersheds, shelterbelts, and windbreaks. "(b) COMMUNITY AND PRIVATE LAND FIRE ASSISTANCE PRO- GRAM. — "(1) ESTABLISHMENT; PURPOSE. —The Secretary shall establish a Community and Private Land Fire Assistance program (in this subsection referred to as the 'Program')— "(A) to focus the Federal role in promoting optimal firefighting efficiency at the Federal, State, and local levels; "(B) to augment Federal projects that establish landscape level protection from wildfires; "(C) to expand outreach and education programs to homeowners and communities about fire prevention; and "(D) to establish space around homes and property of private landowners that is defensible against wildfires. 16 USC 2106c note. 16 USC 2106c.

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