Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 92 Part 1.djvu/420

 92 STAT. 366

16 USC 1600 note.

16 USC 2102.

PUBLIC LAW 95-313—JULY 1, 1978 (d) This Act shall be deemed to complement the policies and direction set fortn in the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974. t"i;* it/RURAL FORESTRY ASSISTANCE

SEC. 3. (a) Congress finds that— (1) production of timber on non-Federal forest lands and the efficient processing and use of wood produced on these lands are important in meeting the Nation's demand for wood and wood products; (2) the Federal Government can assist in increasing timber inventories, improving and maintaining fish and wildlife habitat, and providing other forest resources on non-Federal forest ,.-:, . lands; and (3) Federal assistance in forest resources management on nonFederal forest lands and the utilization of resources from these lands contribute to the economic strength and environmental quality of the Nation, providing many public benefits, (b) The Secretary is authorized to provide financial, technical, and related assistance to State foresters or equivalent State officials to— (1) develop genetically improved tree seeds; (2) procure, produce, and distribute tree seeds and trees for the purpose of establishing forests, windbreaks, shelterbelts, woodlots, and other plantings; (3) plant tree seeds and trees for the reforestation or afforestation of non-Federal forest lands suitable for the production of timber and other benefits associated with the growing of trees; (4) plan, organize, and implement measures on non-Federal forest lands, including, but not limited to, thinning, prescribed burning, and other silvicultural practices designed to increase the quantity and improve the quality of trees and other vegetation, fish and wildlife habitat, and water yielded therefrom; (5) protect or improve soil fertility on non-Federal forest lands and the quality, quantity, and timing of water yields; and (6) provide technical information, advice, and related assistance to private forest landowners and managers, vendors, forest operators, wood processors, public agencies, and individuals regarding— (A) the harvesting, processing, and marketing of timber and other forest resources and the marketing and utilization of wood and wood products; (B) conversion of wood to energy for domestic, industrial, municipal, and other uses; (C) management planning and treatment of forest land, §ftf i including, but not limited to, site preparation, reforestation, thinning, prescribed burning, and other silvicultural practices designed to increase the quantity and improve the qual- h 0! ! ity of timber and other forest resources; (D) protection and improvement of forest soil fertility and i'ill the quality, quantity, and timing of water yields; and (E) the effects of forestry practices on fish and wildlife and their habitats. Appropriation (c) There are hereby authorized to be appropriated annually such authorization. sums as may be needed to implement this section.

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