USDA Forest Service – Inflation Reduction Act, Keystone Agreements - Consultation Extension

Description

USDA Forest Service – Inflation Reduction Act, 

Keystone Agreements

Consultation Extension

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service is extending the consultation timeframe for implementation of Subtitle D – Forestry in the Inflation Reduction Act to June 14, 2023. On August 16, 2022, President Joseph R. Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act which makes funding available for the Forest Service to address the wildfire crisis, restore ecosystems, address critical infrastructure needs and implement State, Private, and Tribal Forestry projects.

The Forest Service is taking this opportunity to achieve our mission in new ways, building on long-standing partnerships and forging new relationships by creating large national-level agreements, or keystone agreements. These agreements will allow us to execute priority projects quickly and efficiently while we grow Forest Service institutional capacity.

The Forest Service would not be able to accomplish our goals at scale without partnerships, and the agency set aside $100,000,000 specifically for keystone agreements with Tribal Nations, Alaska Native corporations, and Tribal organizations, which is an increase from the $28,000,000 previously announced during February 28 and March 1, 2023 virtual consultation opportunities. Projects that accomplish wildfire risk reduction within the Wildland Urban Interface on Federal lands are considered priorities for funding. To allow time for input on implementation considerations for this funding, the consultation timeframe is extended from May 30, 2023 to June 14, 2023. Background information on Inflation Reduction Act opportunities is both attached and available at:

• Invitation to Consult: https://usfs-public.box.com/s/sdrbbanoxq9carezysi8ck1zrj0czs9x
• Summary of Inflation Reduction Act provisions and authorized emergency authorities: https://usfs-public.box.com/s/koppslyq83sef45kuwkig1glp5tpsvbn
• February 28 and March 1, 2023 consultation presentation: https://usfs-public.box.com/s/qzi48hribggazqxum5tjezvk9znfe0p0

This information may also be found online through the Forest Service National-level consultation schedule at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/working-with-us/tribal-relations/national-consultation.

The Office of Tribal Relations is available to facilitate consultation with Deputy Chief Chris French and Deputy Chief Jaelith Hall-Rivera, the delegated consulting officials at the national level. You may also consult with a Regional Forester or Forest Supervisor in lieu of Deputy Chief French and Deputy Chief Hall-Rivera. Line Officers will summarize issues and report the outcomes of consultation to the Deputy Chiefs and the Office of Tribal Relations. If you will be providing written recommendations, we request that you submit them by June 14, 2023 to allow the Forest Service adequate time to consider and incorporate the results of consultation into implementation.