Number: RL31065
Title: Forestry Assistance Programs
Authors: Rooss W. Gorte
Abstract: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has numerous programs to support management of state and private forests. These programs are under the jurisdiction of the Agriculture Committees and are often examined in the periodic legislation to reauthorize agricultural programs, commonly known as farm bills. The 2008 farm bill (P.L. 110-246) included a forestry title with numerous provisions, and forestry activities were included in several other titles, as well. Congress might oversee the implementation as well as the funding of these programs. Forestry-specific assistance programs (as opposed to agriculture conservation programs that include forestry activities) are all administered by the USDA Forest Service (FS), with permanent authorization of funding as needed. Some programs provide technical assistance--information, advice, and aid on specific projects. Other programs provide financial assistance, typically through grants (with or without matching contributions from recipients) or cost-sharing (with varying levels of contributions from recipients). Many programs provide both.
Date: January 15, 2009