Seedlings for Sustainable Habitat Restoration Act of 2025
- Sponsor
- Rep. Leger Fernandez, Teresa [D-NM-3]
- Committees
- Agriculture Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jan 13, 2026
Bottom line
This bill aims to enhance federal capacity and partnerships for native seed collection and seedling production, crucial components of ecosystem restoration efforts on federal lands.
What it actually does
This bill expands the authority of the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Forest Service, to enter into contracts, grants, and agreements for ecosystem restoration activities. Specifically, it allows for agreements related to the collection and maintenance of native seeds and the production of seedlings for revegetation under both the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program. It also adds institutions of higher education as eligible partners for the latter program.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue this bill will bolster the nation's capacity to restore ecosystems, particularly after wildfires or other disturbances, by facilitating partnerships with diverse entities for native seed and seedling supply. They contend it addresses a critical bottleneck in reforestation and habitat restoration efforts by expanding the tools available to the Forest Service and leveraging local expertise and resources.
Opponents contend
No direct opposition is immediately apparent for a bill focused on expanding restoration tools. Potential concerns, if any, might revolve around the efficiency of new contracting mechanisms or the potential for increased administrative burden, though these are not explicitly stated in the bill.
The bill is very short and can be read quickly, making it accessible for immediate evaluation.
Section 2(a), amending Section 40804 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
Authorization for Native Seed and Seedling Production
This provision authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture, via the Forest Service, to use contracts, grants, and agreements with various partners like state agencies, nonprofits, universities, and tribal entities. These agreements are specifically for collecting and maintaining native seeds and producing seedlings, which are essential for ecosystem restoration activities outlined in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this streamlines and enhances the Forest Service's ability to procure vital native seeds and seedlings, accelerating post-disturbance recovery and improving ecological resilience across federal lands. It allows for more agile responses to restoration needs.
Critics contend
No specific opposition is typically raised against this provision as it focuses on enhancing existing restoration efforts through partnerships, which is generally seen as beneficial. Potential concerns might be administrative overhead or ensuring fair competition for contracts.
Tradeoffs
The tradeoff involves balancing direct federal action with leveraging external partnerships, potentially increasing administrative complexity in exchange for greater capacity and local engagement.
Section 2(b), amending Section 4003(b)(7) of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009.
Inclusion of Seed/Seedling Activities and Higher Education in CFLRP
This provision expands the types of activities eligible for contracts and agreements under the Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program (CFLRP) to explicitly include the collection and maintenance of native seeds and the production of seedlings for revegetation. Additionally, it adds "institutions of higher education" to the list of entities that can enter into these agreements under the CFLRP.