Strengthening the Nation's Forests, Communities, and Local Economies
Apr 27, 2022
Signed by: Joe Biden
Signed on: Apr 22, 2022
Published on: Apr 27, 2022
Apr 27, 2022
Signed by: Joe Biden
Signed on: Apr 22, 2022
Published on: Apr 27, 2022
Summary
Aims to protect old forests, reduce wildfire risks, and use natural solutions to fight climate change and help local towns.
What problem does this solve?
Wildfires, climate change, and disease threaten the nation's forests, which harms the environment and hurts towns that depend on them. This order directs the government to protect old forests, manage wildfire risks, and support jobs related to forests.
What does this order do?
Creates an inventory of old-growth forests
Requires the government to define, identify, and complete a public list of all old-growth and mature forests on federal lands within one year.
Sets a national reforestation goal
Directs federal agencies to develop a goal to plant more trees by 2030. This includes creating a plan to collect enough seeds and grow enough seedlings to meet the new targets.
Fights international deforestation
Requires a government-wide plan to stop deforestation in other countries. This includes looking at ways to stop products from illegally cleared land from being sold in the U.S.
Reference
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Deploying nature-based solutions to tackle climate change and enhance resilience
Promotes nature-based solutions to climate change
Orders federal agencies to find more ways to use nature to solve problems like flooding, extreme heat, and climate change.
Reduces wildfire risk
Directs federal land managers to continue using science-based methods and planned fires to reduce the threat of huge wildfires to forests and communities.
Supports forest-related jobs
Calls for new ideas to help local towns create jobs in the sustainable forest product industry and in outdoor recreation.
Who does this affect?
- Communities near federal forests
- Federal land management agencies
- Tribal Nations
What is the real world impact?
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Protects forests and fights climate change
Establishes a national policy to conserve mature and old-growth forests on federal lands. These forests are important for clean air and water, absorbing carbon dioxide, and providing homes for plants and animals.
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Supports local economies
Aims to create and keep jobs in towns that rely on forests. This includes work in sustainable forest products and outdoor activities like hiking and fishing.
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Addresses global deforestation
Commits the U.S. to working with other countries to end forest loss around the world. It directs agencies to find ways to stop the import of products grown on illegally cleared land.
When does this start?
This order became effective on April 22, 2022, and sets several deadlines for government action within one year.
Inventory of old-growth forests
By April 22, 2023, the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture must complete a public inventory of old-growth and mature forests on federal lands.
Report on international deforestation
By April 22, 2023, the Secretary of State must provide a report on a government-wide approach to fighting international deforestation.
Reforestation goals and plans
By April 22, 2023, federal agencies must develop reforestation targets for 2030 and a plan to ensure enough seeds and seedlings are available.
Reforestation targets
Federal agencies must meet their specific reforestation targets by the year 2030.