GROUSE Act of 2026

This bill would create a federal program in which the Secretary of Agriculture pays private landowners to restore wildlife habitat on forest land. Eligible land is at least 10 acres of nonindustrial private forest that was recently logged, is being logged, or was hit by a major natural disaster such as a wildfire or tornado. The program would pay 75 percent of the costs of planting native trees, shrubs, and other vegetation that benefit upland wildlife. Payments would be limited to the lesser of 5 percent or 250 acres of a landowner's eligible land. Contracts would last up to 5 years, would require a habitat plan made with wildlife biologists or foresters, and the Secretary could offer technical help with planting.

Full text and official record on Congress.gov

Sponsors

• James C. Justice Republican sponsor
• 0 cosponsors