Long-Term Good Neighbor Authority Act

H.R. 7951 would extend the Good Neighbor Authority program, which allows the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management to partner with state, tribal, and local governments on federal lands. Currently authorized for 10-year agreements, this bill would extend the program to allow 20-year agreements. The longer timeframe would enable partners to undertake larger-scale, long-term forest management and restoration projects aimed at reducing wildfire risk and improving forest health. The bill is supported by the National Association of State Foresters and has bipartisan sponsorship. If enacted, the bill would give state, tribal, and local partners greater certainty and flexibility to plan and execute sustained forest restoration efforts on federal lands, potentially supporting rural economies through activities like timber harvesting and hazardous fuels reduction.