# Forest Data Modernization Act of 2023

The federal government currently collects information about America's forests through a program that tracks things like tree types, forest health, and timber resources. This bill updates that program to include better technology and more comprehensive data collection, particularly focusing on tracking carbon stored in forests.

Right now, the Forest Service gathers forest information using traditional field surveys and basic inventory methods. This bill requires them to modernize by adding new data collection surveys—specifically a national timber products output survey and a woodland owner survey—so they have a more complete picture of what's happening in forests across the country. The bill also requires the Forest Service to start systematically tracking carbon in forests, including carbon stored in soil, which is important for understanding how forests help fight climate change. To do this more efficiently, the bill pushes the agency to use newer technologies like satellite imagery, LiDAR (a laser-based mapping tool), and other remote sensing tools that can cover large areas quickly and accurately.

The bill also focuses on making this forest data more useful and accessible. It requires the Forest Service to publish forest statistics every two years and to make the data easily available to businesses, researchers, and the public. The bill sets up a system for handling complex data requests from outside organizations and allows the Forest Service to charge fees for handling these requests. Additionally, the bill emphasizes that the Forest Service needs to be clear and consistent about how it defines "forest" and reports its findings, so that different agencies and countries are using the same standards.

For everyday people, this means better information will eventually be available about forest conditions, carbon storage, and timber resources in their regions. Researchers, environmental groups, timber companies, and local governments will have access to more detailed and current forest data to make better decisions about land management, conservation, and climate planning.