# Forest Data Modernization Act of 2023

The Forest Data Modernization Act is about updating how the federal government collects, manages, and shares information about America's forests. Right now, the U.S. Forest Service and other agencies that manage public lands gather lots of data about forests—things like tree health, fire risk, wildlife populations, and timber resources—but this information is often stored in old computer systems that don't talk to each other very well. This bill pushes the government to modernize those systems so the data is more accurate, easier to access, and available to people who need it.

The practical impact is that better forest data helps a lot of different groups do their jobs more effectively. Firefighters can get better information about which areas are at highest risk during fire season. Timber companies and conservationists can make better decisions about land management. Scientists studying climate change and forest health have access to more reliable information. State and local governments can plan better for emergencies and resource management. Even outdoor enthusiasts and the general public benefit because more accessible data means better transparency about what's happening on public lands.

The bill essentially requires federal agencies to invest in updating their technology infrastructure, standardizing how they collect forest information, and making that data more publicly available. It's not creating new regulations or restrictions on how forests are used—it's mainly about making the government's existing information systems work better and more efficiently. For most people, the effects will be indirect but meaningful: better emergency response to wildfires, more informed public discussions about forest management, and improved scientific understanding of forest ecosystems.

Forest Data Modernization Act of 2023

Ossoff, Jon

Forest Data Modernization Act of 2023 This bill modifies the Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) program of the Forest Service. Specifically, FIA must include forest carbon in its inventory. Further, FIA must carry out, as a data collection method, a timber products output study and a national woodland owner survey. FIA must include a clear definition of forest when reporting data. FIA's strategic plan must describe in detail the organization and procedures necessary to <ul> <li>understand and report on changes in land cover and use, and</li> <li>evaluate carbon-related data variables.</li> </ul> FIA must update the strategic plan not later than 180 days after this bill's enactment to include, among other things <ul> <li>a plan to implement nationally consistent data collection protocols and procedures to improve the statistical precision of base program estimates;</li> <li>pathways to integrate and report on changes in forest carbon, including below-ground carbon;</li> <li>plans to collaborate with other federal agencies, nonfederal partners, and the private sector to integrate existing nationally available data sets and best available commercial technologies; and </li> <li>a plan to increase transparency and clarity in reporting.</li> </ul> FIA (1) must establish an office, a data platform, or both to process and respond to complex data requests submitted by external organizations; and (2) may impose fees on the organizations submitting the requests.