This bill:

• defines terms;
• establishes the Utah Forest Restoration Institute (institute) in connection with Utah State University;
• provides funding to the institute;
• requires the institute to:
  • conduct research as provided by state and federal law;
  • study how the state can improve forest and watershed health;
  • recommend mitigation strategies that reduce the risks and impact of wildfire;
  • coordinate with the Watershed Restoration Initiative to fund watershed and forest restoration projects;
  • review and respond to, in a timely manner, an emergency request for funding a watershed restoration project in response to a natural disaster; and
  • monitor the long-term effectiveness of watershed and forest restoration projects;
• requires the Watershed Restoration Initiative to:
  • coordinate funding decisions with the institute on partnership watershed restoration projects;
  • coordinate the long-term monitoring of a watershed restoration project with the institute;
  • collect data required by the institute;
  • provide research and learning opportunities for higher education students and faculty associated with the institute; and
  • submit an annual report to the institute and two legislative committees; and
• makes technical and conforming changes.