Emergency Conservation Program Improvement Act becomes Law
The Emergency Conservation Program Improvement Act (S.629), a years-long federal policy priority championed by FLA, has officially become law.
This is more than an important legislative victory—it marks the first time in FLA’s history that one of our federal legislative priorities has been enacted as a standalone bill.
That achievement didn’t happen overnight.
For years, FLA has worked alongside congressional champions, coalition partners, and policymakers to advance this legislation. Just as importantly, it would not have happened without our members. Every Action Alert you responded to, every meeting you hosted with a Member of Congress, every conversation you had with policymakers, and every investment you made in FLA helped build the momentum that made this victory possible.
The new law strengthens disaster recovery for private forest landowners by modernizing the Emergency Forest Restoration Program, helping family forestry businesses recover more quickly following hurricanes, wildfires, tornadoes, floods, and other natural disasters.
We are especially grateful to Senator Deb Fischer, Congresswoman Julia Letlow, and the bill’s bipartisan cosponsors for their leadership in championing this legislation through Congress.
This victory demonstrates something we’ve always believed: when FLA identifies a priority, builds bipartisan support, and stays engaged, meaningful policy change is possible.
While we celebrate today, our work is far from over. We remain focused on advancing additional priorities, including the Save America’s Family Forests Act, expanding market opportunities for wood products and residuals, protecting long-term tax certainty, and strengthening policies that support family forestry businesses across the country.
Thank you for believing in FLA and for making your voice heard in Washington. This historic achievement belongs to every member of our Association.
Together, we’re ensuring that America’s working forests remain healthy, productive, and resilient for generations to come.