16 USC 1641-1646 (Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Research Act of 1978)

WAIS Document RetrievalFrom the U.S. Code Online via GPO Access
[wais.access.gpo.gov]
[Laws in effect as of January 3, 2006]
[CITE: 16USC1641]

TITLE 16--CONSERVATION

CHAPTER 36--FOREST AND RANGELAND RENEWABLE RESOURCES PLANNING

SUBCHAPTER II--RESEARCH

Sec. 1641. Findings and purpose

(a) Findings

Congress finds the following:
(1) Forests and rangeland, and the resources of forests and
rangeland, are of strategic economic and ecological importance to
the United States, and the Federal Government has an important and
substantial role in ensuring the continued health, productivity, and
sustainability of the forests and rangeland of the United States.
(2) Over 75 percent of the productive commercial forest land in
the United States is privately owned, with some 60 percent owned by
small nonindustrial private owners. These 10,000,000 nonindustrial
private owners are critical to providing both commodity and
noncommodity values to the citizens of the United States.
(3) The National Forest System manages only 17 percent of the
commercial timberland of the United States, with over half of the
standing softwoods inventory located on that land. Dramatic changes
in Federal agency policy during the early 1990's have significantly
curtailed the management of this vast timber resource, causing
abrupt shifts in the supply of timber from public to private
ownership. As a result of these shifts in supply, some 60 percent of
total wood production in the United States is now coming from
private forest land in the southern United States.
(4) At the same time that pressures are building for the removal
of even more land from commercial production, the Federal Government
is significantly reducing its commitment to productivity-related
research regarding forests and rangeland, which is critically needed
by the private sector for the sustained management of remaining
available timber and forage resources for the benefit of all
species.
(5) Uncertainty over the availability of the United States
timber supply, increasing regulatory burdens, and the lack of
Federal Government support for research is causing domestic wood and
paper producers to move outside the United States to find reliable
sources of wood supplies, which in turn results in a worsening of
the United States trade balance, the loss of employment and
infrastructure investments, and an increased risk of infestations of
exotic pests and diseases from imported wood products.
(6) Wood and paper producers in the United States are being
challenged not only by shifts in Federal Government policy, but also
by international competition from tropical countries where growth
rates of trees far exceed those in the United States. Wood
production per acre will need to quadruple from 1996 levels for the
United States forestry sector to remain internationally competitive
on an ever decreasing forest land base.
(7) Better and more frequent forest inventorying and analysis is
necessary to identify productivity-related forestry research needs
and to provide forest managers with the current data necessary to
make timely and effective management decisions.

(b) Relationship to other law

This subchapter shall be deemed to complement the policies and
direction set forth in the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources
Planning Act of 1974 [16 U.S.C. 1600 et seq.].

(c) Purpose

It is the purpose of this subchapter to authorize the Secretary to
expand research activities to encompass international forestry and
natural resource issues on a global scale.

(Pub. L. 95-307, Sec. 2, June 30, 1978, 92 Stat. 353; Pub. L. 101-513,
title VI, Sec. 611(a)(1), formerly Sec. 607(a)(1), Nov. 5, 1990, 104
Stat. 2072, renumbered Sec. 611(a)(1), Pub. L. 102-574, Sec. 2(a)(1),
Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4593; Pub. L. 105-185, title II, Sec. 253(a),
June 23, 1998, 112 Stat. 558.)

References in Text

This subchapter, referred to in text, was in the original ``this
Act'', meaning Pub. L. 95-307, June 2, 1978, 92 Stat. 353, as amended,
known as the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Research Act of
1978, which enacted this subchapter, repealed sections 581 to 581i of
this title, and enacted provisions set out as a note under section 1641
of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see
Short Title note set out under section 1600 of this title and Tables.
The Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974,
referred to in subsec. (b), is Pub. L. 93-378, Aug. 17, 1974, 88 Stat.
476, as amended, which is classified generally to subchapter I
(Sec. 1600 et seq.) of this chapter. For complete classification of this
Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1600 of this
title and Tables.

Amendments

1998--Pub. L. 105-185 inserted section catchline, added subsec. (a),
and struck out former subsec. (a) which read as follows:
``(1) Congress finds that scientific discoveries and technological
advances must be made and applied to support the protection, management,
and utilization of the Nation's renewable resources. It is the purpose
of this subchapter to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture
(hereinafter in this subchapter referred to as the `Secretary') to
implement a comprehensive program of forest and rangeland renewable
resources research and dissemination of the findings of such research.
``(2) Congress further finds that the forest and rangeland renewable
resources of the world are threatened by deforestation due to conversion
to agriculture of lands better suited to other uses, over-grazing, over-
harvesting, and other causes that pose a direct adverse threat to
people, the global environment, and the world economy.''
1990--Subsecs. (a), (c). Pub. L. 101-513 designated existing
provisions of subsec. (a) as par. (1), added par. (2), and added subsec.
(c).

Effective Date

Section 9 of Pub. L. 95-307 which provided that Pub. L. 95-307
(enacting this subchapter, repealing sections 581 to 581i of this title,
and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 1600 of this
title) is effective Oct. 1, 1978, was amended generally by Pub. L. 101-
624 and is classified to section 1648 of this title.

Short Title

For short title of Pub. L. 95-307, June 30, 1978, 92 Stat. 353, as
the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Research Act of 1978, see
Short Title of 1978 Amendment note set out under section 1600 of this
title.

From the U.S. Code Online via GPO Access
[wais.access.gpo.gov]
[Laws in effect as of January 3, 2006]
[CITE: 16USC1642]

TITLE 16--CONSERVATION

CHAPTER 36--FOREST AND RANGELAND RENEWABLE RESOURCES PLANNING

SUBCHAPTER II--RESEARCH

Sec. 1642. Investigations, experiments, tests, and other
activities

(a) Authorization; scope and purposes of activities

The Secretary is authorized to conduct, support, and cooperate in
investigations, experiments, tests, and other activities the Secretary
deems necessary to obtain, analyze, develop, demonstrate, and
disseminate scientific information about protecting, managing, and
utilizing forest and rangeland renewable resources in rural, suburban,
and urban areas. The activities conducted, supported, or cooperated in
by the Secretary under this subchapter shall include, but not be limited
to, the five major areas of renewable resource research identified in
paragraphs (1) through (5) of this subsection.
(1) Renewable resource management research shall include, as
appropriate, research activities related to managing, reproducing,
planting, and growing vegetation on forests and rangelands for
timber, forage, water, fish and wildlife, esthetics, recreation,
wilderness, energy production, activities related to energy
conservation, and other purposes, including activities for
encouraging improved reforestation of forest lands from which timber
has been harvested; determining the role of forest and rangeland
management in the productive use of forests and rangelands, in
diversified agriculture, and in mining, transportation, and other
industries; and developing alternatives for the management of
forests and rangelands that will make possible the most effective
use of their multiple products and services.
(2) Renewable resource environmental research shall include, as
appropriate, research activities related to understanding and
managing surface and subsurface water flow, preventing and
controlling erosion, and restoring damaged or disturbed soils on
forest and rangeland watersheds; maintaining and improving wildlife
and fish habitats; managing vegetation to reduce air and water
pollution, provide amenities, and for other purposes; and
understanding, predicting, and modifying weather, climatic, and
other environmental conditions that affect the protection and
management of forests and rangelands.
(3) Renewable resource protection research shall include, as
appropriate, research activities related to protecting vegetation
and other forest and rangeland resources, including threatened and
endangered flora and fauna, as well as wood and wood products in
storage or use, from fires, insects, diseases, noxious plants,
animals, air pollutants, and other agents through biological,
chemical, and mechanical control methods and systems; and protecting
people, natural resources, and property from fires in rural areas.
(4) Renewable resource utilization research shall include, as
appropriate, research activities related to harvesting,
transporting, processing, marketing, distributing, and utilizing
wood and other materials derived from forest and rangeland renewable
resources; recycling and fully utilizing wood fiber; producing and
conserving energy; and testing forest products, including necessary
fieldwork associated therewith.
(5) Renewable resource assessment research shall include, as
appropriate, research activities related to developing and applying
scientific knowledge and technology in support of the survey and
analysis of forest and rangeland renewable resources described in
subsection (b) of this section.

(b) Development of periodic Renewable Resource Assessment through survey
and analysis of conditions; implementation; authorization of
appropriations

(1) To ensure the availability of adequate data and scientific
information for development of the periodic Renewable Resource
Assessment provided for in section 1601 of this title, the Secretary of
Agriculture shall make and keep current a comprehensive survey and
analysis of the present and prospective conditions of and requirements
for renewable resources of the forests and rangelands of the United
States and of the supplies of such renewable resources, including a
determination of the present and potential productivity of the land, and
of such other facts as may be necessary and useful in the determination
of ways and means needed to balance the demand for and supply of these
renewable resources, benefits, and uses in meeting the needs of the
people of the United States. The Secretary shall conduct the survey and
analysis under such plans as the Secretary may determine to be fair and
equitable, and cooperate with appropriate officials of each State and,
either through them or directly, with private or other entities.
(2) In implementing this subsection, the Secretary is authorized to
develop and implement improved methods of survey and analysis of forest
inventory information, for which purposes there are hereby authorized to
be appropriated annually $10,000,000.

(c) Program of research and study relative to health and productivity of
domestic forest ecosystems; advisory committee; reports

(1) The Secretary, acting through the United States Forest Service,
shall establish not later than 180 days after October 24, 1988, a 10-
year program (hereinafter in this subsection referred to as the
``Program'') to--
(A) increase the frequency of forest inventories in matters that
relate to atmospheric pollution and conduct such surveys as are
necessary to monitor long-term trends in the health and productivity
of domestic forest ecosystems;
(B) determine the scope of the decline in the health and
productivity of domestic forest ecosystems;
(C) accelerate and expand existing research efforts (including
basic forest ecosystem research) to evaluate the effects of
atmospheric pollutants on forest ecosystems and their role in the
decline in domestic forest health and productivity;
(D) study the relationship between atmospheric pollution and
other climatological, chemical, physical, and biological factors
that may affect the health and productivity of domestic forest
ecosystems;
(E) develop recommendations for solving or mitigating problems
related to the effects of atmospheric pollution on the health and
productivity of domestic forest ecosystems;
(F) foster cooperation among Federal, State, and private
researchers and encourage the exchange of scientific information on
the effects of atmospheric pollutants on forest ecosystems among the
United States, Canada, European nations, and other nations;
(G) support the long-term funding of research programs and
related efforts to determine the causes of declines in the health
and productivity of domestic forest ecosystems and the effects of
atmospheric pollutants on the health and productivity of domestic
forest ecosystems; and
(H) enlarge the Eastern Hardwood Cooperative by devoting
additional resources to field analysis of the response of hardwood
species to atmospheric pollution, and other factors that may affect
the health and productivity of these ecosystems.

(2) The Secretary shall establish a committee to advise the
Secretary in developing and carrying out the Program, which shall be
composed of scientists with training and experience in various
disciplines, including atmospheric, ecological, and biological sciences.
Such scientists shall be selected from among individuals who are
actively performing research for Federal or State agencies or for
private industries, institutions, or organizations.
(3) The Secretary shall coordinate the Program with existing
research efforts of Federal and State agencies and private industries,
institutions, or organizations.
(4) The Secretary shall submit to the President and to Congress the
following reports:
(A) Not less than 30 days before establishing the Program, the
Secretary shall submit an initial program report--
(i) discussing existing information about declining health
and productivity of forest ecosystems on public and private
lands in North America and Europe;
(ii) outlining the findings and status of all current
research and monitoring efforts in North America and Europe on
the causes and effects of atmospheric pollution on the health
and productivity of forest ecosystems;
(iii) describing the Program; and
(iv) estimating the cost of implementing the Program for
each fiscal year of its duration.

(B) Not later than January 15, 1990, and January 15 of each year
thereafter, during which the Program is in operation following the
year in which the initial program report is submitted, the Secretary
shall submit an annual report--
(i) updating information about declining health and
productivity of forest ecosystems on public and private lands in
North America and Europe;
(ii) updating the findings and status of all current
research and monitoring efforts in North America and Europe on
the causes and effects of atmospheric pollution on the health
and productivity of forest ecosystems, including efforts
conducted under the Program;
(iii) recommending additional research and monitoring
efforts to be undertaken under the Program to determine the
effects of atmospheric pollution on the health and productivity
of domestic forest ecosystems; and
(iv) recommending methods for solving or mitigating problems
stemming from the effects of atmospheric pollution on the health
and productivity of domestic forest ecosystems.

(C) Not later than 10 years after the date on which the initial
program report is submitted, the Secretary shall submit a final
report--
(i) reviewing existing information about declining health
and productivity of forest ecosystems on public and private
lands in North America and Europe;
(ii) reviewing the nature and findings of all research and
monitoring efforts conducted under the Program and any other
relevant research and monitoring efforts related to the effects
of atmospheric pollution on forest ecosystem; and
(iii) making final recommendations for solving or mitigating
problems stemming from the effects of atmospheric pollution on
the health and productivity of domestic forest ecosystems.

(d) High priority forestry and rangeland research and education

(1) In general

The Secretary may conduct, support, and cooperate in forestry
and rangeland research and education that is of the highest priority
to the United States and to users of public and private forest land
and rangeland in the United States.

(2) Priorities

The research and education priorities include the following:
(A) The biology of forest organisms and rangeland organisms.
(B) Functional characteristics and cost-effective management
of forest and rangeland ecosystems.
(C) Interactions between humans and forests and rangeland.
(D) Wood and forage as a raw material.
(E) International trade, competition, and cooperation.

(3) Northeastern States research cooperative

At the request of the Governor of the State of Maine, New
Hampshire, New York, or Vermont, the Secretary may cooperate with
the northeastern States of New Hampshire, New York, Maine, and
Vermont, land-grant colleges and universities of those States,
natural resources and forestry schools of those States, other
Federal agencies, and other interested persons in those States to
coordinate and improve ecological and economic research relating to
agricultural research, extension, and education, including--
(A) research on ecosystem health, forest management, product
development, economics, and related fields;
(B) research to assist those States and landowners in those
States to achieve sustainable forest management;
(C) technology transfer to the wood products industry of
technologies that promote efficient processing, pollution
prevention, and energy conservation;
(D) dissemination of existing and new information to
landowners, public and private resource managers, State forest
citizen advisory committees, and the general public through
professional associations, publications, and other information
clearinghouse activities; and
(E) analysis of strategies for the protection of areas of
outstanding ecological significance or high biological
diversity, and strategies for the provision of important
recreational opportunities and traditional uses, including
strategies for areas identified through State land conservation
planning processes.

(e) Forest inventory and analysis

(1) Program required

In compliance with other applicable provisions of law, the
Secretary shall establish a program to inventory and analyze, in a
timely manner, public and private forests and their resources in the
United States.

(2) Annual State inventory

(A) In general

Not later than the end of each full fiscal year beginning
after June 23, 1998, the Secretary shall prepare for each State,
in cooperation with the State forester for the State, an
inventory of forests and their resources in the State.

(B) Sample plots

For purposes of preparing the inventory for a State, the
Secretary shall measure annually 20 percent of all sample plots
that are included in the inventory program for that State.

(C) Compilation of inventory

On completion of the inventory for a year, the Secretary
shall make available to the public a compilation of all data
collected for that year from measurements of sample plots as
well as any analysis made of the samples.

(3) 5-year reports

Not more often than every 5 full fiscal years after June 23,
1998, the Secretary shall prepare, publish, and make available to
the public a report, prepared in cooperation with State foresters,
that--
(A) contains a description of each State inventory of
forests and their resources, incorporating all sample plot
measurements conducted during the 5 years covered by the report;
(B) displays and analyzes on a nationwide basis the results
of the annual reports required by paragraph (2); and
(C) contains an analysis of forest health conditions and
trends over the previous 2 decades, with an emphasis on such
conditions and trends during the period subsequent to the
immediately preceding report under this paragraph.

(4) National standards and definitions

To ensure uniform and consistent data collection for all forest
land that is publicly or privately owned and for each State, the
Secretary shall develop, in consultation with State foresters and
Federal land management agencies not under the jurisdiction of the
Secretary, and publish national standards and definitions to be
applied in inventorying and analyzing forests and their resources
under this subsection. The standards shall include a core set of
variables to be measured on all sample plots under paragraph (2) and
a standard set of tables to be included in the reports under
paragraph (3).

(5) Protection for private property rights

The Secretary shall obtain authorization from property owners
prior to collecting data from sample plots located on private
property pursuant to paragraphs (2) and (3).

(6) Strategic plan

Not later than 180 days after June 23, 1998, the Secretary shall
prepare and submit to Congress a strategic plan to implement and
carry out this subsection, including the annual updates required by
paragraph (2) and the reports required by paragraph (3), that shall
describe in detail--
(A) the financial resources required to implement and carry
out this subsection, including the identification of any
resources required in excess of the amounts provided for forest
inventorying and analysis in recent appropriations Acts;
(B) the personnel necessary to implement and carry out this
subsection, including any personnel in addition to personnel
currently performing inventorying and analysis functions;
(C) the organization and procedures necessary to implement
and carry out this subsection, including proposed coordination
with Federal land management agencies and State foresters;
(D) the schedules for annual sample plot measurements in
each State inventory required by paragraph (2) within the first
5-year interval after June 23, 1998;
(E) the core set of variables to be measured in each sample
plot under paragraph (2) and the standard set of tables to be
used in each State and national report under paragraph (3); and
(F) the process for employing, in coordination with the
Secretary of Energy and the Administrator of the National
Aeronautics and Space Administration, remote sensing, global
positioning systems, and other advanced technologies to carry
out this subsection, and the subsequent use of the technologies.

(Pub. L. 95-307, Sec. 3, June 30, 1978, 92 Stat. 353; Pub. L. 96-294,
title II, Sec. 254, June 30, 1980, 94 Stat. 707; Pub. L. 100-521,
Sec. 3, Oct. 24, 1988, 102 Stat. 2601; Pub. L. 101-624, title XII,
Sec. 1241(a), Nov. 28, 1990, 104 Stat. 3544; Pub. L. 105-185, title II,
Sec. 253(b), (c), June 23, 1998, 112 Stat. 559; Pub. L. 105-277, div. A,
Sec. 101(a) [title VII, Sec. 753(a)], Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681,
2681-32.)

References in Text

The Federal revenue codes, referred to in subsec. (d)(2), are
classified generally to Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Amendments

1998--Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 105-185, Sec. 253(b), added subsec. (d)
and struck out former subsec. (d) which read as follows: ``The Secretary
is authorized to conduct, support, and cooperate in studies and other
activities the Secretary deems necessary to--
``(1) evaluate renewable resource management problems associated
with urban-forest interface;
``(2) assess effects of changes in Federal revenue codes on
private forest management and investment; and
``(3) develop improved delivery systems for information and
technical assistance provided to private landowners.''
Subsec. (d)(3). Pub. L. 105-277 substituted ``At the request of the
Governor of the State of Maine, New Hampshire, New York, or Vermont, the
Secretary'' for ``The Secretary''.
Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 105-185, Sec. 253(c), added subsec. (e).
1990--Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 101-624, Sec. 1241(a)(1), inserted ``,
including activities for encouraging improved reforestation of forest
lands from which timber has been harvested'' after ``purposes''.
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 101-624, Sec. 1241(a)(2), designated existing
provisions as par. (1) and added par. (2).
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 101-624, Sec. 1241(a)(3), added subsec. (d).
1988--Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 100-521 added subsec. (c).
1980--Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 96-294, Sec. 254(1), inserted
applicability to energy production and energy conservation activities.
Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 96-294, Sec. 254(2), inserted applicability
to producing and conserving energy.

Effective Date of 1998 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 105-277 effective June 23, 1998, see section
101(a) [title VII, Sec. 753(f)] of Pub. L. 105-277, set out as a note
under section 343 of Title 7, Agriculture.

Southern Forest Regeneration Program

Section 1242 of Pub. L. 101-624 provided that:
``(a) Establishment.--The Secretary of Agriculture shall make a
grant to a State for the establishment, within such State, of a center,
to be known as the `Southern Forest Regeneration Center' (hereafter
referred to in this section as the `Center'), to study forest
regeneration problems and forest productivity in the southern region of
the United States.
``(b) Duties of Center.--The Center shall study forest regeneration
problems and forest productivity in the southern region of the United
States, including--
``(1) nursery management concerns that will lead to improved
seedling quality;
``(2) forest management practices that account for environmental
stresses; and
``(3) the development of low-cost forest regeneration methods
that provide options for wood products, species diversity, wildlife
habitat, and production of clean air and water.
``(c) Establishment of Other Programs.--The Secretary of Agriculture
may establish other programs in other regions of the United States, or a
comprehensive National program, to carry out the purposes of this
section as the Secretary determines appropriate.
``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section.''

Semiarid Agroforestry Research Center

Section 1243 of Pub. L. 101-624 provided that:
``(a) Semiarid Agroforestry Research, Development, and Demonstration
Center.--The Secretary of Agriculture shall establish at the Forestry
Sciences Laboratory of the United States Forest Service, in Lincoln,
Nebraska, a Semiarid Agroforestry Research, Development, and
Demonstration Center (hereafter referred to in this section as the
`Center') and appoint a Director to manage and coordinate the program
established at the Center under subsection (b).
``(b) Program.--The Secretary shall establish a program at the
Center and seek the participation of Federal or State governmental
entities, land-grant colleges or universities, State agricultural
experiment stations, State and private foresters, the National Arbor Day
Foundation, and other nonprofit foundations in such program to conduct
or assist research, investigations, studies, and surveys to--
``(1) develop sustainable agroforestry systems on semiarid lands
that minimize topsoil loss and water contamination and stabilize or
enhance crop productivity;
``(2) adapt, demonstrate, document, and model the effectiveness
of agroforestry systems under different farming systems and soil or
climate conditions;
``(3) develop dual use agroforestry systems compatible with
paragraphs (1) and (2) which would provide high-value forestry
products for commercial sale from semiarid land;
``(4) develop and improve the drought and pest resistance
characteristics of trees for conservation forestry and agroforestry
applications in semiarid regions, including the introduction and
breeding of trees suited for the Great Plains region of the United
States;
``(5) develop technology transfer programs that increase farmer
and public acceptance of sustainable agroforestry systems;
``(6) develop improved windbreak and shelterbelt technologies
for drought preparedness, soil and water conservation, environmental
quality, and biological diversity on semiarid lands;
``(7) develop technical and economic concepts for sustainable
agroforestry on semiarid lands, including the conduct of economic
analyses of the costs and benefits of agroforestry systems and the
development of models to predict the economic benefits under soil or
climate conditions;
``(8) provide international leadership in the development and
exchange of agroforestry practices on semiarid lands worldwide;
``(9) support research on the effects of agroforestry systems on
semiarid lands in mitigating nonpoint source water pollution;
``(10) support research on the design, establishment, and
maintenance of tree and shrub plantings to regulate the deposition
of snow along roadways; and
``(11) conduct sociological, demographic, and economic studies
as needed to develop strategies for increasing the use of forestry
conservation and agroforestry practices.
``(c) Information Collection and Dissemination.--The Secretary shall
establish at the Center a program, to be known as the National
Clearinghouse on Agroforestry Conservation and Promotion to--
``(1) collect, analyze, and disseminate information on
agroforestry conservation technologies and practices; and
``(2) promote the use of such information by landowners and
those organizations associated with forestry and tree promotion.
``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated $5,000,000 annually to carry out this section.''

Forest Ecosystems and Atmospheric Pollution Research; Congressional
Findings

Section 2 of Pub. L. 100-521 provided that: ``Congress finds that--
``(1) the health and productivity of forests in certain regions
of the United States are declining;
``(2) there is a special concern about the decline of certain
hardwood species, particularly sugar maples and oaks, in the eastern
United States and the effects of atmospheric pollutants on the
health and productivity of these forests;
``(3) declines in the productivity of certain commercially
important Southern pine species have been measured;
``(4) existing research indicates that atmospheric pollution,
including ozone, acidic deposition, and heavy metals, may contribute
to this decline;
``(5) there is an urgent need to expand and better coordinate
existing Federal, State, and private research, including research by
private industry, to determine the cause of changes in the health
and productivity of domestic forest ecosystems and to monitor and
evaluate the effects of atmospheric pollutants on such ecosystems;
and
``(6) such research and monitoring should not impede efforts to
control atmospheric pollutants.''

From the U.S. Code Online via GPO Access
[wais.access.gpo.gov]
[Laws in effect as of January 3, 2006]
[CITE: 16USC1643]

TITLE 16--CONSERVATION

CHAPTER 36--FOREST AND RANGELAND RENEWABLE RESOURCES PLANNING

SUBCHAPTER II--RESEARCH

Sec. 1643. Implementation of provisions

(a) Establishment and maintenance of research facilities; acquisition,
expenditures, etc., for property

In implementing this subchapter, the Secretary is authorized to
establish and maintain a system of experiment stations, research
laboratories, experimental areas, and other forest and rangeland
research facilities. The Secretary is authorized, with donated or
appropriated funds, to acquire by lease, donation, purchase, exchange,
or otherwise, land or interests in land within the United States needed
to implement this subchapter, to make necessary expenditures to examine,
appraise, and survey such property, and to do all things incident to
perfecting title thereto in the United States.

(b) Acceptance, holding, and administration of gifts, donations, and
bequests; use and investment of gifts, proceeds, etc.; funding
requirements

In implementing this subchapter, the Secretary is authorized to
accept, hold, and administer gifts, donations, and bequests of money,
real property, or personal property from any source not otherwise
prohibited by law and to use such gifts, donations, and bequests to (1)
establish or operate any forest and rangeland research facility within
the United States, or (2) perform any forest and rangeland renewable
resource research activity authorized by this subchapter. Such gifts,
donations, and bequests, or the proceeds thereof, and money appropriated
for these purposes shall be deposited in the Treasury in a special fund.
At the request of the Secretary, the Secretary of the Treasury may
invest or reinvest any money in the fund that in the opinion of the
Secretary is not needed for current operations. Such investments shall
be in public debt securities with maturities suitable for the needs of
the fund and bearing interest at prevailing market rates. There are
hereby authorized to be expended from such fund such amounts as may be
specified in annual appropriation Acts, which shall remain available
until expended.

(c) Cooperation with international, Federal, State, and other
governmental agencies, public and private agencies, etc.;
funding requirements for contributions from cooperators

In implementing this subchapter, the Secretary may cooperate with
international, Federal, State, and other governmental agencies, with
public or private agencies, institutions, universities, and
organizations, and with businesses and individuals in the United States
and in other countries. The Secretary may receive money and other
contributions from cooperators under such conditions as the Secretary
may prescribe. Any money contributions received under this subsection
shall be credited to the applicable appropriation or fund to be used for
the same purposes and shall remain available until expended as the
Secretary may direct for use in conducting research activities
authorized by this subchapter and in making refunds to contributors.

(Pub. L. 95-307, Sec. 4(a)-(c), June 30, 1978, 92 Stat. 354, 355; Pub.
L. 101-513, title VI, Sec. 611(a)(2), formerly Sec. 607(a)(2), Nov. 5,
1990, 104 Stat. 2072, renumbered Sec. 611(a)(2), Pub. L. 102-574,
Sec. 2(a)(1), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4593.)

Amendments

1990--Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 101-513, which directed amendment of
``the first section of'' this subsection by inserting ``international,''
before ``Federal'', was executed by making the insertion in the first
sentence of this subsection to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

From the U.S. Code Online via GPO Access
[wais.access.gpo.gov]
[Laws in effect as of January 3, 2006]
[CITE: 16USC1644]

TITLE 16--CONSERVATION

CHAPTER 36--FOREST AND RANGELAND RENEWABLE RESOURCES PLANNING

SUBCHAPTER II--RESEARCH

Sec. 1644. Forestry and rangeland competitive research grants

(a) Competitive grant authority

In addition to any grants made under other laws, the Secretary is
authorized to make competitive grants that will further research
activities authorized by this subchapter to Federal, State, and other
governmental agencies, public or private agencies, institutions,
universities, and organizations, and businesses and individuals in the
United States. In making these grants, the Secretary shall emphasize
basic and applied research activities that are important to achieving
the purposes of this subchapter, and shall obtain, through review by
qualified scientists and other methods, participation in research
activities by scientists throughout the United States who have expertise
in matters related to forest and rangeland renewable resources. Grants
under this section shall be made at the discretion of the Secretary
under whatever conditions the Secretary may prescribe, after publicly
soliciting research proposals, allowing sufficient time for submission
of the proposals, and considering qualitative, quantitative, financial,
administrative, and other factors that the Secretary deems important in
judging, comparing, and accepting the proposals. The Secretary may
reject any or all proposals received under this section if the Secretary
determines that it is in the public interest to do so.

(b) Emphasis on certain high priority forestry research

The Secretary may use up to 5 percent of the amounts made available
for research under section 1642 of this title to make competitive grants
regarding forestry research in the high priority research areas
identified under section 1642(d) of this title.

(c) Emphasis on certain high priority rangeland research

The Secretary may use up to 5 percent of the amounts made available
for research under section 1642 of this title to make competitive grants
regarding rangeland research in the high priority research areas
identified under section 1642(d) of this title.

(d) Priorities

In making grants under subsections (b) and (c) of this section, the
Secretary shall give priority to research proposals under which--
(1) the proposed research will be collaborative research
organized through a center of scientific excellence;
(2) the applicant agrees to provide matching funds (in the form
of direct funding or in-kind support) in an amount equal to not less
than 50 percent of the grant amount; and
(3) the proposed research will be conducted as part of an
existing private and public partnership or cooperative research
effort and involves several interested research partners.

(Pub. L. 95-307, Sec. 5, June 30, 1978, 92 Stat. 355; Pub. L. 105-185,
title II, Sec. 253(d), June 23, 1998, 112 Stat. 561.)

Amendments

1998--Pub. L. 105-185 substituted section catchline for former
section catchline, designated existing provisions as subsec. (a) and
inserted heading, and added subsecs. (b) to (d).

From the U.S. Code Online via GPO Access
[wais.access.gpo.gov]
[Laws in effect as of January 3, 2006]
[CITE: 16USC1645]

TITLE 16--CONSERVATION

CHAPTER 36--FOREST AND RANGELAND RENEWABLE RESOURCES PLANNING

SUBCHAPTER II--RESEARCH

Sec. 1645. General provisions

(a) Availability of funds to cooperators and grantees

The Secretary may make funds available to cooperators and grantees
under this subchapter without regard to the provisions of section
3324(a) and (b) of title 31, which prohibits advances of public money.

(b) Coordination of cooperative aid and grants with other aid and grant
authorities

To avoid duplication, the Secretary shall coordinate cooperative aid
and grants under this subchapter with cooperative aid and grants the
Secretary makes under any other authority.

(c) Dissemination of knowledge and technology developed from research
activities; cooperation with specified entities

The Secretary shall use the authorities and means available to the
Secretary to disseminate the knowledge and technology developed from
research activities conducted under or supported by this subchapter. In
meeting this responsibility, the Secretary shall cooperate, as the
Secretary deems appropriate, with the entities identified in subsection
(d)(3) of this section and with others.

(d) Additional implementative authorities

In implementing this subchapter, the Secretary, as the Secretary
deems appropriate and practical, shall--
(1) use, and encourage cooperators and grantees to use, the best
available scientific skills from a variety of disciplines within and
outside the fields of agriculture and forestry;
(2) seek, and encourage cooperators and grantees to seek, a
proper mixture of short-term and long-term research and a proper
mixture of basic and applied research;
(3) avoid unnecessary duplication and coordinate activities
under this section among agencies of the Department of Agriculture
and with other affected Federal departments and agencies, State
agricultural experiment stations, State extension services, State
foresters or equivalent State officials, forestry schools, and
private research organizations; and
(4) encourage the development, employment, retention, and
exchange of qualified scientists and other specialists through
postgraduate, postdoctoral, and other training, national and
international exchange of scientists, and other incentives and
programs to improve the quality of forest and rangeland renewable
resources research.

(e) Construction of statutory provisions

This subchapter shall be construed as supplementing all other laws
relating to the Department of Agriculture and shall not be construed as
limiting or repealing any existing law or authority of the Secretary
except as specifically cited in this subchapter.

(f) Definitions

For the purposes of this subchapter, the terms ``United States'' and
``State'' shall include each of the several States, the District of
Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands of the
United States, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the
Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, and the territories and
possessions of the United States.

(Pub. L. 95-307, Sec. 6, June 30, 1978, 92 Stat. 355.)

Codification

In subsec. (a), ``section 3324(a) and (b) of title 31'' substituted
for ``section 3648 of the Revised Statutes (31 U.S.C. 529)'' on
authority of Pub. L. 97-258, Sec. 4(b), Sept. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 1067,
the first section of which enacted Title 31, Money and Finance.

Termination of Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands

For termination of Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, see note
set out preceding section 1681 of Title 48, Territories and Insular
Possessions.

From the U.S. Code Online via GPO Access
[wais.access.gpo.gov]
[Laws in effect as of January 3, 2006]
[CITE: 16USC1646]

TITLE 16--CONSERVATION

CHAPTER 36--FOREST AND RANGELAND RENEWABLE RESOURCES PLANNING

SUBCHAPTER II--RESEARCH

Sec. 1646. Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated annually such sums as may be
needed to implement this subchapter. Funds appropriated under this
subchapter shall remain available until expended.

(Pub. L. 95-307, Sec. 7, June 30, 1978, 92 Stat. 356.)