Committee backs bill to create Utah Forest Restoration Institute, align it with WRI

Representative Albrecht told the committee HB 376 establishes the Utah Forest Restoration Institute at Utah State University to strengthen forest and watershed health research and coordination and aligns that institute with the Watershed Restoration Initiative (WRI) for project funding, prioritization and long‑term monitoring.

Tyler Thompson, director of the Watershed Restoration Initiative (Department of Natural Resources), and Justin Shannon of the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources both testified in support, saying the bill formalizes an existing partnership and would help restoration on summer ranges and other landscapes. Troy Forrest, deputy commissioner at the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food, also testified in support and said the bill leverages money to accelerate on‑the‑ground work after wildfires.

Representative Snyder moved House Amendment 1 to simplify the fiscal structure: the amendment removes a $700,000 transfer previously shown to the Public Lands Initiative and leaves $1,500,000 ongoing to support institute activities; the committee adopted the amendment unanimously by voice vote. Representative Snyder then recommended the committee favorably approve HB 376 as amended; the motion passed by unanimous voice vote.

Sponsor remarks emphasized coordinating university research with WRI implementation to ensure funding is prioritized by science developed in Utah and to involve students in applied restoration work. The committee record includes broad stakeholder support and a fiscal clarification that reallocates existing university funds rather than creating new recurring appropriations.