US HB2709

Declares a 7-year emergency on federal lands containing giant sequoias (Sequoiadendron giganteum), enabling expedited Protection Projects for hazardous fuels management, dead tree removal, and pest control with categorical exclusions from NEPA environmental review for projects up to 2,000 acres within groves and 3,000 acres on adjacent lands

Codifies the Giant Sequoia Lands Coalition (formed in 2022) comprising National Park Service, Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Tule River Indian Tribe, State of California, and academic partners to coordinate conservation efforts and produce annual Health and Resiliency Assessments

Requires the Secretary of Interior to enter shared stewardship agreements with the Secretary of Agriculture, California Governor, and Tule River Indian Tribe within 90 days of request, with mandatory participation if no request is received within 90 days of enactment

Establishes a Giant Sequoia Reforestation and Rehabilitation Strategy within 6 months, creates Strike Teams of up to 10 members each to implement protection projects, and authorizes collaborative restoration grants prioritizing projects with greatest impact on sequoia health

Creates a Giant Sequoia Emergency Protection Fund through the National Park Foundation, National Forest Foundation, and Foundation for America's Public Lands to receive philanthropic donations, with at least 15% of funds directed to Tribal management and conservation efforts