US HB3476

Establishes a Forest Conservation Easement Program within USDA to protect private and tribal forest land through conservation easements, with goals including protecting working forests, enhancing biodiversity, increasing carbon sequestration, improving watershed quality, and preventing encroachment around military installations

Creates two easement types: "forest land easements" conveyed to eligible entities (state/local governments, tribes, or qualified conservation organizations) with 50% federal cost-share (up to 75% for special forests or underserved landowners), and "forest reserve easements" conveyed directly to the Secretary for species habitat protection

Provides $100 million annually for fiscal years 2026-2030, with 10% set aside for beginning, socially disadvantaged, veteran, or limited resource forest landowners

Repeals the existing Healthy Forests Reserve Program under the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003, transitioning enrolled land and existing contracts to the new program while honoring prior commitments

Allows permanent easements or 30-year easements/contracts, permits limited subsurface mineral development under certain conditions, and enables certified eligible entities to use streamlined processes with their own terms and conditions