Bill · H.R. 8061· House(119-HR-8061)
Forest Resources Accountability Act
- Introduced
- 3/24/2026
- Last activity
- 3/24/2026 — Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- Sponsored by
- Joe Neguse
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Forest Resources Accountability Act aims to protect critical winter wildlife habitat in the White River National Forest in Colorado. It prohibits the Secretary of Agriculture from authorizing the construction or improvement of year-round roads or utility corridors on specific Federal land to access the Berlaimont Estates parcel. The bill limits access to existing, unpaved, and seasonal routes. It also directs the Secretary to attempt to acquire the Berlaimont Estates parcel from willing sellers through purchase, exchange, or donation. If acquired, the land will be used for wildlife conservation and public enjoyment.
Yes· 3 of 6
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?+8
Protects critical winter wildlife habitat by prohibiting road construction in a specific national forest area.
Does this better protect public land such as parks and forests?+7
Directs the acquisition of private land for conservation and public enjoyment within the national forest.
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?+3
Supports conservation of wildlife and natural resources in rural forest areas.
The opposite· 3 of 5
Would high-income households be better off under this?-5
Limits road access and utility corridors for specific private property owners (Berlaimont Estates).
Would people with substantial wealth be better off under this?-5
Restricts land development and access for high-value property owners in the area.
Would the very wealthiest people be better off under this?-5
Restricts land development and access for high-value property owners in the area.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
- Protection of Wildlife Habitat: The bill's purpose is to protect critical winter wildlife habitat on Federal land (Section 2(b)).
- Conservation for Future Generations: If the Berlaimont Estates parcel is acquired, it will be managed for the conservation of wildlife and the enjoyment of present and future generations (Section 3(e)(4)).
- Environmental Stewardship: The bill emphasizes focusing limited Forest Service resources on public needs like wildfire risk reduction, drinking water resources, and healthy wildlife populations (Section 2(a)(3)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Limited Property Access: The Secretary is prohibited from approving year-round roads or utility corridors, limiting access to routes that are unpaved and seasonal (Section 3(b) and 3(c)).
- Restrictions on Land Use: Access to inholdings is limited to specific uses set forth in special use permits (Section 3(b)(4)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Rural Residents+3Good For Children+2Good For Young Adults+2Good For Billionaires-5Good For High Income Households-5Good For High Net Worth Individuals-5Good For Ultra High Net Worth Individuals-5
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Environmental Protections+8Improves Public Land Management+7Improves Roads And Bridges-5
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+2
- 3/24/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.