§6553. Accelerated information gathering regarding forest-damaging insects
(a) Information gathering
The Secretary, acting through the Forest Service and United States Geological Survey, as appropriate, shall establish an accelerated program-
(1) to plan, conduct, and promote comprehensive and systematic information gathering on forest-damaging insects and associated diseases, including an evaluation of-
(A) infestation prevention and suppression methods;
(B) effects of infestations and associated disease interactions on forest ecosystems;
(C) restoration of forest ecosystem efforts;
(D) utilization options regarding infested trees; and
(E) models to predict the occurrence, distribution, and impact of outbreaks of forest-damaging insects and associated diseases;
(2) to assist land managers in the development of treatments and strategies to improve forest health and reduce the susceptibility of forest ecosystems to severe infestations of forest-damaging insects and associated diseases on Federal land and State and private land; and
(3) to disseminate the results of the information gathering, treatments, and strategies.
(b) Cooperation and assistance
The Secretary shall-
(1) establish and carry out the program in cooperation with-
(A) scientists from colleges and universities (including forestry schools, land grant colleges and universities, and 1890 Institutions);
(B) Federal, State, and local agencies; and
(C) private and industrial landowners; and
(2) designate such colleges and universities to assist in carrying out the program.
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