SOUTHERN FOREST REGENERATION PROGRAM.

SEC. 1242. SOUTHERN FOREST REGENERATION PROGRAM. (a) Establishment.— The Secretary of Agriculture shall make a grant to a State for the establishment, within such State, of a center, to be known as the “Southern Forest Regeneration Center” (hereafter referred to in this section as the “Center”), to study forest regeneration problems and forest productivity in the southern region of the United States. (b) Duties of Center.— The Center shall study forest regeneration problems and forest productivity in the southern region of the United States, including— (1) nursery management concerns that will lead to improved seedling quality; 104 STAT. 3546 (2) forest management practices that account for environmental stresses; and (3) the development of low-cost forest regeneration methods that provide options for wood products, species diversity, wildlife habitat, and production of clean air and water. (c) Establishment of Other Programs.— The Secretary of Agriculture may establish other programs in other regions of the United States, or a comprehensive National program, to carry out the purposes of this section as the Secretary determines appropriate. (d) Authorization of Appropriations.— There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section.