Federal and State Cooperative Watershed Restoration and Protection in Colorado.

Sec. 331. Federal and State Cooperative Watershed Restoration and Protection in Colorado. (a) Use of Colorado State Forest Service.—Until September 30, 2004, the Secretary of Agriculture, via cooperative agreement or contract (including sole source contract) as appropriate, may permit the Colorado State Forest Service to perform watershed restoration and protection services on National Forest System lands in the State of Colorado when similar and complementary watershed restoration and protection services are being performed by the State Forest Service on adjacent State or private lands. The types of services that may be extended to National Forest System lands include treatment of insect infected trees, reduction of hazardous fuels, and other activities to restore or improve watersheds or fish and wildlife habitat across ownership boundaries. (b) State as Agent.—Except as provided in subsection (c), a cooperative agreement or contract under subsection (a) may authorize the State Forester of Colorado to serve as the agent for the Forest Service in providing all services necessary to facilitate the performance of watershed restoration and protection services under subsection (a). The services to be performed by the Colorado State Forest Service may be conducted with subcontracts utilizing State contract procedures. Subsections (d) and (g) of section 14 of the National Forest Management Act of 1976 (16 U.S.C. 472a) shall not apply to services performed under a cooperative agreement or contract under subsection (a). (c) Retention of NEPA Responsibilities.—With respect to any watershed restoration and protection services on National Forest System lands proposed for performance by the Colorado State Forest Service under subsection (a), any decision required to be made under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) may not be delegated to the State Forester 114 STAT. 997of Colorado or any other officer or employee of the Colorado State Forest Service.