Forest Data Modernization Act of 2023

The Forest Data Modernization Act of 2023 updates the U.S. Forest Service's national forest inventory program to improve data collection on forest resources, with specific focus on forest carbon. It mandates new surveys of timber products and woodland owners, standardizes definitions for forest data reporting, and requires the Forest Service to develop a strategic plan every five years integrating remote sensing technology and carbon data (including soil carbon). The bill ensures collected data is publicly accessible while protecting the confidentiality of individual landowners' non-aggregated information. These changes aim to enhance the accuracy of forest resource tracking for management and policy decisions across public and private lands.