Headwaters Protection Act of 2023

The Headwaters Protection Act of 2023 reauthorizes and improves the Water Source Protection Program under the Healthy Forests Restoration Act, focusing on protecting watersheds and water supplies on National Forest lands and adjacent non-Federal lands. It expands eligible partners to include acequia associations, local water management entities, land-grant mercedes, and private water delivery organizations, requiring projects to address watershed health, water quality, climate resilience, and wildfire risk. The bill increases annual funding to $30 million (for fiscal years 2024-2033) and sets aside 10% for non-Federal partner capacity building. It also mandates adjacent landowner support for projects on their property and clarifies that the program does not alter land ownership or management.