(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.