1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Scenic Columbia Gorge Restoration Act of 2017 . 2. Expedited recovery activities in response to catastrophic events in National Scenic Areas (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Catastrophic event The term catastrophic event means any natural disaster (such as hurricane, tornado, windstorm, snow or ice storm, rain storm, high water, wind-driven water, tidal wave, earthquake, volcanic eruption, landslide, mudslide, drought, or insect or disease outbreak) or any fire, flood, or explosion, regardless of cause. (2) Conclusion The term conclusion , with respect to a catastrophic event, includes containment of the catastrophic event if occurring before the actual end of the catastrophic event. (3) National scenic area The term National Scenic Area means an area of the National Forest System federally designated as a National Scenic Area in recognition of the outstanding natural, scenic, and recreational values of the area. (4) Response activity The term response activity means any salvage operation or reforestation activity proposed to be conducted within a National Scenic Area adversely impacted by a catastrophic event to address conditions caused or exacerbated by the catastrophic event. (5) Secretary The term Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service. (b) Prompt proposal of response activities Within 30 days after the conclusion of a catastrophic event within a National Scenic Area, the Secretary shall begin proposing response activities for lands within the National Scenic Area adversely impacted by the catastrophic event. (c) Public Input and response process Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary shall allow 30 days for public scoping and comment regarding a National Scenic Area response activity, 15 days for filing an objection to the response activity, and 15 days for the agency response to the filing of an objection. Upon completion of this process and expiration of the period specified in