CT HB06157

Reorganizes Section 23-20 of general statutes to clarify the Commissioner of Environmental Protection's authority over forestry programs, including employing staff, publishing forestry literature, cooperating with federal agencies, and developing woodland management plans.

Requires the commissioner to apply for sustainable forestry certification from programs such as the Forest Stewardship Council or Sustainable Forestry Initiative by January 10, 2010, using only private funding from gifts, donations, or bequests.

Establishes a "timber harvesting revolving account" as a nonlapsing General Fund account to receive proceeds from timber harvesting in state forests and wildlife management areas, with funds used for forest management plans and related administrative costs, capped at $100,000.

Authorizes the commissioner to harvest and sell forest products from state woodlands at a minimum price of $10 per cord for fuel wood, and to rent state forest property for up to 25 years (with terms over 10 years requiring State Properties Review Board approval).

Exempts lands subject to deed restrictions, statutes, or incompatible uses from these provisions and defines "woodland" as state-owned or managed land stocked with forest trees at specified densities.