GA HB983

Counties and municipalities are prohibited from imposing additional restrictions on prescribed burning for silviculture purposes, though they may still require additional notice or permits for other types of burning.

Prescribed burning is explicitly defined as controlled fire application for silviculture purposes, including site preparation, hazard fuel reduction, understory control, wildlife habitat improvement, natural regeneration, longleaf pine ecosystem maintenance, and timber stand improvement.

A new definition of "silviculture" is added, encompassing the science of managing forest establishment, growth, composition, health, and quality through harvesting, planting, thinning, and burning.

Prescribed burning is declared to be in the public interest, a property right of the landowner, and not a public or private nuisance when conducted properly.

Burns must be supervised by an individual with prescribed burning experience or training who remains on site until the fire is adequately confined.