HI HB1798

Clarifies that the natural area reserve fund shall be used for identification, establishment, and management of natural area reserves; acquisition of private lands; operation of heritage programs; matching funds for natural area partnership and forest stewardship programs; watershed management projects; and youth conservation corps.

Specifies that the natural area reserve fund consists of moneys from public and private sources plus moneys paid pursuant to section 247-7 (25% of transient accommodations tax collections).

Removes previous priority-based disbursement requirements for natural area reserve fund moneys and instead requires annual disbursement after consultation with the natural area reserves system commission.

Amends the forest stewardship fund statute to reference section 195-9 (natural area reserve fund) rather than section 247-7 for authorization of moneys deposited into the forest stewardship fund.

Takes effect upon approval.