S.B. 1255 Summary

• Clarifies that the forest stewardship program applies to "privately managed" forests, not just privately owned forests, and includes formerly forested lands.

• Adds "forest products" alongside timber and expands eligible management activities to include non-native forest products (with restrictions on previously cleared native vegetation lands).

• Increases maximum cost-share assistance from 50% to 75% for developing an approved management plan and establishes a separate 50% reimbursement rate for implementing an approved plan.

• Establishes formal "program implementation agreements" as written forest stewardship management contracts between the board and applicants, with required 10-year commitment periods.

• Takes effect on December 31, 2050.