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IN SB0420
Bill
Status
1/10/2017
Primary Sponsor
Eric Bassler
Click for details
AI Summary
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Department of Natural Resources must designate at least one undivided area comprising at least 10% of each state forest as an old forest area before January 1, 2018, with a target size of at least 500 acres wherever possible.
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Timber management, including harvesting, planting, fertilization, thinning, and weeding, is prohibited in designated old forest areas.
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Department must produce and maintain maps and legal descriptions of all designated old forest areas beginning January 1, 2018.
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Designation of old forest areas does not affect hunting, fishing, trapping, recreational uses, access road maintenance, or emergency operations such as search and rescue or fire control.
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Department shall be guided by seven purposes when designating old forest areas: retaining trees of all natural age classes, providing wildlife habitat, protecting sensitive areas, protecting water resources, providing recreational opportunities, maintaining aesthetic value, and creating control areas for assessing natural forest responses and comparing managed versus unmanaged stands.
Legislative Description
Old forest areas in state forests. Requires the department of natural resources (department), before January 1, 2018, to designate at least one undivided area comprising at least 10% of each state forest as an old forest area. Provides that, wherever possible, the size of a designated old forest area must be at least 500 acres. Sets forth certain purposes to guide the department in designating the old forest areas. Prohibits the department from conducting or allowing timber management in the old forest areas. Requires the department to produce and keep on file maps and legal descriptions of the designated old
Last Action
Senators Grooms and Smith added as coauthors
1/26/2017