SB 1057 Summary

• Amends the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to establish the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development as the oversight agency for conservation districts and private forestland management programs.

• Creates the Private Forestland Enhancement Fund to provide direct assistance, indirect assistance, and administrative support for nonindustrial private forestland management and improvement projects.

• Authorizes conservation districts to evaluate nonindustrial private forestlands, provide technical assistance to landowners regarding forestry and wildlife habitat benefits, and maintain lists of qualified foresters for landowners seeking management plan preparation.

• Requires conservation districts seeking grants of $50,000 or more to submit annual budgets, maintain accurate financial records, and obtain biennial independent certified audits by certified public accountants.

• Establishes the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development as the administrator of a statewide list of qualified foresters, maintained through voluntary registration and requiring continuing education for status maintenance.