SB 0039 Summary

• Modifies land acquisition restrictions north of the Mason-Arenac line, suspending acreage caps once the legislature approves a strategic plan update and all payments in lieu of taxes are made current.

• Requires the Department of Natural Resources to develop and implement a legislatively-approved strategic plan for managed public lands with measurable goals for recreation access, outdoor recreation, forests, wildlife, and fisheries.

• Establishes procedures for land transactions including 30+ day notice to affected local units of government, consideration of natural resources-based industries, and appraisal-based pricing with dispute resolution mechanisms.

• Mandates annual reporting to the legislature on land management activities including acreage owned, recreational facilities, hunting access, and trail miles maintained.

• Adds provisions requiring sustainable forestry management of state forests with specific harvest objectives not exceeding sustainable yields and minimum 90% preparation of annual harvest targets, with detailed annual reporting requirements.