NH HB1440

Landowners enrolling property in carbon sequestration programs involving New Hampshire forestland must submit a forest management plan to the Division of Forests and Lands demonstrating adherence to best forestry practices

Forest management plans must include a habitat protection component developed with Fish and Game Department biologists that identifies and addresses potential impacts to fish and wildlife

The Division of Forests and Lands and Fish and Game Department must jointly review and approve submitted plans, with both agencies conducting periodic on-site inspections to ensure compliance

Material noncompliance with an approved plan may result in suspension or revocation of approval by the Division

Estimated fiscal impact includes approximately $141,000 in FY 2027 and $100,000-$101,000 annually thereafter for the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, plus $10,000-$100,000 per year for Fish and Game, with currently over 15 landowners and 183,000 acres enrolled in such programs statewide