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NJ AR180
Resolution
Status
6/30/2025
Primary Sponsor
Andrea Katz
Click for details
AI Summary
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Urges the Department of Environmental Protection, Pinelands Commission, and Highlands Water Protection and Planning Council to use alternative forest management practices, such as ecological thinning, when drought conditions make prescribed burning unsafe or ineffective
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Recognizes that forest lands cover 40% of New Jersey and provide critical environmental benefits including air filtration, carbon absorption, aquifer replenishment, and wildlife habitat
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Notes that climate change has created warmer, drier conditions extending wildfire season, with 1,380 wildfires burning over 10,000 acres in New Jersey in 2024
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Acknowledges prescribed burning as an effective tool for reducing hazardous fuel accumulation and preventing wildfires, but drought conditions create challenges including dangerous conditions and burn bans
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Requires copies of the resolution to be transmitted to the DEP Commissioner, Pinelands Commission Chairman, and Highlands Water Protection and Planning Council Chairperson
Legislative Description
Urges DEP, Pinelands Commission, and Highlands Water Protection and Planning Council to engage in alternative forest management practices during periods of drought when prescribed burning is unsafe.
Resolutions and Concurrent Resolutions Filed w/Sec. of State
Last Action
Filed with Secretary of State
6/30/2025