NJ S1723

Requires the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to prepare and implement forest stewardship plans within two years for newly acquired recreation and conservation lands containing 25 acres or more of forested area funded through Green Acres or similar state programs.

Mandates the DEP to prepare forest stewardship plans within five years for all existing state-owned recreation and conservation lands with 25 or more forested acres.

Requires local government units and qualifying tax-exempt nonprofit organizations to prepare and submit forest stewardship plans to the DEP for approval within two years when acquiring forested lands of 25 acres or more using state funding.

DEP must review and approve, approve with changes, or disapprove submitted plans within 30 days, and provide technical assistance upon request.

Grants higher priority weighting in future funding applications to local governments and nonprofits that voluntarily implement forest stewardship plans on lands not subject to the mandatory requirements.