This bill amends the existing Prescribed Burn Act to establish a structured program for prescribed burning, requiring the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to develop and implement this program within 18 months of enactment. The program aims to utilize fire as a management tool for the State's forests, with specific annual goals of conducting prescribed burns on at least 50,000 acres in the pinelands and an additional 10,000 acres statewide. The bill mandates that all prescribed burns occur between November and March, prior to the wildfire season, and requires the DEP to publish a burn calendar to inform local fire officials of scheduled burns and opportunities for participation.

Key provisions of the bill include the establishment of a training program for local fire officials and the creation of Mobile Prescribed Burn Units to assist in training and conducting burns in high-risk areas. The DEP will authorize individuals to conduct burns according to approved plans and will address landowner objections regarding burns on their property. Additionally, a fee structure will be introduced to cover program costs, and the DEP will report any legal barriers to effective burn operations. Overall, the bill aims to enhance wildfire management and ecological health through timely and structured prescribed burning practices.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 13:9-44.13, 13:9-44.14, 13:9-44.15