This bill amends the existing Prescribed Burn Act to establish specific deadlines and requirements for the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) in implementing a prescribed burn program. It mandates that the DEP develop and administer this program within 18 months of the bill's enactment, focusing on public and private lands. The bill requires the creation of prescribed burn plans for forested areas, prioritizing those at high risk of wildfires, and sets annual goals for conducting prescribed burns on at least 50,000 acres in the pinelands and 10,000 acres statewide. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of conducting these burns between November and March and mandates the publication of a burn calendar.

The bill also introduces a training program for local fire officials and establishes Mobile Prescribed Burn Units to assist in training and executing prescribed burns. These units will be deployed during critical periods to provide support and evaluate the effectiveness of burn plans. The DEP is tasked with approving burn plans submitted by trained individuals and publishing a prescribed burn schedule online, while also allowing certain exemptions for landowners. Overall, the amendments aim to enhance the safety and effectiveness of prescribed burning practices in New Jersey.

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