This bill establishes various programs within the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to enhance the management of publicly owned forested lands, with a total appropriation of $60 million. It mandates a comprehensive survey and mapping process for these lands, which includes the development of geographic information system data, inventories of significant biota, and the identification of areas for afforestation and reforestation to meet greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals. The bill requires public input through a minimum of three public hearings and mandates that the DEP conduct this survey at least every ten years. Additionally, it introduces a program to designate Carbon Reserve Forests, focusing on the protection of mature forests and promoting carbon sequestration.

The bill also creates an advisory board to assist in its implementation and requires the DEP to adopt rules and regulations for forest plans within one year of its effective date, emphasizing ecological and climate-related objectives over commercial profit. It includes measures for deer population management on public lands, exploring methods such as commercial sale of venison and fertility control. Furthermore, the bill appropriates $50 million from dedicated corporate business tax revenues and $10 million from Green Acres bond act funds for its initiatives, and it mandates the development of a prescribed burning program for forest management within 18 months of enactment.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 13:1B-15.12, 13:9-44.14, 13:9-44.15, 13:9-44.17