This bill mandates the preparation and implementation of a forest stewardship plan for lands acquired for recreation and conservation purposes that contain 25 acres or more of forested area. The requirement applies to acquisitions made by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), local government units, and qualifying tax-exempt nonprofit organizations using constitutionally dedicated funds or Green Acres bond act moneys. The DEP must prepare and implement a stewardship plan within two years of acquiring such lands, and within five years of the bill's enactment, it must also prepare plans for all state-owned lands meeting the same criteria. Plans must conform to existing DEP regulations aimed at ensuring forest sustainability.

Additionally, local government units and qualifying nonprofit organizations must submit their stewardship plans to the DEP for review and approval within 30 days. If a plan is disapproved, the entity must collaborate with the DEP to create an acceptable version. The bill also stipulates that when prioritizing funding applications for land acquisition or development, the DEP will give preference to those entities that have implemented a forest stewardship plan, even for lands where such a plan is not required. This preference is intended to encourage sustainable management practices among local governments and nonprofits.