Existing law authorizes the State Forester Firewarden, subject to the approval of the Director of the State Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, to negotiate for and enter into cooperative agreements with certain governmental entities and organizations to establish and develop nurseries in this State for various purposes, including urban forestry. (NRS 528.100) Section 6 of this bill creates the Urban and Community Forestry Program within the Division of Forestry of the State Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to promote, create, improve and maintain urban and community forests in this State. Section 6 requires the State Forester Firewarden to administer the Program and sets forth the duties of the State Forester Firewarden, which include: (1) the development of local and regional targets for urban and community tree canopies; (2) cooperating with federal, state and local agencies to promote and advance urban and community forests; and (3) the development and dissemination of best practices for maintaining the health of urban and community forests. Sections 3-5 of this bill define various terms relating to the Program.
Section 7 of this bill requires the Division to provide technical assistance to political subdivisions in this State for certain purposes relating to urban and community forestry.
Section 8 of this bill authorizes the State Forester Firewarden to develop a program to award grants to political subdivisions of this State, Indian tribes and nonprofit organizations for certain purposes relating to urban and community forestry.
Section 9 of this bill authorizes the State Forester Firewarden, subject to the approval of the Director, to enter into cooperative agreements to carry out the duties and functions of the Program. Section 9 further authorizes the State Forester Firewarden to: (1) accept gifts, grants, services and donations; and (2) adopt regulations.