H.477 is a bill introduced by Representative O'Brien that mandates the Commissioner of Forests, Parks and Recreation to create a comprehensive plan aimed at reducing the number of delayed timber harvests on State Forest lands. The bill requires the Commissioner to provide a detailed report that summarizes the current status of timber harvests, including the number of harvests that have not been completed on schedule and the reasons for these delays. Additionally, the report must propose strategies for reducing these delays, which may include assessing the need for additional staff within the Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation and exploring the possibility of contracting licensed private foresters to assist in the necessary work.

Furthermore, the bill stipulates that the Commissioner must estimate the costs and benefits associated with any proposed plan to mitigate delayed timber harvests, including an analysis of potential job creation from facilitating harvests at delayed sites. The final report is to be submitted to both the House Committee on Agriculture, Food Resiliency, and Forestry and the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Energy, ensuring that legislative bodies are informed and can take appropriate action based on the findings.