The bill amends sections 11-1C-10 and 11-1C-11 of the Code of West Virginia to change the certification requirements for managed timberland from an annual basis to every five years. Property owners will now be required to certify in writing to the Division of Forestry that their property qualifies as managed timberland and is being managed according to an approved plan. Additionally, the bill grants the Division of Forestry the authority to establish regulations regarding the certification process, emphasizing the importance of maintaining high-quality forest land in the state.

To further support the managed timberland program, the bill includes provisions for tax incentives for private forest landowners, ensuring that certified properties are not reclassified for tax purposes unless there is a change in use. The Division of Forestry and the Tax Commissioner will report annually on the program's impact on state tax collections. Moreover, the bill mandates the establishment of an online renewal system for the Managed Timberland Program by October 1, 2023, streamlining the renewal process and allowing for a simplified application without fees.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 11-1C-10, 11-1C-11