Text to be removed highlighted in red.
1 New Section; Forest Carbon Sequestration Management. Amend RSA 79 by inserting after section 37 the following new section:
79:38 Forest Carbon Sequestration Management.
I. Any landowner enrolling property in a carbon sequestration program that involves forestland within the state shall submit a forest management plan to the division of forests and lands. The plan shall demonstrate adherence to best forestry practices.
II. The forest management plan shall also include a habitat protection component developed in consultation with biologists from the New Hampshire fish and game department. This component shall identify and address potential impacts to fish and wildlife habitat.
III. The division of forests and lands and the fish and game department shall jointly review and approve the submitted forest management plan. Approval shall be contingent upon a determination that the plan:
(a) Complies with best forestry practices as defined by the division; and
(b) Adequately protects fish and wildlife habitat.
IV. The division and the department shall conduct periodic on-site inspections to ensure compliance with the approved plan. If a landowner is found to be in material noncompliance, the division may suspend or revoke approval of the plan.
V. The commissioner of the department of natural and cultural resources, in consultation with the executive director of fish and game, may adopt rules under RSA 541-A to implement the provisions of this section, including but not limited to:
(a) Standards for forest management and habitat protection plans;
(b) Procedures for plan submission, review, and approval;
(c) Inspection protocols and enforcement mechanisms.
2 Effective Date. This act shall take effect 60 days after its passage.
Text to be added highlighted in green.
1 New Section; Forest Carbon Sequestration Management. Amend RSA 79 by inserting after section 37 the following new section:
79:38 Forest Carbon Sequestration Management.
I. Any landowner enrolling property in a carbon sequestration program that involves forestland within the state shall submit a forest management plan to the division of forests and lands. The plan shall demonstrate adherence to best forestry practices.
II. The forest management plan shall also include a habitat protection component developed in consultation with biologists from the New Hampshire fish and game department. This component shall identify and address potential impacts to fish and wildlife habitat.
III. The division of forests and lands and the fish and game department shall jointly review and approve the submitted forest management plan. Approval shall be contingent upon a determination that the plan:
(a) Complies with best forestry practices as defined by the division; and
(b) Adequately protects fish and wildlife habitat.
IV. The division and the department shall conduct periodic on-site inspections to ensure compliance with the approved plan. If a landowner is found to be in material noncompliance, the division may suspend or revoke approval of the plan.
V. The commissioner of the department of natural and cultural resources, in consultation with the executive director of fish and game, may adopt rules under RSA 541-A to implement the provisions of this section, including but not limited to:
(a) Standards for forest management and habitat protection plans;
(b) Procedures for plan submission, review, and approval;
(c) Inspection protocols and enforcement mechanisms.
2 Effective Date. This act shall take effect 60 days after its passage.