§8002. Bureau of Forestry; powers and duties

1.  Powers and duties.  The bureau shall:

A. Have the responsibility for the control of forest fires in all areas of the State;   [PL 1979, c. 545, §3 (NEW).]

B. Conduct programs to protect the forest, shade and ornamental trees of the State against insects and diseases;   [PL 1979, c. 545, §3 (NEW).]

C. Conduct a program of service and community forestry in order to provide advice and assistance on forest management to small woodland owners and municipalities;   [PL 1979, c. 545, §3 (NEW).]

D. Provide advice and assistance on utilizing and marketing the wood products of the State, and regulate the utilization and marketing of wood products where authorized;   [PL 1979, c. 545, §3 (NEW).]

E. Have the responsibility for management of particular portions of land owned by the State when management is entrusted to the bureau by statute or is transferred by mutual agreement of the bureau and other state agencies;   [PL 2013, c. 18, §1 (AMD); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §23 (REV).]

F. Conduct information, education, planning and research programs designed to promote the purposes of the bureau as set forth in this Part; and   [PL 2013, c. 18, §1 (AMD); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §23 (REV).]

G. Conduct a landowner relations program to assist landowners in dealing with public use of private lands.   [PL 2013, c. 18, §2 (NEW).]

[PL 2013, c. 18, §§1, 2 (AMD); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §23 (REV).]

2.  Administrative powers and duties.

A. The bureau may, in conformity with the Administrative Procedure Act, Title 5, chapter 375, adopt, amend, repeal and enforce reasonable rules and regulations, including emergency rules, necessary for the proper administration, enforcement and interpretation of those laws which the bureau administers.   [PL 1979, c. 545, §3 (NEW); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §7 (REV); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §23 (REV).]

B. The bureau is authorized to accept federal, municipal and private funds for the purposes set forth in this Part, except federal funds received under the Stennis-McIntire Act, Public Law 87-788. The Treasurer of State shall receive allowable funds, subject to the approval of the commissioner, and the State Controller shall authorize expenditures from these funds as approved by the bureau and the commissioner.   [PL 1979, c. 545, §3 (NEW); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §7 (REV); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §23 (REV).]

C. [PL 2013, c. 18, §3 (RP).]

D. [PL 1981, c. 542, §3 (RP).]

E. The bureau may grant funds to municipalities to strengthen local fire protection programs. Grants shall be made on a 50-50 cost-share basis with local contributions, provided that the state share for any one grant may not exceed 10% of the bureau's funds earmarked for a program of grants under this paragraph. Any municipality may apply for a grant, provided that the grant will be used for forest fire control or related activities. The department may promulgate rules to carry out the purposes and implementation of this paragraph.   [PL 1987, c. 349, Pt. H, §10 (NEW); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §7 (REV); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §23 (REV).]

[PL 2013, c. 18, §3 (AMD); PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §23 (REV).]

SECTION HISTORY

PL 1979, c. 545, §3 (NEW). PL 1981, c. 542, §3 (AMD). PL 1987, c. 349, §H10 (AMD). PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §7 (REV). PL 2013, c. 18, §§1-3 (AMD). PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. A, §23 (REV).