143A-66.1. Forestry Council - creation; powers and duties.

There is hereby created the Forestry Council of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The Forestry Council shall have the following functions and duties:

(1) To advise the Commissioner of Agriculture with respect to all matters concerning the protection, management, and preservation of State-owned, privately owned, and municipally owned forests in the State, including but not limited to:

a. Profitable use of the State's forests consistent with the principles of sustained productivity.

b. Best management practices, including those for protection of soil, water, wildlife, and wildlife habitat, to be used in managing the State's forests and their resources.

c. Restoration of forest ecosystems and protection of rare and endangered species occurring in the State's private forests consistent with principles of private ownership of land.

(2) To maintain oversight of a continuous monitoring and planning process, to provide a long-range, comprehensive plan for the use, management, and sustainability of North Carolina's forest resources, and to report regularly on progress made toward meeting the objectives of the plan.

(3) To provide a forum for the identification, discussion, and development of recommendations for the resolution of conflicts in the management of North Carolina's forests.

(4) To undertake any other studies, make any reports, and advise the Commissioner of Agriculture on any matter as the Commissioner may direct.