Department of Forestry (411)

Authority: Title 10.1, Chapter 11, and Title 58.1, Chapter 32, Article 4, Code of Virginia.

A. The State Forester is hereby authorized to utilize any unobligated balances in the fire suppression fund authorized by § 10.1-1124, Code of Virginia, for the purpose of acquiring replacement equipment for forestry management and protection operations.

B. In the event that budgeted amounts for forest fire suppression are insufficient to meet forest fire suppression demands, such amounts as may be necessary for this purpose may be transferred from Item 470 of this act to the Department of Forestry, with the approval of the Director, Department of Planning and Budget.

C. This appropriation includes annual membership dues to the Southeast Interstate Forest Fire Protection Compact, $1,000 the first year and $1,000 the second year, from nongeneral funds.

D. The Department shall provide technical assistance and project supervision in the aerial spraying of herbicides on timberland on landowner property. In addition to recovering the direct cost associated with the spraying contract, the Department may charge an administrative fee for this service.

E. The Department of Forestry, in cooperation with the Department of Corrections, shall increase the use of inmate labor for routine and special work projects in state forests.

F. The Department shall report by December 15 of each year on the progress of implementing the silvicultural water quality laws in Virginia. The report shall be submitted to the Chairmen of the House Appropriations and Senate Finance Committees.

G. The appropriation in Reforestation Incentives to Private Forest Land Owners include $372,570 the first year and $447,570 the second year from the general fund for the Reforestation of Timberlands Program. This appropriation shall be deemed sufficient to meet the provisions of Titles 10.1 and 58.1, Code of Virginia.

H. Out of this appropriation, $214,398 the first year and $214,398 the second year from the general fund is included for the purchase of forest fire protection equipment through the state’s master equipment lease purchase program.

I. The Department is authorized to enter into an agreement with a private entity for a pilot program to place a communication tower on Department-owned property that is designed to blend with the surrounding landscape to the greatest extent practicable. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any revenues received from such an agreement shall be retained by the Department and used for forest land management.