§ 13:1L-35 — Forest sustainability criteria, indicators.

7. a. The department, utilizing guidance provided by the United States Forest Service and in consultation with the forest stewardship advisory committee established pursuant to subsection d. of section 8 of P.L.2009, c.256 (C.13:1L-36), and with the benefit of public comment, shall develop and establish forest sustainability criteria and indicators appropriate to the circumstances encountered in New Jersey, as a basis for monitoring, recording, and assessing the extent, condition, and sustainability of all New Jersey forests, whether publicly or privately owned. The department shall prepare a report setting forth the findings and assessments based on these forest sustainability criteria and indicators by February 1 of the third year after the date of enactment of P.L.2009, c.256 (C.13:1L-29 et al.), and every seven years thereafter, which report shall include any recommendations for legislative or administrative action. The Commissioner of Environmental Protection shall transmit the report to the Governor and, pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1991, c.164 (C.52:14-19.1), to the Legislature. b. The department shall consider the findings and assessments set forth in the forest sustainability criteria and indicators report prepared pursuant to subsection a. of this section to determine how to adapt the rules and regulations adopted pursuant to section 8 of P.L.2009, c.256 (C.13:1L-36) to ensure the sustainability of forest lands, to set priorities for the management of State-owned forest lands, and to assist in establishing priorities for the use of State funds for the acquisition of forest lands. L.2009, c.256, s.7.