CHAPTER 28
H.P. 111 - L.D. 133
Resolve, To Support Long-term Forest Management and Sound Silviculture
Sec. 1. Development of recommendations and implementation plan. Resolved: That the Commissioner of Conservation shall develop recommendations and an implementation plan for encouraging and supporting long-term forest management and improved silviculture. In developing the recommendations, the commissioner shall review, at a minimum, the following:
1. Repeal or reduction of capital gains taxes on the sale of timber on land held for a minimum period;
2. Reduction of capital gains or property taxes for landowners enrolled in forest certification programs or committing to a higher level of forest management or providing public recreational access;
3. Provision of loan guarantees for sustainable forestry investments to increase access to capital for landowners committed to sustainable forest management to purchase forest land; and
4. Concepts and mechanisms that could contribute to achieving the goal of supporting long-term forest management and improved silviculture.
In conducting the review, the commissioner shall solicit input from representatives of the forestry community, including forest products businesses, professional loggers, state agencies, municipalities, industrial and nonindustrial landowners, farmers, environmental groups, financial institutions, Legislators and members of the public; and be it further
Sec. 2. Report to Legislature. Resolved: That the Commissioner of Conservation shall report to the Joint Standing Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry no later than February 1, 2006 on progress made in conducting the review and developing recommendations under section 1 of this resolve. If more time is needed, the committee shall establish a date for a final report.
The final report must include detailed cost information and proposed changes to existing laws, rules and policies necessary to implement the recommendations; and be it further
Sec. 3. Legislation authorized. Resolved: That the Joint Standing Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry may submit a bill to the Second Regular Session of the 122nd Legislature to encourage and support long-term forest management and improved silviculture.
Effective September 17, 2005.
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