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, environmental groups, financial institutions, Legislators and members of the public.

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. 2. 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 implement any or all of the provisions of the plan recommended under section 1 of this resolve or revisions to the plan approved by the committee.

SUMMARY

This resolve directs the Commissioner of Conservation to conduct additional research on economic incentives to support long-term forest management and sound silviculture, and to recommend legislation to the Second Regular Session of the 122nd Legislature.