§195F-5  Forest stewardship management plans; approved activities.  (a)  To participate in the forest stewardship program, the applicant landowner shall prepare and submit a forest stewardship management plan that shall:

     (1)  Identify and describe the activities to be undertaken by the landowner to protect soil, water, aesthetic quality, recreation, forest resources, forest products, water, fish, wildlife, and native plant resources on the land in a manner that is compatible with the objectives of the program, is consistent with this chapter, and qualifies under the board's list of approved activities;

     (2)  Be signed by all parties having an interest in or holding any encumbrance upon the property, and shall state that the parties agree to comply with the plan upon its approval; and

     (3)  Be approved by the board and available for public review.

     (b)  The board and other cooperating natural resource management agencies shall develop a list of approved management activities and practices that shall be eligible for cost-share assistance under the program in the following areas:

     (1)  Enhanced management and maintenance of vegetation on vital watershed lands;

     (2)  Sustainable growth and management of forests for forest resources and forest products;

     (3)  Management for non-native forest products; provided that the land was not previously cleared of native vegetation for the purpose of non-native forest production;

     (4)  Protection, restoration, and enhancement of native plants and animals;

     (5)  Management, maintenance, and restoration of forests for shelterbelts, windbreaks, aesthetic quality, and other conservation purposes;

     (6)  Agroforestry management;

     (7)  Management and maintenance of native fish and wildlife habitats;

     (8)  Management of outdoor recreational opportunities; and

     (9)  Other activities approved by the board, which are consistent with this chapter.

     (c)  The board shall encourage the use of private agencies, consultants, organizations, and firms to the extent feasible for the preparation of individual forest stewardship management plans and implementation of approved activities. [L 1991, c 327, pt of §2; am L 2021, c 221, §4]