Bill > S699

This bill establishes a program within the State Agriculture Development Committee (SADC) to acquire development easements on privately-owned woodlands, meaning the right to develop the land for non-agricultural purposes is permanently restricted. A "development easement" is a legal agreement that limits development. The program aims to preserve and manage these woodlands for agricultural, silvicultural (tree farming), and horticultural uses, as well as to protect the state's forested lands. To be eligible, a woodland must be at least 20 acres, used for agricultural production or the sale of tree products, and if not in agricultural production, must be managed according to an approved forest stewardship or woodland management plan. The bill also amends existing laws to include woodlands in definitions related to land preservation programs and allows for the use of constitutionally dedicated corporation business tax revenues from the "Preserve New Jersey Farmland Preservation Fund" to finance the acquisition of these woodland development easements, coordinating with federal programs like the Forest Legacy Program. The SADC will be required to adopt rules and regulations for the program within one year of the bill's enactment.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S699