Bill > A2092

Introduced Session

This bill would expand current law to require State entities engaging in projects of any size resulting in deforestation to submit a plan to DEP for no net loss of forested areas. The requirement to develop a reforestation plan, commonly called the no net loss compensatory reforestation program, currently applies to State entities that are engaging in projects that would deforest land at least one-half acre in size. This bill would eliminate the one-half acre threshold and require State entities to develop and submit a plan for compensatory reforestation of areas of any size that are scheduled for deforestation. The New Jersey Global Warming Response Act 2020 80x50 Report recommended that lowering or eliminating the one-half acre threshold could help to ensure greater protection of the State's natural resources. Compensatory reforestation plans are required to be approved by the Division of Parks and Forestry in the Department of Environmental Protection prior to the commencement of a deforestation project. Compensatory reforestation plans provide for the maturity of the forest that is to be deforested to be assessed and for the reforestation plan to provide for comparable tree density based on accepted forestry and research practices, so that there is no net loss of trees across the State as a result of deforestation projects. This effort will help to ensure that trees deforested, as a result of construction projects, are replanted elsewhere.

AI Summary

Committee Categories

Jim Kennedy (D)*,  Anthony Verrelli (D)*, 

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Environment, Natural Resources, and Solid Waste Committee (on 01/09/2024)

Official Document