Bill > HB1752

This bill establishes a comprehensive framework for timber harvesting in New Hampshire, requiring detailed documentation and oversight of forestry activities. It creates new regulations that mandate landowners or their designated agents file a notice of intent to cut with the municipality and the division of forests and lands before commercial timber harvesting, with all parties involved required to sign the notification. The bill introduces specific provisions for large clearcuts over 75 acres, which must be accompanied by a harvest plan prepared by a licensed forester, and sets requirements for timber harvesting in environmentally sensitive areas like wetlands and shoreland protection zones. Additionally, the bill expands scale slip documentation to include more detailed information such as the delivery company name, landowner or representative name, and lot number and address. The legislation aims to improve transparency and tracking in the timber industry by establishing a chain of custody system, with exemptions for small-scale tree removal and personal use harvesting. Notably, the bill will take effect on January 1, 2027, and while it does not provide direct funding, it is expected to potentially increase administrative costs for state agencies, particularly the Department of Environmental Services, which may need to develop new certification and training programs related to erosion and sedimentation control.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_Status/billinfo.aspx?id=2165&inflect=2