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Bill > A1863
NJ A1863
NJ A1863Requires State entities engaging in projects resulting in deforestation of any size to submit plan to DEP for no net loss of forested areas.
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
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 nonet 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
This bill expands existing law to require any state entity undertaking a project that results in deforestation, regardless of size, to submit a plan to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for approval, ensuring no net loss of forested areas. Previously, this requirement, known as the compensatory reforestation program, only applied to projects deforesting at least half an acre. The bill eliminates this minimum size threshold, meaning even small-scale deforestation will necessitate a plan for replanting trees to match the density and maturity of the deforested area, based on accepted forestry practices and a calculated "Tree Replacement Factor" (TRF). These plans must be approved by the Division of Parks and Forestry within the DEP before any deforestation can begin, and if on-site replanting isn't feasible, it must occur within the same municipality, then within five miles, or off-site, with specific guidelines for tree species and planting methods.
Committee Categories
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee (on 01/13/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/A1863 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A2000/1863_I1.HTM |
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