Bill > AB2494

This bill redefines the purpose and management of state forests in California, shifting the focus from maximizing timber production to prioritizing biodiversity conservation, fire resilience, carbon storage, climate resiliency, equitable forest access, wildlife and recreation opportunities, and compatible research. It also emphasizes respecting California Native American tribal sovereignty and integrating indigenous traditional ecological knowledge into forest management. Under the proposed changes, the sale of timber and other forest products from state forests would be permitted only for ecological restoration or research purposes, and the use of state forest lands for mining would be prohibited. Additionally, all recreational user fees and revenue from the sale of forest products and other generated funds from demonstration state forests would be deposited into the Timber Regulation and Forest Restoration Fund, which would then be used to support these demonstration state forests. The bill also mandates updated reporting requirements for forest and timberland regulation activities, including staffing needs and costs, to improve efficiency.

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB2494