HB 1245-S2 - DIGEST


(AS OF HOUSE 2ND READING 3/11/03)


Finds that it is in the best interest of the trust beneficiaries to capture additional revenues while providing for additional environmental protection on timber sales.

Finds that contract harvesting is one method to achieve these desired outcomes.

Directs the department of natural resources to establish and implement contract harvesting where there exists the ability to increase revenues for the beneficiaries of the trusts while obtaining increases in environmental protection.

Authorizes the department to establish a contract harvesting program by directly contracting for the removal of timber and other valuable materials from state lands.

Provides that the contract requirements must be compatible with the office of financial management's guide to public service contracts.

Declares that the department may not use contract harvesting for more than ten percent of the total annual volume of timber offered for sale.

Requires the board of natural resources to determine whether any special appraisal practices are necessary for logs sold by the contract harvesting processes, and if so, to adopt the special appraisal practices or procedures.

Requires the board of natural resources to establish and adopt policy and procedures by which the department evaluates and selects certified contract harvesters. The procedures must include a method whereby a certified contract harvester may appeal a decision by the department or board of natural resources to not include the certified contract harvester on the list of approved contract harvesters.

Requires the department of natural resources to provide a report to the appropriate committees of the legislature concerning the costs and effectiveness of the contract harvesting program. The report must be submitted by December 31, 2006.