There is created and established a division to be known as the division of forestry, which shall be administered as a division of the department of agriculture. The division will be under the direct supervision of the state forester.
It is the purpose of the division to develop, implement, and promote those public forestry programs and policies that protect, conserve, and efficiently utilize the state’s forest resources.
The division of forestry is authorized to accept gifts, donations or contributions of land suitable for forestry purposes.
The division and each county, municipality or other political subdivision of the state are empowered to expend money from available sources to purchase or to aid in the purchase of areas of land for forestry purposes within the meaning of this chapter, such areas to become the property of the state, to be improved, cared […]
The division is authorized to implement and develop programs to protect the state’s forests.
The division, through its authorized employees and agents, may, at any time, go upon any land within this state for the purpose of investigating, preventing, or controlling forest, woods, brush, or grass fires of any nature, or to take other action necessary for the control of forest disease, insects, and other pests without incurring liability […]
The legislative bodies of counties within the state are authorized and empowered to cooperate with the division of forestry in the protection of forests within their respective counties from fire and forest pests. The county legislative bodies are authorized to appropriate and pay out of the funds under their control, such amounts as may be […]
The division of forestry, with the approval of the commissioner, may execute agreements with federal agencies for providing fire detection, presuppression, and suppression services on federal lands.
The division has the power to enforce all conservation laws and regulations of the state affecting matters or materials under the jurisdiction of the division.
Any person, firm, or corporation negligently or willfully setting fires shall be civilly liable to the division for any expenses incurred in extinguishing such fires.
The division is authorized to give grants to rural communities for the purposes of organizing, training, and equipping participating volunteer fire control organizations. Funds may be made available annually to organizations on a matching cost share basis. To qualify for funding and/or equipment, organizations must enter into cooperative fire protection agreements with the division. The […]
