New Jersey § 13:1l-28

§ 13:1l-28.

a. The council shall act in an advisory capacity to the Department of Environmental

Protection, through the Division of Parks and Forestry, in making public policy to

minimize the threat of forest health issues to New Jersey's forests and community

trees. The council shall: (1) study and track the eastward spread of Sudden Oak Death

and the impact and spread of Bacterial Leaf Scorch and other potential forest health

issues; (2) evaluate New Jersey's susceptibility to these forest health issues and

their impact on New Jersey's forests and community trees; (3) make recommendations

to the Commissioner of Environmental Protection and officials of other appropriate

State departments and agencies regarding prevention, management, treatment, control

and spread of forest health issues; (4) conduct research, as necessary, on forest

health issues, and seek advice, counsel and resources from State and federal sources

to address them; and (5) conduct a public outreach and education program to inform

the public about forest health issues. b. The council shall annually submit a written report of its findings and recommendations,

including any recommended legislation, to the Governor, the President of the Senate,

and the Speaker of the General Assembly, and to the chairpersons of the Senate Environment

Committee and the Assembly Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, or their successor

committees.