New Mexico § 68-2-32 - Tree plantings; promotions and programs; duties of the division and the state forester; authorizing regulations; tree planting program applications

§ 68-2-32. Tree plantings; promotions and programs; duties of the division and the state forester; authorizing regulations; tree planting program applications

A. The division shall promote the importance of planting trees for soil, energy and

water conservation, to enhance the state's beauty and generally to protect and improve

the quality of the environment. The division shall attempt, through the promotion of tree planting campaigns and

other efforts, including public education, to grant or sell trees to individuals and

groups to provide for effective planting of trees throughout the state. B. To promote tree planting, the division shall implement, in harmony, the New Mexico

Forest Re-Leaf Act and the conservation planting revolving fund provided for in Section 68-2-21 NMSA 1978 . The division is authorized to adopt regulations necessary or appropriate to administer

and achieve the purposes of the New Mexico Forest Re-Leaf Act and the conservation

planting revolving fund. C. Persons may apply to the division, on forms and in accordance with rules and procedures

the division may adopt, for grants or purchases of trees to plant in the state. The division shall encourage applications from schools and universities, environmental

education programs and civic and community groups. Each application shall indicate whether any applicable local soil and water conservation

district has reviewed and approved the application. D. Applications to receive and plant trees shall be granted or denied by the division

in accordance with criteria the division shall establish. In granting applications, the division shall ensure that no less than twenty percent

of the balance of the conservation planting revolving fund shall be granted free to

groups or individuals in any fiscal year for the purpose of planting trees.