Source: http://pocahontascommentatorplus.blogspot.com/2018/03/danger-danger-danger.html
Timestamp: 2019-04-20 20:15:57+00:00

Document:
A BILL to amend and reenact §20-1-2 and §20-1-7 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended; and to amend said code by adding thereto a new section, designated §20-1-7a, all relating to authorizing the Director of the Division of Natural Resources to implement a sound silvicultural management plan for state park lands, which may include the harvesting and sale of timber; providing requirements for the sale of timber located on state park lands; providing requirements for the deposit and expenditure of proceeds; and authorizing emergency rule-making authority.
“Game animals” includes: (a) The elk; (b) the deer; (c) the cottontail rabbits and hares; (d) the fox squirrels, commonly called red squirrels, and gray squirrels and all their color phases - red, gray, black or albino; (e) the raccoon; (f) the black bear; (g) the wild boar; and (h) the marmot monax, more commonly known as woodchuck or groundhog. The term “game animals” does not include captive cervids regulated pursuant to §19-2H-1 et seq. of this code.
“Preserve” means all duly licensed private game farmlands, or private plants, ponds or areas, where hunting or fishing is permitted under special licenses or seasons other than the regular public hunting or fishing seasons. The term “preserve” does not include captive cervid farming facilities regulated pursuant to §19-2H-1 et seq. of this code.
“Tract” means any area of a state park not generally utilized by the public and designated as eligible for harvesting pursuant to the provisions of §20-1-7a of this code.
“Wild animals” means all mammals native to the State of West Virginia occurring either in a natural state or in captivity, except house mice or rats, and includes coyotes and porcupines and all species of cervids. The term “wild animals” does not include captive cervids ownedand possessed by persons licensed pursuant to §19-2H-1 et seq. of this code.
“Wildlife” means wild birds, wild animals, game and fur-bearing animals, fish (including minnows), reptiles, amphibians, mollusks, crustaceans and all forms of aquatic life used as fish bait, whether dead or alive. The term “wildlife” does not include captive cervids regulated pursuant to 19-2H-1 et seq. of this code.
(2) Sign and execute in the name of the state by the Division of Natural Resources any contract or agreement with the federal government or its departments or agencies, subdivisions of the state, corporations, associations, partnerships or individuals: Provided, That intergovernmental cooperative agreements and agreements with nongovernmental organizations in furtherance of providing a comprehensive program for the exploration, conservation, development, protection, enjoyment and use of the natural resources of the state are exempt from the provisions of §5A-3-1 et seq. of this code: Provided, however, That repair and related construction contracts necessary to protect public health or safety or to provide uninterrupted enjoyment and public use of state parks, state forests, wildlife management areas and state natural areas under the jurisdiction of the Division of Natural Resources are exempt from the provisions of §5A-3-1 et seq. of this code. Nothing in this section shall authorize the construction or replacement of capital improvements without complying with the provisions of §5A-3-1 et seq. of this code.
(30) Promulgate rules, in accordance with the provisions of §29A-1-1 et seq. of this code, to implement and make effective the powers and duties vested in him or her by the provisions of this chapter and take such other steps as may be necessary in his or her discretion for the proper and effective enforcement of the provisions of this chapter.
§20-1-7a. Sound Silvicultural Management of State Park Lands.
(a) The director is hereby authorized to implement a sound silvicultural management plan for state park lands under his or her control. The director may select and sell timber located on state park lands only as part of a sound silvicultural management plan implemented pursuant to this section.
(b) The director, the state park superintendent of the property being analyzed, and the Director of the Division of Forestry shall determine the most effective management plan and write necessary prescriptions to ensure the successful implementation of the sound silvicultural management plan.
(c) Any prescriptions written relating to timber harvesting shall not exceed the average of four trees per acre per tract nor more than one half of the merchantable timber volume of the acre. Only trees with a circumference of at least sixteen inches based on the diameter at breast height, may be harvested.
(d) Any harvesting of timber from state park lands shall be conducted pursuant to the provisions of §21-1-7(13) of this code: Provided, That the proceeds arising from a sale of timber located on state park lands shall be paid to the State Treasurer, credited to the division, and used exclusively for the purposes of maintaining, improving, and operating state parks.
(e) The division may promulgate emergency rules pursuant to §29A-3-15 of this code in order to carry out the intent of this section, prevent additional harm to state lands, and protect the public interests.
NOTE: The purpose of this bill is to authorize the Director of the Division of Natural Resources to implement a sound silvicultural management plan for state park lands, which may include the harvesting of timber provided that certain requirements are satisfied.

References: §20
 §20
 §20
 §19
 §19
 §20
 §19
 §5
 §5
 §5
 §29

§20
 §21
 §29