reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 California Code › Public Resources Code - PRC › DIVISION 4 - FORESTS, FORESTRY AND RANGE AND FORAGE LANDS › PART 2 - PROTECTION OF FOREST, RANGE AND FORAGE LANDS › CHAPTER 10 - Protection of Forest and Lands › ARTICLE 5 - Forest Insect and Plant Disease Control › Section 4716.

4716. (a) Whenever the director determines that there exists an area that is infested or infected with insect pests or plant diseases injurious to timber or forest growth and that the infestation or infection is of such a character as to be a menace to the timber or timberlands of adjacent owners, the director, with the approval of the board, may declare the existence of a zone of infestation or infection, and describe and fix its boundaries.
(b) If the director declares the existence of a zone of infestation or infection pursuant to subdivision (a), the department or its agents may go upon state and private lands within the zone of infestation or infection and shall cause the infestation or infection to be eradicated or controlled in a manner that is approved by the board.
(c) (1) Within a zone of infestation or infection, the department may remove live vegetation directly adjacent to dead or dying vegetation that is substantially at risk of infestation or infection.
(2) The department may also remove soil that harbors or could reasonably harbor insects or pathogens injurious to timber or forest growth, and that have the potential to facilitate the spread of insects or pathogens to live trees or could substantially increase the risk of subsequent infestations or infections.
(Amended by Stats. 2008, Ch. 365, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2009.)
2023 California Code › Public Resources Code - PRC › DIVISION 4 - FORESTS, FORESTRY AND RANGE AND FORAGE LANDS › PART 2 - PROTECTION OF FOREST, RANGE AND FORAGE LANDS › CHAPTER 10 - Protection of Forest and Lands › ARTICLE 5 - Forest Insect and Plant Disease Control › Section 4717.

4717. The department may make the necessary surveys and appraisals to obtain pertinent data and information on insect infestations and disease infections. The department may make expenditures for that purpose.
(Amended by Stats. 1976, Ch. 1300.)
2023 California Code › Public Resources Code - PRC › DIVISION 4 - FORESTS, FORESTRY AND RANGE AND FORAGE LANDS › PART 2 - PROTECTION OF FOREST, RANGE AND FORAGE LANDS › CHAPTER 10 - Protection of Forest and Lands › ARTICLE 5 - Forest Insect and Plant Disease Control › Section 4718.

4718. If the director determines that insect or disease control work within the designated zone of infestation or infection is no longer necessary or feasible the director shall, with the approval of the board, dissolve the zone.
(Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 133, Sec. 94. (SB 272) Effective July 23, 2021.)
2023 California Code › Public Resources Code - PRC › DIVISION 4 - FORESTS, FORESTRY AND RANGE AND FORAGE LANDS › PART 2 - PROTECTION OF FOREST, RANGE AND FORAGE LANDS › CHAPTER 10 - Protection of Forest and Lands › ARTICLE 6 - Preservation of Big Trees › Section 4721.

4721. It is the policy of the state to preserve as far as possible the species Sequoia gigantea in the interest of conservation, both of soil and of the species itself, and for the benefit of present and future generations.
(Added by Stats. 1965, Ch. 1144.)
2023 California Code › Public Resources Code - PRC › DIVISION 4 - FORESTS, FORESTRY AND RANGE AND FORAGE LANDS › PART 2 - PROTECTION OF FOREST, RANGE AND FORAGE LANDS › CHAPTER 10 - Protection of Forest and Lands › ARTICLE 6 - Preservation of Big Trees › Section 4722.

4722. Upon the finding of the Department of Parks and Recreation or the director, or both, that any Sequoia gigantea grove is suitably situated and is of a size and character which justifies its preservation by and for the public, it is the policy of the state to acquire the grove for preservation and conservation purposes.
(Amended by Stats. 1976, Ch. 1300.)
2023 California Code › Public Resources Code - PRC › DIVISION 4 - FORESTS, FORESTRY AND RANGE AND FORAGE LANDS › PART 2 - PROTECTION OF FOREST, RANGE AND FORAGE LANDS › CHAPTER 10 - Protection of Forest and Lands › ARTICLE 6 - Preservation of Big Trees › Section 4723.

4723. Pursuant to Sections 4721 and 4722, the Department of Parks and Recreation, or the department, on favorable recommendation of the board, may acquire any forested lands on which are found growing trees of the species Sequoia gigantea when, in the opinion of the commission or the board, the acquisition of such forested lands is necessary to the preservation of the Sequoia trees and to the public welfare.
(Amended by Stats. 1976, Ch. 1300.)
2023 California Code › Public Resources Code - PRC › DIVISION 4 - FORESTS, FORESTRY AND RANGE AND FORAGE LANDS › PART 2 - PROTECTION OF FOREST, RANGE AND FORAGE LANDS › CHAPTER 10 - Protection of Forest and Lands › ARTICLE 6 - Preservation of Big Trees › Section 4725.

4725. Nothing in this article shall be construed as establishing a policy to acquire any such Sequoia gigantea groves for preservation and conservation out of any money appropriated for acquisition of land for park purposes by Chapter 1422, Statutes of 1945.
(Added by Stats. 1965, Ch. 1144.)
2023 California Code › Public Resources Code - PRC › DIVISION 4 - FORESTS, FORESTRY AND RANGE AND FORAGE LANDS › PART 2 - PROTECTION OF FOREST, RANGE AND FORAGE LANDS › CHAPTER 10 - Protection of Forest and Lands › ARTICLE 6 - Preservation of Big Trees › Section 4726.

4726. Any person who willfully cuts down, strips of its bark, or destroys by fire, any tree “over 16 feet in diameter,” in the groves of big trees situated in the Counties of Fresno, Tulare, or Kern, is guilty of a misdemeanor, and is punishable by fine of not less than one hundred dollars ($100) nor more than six hundred dollars ($600), or by imprisonment in the county jail not less than 25 days nor more than 150 days, or by both such fine and imprisonment.
(Amended by Stats. 1983, Ch. 1092, Sec. 342. Effective September 27, 1983. Operative January 1, 1984, by Sec. 427 of Ch. 1092.)
2023 California Code › Public Resources Code - PRC › DIVISION 4 - FORESTS, FORESTRY AND RANGE AND FORAGE LANDS › PART 2 - PROTECTION OF FOREST, RANGE AND FORAGE LANDS › CHAPTER 10 - Protection of Forest and Lands › ARTICLE 6 - Preservation of Big Trees › Section 4727.

4727. Upon the arrest and conviction of any person for violation of Section 4726, the party informing is entitled to one-half of the fines collected.
(Added by Stats. 1965, Ch. 1144.)
2023 California Code › Public Resources Code - PRC › DIVISION 4 - FORESTS, FORESTRY AND RANGE AND FORAGE LANDS › PART 2 - PROTECTION OF FOREST, RANGE AND FORAGE LANDS › CHAPTER 10 - Protection of Forest and Lands › ARTICLE 7 - Protection and Development Corporations › Section 4731.

4731. Corporations may be formed under the general corporation laws of this state for the protection and development of forest and other renewable natural resources, except as the provisions of such laws are modified or extended by the provisions of this article.
(Added by Stats. 1965, Ch. 1144.)
2023 California Code › Public Resources Code - PRC › DIVISION 4 - FORESTS, FORESTRY AND RANGE AND FORAGE LANDS › PART 2 - PROTECTION OF FOREST, RANGE AND FORAGE LANDS › CHAPTER 10 - Protection of Forest and Lands › ARTICLE 7 - Protection and Development Corporations › Section 4732.

4732. All shares of stock issued by the corporation shall have a par value, and, in addition to other requirements prescribed by law, the articles of incorporation shall set forth all of the following:
(a) That one of the purposes for which the corporation is formed is the protection and development of forest and other renewable natural resources.
(b) The par value of all shares of capital stock of the corporation.
(c) All projects for the protection and development of forests or other renewable natural resources undertaken by the corporation shall, at all times, be subject to the supervision and regulation of the state through the board or other appropriate state authority and subject to the provisions of this article.
(Added by Stats. 1965, Ch. 1144.)
2023 California Code › Public Resources Code - PRC › DIVISION 4 - FORESTS, FORESTRY AND RANGE AND FORAGE LANDS › PART 2 - PROTECTION OF FOREST, RANGE AND FORAGE LANDS › CHAPTER 10 - Protection of Forest and Lands › ARTICLE 7 - Protection and Development Corporations › Section 4733.

4733. No shareholder of any corporation formed pursuant to this article shall receive or accept from the corporation in repayment of his investment in its shares any sum in excess of the par value of the shares together with current dividends of not to exceed 7 percent per annum of the par value and any cumulative dividends to which the shareholder may be entitled.
(Added by Stats. 1965, Ch. 1144.)
2023 California Code › Public Resources Code - PRC › DIVISION 4 - FORESTS, FORESTRY AND RANGE AND FORAGE LANDS › PART 2 - PROTECTION OF FOREST, RANGE AND FORAGE LANDS › CHAPTER 10 - Protection of Forest and Lands › ARTICLE 7 - Protection and Development Corporations › Section 4734.

4734. Any corporation formed pursuant to this article may, if so authorized by the Commissioner of Financial Protection and Innovation, borrow money from or sell, pledge, or discount its securities to any corporation or agency established under the authority of the federal government.
(Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 452, Sec. 209. (SB 1498) Effective January 1, 2023.)
2023 California Code › Public Resources Code - PRC › DIVISION 4 - FORESTS, FORESTRY AND RANGE AND FORAGE LANDS › PART 2 - PROTECTION OF FOREST, RANGE AND FORAGE LANDS › CHAPTER 10 - Protection of Forest and Lands › ARTICLE 7 - Protection and Development Corporations › Section 4735.

4735. Any corporation operating in or upon forests or forest lands of this state which borrows money from any corporation or agency established under the authority of the federal government for the purpose of conducting lumber operations shall thereupon automatically become subject to this article.
(Added by Stats. 1965, Ch. 1144.)
2023 California Code › Public Resources Code - PRC › DIVISION 4 - FORESTS, FORESTRY AND RANGE AND FORAGE LANDS › PART 2 - PROTECTION OF FOREST, RANGE AND FORAGE LANDS › CHAPTER 10 - Protection of Forest and Lands › ARTICLE 7 - Protection and Development Corporations › Section 4736.

4736. No operation of a corporation operating pursuant to this article, involving the cutting of timber or other work upon forest lands shall be commenced without the approval of the board. For the purpose of regulating the conduct of such corporations the board shall establish reasonable regulations regarding adequate fire protection, protection of timber against infestation of forest insects, protection against tree disease epidemics, and provision for natural or artificial reforestation of the areas cut over. The board may make such other reasonable regulations regarding the operation of such corporations as in its opinion is necessary for the proper preservation or protection of the forests and forest lands.
(Added by Stats. 1965, Ch. 1144.)
2023 California Code › Public Resources Code - PRC › DIVISION 4 - FORESTS, FORESTRY AND RANGE AND FORAGE LANDS › PART 2 - PROTECTION OF FOREST, RANGE AND FORAGE LANDS › CHAPTER 10 - Protection of Forest and Lands › ARTICLE 7 - Protection and Development Corporations › Section 4737.

4737. The board shall make regular examination of the properties of such corporations during the operating season at intervals of not more than two months apart. Following such examination a report shall be submitted to the public agency from which loans have been made to the corporation. The cost of such examination shall be charged to and paid by the corporation whose property is examined. If in the opinion of the board the plan of forest management is not being adhered to, the board shall notify the lumber operators and the lender of this fact.
(Added by Stats. 1965, Ch. 1144.)
2023 California Code › Public Resources Code - PRC › DIVISION 4 - FORESTS, FORESTRY AND RANGE AND FORAGE LANDS › PART 2 - PROTECTION OF FOREST, RANGE AND FORAGE LANDS › CHAPTER 10 - Protection of Forest and Lands › ARTICLE 7 - Protection and Development Corporations › Section 4738.

4738. The operation of any corporation formed pursuant to this article shall, in addition to the requirements of this article, be subject to any stipulations or provisions contained in any contract which may be entered into between the corporation and the corporation or agency established under the authority of the federal government which may have loaned or advanced funds for the operations of the corporation.
(Added by Stats. 1965, Ch. 1144.)
2023 California Code › Public Resources Code - PRC › DIVISION 4 - FORESTS, FORESTRY AND RANGE AND FORAGE LANDS › PART 2 - PROTECTION OF FOREST, RANGE AND FORAGE LANDS › CHAPTER 10 - Protection of Forest and Lands › ARTICLE 8 - Wildland Fire Prevention and Vegetation Management › Section 4740.

4740. The Legislature hereby finds and declares all of the following:
(a) The department has extensive technical expertise in wildland fire prevention and vegetation management on forest, range, and watershed lands. When appropriately applied, this expertise can have significant public resource benefits, including decreasing high-intensity wildland fires, improving watershed management, range improvement, improving vegetation management, forest improvement, wildlife habitat improvement, restoring ecological integrity and resilience, improving community wildfire protection, improving carbon resilience, providing enhancement of culturally important resources, and maintenance of air quality.
(b) Because of the scope of the problem of high-intensity wildland fires and expertise of the department, local governments, including cities, counties, and special districts, need assistance in preventing future problems resulting from inadequate fire prevention planning and vegetation management.
(c) California will benefit if existing state expertise is made available to local governments, including cities, counties, and special districts, thereby integrating those efforts.
(Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 755, Sec. 1. (AB 1570) Effective January 1, 2022.)
2023 California Code › Public Resources Code - PRC › DIVISION 4 - FORESTS, FORESTRY AND RANGE AND FORAGE LANDS › PART 2 - PROTECTION OF FOREST, RANGE AND FORAGE LANDS › CHAPTER 10 - Protection of Forest and Lands › ARTICLE 8 - Wildland Fire Prevention and Vegetation Management › Section 4741.

4741. (a) In accordance with policies established by the board, the department shall assist local governments in preventing future high-intensity wildland fires and instituting appropriate fuels management by making its wildland fire prevention and vegetation management expertise available to local governments to the extent possible within the department’s budgetary limitations.
(b) Any department recommendations made pursuant to subdivision (a) shall be advisory in nature and local governments shall not be required to follow those recommendations.
(c) This section does not alter the existing obligations of a local government or affect the existing liability of any local government.
(d) For purposes of this section, “local governments” include cities, counties, and special districts.
(Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 755, Sec. 2. (AB 1570) Effective January 1, 2022.)
2023 California Code › Public Resources Code - PRC › DIVISION 4 - FORESTS, FORESTRY AND RANGE AND FORAGE LANDS › PART 2 - PROTECTION OF FOREST, RANGE AND FORAGE LANDS › CHAPTER 10 - Protection of Forest and Lands › ARTICLE 8 - Wildland Fire Prevention and Vegetation Management › Section 4742.

4742. (a) The state recognizes the problem of recruitment and retention of foresters who engage in fuel reduction at the department. Due to the continuing need to recruit new foresters to fill vacancies, retain seasoned fuel reduction experts, reduce turnover rates, and provide comparability in pay to effectively compete with other positions at the department and ensure necessary staffing levels, salaries and classifications should be improved and maintained by the department.
(b) To carry out the intent of subdivision (a), the department shall take into consideration the salary, classification, and recruitment efforts for its personnel that conducts fuel reduction to fill vacancies and retain seasoned fuel reduction experts.
(c) The department shall, to the extent feasible, engage in recruitment efforts with California Native American tribes, tribal organizations, and cultural fire practitioners to fill vacancies in positions that engage in fuel reduction on behalf of the department.
(Added by Stats. 2021, Ch. 375, Sec. 15. (AB 642) Effective January 1, 2022.)
2023 California Code › Public Resources Code - PRC › DIVISION 4 - FORESTS, FORESTRY AND RANGE AND FORAGE LANDS › PART 2 - PROTECTION OF FOREST, RANGE AND FORAGE LANDS › CHAPTER 10 - Protection of Forest and Lands › ARTICLE 9 - Sudden Oak Death Management Act of 2002 › Section 4750.

4750. This article shall be known and may be cited as the Sudden Oak Death Management Act of 2002.
(Added by Stats. 2002, Ch. 854, Sec. 1. Effective September 25, 2002.)
2023 California Code › Public Resources Code - PRC › DIVISION 4 - FORESTS, FORESTRY AND RANGE AND FORAGE LANDS › PART 2 - PROTECTION OF FOREST, RANGE AND FORAGE LANDS › CHAPTER 10 - Protection of Forest and Lands › ARTICLE 9 - Sudden Oak Death Management Act of 2002 › Section 4750.2.

4750.2. As used in this article, “task force” means the California Oak Mortality Task Force.
(Added by Stats. 2002, Ch. 854, Sec. 1. Effective September 25, 2002.)
2023 California Code › Public Resources Code - PRC › DIVISION 4 - FORESTS, FORESTRY AND RANGE AND FORAGE LANDS › PART 2 - PROTECTION OF FOREST, RANGE AND FORAGE LANDS › CHAPTER 10 - Protection of Forest and Lands › ARTICLE 9 - Sudden Oak Death Management Act of 2002 › Section 4750.3.

4750.3. It is hereby declared to be the policy of the state, to the extent feasible, to stop the spread of sudden oak death and conserve oak trees and other plant species affected by the disease. The purpose of this article is to accomplish all of the following:
(a) Prevent the introduction and spread within this state of sudden oak death caused by Phytophthora ramorum.
(b) Reduce or eliminate the loss of oak trees and other plant species infected with Phytophthora ramorum.
(c) Encourage the coordination of efforts between federal, state, and local agencies and organizations to effectively allocate resources to manage Phytophthora ramorum.
(Added by Stats. 2002, Ch. 854, Sec. 1. Effective September 25, 2002.)
2023 California Code › Public Resources Code - PRC › DIVISION 4 - FORESTS, FORESTRY AND RANGE AND FORAGE LANDS › PART 2 - PROTECTION OF FOREST, RANGE AND FORAGE LANDS › CHAPTER 10 - Protection of Forest and Lands › ARTICLE 9 - Sudden Oak Death Management Act of 2002 › Section 4750.4.

4750.4. (a) (1) The department shall implement a program to detect, remove, and treat, if possible, trees infected with Phytophthora ramorum. This program shall encourage tree management and replanting in urban and other infected areas and assist counties in seeking innovative solutions to problems caused by Phytophthora ramorum.
(2) The department is primarily responsible for carrying out the intent of this article in cooperation with the task force and other private and public entities or persons and appropriate local, state, and federal agencies.
(b) (1) The department shall cooperate with those agencies of the federal government that have powers and duties concerning forestry, and shall perform all actions necessary to secure for this state the benefits of federal forestry programs.
(2) To facilitate the implementation of this article, the director may enter into agreements and contracts with any public or private entity, including any local agency, that has forestry related jurisdictional responsibilities. The director may consult with those entities and agencies when carrying out the objectives of this article.
(c) The director shall take all necessary steps to prevent or retard the introduction, establishment, and spread of Phytophthora ramorum.
(d) The department and the Department of Food and Agriculture shall cooperate in setting quarantine boundary lines, if necessary, and in enforcing the provisions relating to plant quarantine and pest control in Division 4 (commencing with Section 5001) of the Food and Agricultural Code if a quarantine is established with regard to Phytophthora ramorum.
(Added by Stats. 2002, Ch. 854, Sec. 1. Effective September 25, 2002.)
2023 California Code › Public Resources Code - PRC › DIVISION 4 - FORESTS, FORESTRY AND RANGE AND FORAGE LANDS › PART 2 - PROTECTION OF FOREST, RANGE AND FORAGE LANDS › CHAPTER 10 - Protection of Forest and Lands › ARTICLE 9 - Sudden Oak Death Management Act of 2002 › Section 4750.5.

4750.5. (a) The department shall provide information and technical assistance to cities, counties, districts, regional entities, homeowner neighborhood groups, and nonprofit organizations on Phytophthora ramorum.
(b) The department and any other state agency may assist local tree maintenance programs by loaning surplus equipment for regional and local urban forestry. Eligible programs shall include, but are not limited to, urban tree care by nonprofit organizations.
(Added by Stats. 2002, Ch. 854, Sec. 1. Effective September 25, 2002.)
2023 California Code › Public Resources Code - PRC › DIVISION 4 - FORESTS, FORESTRY AND RANGE AND FORAGE LANDS › PART 2 - PROTECTION OF FOREST, RANGE AND FORAGE LANDS › CHAPTER 10 - Protection of Forest and Lands › ARTICLE 9 - Sudden Oak Death Management Act of 2002 › Section 4750.6.

4750.6. The director, with advice from the task force, may enter into contracts to provide assistance for project costs associated with the implementation of this article. Eligible projects shall include all of the following:
(a) Infected tree detection, including coordination of local agency efforts and citizen involvement.
(b) Funding for seedlings, tree stock, and replanting.
(c) Other categories of projects recommended by the task force and approved by the director.
(Added by Stats. 2002, Ch. 854, Sec. 1. Effective September 25, 2002.)
2023 California Code › Public Resources Code - PRC › DIVISION 4 - FORESTS, FORESTRY AND RANGE AND FORAGE LANDS › PART 2 - PROTECTION OF FOREST, RANGE AND FORAGE LANDS › CHAPTER 10 - Protection of Forest and Lands › ARTICLE 10 - Conservation Easements on Forested Lands › Section 4751.

4751. (a) (1) Except as provided in Section 4752, this section shall apply to any conservation easement, as defined in Section 815.1 of the Civil Code, contracted for purchase with state funds on or after January 1, 2023, wherein land subject to the easement is composed of existing forest lands, as defined in subdivision (g) of Section 12220, covering at least 40 acres, except as provided in paragraph (2).
(2) The 40-acre minimum in paragraph (1) shall not apply if the land subject to the easement has been zoned as a timberland production zone pursuant to Section 51112 or 51113 of the Government Code, and as defined in subdivision (g) of Section 51104 of the Government Code.
(3) This section shall not apply to a conservation trail easement when the primary purpose is for public access to a trail.
(b) To the extent not in conflict with federal law, the terms of any applicable bond, or the requirements of any other funding source, the landowner shall agree, as part of the easement management plan, to maintain and improve forest health through promotion of a more natural tree density, species composition, structure, and habitat function, to make improvements that increase the land’s ability to provide resilient, long-term carbon sequestration and net carbon stores as well as watershed functions, to provide for the retention of larger trees and a natural range of age classes, and to ensure the growth and retention of these larger trees over time.
(Added by Stats. 2022, Ch. 131, Sec. 2. (AB 2966) Effective January 1, 2023.)
2023 California Code › Public Resources Code - PRC › DIVISION 4 - FORESTS, FORESTRY AND RANGE AND FORAGE LANDS › PART 2 - PROTECTION OF FOREST, RANGE AND FORAGE LANDS › CHAPTER 10 - Protection of Forest and Lands › ARTICLE 10 - Conservation Easements on Forested Lands › Section 4752.

4752. For any conservation easement purchased with state funds on or after January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2022, inclusive, wherein land subject to the easement includes some forest lands, or consists completely of forest lands, to the extent not in conflict with federal law, the terms of any applicable bond, or the requirements of any other funding source, the landowner shall agree, as part of the easement management plan, to maintain and improve forest health through promotion of a more natural tree density, species composition structure, and habitat function, to make improvements that increase the land’s ability to provide resilient, long-term carbon sequestration and net carbon stores as well as watershed functions, to provide for the retention of larger trees and a natural range of age classes, and to ensure the growth and retention of these larger trees over time.
(Added by Stats. 2022, Ch. 131, Sec. 2. (AB 2966) Effective January 1, 2023.)
2023 California Code › Public Resources Code - PRC › DIVISION 4 - FORESTS, FORESTRY AND RANGE AND FORAGE LANDS › PART 2 - PROTECTION OF FOREST, RANGE AND FORAGE LANDS › CHAPTER 10 - Protection of Forest and Lands › ARTICLE 11 - California Wildfire and Forest Resilience Action Plan Goals › Section 4770.

4770. For purposes of this article, “task force” has the same meaning as the task force described in Section 4005.
(Added by Stats. 2021, Ch. 387, Sec. 2. (SB 456) Effective January 1, 2022.)
2023 California Code › Public Resources Code - PRC › DIVISION 4 - FORESTS, FORESTRY AND RANGE AND FORAGE LANDS › PART 2 - PROTECTION OF FOREST, RANGE AND FORAGE LANDS › CHAPTER 11 - Range and Forage Lands › ARTICLE 2 - Land Protection and Improvement › Section 4781.

4781. The people of the state have a direct interest in the protection and improvement of public and private lands which are principally used or useful for range or forage purposes for domestic livestock and wildlife. This article is enacted in furtherance of that interest to provide not only for controlled land clearance and revegetation of such lands but also having as its objective fire prevention and protection, watershed protection and conservation, and the prevention of soil erosion.
(Added by Stats. 1965, Ch. 1144.)
2023 California Code › Public Resources Code - PRC › DIVISION 4 - FORESTS, FORESTRY AND RANGE AND FORAGE LANDS › PART 2 - PROTECTION OF FOREST, RANGE AND FORAGE LANDS › CHAPTER 11 - Range and Forage Lands › ARTICLE 2 - Land Protection and Improvement › Section 4782.

4782. This article shall be administered by the department.
(Amended by Stats. 1976, Ch. 1300.)
2023 California Code › Public Resources Code - PRC › DIVISION 4 - FORESTS, FORESTRY AND RANGE AND FORAGE LANDS › PART 2 - PROTECTION OF FOREST, RANGE AND FORAGE LANDS › CHAPTER 11 - Range and Forage Lands › ARTICLE 2 - Land Protection and Improvement › Section 4783.

4783. The department may enter into contracts or cooperative agreements with any person, firm, public or private corporation, district, or municipal corporation, or other political subdivision of the state, or any group or combination of them, that owns or controls brush-covered land within any state responsibility area for the purpose of engaging in controlled land clearance and revegetation, including the burning of brush from such lands, or portions of such lands, under the supervision of the department or by the department.
(Amended by Stats. 1976, Ch. 1300.)
2023 California Code › Public Resources Code - PRC › DIVISION 4 - FORESTS, FORESTRY AND RANGE AND FORAGE LANDS › PART 2 - PROTECTION OF FOREST, RANGE AND FORAGE LANDS › CHAPTER 11 - Range and Forage Lands › ARTICLE 2 - Land Protection and Improvement › Section 4784.

4784. In furtherance of such contracts and agreements, and also independently of them, the department shall engage in experimental land clearance and revegetation of such lands in the interests of protection and improvement of range and forage lands and shall also engage in such research in connection with it as will enable it to determine the value of such methods in relation to the several purposes and interests of the people of the state as set forth in this article.
(Amended by Stats. 1976, Ch. 1300.)
2023 California Code › Public Resources Code - PRC › DIVISION 4 - FORESTS, FORESTRY AND RANGE AND FORAGE LANDS › PART 2 - PROTECTION OF FOREST, RANGE AND FORAGE LANDS › CHAPTER 11 - Range and Forage Lands › ARTICLE 2 - Land Protection and Improvement › Section 4785.

4785. The department shall from time to time prepare reports setting forth data as to experiments conducted and the department’s findings and conclusions with reference to those experiments and submit these reports to the board for its guidance and assistance in determining the policy to be followed by the board with reference to range and forage lands.
(Amended by Stats. 2013, Ch. 356, Sec. 12. (SB 96) Effective September 26, 2013.)
2023 California Code › Public Resources Code - PRC › DIVISION 4 - FORESTS, FORESTRY AND RANGE AND FORAGE LANDS › PART 2 - PROTECTION OF FOREST, RANGE AND FORAGE LANDS › CHAPTER 11 - Range and Forage Lands › ARTICLE 2 - Land Protection and Improvement › Section 4786.

4786. In making such experiments and in conducting or supervising land clearance pursuant to the agreements or contracts contemplated by this article, the department shall have available such fire crews and firefighting equipment as it deems reasonably necessary to prevent the spread of any fire from the area proposed to be cleared, if such equipment and fire crews are not needed for the control of wildfire.
(Amended by Stats. 1976, Ch. 1300.)
2023 California Code › Public Resources Code - PRC › DIVISION 4 - FORESTS, FORESTRY AND RANGE AND FORAGE LANDS › PART 2 - PROTECTION OF FOREST, RANGE AND FORAGE LANDS › CHAPTER 11 - Range and Forage Lands › ARTICLE 2 - Land Protection and Improvement › Section 4787.

4787. The department, with the approval of the board, may make such regulations as are necessary to effectuate the purposes of this article.
(Amended by Stats. 1976, Ch. 1300.)
2023 California Code › Public Resources Code - PRC › DIVISION 4 - FORESTS, FORESTRY AND RANGE AND FORAGE LANDS › PART 2 - PROTECTION OF FOREST, RANGE AND FORAGE LANDS › CHAPTER 11 - Range and Forage Lands › ARTICLE 2 - Land Protection and Improvement › Section 4788.

4788. The department may accept contributions of money from any private source to carry out the powers and duties imposed upon it by this article.
(Amended by Stats. 1976, Ch. 1300.)
2023 California Code › Public Resources Code - PRC › DIVISION 4 - FORESTS, FORESTRY AND RANGE AND FORAGE LANDS › PART 2 - PROTECTION OF FOREST, RANGE AND FORAGE LANDS › CHAPTER 12 - Forest and Rangeland Resources Assessment and Policy Act of 1977 › Section 4789.

4789. This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the Forest and Rangeland Resources Assessment and Policy Act of 1977.
(Amended by Stats. 1984, Ch. 835, Sec. 2.)
2023 California Code › Public Resources Code - PRC › DIVISION 4 - FORESTS, FORESTRY AND RANGE AND FORAGE LANDS › PART 2 - PROTECTION OF FOREST, RANGE AND FORAGE LANDS › CHAPTER 12 - Forest and Rangeland Resources Assessment and Policy Act of 1977 › Section 4789.1.

4789.1. The Legislature finds and declares as follows:
(a) The forest resources of California provide vitally important economic and environmental benefits to the people of California.
(b) Demands on forest resources in California are expected to increase significantly in the next decades.
(c) Forest resources in California are limited.
(d) Better use of forest resources can result where there is good information as to anticipated needs and constraints and the potentials for meeting such needs consistent with Section 4513.
(e) The necessary information is not now available and should be developed.
(f) It is the intent of the Legislature to provide for the assessment of California’s forest resources in order to develop and implement forest resources policies for the state.
(Added by renumbering Section 4801 by Stats. 1980, Ch. 676, Sec. 268.)
2023 California Code › Public Resources Code - PRC › DIVISION 4 - FORESTS, FORESTRY AND RANGE AND FORAGE LANDS › PART 2 - PROTECTION OF FOREST, RANGE AND FORAGE LANDS › CHAPTER 12 - Forest and Rangeland Resources Assessment and Policy Act of 1977 › Section 4789.2.

4789.2. As used in this chapter:
(a) “Board” means the State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection.
(b) “Resources Planning Act” means the Forest and Rangelands Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 (16 U.S.C. Secs. 1601 to 1610, incl.).
(c) “Assessment” means the forest resource assessment and analysis developed pursuant to Section 4789.3.
(d) “Director” means the Director of Forestry and Fire Protection.
(e) “Forest and rangeland resources” means those uses and values associated with, attainable from, or closely tied to, forest and rangelands, including fish, range, recreation, timber, watershed, wilderness, and wildlife.
(f) “Forest land” means timberland defined pursuant to subdivision (g), and other lands that have been withdrawn from timber production, such as units of the state park system, national parks, and wilderness areas.
(g) “Timberland” means land on which is growing a significant stand of trees of commercial species, or potential commercial species, either in public or private ownership or that is generally capable of maintaining a stand of trees in perpetuity and not withdrawn or otherwise devoted to uses other than timber production.
(h) “Timber” means wood fiber of commercial or potential commercial species growing on timberland as defined in subdivision (g).
(i) “Rangeland” means land on which the existing vegetation, whether growing naturally or through management, is suitable for grazing or browsing of domestic livestock for at least a portion of the year. Rangeland includes any natural grasslands, savannas, shrublands (including chaparral), deserts, wetlands, and woodlands (including Eastside ponderosa pine, pinyon, juniper, and oak) which support a vegetative cover of native grasses, grasslike plants, forbs, shrubs, or naturalized species.
(Amended by Stats. 1998, Ch. 972, Sec. 21. Effective January 1, 1999.)
2023 California Code › Public Resources Code - PRC › DIVISION 4 - FORESTS, FORESTRY AND RANGE AND FORAGE LANDS › PART 2 - PROTECTION OF FOREST, RANGE AND FORAGE LANDS › CHAPTER 12 - Forest and Rangeland Resources Assessment and Policy Act of 1977 › Section 4789.4.

4789.4. (a) Based on a review of the assessment prepared pursuant to Section 4789.3, and consistent with Sections 740 and 4513, the board shall prepare a forest resource policy statement.
(b) Such policy statement shall recognize distinct differences between the various public and various private owners of forest resources in the state and should include, insofar as is possible, the following:
(1) A delineation of specific needs and opportunities for promoting both public and private forest resource management programs in California.
(2) A discussion of priorities for accomplishment of program opportunities, with specified costs, results, and possible constraints on implementation.
(3) An analysis of the relation of the alternative forest resource policies to employment opportunities in California.
(Added by renumbering Section 4804 by Stats. 1980, Ch. 676, Sec. 271.)
2023 California Code › Public Resources Code - PRC › DIVISION 4 - FORESTS, FORESTRY AND RANGE AND FORAGE LANDS › PART 2 - PROTECTION OF FOREST, RANGE AND FORAGE LANDS › CHAPTER 12 - Forest and Rangeland Resources Assessment and Policy Act of 1977 › Section 4789.5.

4789.5. The board shall hold public hearings on the assessment and the proposed policy statement prepared pursuant to Sections 4789.3 and 4789.4.
(Added by renumbering Section 4805 by Stats. 1980, Ch. 676, Sec. 272.)
2023 California Code › Public Resources Code - PRC › DIVISION 4 - FORESTS, FORESTRY AND RANGE AND FORAGE LANDS › PART 2 - PROTECTION OF FOREST, RANGE AND FORAGE LANDS › CHAPTER 12 - Forest and Rangeland Resources Assessment and Policy Act of 1977 › Section 4789.6.

4789.6. (a) The board, assisted by the director, shall biennially determine state needs for forest management research and recommend the conduct of needed projects to the Governor and the Legislature.
(b) To facilitate reporting and updating the assessment pursuant to Section 4789.3, the director, under guidance by the board, may prepare and implement a forest resource management information storage and retrieval program regarding forest land conditions in the state. Such program shall be coordinated and integrated to the maximum extent practicable with data storage and retrieval programs of other state and federal agencies and institutions. The director shall review existing forest resource management storage, retrieval, and analysis systems in the institutions of higher learning in this state, and insofar as the board deems desirable, may utilize such systems as a model for the state program established pursuant to this section.
(c) The director shall, as budgetary resources permit, develop a cost-effective and statistically valid system to periodically monitor the extent to which timberland is, or is becoming, less available for the growing and harvesting of timber due to zoning, onsite development, adjacent land uses, ownership patterns, parcel size, or any other factors.
(Amended by Stats. 1982, Ch. 1489, Sec. 33.)
2023 California Code › Public Resources Code - PRC › DIVISION 4 - FORESTS, FORESTRY AND RANGE AND FORAGE LANDS › PART 2 - PROTECTION OF FOREST, RANGE AND FORAGE LANDS › CHAPTER 12 - Forest and Rangeland Resources Assessment and Policy Act of 1977 › Section 4789.7.

4789.7. (a) The director shall convey the assessment and its updates to federal agencies charged with managing public land within the state.
(b) To assure the availability and compatibility of data and scientific information needed for development and implementation of the assessment, the board and the director shall cooperate with the United States Department of Agriculture in conducting surveys and analyses as provided for in the Resources Planning Act and with other federal agencies as provided by federal law.
(Added by renumbering Section 4807 by Stats. 1980, Ch. 676, Sec. 274.)
2023 California Code › Public Resources Code - PRC › DIVISION 4 - FORESTS, FORESTRY AND RANGE AND FORAGE LANDS › PART 2.5 - FOREST RESOURCES › CHAPTER 1 - Forest Resources Improvement › Section 4790.5.

4790.5. The Legislature further declares that, except as specifically provided in this chapter the state shall not claim any right, title, or interest in the land, trees, or other vegetation which are the subject of a forest resource improvement project undertaken pursuant to this chapter. When carrying out this chapter, the director shall encourage the use of goods and services available through private forest nurseries, reforestation contractors, private forest consultants, or others in the business of undertaking forest resource improvement work.
(Added by Stats. 1978, Ch. 1181.)
2023 California Code › Public Resources Code - PRC › DIVISION 4 - FORESTS, FORESTRY AND RANGE AND FORAGE LANDS › PART 2.5 - FOREST RESOURCES › CHAPTER 1 - Forest Resources Improvement › Section 4791.

4791. The purpose of this chapter is to encourage private and public investments in, and an improved management of, forest lands and resources within the state to ensure adequate future high quality timber supplies, related employment and other economic benefits, and the protection, maintenance, and enhancement of a productive and stable forest resource system for the benefit of present and future generations.
The primary emphasis of the program established by this chapter shall be upon improving the timber productivity of forest lands in the state; provided, that consistent with this primary goal, the program shall also be managed to improve all forest resources, such as fish and wildlife habitat and soil resources, so that the overall effect of the program is to improve the total forest resource system.
(Amended by Stats. 1980, Ch. 676, Sec. 266.)
2023 California Code › Public Resources Code - PRC › DIVISION 4 - FORESTS, FORESTRY AND RANGE AND FORAGE LANDS › PART 2.5 - FOREST RESOURCES › CHAPTER 1 - Forest Resources Improvement › Section 4792.

4792. In furtherance of the purposes of this chapter, the department is authorized to enter into agreements and make loans and otherwise carry out the purposes of this chapter. The forestry assistance program conducted by the department shall encourage forest resource improvements and otherwise facilitate good forest land management through a program of financial, technical, and educational assistance, as well as through applied research. The purpose of this program shall be to work cooperatively with private landowners, particularly smaller nonindustrial landowners, to upgrade the management of their lands, and, therefore, improve both the productivity of the land and the degree of protection and enhancement of the forest resource system as a whole. The department is further authorized to encourage and cooperate with efforts by the forestry industry and federal government to improve the management of forest lands within the state, particularly lands owned by nonindustrial owners, through advisory services or other actions. The director shall work cooperatively with other private and public entities and persons, including tree nursery operators, when carrying out this part.
(Amended by Stats. 2000, Ch. 409, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2001.)
2023 California Code › Public Resources Code - PRC › DIVISION 4 - FORESTS, FORESTRY AND RANGE AND FORAGE LANDS › PART 2.5 - FOREST RESOURCES › CHAPTER 1 - Forest Resources Improvement › Section 4794.

4794. (a) Agreements may be entered into and loans may be made by the director pursuant to this chapter for all of the following purposes:
(1) Preparation of management plans for forest land.
(2) Site preparation.
(3) Planting and costs of seeds and seedlings.
(4) Young growth stand improvement.
(5) Forest land conservation measures.
(6) Fish and wildlife habitat improvement.
(7) Followup work.
Consistent with this section, the director shall prepare, and submit to the board for its review and approval, guidelines further specifying the scope of forest resource improvement work for which agreements may be entered into or loans made pursuant to this chapter.
(b) Proposed forest resource improvement projects may combine work described in paragraphs (1) to (7), inclusive, of subdivision (a). Projects shall include work described in paragraphs (1) to (7), inclusive, of subdivision (a) to be eligible for a cost-sharing agreement signed pursuant to Section 4795 or a loan made pursuant to Section 4796.
(c) Projects for forest resource improvement subsequent to harvesting subject to the Z’berg-Nejedly Forest Practice Act of 1973, Chapter 8 (commencing with Section 4511) of Part 2, shall not be eligible for agreements executed pursuant to Section 4795 or loans made pursuant to Section 4796 of this chapter unless either of the following occur:
(1) The land has been restocked and the established forest growth has subsequently been adversely affected by fire, wind, flood, insects, disease, or other natural causes.
(2) The work to be undertaken is not otherwise required to be carried out pursuant to the Z’berg-Nejedly Forest Practice Act of 1973, Chapter 8 (commencing with Section 4511) of Part 2.
(Amended by Stats. 2000, Ch. 409, Sec. 4. Effective January 1, 2001.)
2023 California Code › Public Resources Code - PRC › DIVISION 4 - FORESTS, FORESTRY AND RANGE AND FORAGE LANDS › PART 2.5 - FOREST RESOURCES › CHAPTER 1 - Forest Resources Improvement › Section 4795.5.

4795.5. A forest landowner who has entered into an undue hardship agreement with the Controller for the payment of inheritance taxes pursuant to Section 14143.5 of the Revenue and Taxation Code may apply annually to the director for a grant in the amount of 50 percent of the interest due on the annual installment paid in the current calendar year. To be eligible for such a grant the forest landowner must show that his or her forest land is subject to either:
(a) The provisions of a timberland production zone, pursuant to Chapter 6.7 (commencing with Section 51100) of Part 1 of Division 1 of Title 5 of the Government Code; provided, that no petition is under consideration while the grant is being administered for rezoning pursuant to Section 51120 of the Government Code or immediate rezoning pursuant to Section 51130 of the Government Code.
(b) A contract pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (e) of Section 4797.
The annual installment must be paid on or before the anniversary date of the first installment payment, or the eligible landowner shall be disqualified from receiving a grant pursuant to this section. The eligible landowner shall apply to the director subsequent to the current calendar year, in such form as the director may prescribe, and shall include proof of agreement with the Controller pursuant to Section 14143.5 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, proof of payment of the current calendar year’s annual installment of inheritance taxes, and the amount of the installment payment which constituted interest. An eligible landowner who meets the requirements of this subdivision shall be deemed as having submitted an approved application. Within 60 days after receipt of an approved application, the director shall send to the eligible landowner by certified mail a check in the appropriate amount.
(Amended by Stats. 1982, Ch. 1489, Sec. 34.)
2023 California Code › Public Resources Code - PRC › DIVISION 4 - FORESTS, FORESTRY AND RANGE AND FORAGE LANDS › PART 2.5 - FOREST RESOURCES › CHAPTER 1 - Forest Resources Improvement › Section 4796.

4796. (a) The director may make the following types of loans relating to forest resource improvement projects:
(1) The director may make loans for forest resource improvement work to cover all or part of a smaller nonindustrial landowner’s cost share payment required pursuant to Section 4795. The director shall establish reasonable terms relating to the length of, and the interest rate for, a loan made pursuant to this subdivision. In order to secure repayment of the loan, the forest resource improvement loans shall be secured by a mortgage or deed of trust upon the parcel of land to which the forest improvement project applies. The director shall record the mortgage or deed of trust in the office of the county recorder in the county in which the real property subject to the resource improvement loan is located.
(2) (A) The director may make loans for forest resource improvement work to landowners eligible pursuant to the provisions of subdivision (d) of Section 4797 for up to 100 percent of the lesser of either:
(i) The landowner’s actual cost per acre to accomplish the work.
(ii) The prevailing cost per acre as determined by the director pursuant to Section 4799.02.
(B) A loan made pursuant to this subdivision may be made for a term not exceeding 20 years and shall bear interest at the prevailing rate. In order to secure repayment of the loan, the forest resource improvement loans shall be secured by a mortgage or deed of trust upon the parcel of land to which the forest improvement project applies. The director shall record the mortgage or deed of trust in the office of the county recorder in the county in which the real property subject to the resource improvement loan is located.
(b) Any loan made pursuant to this section may be paid prior to the maturity date set forth in the loan agreement without an interest penalty being charged to the landowner.
(c) Payment of all or part of the principal and interest due under loans made pursuant to this chapter shall not be required upon a finding by the board that the parcel to which a forest resource improvement project applies, and that is subject to a loan, satisfies both of the following conditions:
(1) The parcel has been substantially damaged by fire, flood, insects, disease, or other natural causes.
(2) The damage was not caused by the negligence or willful act of the landowner.
(Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 497, Sec. 221. (AB 991) Effective January 1, 2020.)