reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1501 | Department of Natural Resources - General Provisions › Section 1501.021 | Expending Funds for Planning and Engineering Studies.

Effective:
October 10, 1963
Latest Legislation:
House Bill 536 - 105th General Assembly
The director of natural resources may spend out of any funds appropriated to the department of natural resources for studies, planning, or engineering, such moneys as are necessary for the preparation of studies or plans for any state park or proposed state park in connection with which any lands or interests therein or public service facilities, or both, are to be acquired, constructed, enlarged, equipped, furnished, or improved from the proceeds of state park revenue bonds, and said director may use the engineers, assistants, and other employees of his department, and may employ consulting engineers for such purpose. All expenses so incurred by the director prior to the issuance of the state park revenue bonds shall be paid by the director and charged to the state park or the proposed state park involved, and the director shall keep proper records and accounts showing the amounts so charged. Upon the sale of the state park revenue bonds for such state park or proposed state park, the funds so expended by the director in connection therewith shall be reimbursed to the department from the proceeds of such bonds.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1501 | Department of Natural Resources - General Provisions › Section 1501.03 | Annual Report.

Effective:
October 1, 1953
Latest Legislation:
House Bill 1 - 100th General Assembly
The director of natural resources shall make an annual report to the governor of the activities of the department of natural resources, and therewith shall render a detailed financial report by divisions covering the receipts and expenditures of all moneys which shall be published. The director may publish separately any section of such annual report.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1501 | Department of Natural Resources - General Provisions › Section 1501.05 | Division Chiefs and Employees.

Effective:
July 17, 2009
Latest Legislation:
House Bill 1 - 128th General Assembly
All chiefs of divisions in the department of natural resources shall be appointed by the director of natural resources. The chiefs of those divisions may be removed by the director.
The chief engineer of the department of natural resources shall be a professional engineer registered under Chapter 4733. of the Revised Code or a professional architect certified and registered under Chapter 4703. of the Revised Code.
The chief of each division and the chief engineer, with the advice and consent of the director, may employ such number of technical and administrative assistants as are necessary.
All employees of the department, unless specifically exempted by law, shall be employed subject to the classified civil service laws in force at the time of their employment.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1501 | Department of Natural Resources - General Provisions › Section 1501.08 | State Park Maintenance Fund.

Effective:
September 29, 2017
Latest Legislation:
House Bill 49 - 132nd General Assembly
(A) There is hereby created in the state treasury the state park maintenance fund.
(1) Notwithstanding section 1546.21 of the Revised Code, on or after the first day of July of each fiscal year, the director of natural resources may request the director of budget and management to transfer money from the state park fund to the state park maintenance fund in an amount not exceeding five per cent of the annual average revenue deposited in the state park fund.
(2) The department of natural resources shall use money in the state park maintenance fund only for maintenance, repair, and renovation projects at state parks that are approved by the director. The department shall not use money in the fund to construct new facilities.
(B) The chief of the division of parks and watercraft shall submit to the director a list of projects in order to request disbursements from the state park maintenance fund. The chief shall include with each list a description of necessary maintenance, repair, and renovation at state park facilities. The director shall determine which projects are eligible for disbursement from the fund. The chief shall not begin any project for which disbursement is requested before obtaining the director's approval as required by this section.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1501 | Department of Natural Resources - General Provisions › Section 1501.09 | Leasing Public Service Facilities.

Effective:
September 14, 2016
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 293 - 131st General Assembly
The public service facilities mentioned in section 1501.07 of the Revised Code may be leased by the department of natural resources for the operation thereof as provided in section 1501.10 of the Revised Code, or may be operated by any person, firm, partnership, association, or corporation under contract with the director of natural resources as provided in section 1501.012 or 1501.091 of the Revised Code, or may be operated by the department through the division of parks and watercraft. The leases for facilities may be bid individually or in any combination.
Any of those facilities may be leased or operated under contract without the necessity of competitive bidding for not more than two years.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1501 | Department of Natural Resources - General Provisions › Section 1501.091 | Contracts for the Operation of Public Service Facilities.

Effective:
May 3, 1990
Latest Legislation:
House Bill 550 - 118th General Assembly
Contracts for the operation of public service facilities shall be made in writing by the director of natural resources with the person, firm, partnership, association, or corporation whose bid, in consideration of the public interest, is determined by the director to be the best bid received, after advertisement for bids has been published for four consecutive weeks in a newspaper having a general circulation in each county in which the facility is situated. The notice for bids shall set forth the pertinent facts concerning the facility and the periods of required operation during the year and shall refer to the conditions of operation and the terms of the contract which shall be on file in the office of the director and open to public inspection, except that questionnaires and financial statements submitted under this section shall be confidential and shall not be open to public inspection. Contracts for the operation of public service facilities shall contain provisions ensuring that the facilities will be open to the public at reasonable rates and without discrimination as to race, creed, or color, and such other provisions as the director considers necessary to satisfy the needs of the people of the state for public park facilities.
This section does not apply to any lease and contract executed under section 1501.012 of the Revised Code.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1501 | Department of Natural Resources - General Provisions › Section 1501.11 | Revenue From State Parks and Public Service Facilities - State Park Fund.

Effective:
September 14, 2016
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 293 - 131st General Assembly
(A) The revenue derived from the operation or ownership of state parks or public service facilities shall be paid into the state park fund in accordance with section 1546.21 of the Revised Code; provided, that at such times and to the extent and in the manner provided in the order of the director authorizing state park revenue bonds, or in the bond proceedings applicable to obligations issued pursuant to section 154.22 of the Revised Code, such revenues shall be set aside on their receipt and be paid directly to depositories or trustees designated in such order or in the trust agreement securing such state park revenue bonds, or shall be paid and credited as provided in such bond proceedings.
(B) The department of natural resources shall reimburse any township from the state park fund for any reasonable expenses the township incurs incident to the maintenance of roads under the jurisdiction of the department. The department may contract with the township trustees for the maintenance of land under the jurisdiction of the department.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1501 | Department of Natural Resources - General Provisions › Section 1501.13 | Securing Bonds by Mortgages and Trust Agreements.

Effective:
September 14, 2016
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 293 - 131st General Assembly
In the discretion of the director of natural resources any bonds issued under sections 1501.12 to 1501.15, inclusive, of the Revised Code, may be secured by a trust agreement between the director and a corporate trustee, which trustee may be any trust company or bank having the powers of a trust company within or without the state. Such bonds may also be secured by mortgage on such property wholly acquired through the proceeds of the sale of bonds.
Any such trust agreement may pledge or assign revenues to the payment of the principal of and interest on such bonds and reserves therefor as provided in section 1501.14 of the Revised Code but shall not convey or mortgage any property of the state, except as provided in sections 1501.07, 1501.11, 1501.12, and 1501.14 of the Revised Code. Any such trust agreement may contain such provisions for protecting and enforcing the rights and remedies of the bondholders as are reasonable and proper and not in violation of law including provisions for issue of additional revenue bonds for the purposes set forth in section 1501.12 of the Revised Code to be secured ratably with any revenue bonds theretofore or thereafter issued under said section, covenants setting forth the duties of the director and chief of the division of parks and watercraft in relation to the acquisition, improvement, maintenance, operation, repair, and insurance of the lands or interests therein or public service facilities in connection with which such bonds are authorized, the custody, safeguarding, and application of all moneys, the insurance of moneys on hand or on deposit, and the rights and remedies of the trustee and the holders of the bonds, including therein provisions restricting the individual right of action of bondholders as is customary in trust agreements respecting bonds and debentures of corporations, and of the security given by those who contract to construct the project, and by any bank or trust company in which the proceeds of bonds or revenues shall be deposited, and such other provisions as the director deems reasonable and proper for the security of the bondholders. All expenses incurred in carrying out the provisions of any such trust agreement may be treated as a part of the cost of maintenance, operation, and repair of the facilities for which the bonds were issued.
The director shall covenant and agree to maintain, so long as there are outstanding any such bonds payable from revenues, adequate fees, charges, and rentals for the payment of the principal and interest on such bonds and for the creation and maintenance of reserves therefor and reserves for operation, maintenance, replacement, and renewal.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1501 | Department of Natural Resources - General Provisions › Section 1501.14 | Retiring Bonds.

Effective:
September 14, 2016
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 293 - 131st General Assembly
To the extent provided in the order of the director or in the trust agreement securing the bonds, all admission fees, charges, and rentals and all other revenues derived from the lands and interests therein and public service facilities, for the acquisition, construction, enlargement, equipment, furnishing, or improvement of which bonds are issued, except such part as is necessary to pay the cost of maintaining, repairing, and operating them during any period in which such cost is not otherwise provided for, shall be pledged to the payment of the principal of and interest on such bonds. In any case in which the director deems it advisable, he has authority in the order providing for issuance of the bonds to pledge the admission fees, charges, and rentals and all other revenues derived from any or all state parks and public service facilities in any state park or parks, except such part as is necessary to pay the cost of maintaining, repairing, and operating such state parks and facilities, as additional security for the payment of any bonds issued under the provisions of sections 1501.12 to 1501.15, inclusive, of the Revised Code.
Any order authorizing issuance of state park revenue bonds may provide for the payment of a proportionate share of the expenses of the operation of the department and the division of parks and watercraft as a charge prior to the payment of principal of and interest on such bonds, and all other payments required to be made by such order or the trust agreement securing such bonds.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1501 | Department of Natural Resources - General Provisions › Section 1501.15 | No Incurring of State Debt Without Constitutional Authorization.

Effective:
January 9, 1961
Latest Legislation:
House Bill 1 - 104th General Assembly
Nothing in sections 1501.12 to 1501.15, inclusive, of the Revised Code, authorizes or permits the incurring of debt by the state of any kind or nature not authorized or permitted by the provisions of the constitution of the state in relation to state debt.
Last updated April 8, 2022 at 4:22 PM
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1501 | Department of Natural Resources - General Provisions › Section 1501.16 | Performance Bond Refunds Fund.

Effective:
October 3, 2023
Latest Legislation:
House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly
There is hereby created in the state treasury the performance bond refunds fund. The fund shall consist of money received by the department of natural resources from other entities as performance security. Upon the completion of work or satisfaction of terms for which the performance bond was required, the money shall be refunded to the pledging entity. In the event that the performance bond is forfeited, the money shall be transferred to the appropriate fund within the state treasury.
Last updated September 13, 2023 at 11:36 AM
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1501 | Department of Natural Resources - General Provisions › Section 1501.191 | Little Miami Forest Preserve.

Effective:
April 19, 1988
Latest Legislation:
House Bill 708 - 117th General Assembly
Hillside land owned by the state adjacent to the Little Miami river is hereby declared the Little Miami forest preserve. This designation constitutes a statement of intent by the general assembly that such land be used and managed by state agencies having its custody or control for the purpose of protecting, preserving, and enhancing its natural and scenic beauty for its own sake and in conjunction with the protection, preservation, and enhancement of the Little Miami river as a scenic river. To further this intent and purpose, the director of natural resources may:
(A) Accept donations of land or interests in land and designate any land so acquired or in which an interest is acquired as a part of the Little Miami forest preserve;
(B) Acquire with moneys donated or appropriated therefor, lands or interests in lands and designate any land so acquired or in which an interest is acquired as part of the Little Miami forest preserve;
(C) Designate land acquired after July 1, 1983, primarily for other purposes by the department of natural resources or any of its divisions as a part of the Little Miami forest preserve;
(D) Issue internal rules for lands controlled or managed by the department of natural resources or any of its divisions to coordinate the intent and purpose of this section with other purposes for which the land is controlled or managed by the department or its divisions; and
(E) Enter into cooperative agreements with other state agencies or political subdivisions that on July 1, 1983, own, or after such date acquire, land suitable for designation as part of the Little Miami forest preserve to coordinate the intent and purpose of this section with other purposes for which the land is controlled or managed by such agencies or subdivisions and, pursuant to such agreements, designate land subject to such agreements as part of the Little Miami forest preserve.
All state agencies shall confer and cooperate with the director of natural resources and the Little Miami scenic river advisory council to the fullest extent possible to achieve the intent and purpose of this section.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1501 | Department of Natural Resources - General Provisions › Section 1501.21 | Canoe and Boating Routes - Markers.

Effective:
February 11, 1988
Latest Legislation:
House Bill 514 - 117th General Assembly
The director of natural resources, in cooperation with any federal agency, any other state, any state agency or political subdivision of this state, any private organization, or any individual, may designate, and when feasible mark, canoe and boating routes on the waters in this state that have historic or scenic value.
The director may expend funds and make grants to erect and maintain markers that designate public facilities, points of interest, portages, and all dams, rapids, waterfalls, whirlpools, and other hazards to canoeists and boaters.
The director may publish and distribute or authorize the publication and distribution of maps of and guides to the designated historic or scenic canoe and boating routes, as well as pamphlets containing any other interpretative literature on the routes that the director considers advisable.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1501 | Department of Natural Resources - General Provisions › Section 1501.22 | Water Recreation Hazard Warning Markers.

Effective:
September 27, 1974
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 532 - 110th General Assembly
The director of natural resources may erect and maintain suitable markers to warn boaters of dams, that are hazardous on all waters of the state that are regularly used by the public, whether seasonally or during all seasons, for canoeing, kayaking, or similar watercraft recreation.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1501 | Department of Natural Resources - General Provisions › Section 1501.23 | Clean-Up and Beautification Programs - Volunteers.

Effective:
April 6, 2007
Latest Legislation:
House Bill 443 - 126th General Assembly
The department of natural resources may utilize the services of volunteers to implement clean-up and beautification programs or any other programs that accomplish any of the purposes of the department. The director of natural resources shall approve all volunteer programs and may recruit, train, and supervise the services of community volunteers or volunteer groups for volunteer programs. In accordance with state guidelines, the director may reimburse volunteers for necessary and appropriate expenses, such as travel expenses, that they incur in the course of their volunteer service to the department. The director may designate volunteers in a volunteer program as state employees for the purpose of motor vehicle accident liability insurance under section 9.83 of the Revised Code, for the purpose of immunity under section 9.86 of the Revised Code, and for the purpose of indemnification from liability incurred in the performance of their duties under section 9.87 of the Revised Code.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1501 | Department of Natural Resources - General Provisions › Section 1501.25 | Effect of Felony Conviction.

Effective:
September 14, 2016
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 293 - 131st General Assembly
(A) As used in this section, "felony" has the same meaning as in section 109.511 of the Revised Code.
(B)(1) The director of natural resources shall not appoint a person as a natural resources officer under section 1501.24 of the Revised Code on a permanent or temporary basis or for a probationary term if the person previously has been convicted of or has pleaded guilty to a felony.
(2)(a) The director shall terminate the employment of a natural resources officer if the officer does either of the following:
(i) Pleads guilty to a felony;
(ii) Pleads guilty to a misdemeanor pursuant to a negotiated plea agreement as provided in division (D) of section 2929.43 of the Revised Code in which the officer agrees to surrender the certificate awarded to the officer under section 109.77 of the Revised Code.
(b) The director shall suspend a natural resources officer from employment if that person is convicted, after trial, of a felony. If the natural resources officer files an appeal from that conviction and the conviction is upheld by the highest court to which the appeal is taken or if the officer does not file a timely appeal, the director shall terminate the employment of that officer. If the officer files an appeal that results in the officer's acquittal of the felony or conviction of a misdemeanor, or in the dismissal of the felony charge against the officer, the director shall reinstate that officer. A natural resources officer who is reinstated under division (B)(2)(b) of this section shall not receive any back pay unless that officer's conviction of the felony was reversed or dismissed on appeal because the court found insufficient evidence to convict the officer of the felony.
(3) Division (B) of this section does not apply regarding an offense that was committed prior to January 1, 1997.
(4) The director shall suspend or terminate the employment of a natural resources officer under division (B)(2) of this section in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1501 | Department of Natural Resources - General Provisions › Section 1501.29 | Payments to Local Taxing Units.

Effective:
September 30, 2021
Latest Legislation:
House Bill 110 - 134th General Assembly
(A) As used in this section:
(1) "Qualifying land" means land that meets all of the following criteria:
(a) The land is owned in fee by the department of natural resources or the department owns an interest in the land.
(b) The land or the department's interest in the land is exempted from taxation.
(c) The total area of the land is more than five thousand acres.
(d) The land or interest in the land was acquired by the department on January 1, 2018, or thereafter, in either one transaction or a series of transactions with the same seller.
(2) "Unimproved taxable value" means the taxable value of qualifying land, exclusive of improvements, for the tax year in which the land or interest in the land was acquired by the department of natural resources.
(B) On or before the thirtieth day of June of each year, beginning in 2022, the director of natural resources shall pay to the county treasurer of each county in which qualifying land is located, an amount equal to two and one-half per cent of the unimproved taxable value of qualifying land located within that county. The director shall draw the funds necessary to make such payments from the state park fund created under section 1546.21 of the Revised Code, the wildlife fund created under section 1531.17 of the Revised Code, or both of those funds.
(C) Within thirty days of receiving a payment under division (B) of this section, the county treasurer shall distribute the money among the taxing units within the territory of which the county's qualifying land is located as follows:
(1) Sixty per cent of the money shall be distributed proportionally among school districts that include qualifying land located within the county based on the unimproved taxable value of that qualifying land located within the territory of each such school district.
(2) Forty per cent of the money shall be distributed proportionally among taxing units other than school districts that include qualifying land located within the county based on the unimproved taxable value of that qualifying land located within the territory of each such taxing unit.
(D) Moneys received by a school district or other taxing unit under this section shall be used for any lawful purpose.
(E) If compensation is payable for land or interests in land under this section, no compensation shall be made payable under section 1531.27 of the Revised Code for the same land or interest.
Last updated July 15, 2021 at 4:54 PM
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1501 | Department of Natural Resources - General Provisions › Section 1501.40 | Coordination and Administration of National and Community Service Act of 1990.

Effective:
September 29, 2011
Latest Legislation:
House Bill 153 - 129th General Assembly
The department of natural resources is the designated state agency responsible for the coordination and administration of sections 120 to 136 of the "National and Community Service Act of 1990," 104 Stat. 3127 (1990), 42 U.S.C.A. 12401 to 12456, as amended. With the assistance of the Ohio commission on service and volunteerism created in section 121.40 of the Revised Code, the director of natural resources shall coordinate with other state agencies to apply for funding under the act when appropriate and shall administer any federal funds the state receives under sections 120 to 136 of the act.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1501 | Department of Natural Resources - General Provisions › Section 1501.45 | Forfeiture - Distribution of Proceeds - Funds Created.

Effective:
September 14, 2016
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 293 - 131st General Assembly
(A) As used in this section:
(1) "Forfeiture laws" means provisions that are established in Title XXIX of the Revised Code and that govern the forfeiture and disposition of certain property that is seized pursuant to a law enforcement investigation.
(2) "Law enforcement division" means the division of forestry, the division of natural areas and preserves, the division of wildlife or the division of parks and watercraft in the department of natural resources.
(3) "Law enforcement fund" means a fund created in this section.
(B) Except as otherwise provided in this section and notwithstanding any provision of the Revised Code that is not in Title XV of the Revised Code to the contrary, the forfeiture laws apply to a law enforcement division that substantially conducts an investigation that results in the ordered forfeiture of property and also apply to the involved forfeiture of property, and the law enforcement division shall comply with those forfeiture laws. Accordingly, the portion of the forfeiture laws that authorizes certain proceeds from forfeited property to be distributed to the law enforcement agency that substantially conducted the investigation that resulted in the seizure of the subsequently forfeited property apply to the law enforcement divisions except as provided in division (C)(2)(a) of this section. If a law enforcement division is eligible to receive such proceeds, the proceeds shall be deposited into the state treasury to the credit of the applicable law enforcement fund.
(C)(1) There are hereby created in the state treasury the division of wildlife law enforcement fund and the natural resources law enforcement fund.
(2) The funds shall consist of proceeds from forfeited property that are deposited as follows:
(a) Proceeds from forfeited property resulting from an investigation conducted by the division of forestry, the division of natural areas and preserves, or the division of parks and watercraft shall be deposited in the natural resources law enforcement fund.
(b) Proceeds from forfeited property resulting from an investigation conducted by the division of wildlife shall be deposited in the division of wildlife law enforcement fund.
(3) The funds shall be used for law enforcement purposes specified in the forfeiture laws as follows:
(a) Money in the natural resources law enforcement fund shall be used by the division of parks and watercraft.
(b) Money in the division of wildlife law enforcement fund shall be used by the division of wildlife.
(4) A law enforcement division shall not use its fund to pay the salaries of its employees or to provide for any other remuneration of personnel.
(D) If the forfeiture laws conflict with any provisions that govern forfeitures and that are established in another section of Title XV of the Revised Code, the provisions established in the other section of Title XV apply.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1503 | Division of Forestry › Section 1503.01 | Chief of the Division of Forestry - Powers and Duties.

Effective:
October 8, 1992
Latest Legislation:
House Bill 167 - 119th General Assembly
The chief of the division of forestry shall administer this chapter.
The chief may adopt, amend, and rescind rules, in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, for the administration, implementation, and enforcement of section 1503.43 of the Revised Code and for the administration, use, visitation, and protection of the state forests, except those forests used solely for research purposes by the Ohio agricultural research and development center. Copies of the rules governing state forests shall be posted in conspicuous places in those forests. No person shall violate any rule adopted under this section.
The chief, with the approval of the director of natural resources, may enter into an agreement with the United States department of agriculture under the "Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978," 92 Stat. 365, 16 U.S.C.A. 2101, as amended, for the purpose of receiving and disbursing grants to provide forestry and fire protection assistance on public and private lands in this state.
The chief shall employ, subject to the approval of the director, field assistants and such other employees as are necessary for the performance of the work prescribed by this chapter and for the performance of the other work of the division, shall prescribe their duties, and shall fix their compensation in accordance with such schedules as are provided by law for the compensation of state employees.
All employees of the division, unless specifically exempted by law, shall be employed subject to the classified civil service laws in force at the time of employment.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1503 | Division of Forestry › Section 1503.011 | Conservation and Development of Forests - Duties of Chief.

Effective:
September 14, 2016
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 293 - 131st General Assembly
The chief of the division of forestry shall be responsible for the conservation and development of forests within this state. The chief shall be concerned with silvicultural practices, including the proper planting, growing, protecting, harvesting, and managing of trees for such purposes as watershed and soil protection, timber production and utilization, recreation, aesthetics, wildlife habitat development, and urban enhancement and for all benefits that forests provide.
The chief may do any or all of the following:
(A) Provide rural forestry assistance to nonindustrial private forest landowners, including advice in tree planting, forest improvement, harvesting, and all aspects of conservation;
(B) Provide urban forestry assistance to individuals, nonprofit organizations, and political subdivisions to manage their urban forest resource and develop comprehensive tree care programs;
(C) Provide wood utilization, marketing, and rural forestry development assistance to forest industries, political subdivisions and agencies thereof, and state and federal agencies for the purpose of establishing and maintaining a viable, economically sound wood-based industry while expanding the forest resource of this state;
(D) Provide forest pest protection assistance to forest landowners, political subdivisions and agencies thereof, and state and federal agencies on assessing and evaluating the health and vigor of the forest resource;
(E) Provide technical assistance to landowners in developing forest windbreaks, filter strips, and other forest management practices that provide conservation benefits;
(F) Provide awareness of and education concerning the programs provided for under divisions (A) to (E) of this section;
(G) Enter into agreements with political subdivisions and agencies thereof, state and federal agencies, firefighting agencies and private fire companies, as those terms are defined in section 9.60 of the Revised Code, nonprofit organizations, and individuals to meet the needs of forestry assistance in this state and, in accordance with section 1503.01 of the Revised Code, develop and administer grant programs for any of those entities requesting assistance. The chief shall adopt, and may amend and rescind, rules in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code establishing such requirements and procedures as are necessary to implement this division;
(H) Administer the state recreational vehicle fund created in section 4519.11 of the Revised Code.
As used in this section, "nonprofit organization" has the same meaning as in section 4141.01 of the Revised Code.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1503 | Division of Forestry › Section 1503.03 | Acquisition of Forest Areas.

Effective:
September 30, 2021
Latest Legislation:
House Bill 110 - 134th General Assembly
The chief of the division of forestry shall cooperate with all state operated universities and the department of agriculture. The chief, with the approval of the director of natural resources, may purchase or acquire by gift, donations, or contributions any interest in land suitable for forestry purposes. The chief may enter into agreements with the federal government or other agencies for the acquisition, by lease, purchase, or otherwise, of such lands as in the judgment of the chief and director are desirable for state forests, building sites, or nursery lands. The chief may expend funds, not otherwise obligated, for the management, development, and utilization of such lands.
The chief, with the approval of the director of natural resources, may acquire by lease, purchase, gift, or otherwise, in the name of the state, forested or other lands in the state suitable for the growth of forest trees to the amount of the appropriation for that purpose. The chief shall prepare and submit to the director of natural resources maps and descriptions of such areas including and adjacent to the existing state forest lands, the lands within which, not at the time belonging to the state, are properly subject to purchase as state forest lands for reasons of protection, utilization, and administration. When such an area is approved by the director of natural resources, it shall be known as a state forest purchase area and the map and description, with the approval of the director of natural resources indorsed thereon, shall be filed in duplicate with the director of administrative services and the attorney general.
All lands purchased for forest purposes shall be deeded to the state, but the purchase price of such lands shall not be paid until the title thereof has been approved by the attorney general. The price of such lands shall not exceed the appropriation for such purposes.
Last updated August 5, 2021 at 2:35 PM
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1503 | Division of Forestry › Section 1503.04 | Custody of Forests.

Effective:
September 1, 1976
Latest Legislation:
House Bill 972 - 111th General Assembly
The chief of the division of forestry may plant such trees as he deems expedient, and take such measures as are necessary to bring about a profitable growth of timber on lands described in section 1503.03 of the Revised Code. The chief may fence such lands with substantial wire fencing, protect them from forest fires and trespassers, and preserve the timber thereon. The chief has entire custody of such forest lands and may employ such local assistance as he deems necessary.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1503 | Division of Forestry › Section 1503.06 | State Forest Nursery.

Effective:
October 20, 1994
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 182 - 120th General Assembly
The chief of the division of forestry may acquire suitable land in the name of the state and maintain it as a state forest nursery. He shall raise seedling trees of useful species for planting and, on terms approved by the director of natural resources, shall distribute the seedling trees to persons who desire to plant them within the state for conservation purposes, including general reforestation, wildlife habitat development, windbreaks, energy conservation, natural community restoration, soil and water protection, research, commemorative plantings, and any other purpose relating to conservation and natural resources education. No seedling trees distributed under this section subsequently shall be removed alive with roots attached and sold, bartered, or given away, except that products such as Christmas trees, roundwood, or other materials derived from seedling trees distributed under this section may be sold or removed.
The chief may conduct activities for the improvement of seedlings of forest tree species. In distributing seedling trees under this section, he shall reserve sufficient seedling trees to reforest wastelands coming into the possession of the state and placed under the supervision of the division.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1503 | Division of Forestry › Section 1503.07 | Property Which Is a Forest-Fire Hazard May Be Declared a Public Nuisance.

Effective:
October 8, 1992
Latest Legislation:
House Bill 167 - 119th General Assembly
The chief of the division of forestry may declare any property to be a public nuisance which by reason of its condition or operation is a special forest-fire hazard and as such endangers property. He shall notify the owner of the property or person responsible for the condition declared to be a public nuisance and shall advise him as to the abatement or removal of the nuisance. In the case of a railroad, the notice shall be served upon the superintendent of the division upon which the nuisance exists. If the owner of the property on which the nuisance exists, after thirty days' notice, refuses or neglects to take action to abate or remove the nuisance, the chief shall cause it to be removed or abated. The costs of that action constitute a lien and are recoverable as a special tax assessed against the property. All money thus derived shall be paid into the state treasury to the credit of the general revenue fund. The chief shall collect and arrange information obtained concerning violation of laws relating to the protection of forests from fires and present that information to the director of natural resources, who shall file it with the attorney general for legal action.
The disbursements by the chief in carrying out the purposes of sections 1503.07 to 1503.27 of the Revised Code shall be paid by the state from the appropriation for the prevention and extinguishment of forest fires.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1503 | Division of Forestry › Section 1503.08 | Fire Protection Areas.

Effective:
September 14, 2016
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 293 - 131st General Assembly
The chief of the division of forestry, with the approval of the director of natural resources, shall establish fire protection areas for the state. When establishing fire protection areas, the chief shall consider all of the following:
(A) The amount of forest cover;
(B) The actual and potential fire occurrence;
(C) The threat to forest resources;
(D) The population of the areas;
(E) Any other pertinent forest resource information.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1503 | Division of Forestry › Section 1503.09 | Appointment of Forest-Fire Wardens.

Effective:
September 14, 2016
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 293 - 131st General Assembly
The chief of the division of forestry may appoint forest-fire wardens and forest-fire investigators, whose jurisdiction shall extend over fire protection areas established under section 1503.08 of the Revised Code. Forest-fire investigators shall conduct investigations and gather evidence for purposes of the enforcement of this chapter and sections 2909.02, 2909.03, 2909.06, and 3767.32 of the Revised Code with respect to forest fires in fire protection areas. Any forest-fire warden or forest-fire investigator shall hold office until the warden's or investigator's successor is appointed, but any such warden or investigator may at any time be summarily removed by the chief.
The chief may designate a forest-fire warden as a forest-fire investigator. The chief shall establish a policy for the required training of forest-fire investigators, which shall include successful completion of basic wildland fire suppression training and training as a peace officer. Division (D) of section 1501.24 and section 1501.25 of the Revised Code apply to a forest-fire investigator in the same manner as those provisions of law apply to a natural resources officer. Forest-fire investigators shall have jurisdiction, with permission from the chief, to enter public and private lands.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1503 | Division of Forestry › Section 1503.10 | Supervision of Forest-Fire Wardens.

Effective:
September 14, 2016
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 293 - 131st General Assembly
The chief of the division of forestry or the chief's designee shall supervise all forest-fire wardens and forest-fire investigators, shall instruct them in their duties, shall enforce all laws of this state for the prevention and suppression of forest fires, and shall direct investigations of alleged violations of such laws within fire protection areas established under section 1503.08 of the Revised Code.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1503 | Division of Forestry › Section 1503.11 | Forest-Fire Wardens - Duties and Powers.

Effective:
September 14, 2016
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 293 - 131st General Assembly
Forest-fire wardens shall prevent and extinguish forest fires in the territory over which they have jurisdiction and shall have control and direction of all persons and apparatus while engaged in extinguishing forest fires.
In case of fire threatening any forest or woodland, the wardens having authority in that locality shall attend immediately and use all necessary means to confine and extinguish the fire. Forest-fire wardens or forest-fire investigators may cut trees or other vegetation, destroy fences, plow land, or set backfires to check any fire.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1503 | Division of Forestry › Section 1503.12 | Notices.

Effective:
September 1, 1976
Latest Legislation:
House Bill 972 - 111th General Assembly
Forest-fire wardens shall post such notices warning against the dangers of forest fires and calling attention to the forest-fire laws of this state as the chief of the division of forestry prepares. No person shall, without authority, willfully or maliciously tear down, remove, deface, or destroy any such notice.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1503 | Division of Forestry › Section 1503.13 | Compensation of Forest-Fire Wardens.

Effective:
September 1, 1976
Latest Legislation:
House Bill 972 - 111th General Assembly
Forest-fire wardens shall be allowed for their services such remuneration as is fixed by the chief of the division of forestry, subject to the approval of the director of natural resources. Laborers and owners of all property required by any warden in the extinguishment of a brush or forest fire shall receive reasonable compensation for labor and material so employed, and said chief may make final settlement.
2023 Ohio Revised Code › Title 15 | Conservation of Natural Resources › Chapter 1503 | Division of Forestry › Section 1503.14 | System for Detection and Observation of Forest Fires - Mutual Aid and Assistance Agreements - Transfers of Excess Property.

Effective:
September 14, 2016
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 293 - 131st General Assembly
The chief of the division of forestry may establish and put into effect a system for aerial or ground detection and observation of forest fires which shall cover the regions determined by the chief to be subject to forest fires, purchase the necessary equipment and material, and hire the necessary labor for the installation and maintenance of the system.
The chief may enter into agreements or contracts with firefighting agencies and private fire companies for the purpose of providing mutual aid and assistance in the protection of forests from forest fires in fire protection areas established under section 1503.08 of the Revised Code. The agreements or contracts may provide for at least technical assistance, assistance in training personnel, and fire suppression assistance and such other forms of aid as may be available and appropriate.
The chief, with the approval of the director of natural resources, may transfer title to or ownership of vehicles, equipment, materials, and supplies that are determined to be in excess of the needs of the department of natural resources and the division to a firefighting agency or private fire company for the purpose of accomplishing fire suppression in fire protection areas.
As used in this section, "firefighting agency" and "private fire company" have the same meanings as in section 9.60 of the Revised Code.