13:1L-14.4. Public forum to present plan for deforestation, reforestation by State entities

2. Whenever a State entity owns or maintains land on which an area of at least one acre in size is scheduled for deforestation, at least 180 days prior to the deforestation of the area the State entity shall hold at least one public forum within the municipality in which the deforestation is scheduled, or, if the forested area scheduled for deforestation spans more than one municipality, in any one of the municipalities in which deforestation is scheduled, to present its plan for deforestation and its plan for reforestation. The public shall be permitted to present oral and written comments to the State entity within a comment period of 60 days from the date of the forum. No more than 60 days after the comment period has closed, the State entity shall provide written responses to the comments presented.

Whenever a public process is already required by any other State or federal law, or any rule or regulation adopted pursuant thereto, for a project that includes forested land scheduled for deforestation, the State entity shall not be required to conduct a separate public forum to comply with the provisions of this section, provided that the public forum requirements established herein are also met at the public forum or hearing conducted pursuant to any other State or federal law. The State entity shall clearly advise the public in its agenda for the public forum that a reforestation plan will be presented. Copies of written responses to the public comments shall be provided by the State entity to the division at the close of the comment period.

L.2001,c.10,s.2.