106-887. Management of DuPont State Recreational Forest.

(a) DuPont State Forest is designated as a State Recreational Forest. The Department shall manage DuPont State Recreational Forest: (i) primarily for natural resource preservation, scenic enjoyment and recreational purposes, including horseback riding, hiking, bicycling, hunting, and fishing; (ii) so as to provide an exemplary model of scientifically sound, ecologically based natural resource management for the social and economic benefit of the forest's diverse community of users; and (iii) consistent with the grant agreement that designates a portion of the forest as a North Carolina Nature Preserve. In addition, the Department may use the forest for the demonstration of different forest management and resource protection techniques for local landowners, natural resource professionals, students, and other forest visitors.

(b) The Department shall adopt a land management plan for DuPont State Recreational Forest, which shall be periodically revised as needed, to (i) provide the ecological context within which management of the forest will be conducted; (ii) describe the desired future condition of natural resources throughout the forest toward which management will be directed; and (iii) outline appropriate management techniques to achieve those desired future conditions.

(c) Notwithstanding subsection (a) of G.S. 106-877, with respect to DuPont State Recreational Forest, the Department may cut and remove timber for forest management purposes only, including for the purposes of fire, pest, and disease prevention and control. The Department may cut, remove, and sell timber for the purpose of revenue generation only upon approval of the Governor and the Council of State.

(d) Notwithstanding G.S. 106-886, with respect to property comprising DuPont State Recreational Forest, the Department may sell, lease, or exchange such property only upon approval of the Governor and the Council of State.

(e) The Department may acquire inholdings or lands adjacent to DuPont State Recreational Forest for recreational purposes, natural resource protection or scenic enjoyment purposes, and other purposes described in G.S. 106-876 as appropriate for a recreational forest, and such acquisitions shall be made in accordance with the provisions of G.S. 106-876.

(f) In accordance with subsection (b) of G.S. 106-877, the Department may construct, operate, and maintain within DuPont State Recreational Forest suitable public service facilities and conveniences, and may charge and collect reasonable fees for the use of these facilities and conveniences. The Department may also charge and collect reasonable fees for hunting and fishing privileges in the forest, provided that these privileges shall be extended only to holders of State hunting and fishing licenses who comply with all State game and fish laws.

(g) In accordance with subsection (c) of G.S. 106-877, the Department may grant to private individuals or companies concessions for operation of public service facilities for such periods and upon such conditions as the Department deems to be in the public interest.

(h) The Department shall adopt rules for operation and management of DuPont State Recreational Forest in consultation with interested parties, including, but not limited to, local governments with jurisdiction over the area, the Friends of DuPont Forest, and other stakeholders with interests in the property for recreation and protection of its wildlife populations, water quality, biodiversity, or historical and cultural value.

(i) The Department shall report no later than October 1 of each year to the Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations, the House and Senate Appropriations Subcommittees on Natural and Economic Resources, the Fiscal Research Division, and the Environmental Review Commission on the Department's management activities at DuPont State Recreational Forest during the preceding fiscal year and plans for management of DuPont State Recreational Forest for the upcoming fiscal year. (2011-145, s. 13.25(o); 2013-155, s. 12; 2013-360, s. 14.3(h).)