§ 2601 - Policy and purposes
§ 2601. Policy and purposes
(a) The conservation of the forests, timberlands, woodlands and soil and recreational resources of the state are hereby declared to be in the public interest. It is the policy of the state to encourage economic management of its forests and woodlands, to maintain, conserve and improve its soil resources and to control forest pests to the end that forest benefits, including maple sugar production, are preserved for its people, floods and soil erosion are alleviated, hazards of forest fires are lessened, its natural beauty is preserved, its wildlife is protected, the development of its recreational interests is encouraged, the fertility and productivity of its soil are maintained, the impairment of its dams and reservoirs is prevented, its tax base is protected and the health, safety and general welfare of its people are sustained and promoted.
(b) The department shall implement the policies of this chapter by assisting forest land owners and lumber operators in the cutting and marketing of forest growth, encouraging cooperation between forest owners, lumber operators and the state of Vermont in the practice of conservation and management of forest lands, managing, promoting and protecting the multiple use of publicly owned forest and park lands; planning, constructing, developing, operating and maintaining the system of state parks; determining the necessity of repairs and replacements to all department-owned buildings and causing urgent repairs and replacements to be accomplished, with the approval of the secretary of administration, if within the limits of specific appropriations or if approved by the emergency board; and providing advice and assistance to municipalities, other political subdivisions, state departments and nongovernmental organizations in the development of wholesome and adequate community or institutional recreation programs. (Added 1977, No. 253 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; amended 1993, No. 233 (Adj. Sess.), § 44, eff. June 21, 1994.)