Forest resources assessment

§ 9-0803. Forest resources assessment.

The department is authorized to carry out a comprehensive statewide assessment (hereinafter referred to as the assessment) of the present and anticipated future conditions of the forest resources of New York state. The initial assessment shall be prepared on or before September thirtieth, nineteen hundred eighty-six and subsequent assessments shall be prepared at least once every ten years. Assessments shall include but not be limited to the following:

1. an inventory of present supply of and demand for renewable forest resources;

2. an analysis of future supply of and demand for renewable forest resources; and

3. a description of present programs and responsibilities of all major organizations involved in the management of public and private forest resources.

The assessment will include all of the ecologic, sociologic, aesthetic, and economic data necessary to achieve the purposes of this act. The department shall develop and maintain an efficient system for collecting, storing, and analyzing these data, and shall prepare an assessment update at least once every five years.