Assigned to NREW FOR
COMMITTEE
Assigned to NREW FOR
COMMITTEE
ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Third Legislature, Second Regular Session
natural resource conservation districts; administration
Purpose
Transfers administrative responsibility for Arizona's Natural Resource Conservation District Program (NRCD) from the State Land Department to the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management (DFFM).
Background
Currently, the Arizona State Land Department administers Arizona's NRCDs, which involves funding and technical assistance for 32 districts in Arizona (A.R.S. Title 37, Chapter 6). NRCDs work with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resource Conservation Service and Farm Service Agency to provide technical and financial assistance relating to conservation of soil, water and other natural resources.
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Transfers administration of NRCDs from the State Land Department to the DFFM.
2. Establishes the State Forester as the State Natural Resource Conservation Commissioner and expands the duties to require:
a) public recognition of Arizona's water conservation measures or projects; and
b) promotion of Arizona's water related advancements and the impact on watersheds, forest health, multiple uses and stormwater runoff protection programs.
3. Provides for transfer of contracts, orders, judicial actions, and all personnel, property, records, data, obligations and unspent appropriated monies from the State Land Department to the DFFM.
4. Adds the State Forester as an ex officio member of the Arizona Water Protection Fund Commission.
5. Contains a delayed effective date.
Prepared by Senate Research
February 8, 2018
KK/lat