SECTION .0700 – FOREST DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

02 NCAC 60B .0701          ADMINISTRATION OF PROGRAM

(a)  The manner and requirements of making application for cost-sharing funds pursuant to the Forest Development Act are as follows:

(1)           Any eligible landowner may apply for program cost-sharing funds.

(2)           Application may be made by completing the application forms. t A management plan relating to the application shall be on file with the North Carolina Forest Service before the application may be accepted. Applications shall include identifying information from the landowner and consultant, a description of the practices needed, acres needed, practice rate, and applicant signature.

(b)  The Commissioner or his or her designee shall review submitted applications requesting program funding. Applicants who start or complete their project without prior Division approval shall not be eligible to receive funding.

(c)  The Commissioner may designate a portion of funds for practices designed to encourage reforestation at reduced costs or for other purposes in designated areas. This designation by the Commissioner shall be made in writing prior to the beginning of the fiscal year.

(d)  G.S. 106-1016 limits a landowner to 100 acres of cost-share funding approval per fiscal year. Cost-share paid out in any one fiscal year may include funds approved in previous fiscal years.

(e)  Cost-sharing payments shall be made upon certification by the Division following completion of the practice(s) as prescribed in the management plan. Determination of completion shall include an assessment of installed practices in relation to the requirements outlined in the management plan, installation of appropriate best management practices to ensure soil protection and water quality, and assurance that the installed practice is in compliance with any environmental regulations found in Article 4, G.S. 113A.

(f)  Allocated funding for approved applications shall be withdrawn as follows:

(1)           Funds may be withdrawn at the end of the first fiscal year in which the funds were allotted if no work has been started. The landowner shall provide documentation to the Division for funds availability to continue into a second year.

(2)           Funds allocated may be withdrawn at the end of the second fiscal year if the practices have not been completed.

(3)           A 12-month extension may be granted by the Division when a project cannot be completed due to circumstances beyond the control of the landowner, including adverse weather conditions or unavailability of contractors.

(g)  Eligible landowners may appeal disagreements, disapproval of applications, or decisions on unsatisfactory completion of silvicultural or environmental practices.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 106-22; 106-1010; 106-1011; 106-1015; 106-1018;

Eff. August 8, 1978;

Amended Eff. August 1, 2002; July 1, 1986; October 1, 1984; August 1, 1982; January 15, 1981;

Transferred from 15A NCAC 09C .0902 Eff. May 1, 2012;

Readopted Eff. April 1, 2018;

Amended Eff. February 1, 2019.