(a) The department shall provide information and technical assistance to cities, counties, districts, regional entities, homeowner neighborhood groups, and nonprofit organizations on Phytophthora ramorum.

(b) The department and any other state agency may assist local tree maintenance programs by loaning surplus equipment for regional and local urban forestry. Eligible programs shall include, but are not limited to, urban tree care by nonprofit organizations.

(Added by Stats. 2002, Ch. 854, Sec. 1. Effective September 25, 2002.)