(a) The purpose of this article is to encourage private investments in, and improved long-term management of, timberlands and resources within the state to promote carbon sequestration through increased timber growth and inventory, reduced carbon emissions from wildland fires by creating fire resiliency on private timberlands, and the protection, maintenance, and enhancement of a productive and stable forest resource system for the benefit of present and future generations.

(b) The primary emphasis of the program established by this article shall be upon increasing carbon sequestration in timberlands and reducing carbon emissions from wildland fires. Consistent with this primary emphasis, the program shall also be managed to maintain or improve all forest resources, such as fish and wildlife habitat and soil resources, so that the overall effect of the program is to improve the total forest resource system.

(Amended by Stats. 2015, Ch. 303, Sec. 424. (AB 731) Effective January 1, 2016.)