“Department” means the Department of Environmental Protection.

“Forest stewardship plan” means a plan prepared and implemented by an owner of forest land, and approved by the department, pursuant to section 3 of P.L.2009, c.256 (C. 13:1L-31).

“Local government unit” means a municipality, county, or other political subdivision of the State, or any agency, board, commission, utilities authority or other authority, or other entity thereof.

“Owner” means an owner of forest land.

“Sustainability” means, with respect to forest land, having the ability to: (1) maintain its ecological processes, biodiversity, resource productivity, regeneration capacity, and vitality; and promote forest health, preclude the spread of invasive non-native species, maintain forest integrity and contiguity, preserve New Jersey’s native biodiversity, and protect endangered and threatened species and species of special concern and the habitat that sustains them; and (2) realize the potential to fulfill now and for future generations, relevant ecological, environmental, economic, and social functions, including but not limited to protection and improvement of air quality and of water supply and water quality, stabilization of soils, prevention and suppression of uncontrolled wildfires, service of markets for forest products, provision of recreational opportunities, and improvement of quality of life.

“Sustainable manner” means employing practices for the use and care of forest land that promote sustainability and do not cause damage to other ecosystems, and avoiding acts and omissions that undermine sustainability.

L.2009, c.256, s.2.