Authority: Title 10.1, Chapter 11, Code of Virginia.

A. The State Forester is hereby authorized to utilize any unobligated balances in the fire suppression fund authorized by § 10.1-1124, Code of Virginia, for the purpose of acquiring replacement equipment for forestry management and protection operations.

B. In the event that budgeted amounts for forest fire suppression are insufficient to meet forest fire suppression demands, such amounts as may be necessary for this purpose may be transferred from Item 530 of this act to the Department of Forestry.

C. This appropriation includes annual membership dues to the Southeast Interstate Forest Fire Protection Compact, $1,000 the first year and $1,000 the second year, from the general fund.

D. The appropriation in the Forestry and Reforestation Incentives subprogram includes $895,990 the first year and $895,990 the second year from the general fund for the Reforestation of Timberlands Fund. This appropriation shall be deemed sufficient to meet the provisions of Titles 10.1 and 58.1, Code of Virginia.

E. Out of this appropriation $490,000 the first year and $490,000 the second year from the general fund is available for lease payments for fire-fighting and other operations equipment.

F. The Department of Forestry shall provide the necessary staff and support to maintain the Urban Forester Program.

G. The Department shall provide technical assistance and project supervision in the aerial spraying of herbicides on timberland on landowner property. In addition to recovering the direct cost associated with the spraying contract, the Department may charge an administrative fee for this service.

H. The Department of Forestry, in cooperation with the Department of Corrections, shall increase the use of inmate labor for routine and special work projects in state forests with a goal of utilizing 200 inmates on a full-time basis.