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 547 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 nongeneral funds.

D. The Department shall report to the Chairmen of the Senate Finance and House Appropriations Committees by November 4, 1998, concerning the number of participants in this incentive program, the number of acres reforested, and the number of softwood and hardwood trees planted. The report shall cover a five-year period ending in fiscal year 1998. The Department shall also include information regarding the status of hardwood trees in Virginia and recommendations to encourage the plantings of such trees.

E.1. Out of this appropriation $223,128 the first year and $223,128 the second year from the general fund is available for lease payments for fire-fighting and other operations equipment.

2. Out of this appropriation, $755,274 the first year and $755,274 the second year from the general fund is included for the purchase of fire fighting equipment. The Department of Forestry shall submit an annual report to the Secretary of Commerce and Trade detailing the vehicular equipment purchases for each fiscal year by September 1, 1999, and September 1, 2000.

F. 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.

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