§ 9-0801. Legislative purpose and findings.

It is the purpose of this act to provide for the development and
maintenance of a forest resources planning program, consistent with
article fourteen of the state constitution, in furtherance of the policy
of the state of New York to conserve, improve and protect its natural
resources and environment. The legislature recognizes that the needs and
opportunities which affect the use, management and protection of the
forest resources of the state are interrelated and require a
comprehensive approach to issue resolution and policy development. To
best serve the public interest, forest resources programs and efforts
should be based upon periodic assessments and analyses of present and
anticipated use, demand for, and supply of renewable forest resources
from the public and private forest lands of the state. The department
shall consult and cooperate with the Adirondack park agency in the
preparation of those parts of the assessment and plan with respect to
the forest resources of the Adirondack park. The legislature hereby
designates the department of environmental conservation as the official
state agency with the responsibility to plan for present and future
demands on the state's forest resources and declares that the department
shall conduct a program of long range comprehensive forest resource
planning which planning program shall include the periodic preparation
of a forest resources assessment and the periodic development of a
forest resources plan.