Modifying managed timberland certification requirements

SB 809 changes the requirement for owners of managed timberland to certify their property for tax purposes from annually to every five years. This affects timberland owners who currently must renew their certification yearly to qualify for lower tax assessments based on the land's productive use. The bill requires owners to certify compliance with "Best Management Practices for Forestry" in writing to the Division of Forestry every five years, rather than annually. It also grants the Division of Forestry rule-making authority to establish specific certification procedures.