Prohibits setting of snares or cable restraint traps on certain National Guard property; establishes penalties.
Impact
The bill includes civil penalties that impose fines ranging from $100 to $200 for first offenses and from $200 to $500 for subsequent violations. Each instance of setting a snare or cable trap would be considered a separate offense, which could potentially lead to cumulative penalties for offenders. The authority to enforce these provisions is designated to the Commissioner of Environmental Protection, who will be responsible for oversight and penalty collection, thus enhancing the enforcement of wildlife protection measures in state-controlled areas.
Summary
Assembly Bill A5245, introduced by Assemblyman Paul Kanitra, aims to prohibit the use of snares or cable restraint traps on specific National Guard properties in New Jersey. The proposed legislation targets areas that span 150 acres or more and are located within municipalities that have a population density of at least 1,500 inhabitants per square mile, according to the most recent census data. This restriction is intended to protect local wildlife, particularly addressing concerns over the trapping of fox populations on these lands due to environmental preservation efforts, notably to safeguard nesting sites of the endangered piping plover bird.
Contention
While the bill aims to bolster environmental protections, potential points of contention may arise concerning its enforcement and impact on local trapping practices. Discussions among stakeholders may focus on the perceived necessity of trapping for wildlife management versus the moral and ecological implications of such practices. Advocates for wildlife protection are likely to support the bill, emphasizing the importance of preserving local ecosystems, while those involved in trapping for livelihood may raise concerns over restrictions that could hinder their practices or introduce economic burdens through penalties.
Prohibits certain light frame residential construction in densely populated census tracts; establishes construction requirements for certain light frame residential construction in other census tracts.
Prohibits certain light frame residential construction in densely populated census tracts; establishes construction requirements for certain light frame residential construction in other census tracts.