Requires consideration of ecotourism when evaluating and ranking applications by local government units or qualifying tax exempt nonprofit organizations for acquisition or development of lands for recreation and conservation purposes.
Impact
This bill may significantly impact state laws regarding the evaluation and ranking of projects under the Green Acres Program. By incorporating ecotourism as a criterion, the bill encourages a shift towards assessing the economic potential of projects in addition to their environmental merits. This could lead to increased funding and support for local initiatives that align with ecotourism principles, potentially revitalizing areas that are economically disadvantaged but rich in natural resources.
Summary
Assembly Bill A2312 aims to amend the existing Green Acres Program by requiring that applications for the acquisition or development of lands for recreation and conservation purposes by local government units or tax-exempt nonprofit organizations consider the potential for ecotourism. The intention behind this addition is to promote sustainable tourism practices that can benefit local economies while encouraging the protection and preservation of natural resources.
Contention
Notably, there may be contention regarding the inclusion of ecotourism in the evaluation criteria, as stakeholders may have differing opinions on its implementation and effectiveness. Critics may argue that this focus could divert attention from other critical aspects of land conservation, such as biodiversity and habitat protection. Supporters, however, may advocate that ecotourism can provide much-needed funding for conservation efforts and enhance community engagement with natural spaces.
Requires DEP to prioritize funding for certain projects for acquisition of lands for recreation and conservation purposes and certain environmental infrastructure projects that include, or allow for, flood mitigation projects.
Requires DEP to prioritize funding for certain projects for acquisition of lands for recreation and conservation purposes and certain environmental infrastructure projects that include, or allow for, flood mitigation projects.
Requires DEP to prioritize funding for certain projects for acquisition of lands for recreation and conservation purposes and certain environmental infrastructure projects that include, or allow for, flood mitigation projects.
Requires DEP to prioritize funding for certain projects for acquisition of lands for recreation and conservation purposes and certain environmental infrastructure projects that include, or allow for, flood mitigation projects.
Establishes procedure for notification to, and review by, municipalities of certain grant and loan applications for acquisition or development of lands for recreation and conservation purposes.
Establishes procedure for notification to, and review by, municipalities of certain grant and loan applications for acquisition or development of lands for recreation and conservation purposes.
Requires DEP to prioritize funding for certain projects for acquisition of lands for recreation and conservation purposes and certain environmental infrastructure projects that include, or allow for, flood mitigation projects.
Requires DEP to prioritize funding for certain projects for acquisition of lands for recreation and conservation purposes and certain environmental infrastructure projects that include, or allow for, flood mitigation projects.
Requires DEP to prioritize funding for certain projects for acquisition of lands for recreation and conservation purposes and certain environmental infrastructure projects that include, or allow for, flood mitigation projects.
Requires DEP to prioritize funding for certain projects for acquisition of lands for recreation and conservation purposes and certain environmental infrastructure projects that include, or allow for, flood mitigation projects.
Requires establishment and implementation, in certain circumstances, of wildlife management plans for open space and farmland, and authorizes use of constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues to finance activities undertaken pursuant to such plans.
Requires establishment and implementation, in certain circumstances, of wildlife management plans for open space and farmland, and authorizes use of constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues to finance activities undertaken pursuant to such plans.
Extends for five years expiration date of special appraisal process for Green Acres program and farmland preservation program for lands in Highlands Region.