2-970.

Riparian Vegetation Management Task Force; duties; meetings; report.

The Riparian Vegetation Management Task Force, in consultation with appropriate federal agencies, shall develop and prioritize vegetation management goals and objectives, analyze the cost-effectiveness of available vegetation treatment, and develop plans and policies to achieve such goals and objectives. Any plan shall utilize the principles of integrated vegetation management and sound science. The task force shall convene within thirty days after the appointment of the members is complete to elect a chairperson and conduct such other business as deemed necessary. An annual report shall be submitted to the Governor and the Legislature by June 30 each year with the first report due on June 30, 2017. The report submitted to the Legislature shall be submitted electronically. It is the intent of the Legislature that expenses of the task force not exceed twenty-five thousand dollars of the total appropriation to the program per fiscal year.