76-13-117. (Temporary) State assistance to local governments as consultant for federal land management proposals -- rulemaking. (1) The department of natural resources and conservation, at the request of and in coordination with a local government as defined in 7-11-1002, may serve as a consulting subject matter expert on federal vegetation management projects.

(2) The department may provide the assistance to local governments listed in subsection (1) on projects that address forest health or wildfire risk.

(3) The department may establish a minimal procedure for local governments to request state assistance pursuant to 76-13-118 and this section.

(4) The department shall give priority to requests and services pursuant to this section that will:

(a) reduce excessive wildfire fuels that endanger communities, infrastructure, or municipal watersheds;

(b) enhance economic productivity in economically depressed counties; and

(c) not exceed available staff time and resources.

(5) The department may adopt rules to implement this section. (Terminates June 30, 2020--sec. 6, Ch. 425, L. 2015.)