supporting indefinitely the domestic, agricultural, industrial, and recreational water requirements for the growth and development of the municipality;
c. Natural forests, wildlife, and landscapes shall be managed for scientific research and education, recreation, and ecological tourism as major catalysts for the conservation of biological diversity and preservation of the unique natural and cultural heritage of the Urbiztodonians. In carrying out the provisions of this Code, the Mayor shall enhance the capacity of the municipal governments to provide forest management guidance and support to the various priority forest management initiatives of constituent barangays which shall thereby provide direct guidance and support to the initiatives of people’s organizations, non-government organizations, government agencies and individuals and households; provided, that the mayor shall implement the forestry provisions of this Code in close collaboration with concerned national government agencies and instrumentalities, particularly the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and the private sector.
Sec. 4. Forest Resources Management Framework. Within nine (9) months upon effectivity of this Code, the Mayor shall adopt a municipal strategic forest resources management framework to serve as guide for municipal government in preparing their forest resources management plans. The municipal framework shall in the minimum, outline how the municipal government may promote investments, create jobs, and generate local government revenues through production, protection and recreational forestry programs or projects. Further, the framework shall be formulated, adopted, and implemented reflecting a collaborative initiative with national government agencies, particularly the DENR, the private sector, people’s organizations, and non-government organizations, in accordance with law; subject, however to the condition that the framework shall be in conformity with the municipal physical framework plan. Sec. 5. Development of Forest Areas for Bamboo Productions. In order to provide adequate raw material stocks to meet the increasing demand for bamboo and other tree raw products, the Local Government of Urbiztondo thru its agriculture office, shall appropriate funds and engage in the propagation and cultivation of bamboo and other potential home grown trees in the municipality in accordance with the relevant provisions of Executive Order No. 879, Series of 2010 dated May 14, 2010 by President Gloria Macapagal- Arroyo particularly Sections 4 and 7 thereof.
Sec. 6. Development of Recreation Forests. Upon request, the Mayor shall assist barangay governments in the establishment of revenue-generating community-based forest recreation projects, such as, but not limited to, forest parks, botanical gardens, and camping grounds within devolved areas such as Communal Forest, ISF Projects, Pocket Forest, Project RICH in accordance with RA 7160.
Sec. 7. Forest Resources Information Management System. The Mayor shall establish and maintain a forest resources information management system that is capable of promoting public and private sector investments in the operation of production, protection and recreation forests and forest- based industries in the municipality. Such information system shall, in the minimum, consist of thematic maps, directory of available areas and forest resources for investments, and tenurial systems. Upon request, the Mayor shall provide technical assistance to interested barangay governments in the development of their forest resources information systems.
Sec. 8. Establishment of Sustainable Agro-forestry and other Income Generating Projects. The municipal government shall encourage agro-forestry and other income generating support programs for the benefit of identified beneficiaries.
Sec. 9. Establishment of Plant/Nursery Areas. There shall be established in every barangay a Seedlings Production Area of indigenous premium species and other naturally growing trees which shall supplement the seed requirements of public and private nurseries.
