(a) The Forestry Services and Advice Fund is established as a special fund within the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, North Carolina Forest Service. All moneys paid to the Commissioner for services rendered under the provisions of this Article shall be deposited into the Fund. The Fund may also consist of any gifts, bequests, or grants for the benefit of this Fund. No General Fund appropriations shall be credited to this Fund.

(b) The Department shall use the Fund to develop, improve, repair, maintain, operate, and otherwise invest in providing forestry services and advice to owners and operators of forestland as authorized by this Article. (1947, c. 384, s. 3; 1973, c. 1262, s. 86; 1977, c. 771, s. 4; 1989, c. 727, s. 97; 2011-145, s. 13.25(ee); 2018-113, s. 5(d); 2023-63, s. 12.)