Division of Forestry created -- Powers -- Rules and regulations -- Grant- funded, time-limited employment permitted as determined by appointing authority.
(1) There is hereby created and there shall be maintained within the Department for Natural Resources in the Energy and Environment Cabinet a Division of Forestry to supervise all forestry property and advance forest interests of the state through development of such property and interests. It shall initiate such projects as will promote public appreciation of forest protection and of reforestation; encourage tree planting in general and on the public highways in particular; grow, collect and distribute seedlings; form and foster junior forestry clubs; cooperate with local civic organizations in the care of trees and planting of more trees; provide for organized forest fire protection; cooperate with the federal government, state departments and landowners in the perpetuation of forests, the promotion of tree growth and the redemption of wasteland for agricultural purposes; and encourage an interest in forestry by correspondence, press, pamphlets, reports, moving pictures and organizations.
(2) The director of the Division of Forestry with the approval of the secretary for energy and environment shall adopt and enforce such rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry out the functions assigned the cabinet by law.
(3) If federal or other grant funds become available to pay employee salaries, the appointing authority may appoint and employ additional persons to accomplish the purposes of this chapter. The appointing authority shall determine the compensation, duties, and terms of employment of grant-funded employees. All grant-funded, time-limited positions shall be approved by the secretary as needed. Employees whose salaries are funded through federal or other grant funds shall not be counted in any tally of permanent employees made for employee cap or budgetary purposes. As used in this subsection, "appointing authority" has the same meaning as in KRS 18A.005.