(a) In this Article, unless the context requires otherwise, "Department" means the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and "Commissioner" means the Commissioner of Agriculture.
(b) Three or more persons, who associate themselves by an agreement in writing for the purpose, may become a private limited dividend corporation to finance and carry out projects for the protection and development of forests and for such other related purposes as the Commissioner shall approve, subject to all the duties, restrictions and liabilities, and possessing all the rights, powers, and privileges, of corporations organized under the general corporation laws of the State of North Carolina, except where such provisions are in conflict with this Article.