The department shall protect from insects and diseases the trees and forests and wood products, stored wood, and wood in use in the State. This protection shall include, but not be limited to:
a. Conducting surveys to detect and evaluate insect infestations and disease conditions affecting forests and trees;
b. Determining the biological, chemical and mechanical measures necessary to prevent, retard, control or suppress incipient, potentially threatening or emergency insect infestation and disease conditions affecting trees;
c. Taking any other actions deemed necessary to protect the State's trees, forests and wood products from insects and diseases.