P.R. Laws tit. 12, § 192
It is hereby declared that the public forest policy of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, is the following:
(a) Forests are a natural and unique resource because of their capacity to preserve and restore the ecological balance of the environmental surroundings; they conserve the soil, water, flora and fauna; they supply timber products; they provide a wholesome environment for outdoor recreation and for the spiritual inspiration and relaxation of man, and forestry provides a rural source of employment. Forests constitute, therefore, an essential heritage, which demands their maintenance, conservation, protection and expansion in order to secure their full benefit and enjoyment for this generation, as well as a legacy for future generations.
(b) Forest products and benefits shall be used wholly and efficiently for the purpose of prolonging their utility.
(c) Forest lands belonging to the Commonwealth in which the products, services and utilities mentioned constitute their real value or highest potential shall be declared and designated as Commonwealth Forests and they shall be kept forested, developed and managed rationally in order to obtain the maximum and continuous yield of these products, services and utilities. Likewise, municipal lands with forestry value located in urban areas whose title is transferred to the Commonwealth shall be designated and declared as Commonwealth Urban Forests and shall be managed by the municipalities as provided in this chapter.
(d) The owners or assignees of forest lands privately owned should contribute, within the realm of possibilities, to maintain and preserve the forest, thus preventing that they be unnecessarily destroyed or eliminated or that they be devoted to a use of less necessity than forests.
(e) It shall be the responsibility of the Government to develop and establish the necessary measures for forest conservation and promote private initiative to such purposes.
History —July 1, 1975, No. 133, p. 393, § 2; Aug. 7, 1998, No. 190, § 1.