It is hereby declared to be the policy of the state, to the extent feasible, to stop the spread of sudden oak death and conserve oak trees and other plant species affected by the disease. The purpose of this article is to accomplish all of the following:
(a) Prevent the introduction and spread within this state of sudden oak death caused by Phytophthora ramorum.
(b) Reduce or eliminate the loss of oak trees and other plant species infected with Phytophthora ramorum.
(c) Encourage the coordination of efforts between federal, state, and local agencies and organizations to effectively allocate resources to manage Phytophthora ramorum.
(Added by Stats. 2002, Ch. 854, Sec. 1. Effective September 25, 2002.)