(a) If cultivated currants, gooseberries, or white pines, which are not infected with white pine blister rust, are destroyed by specific order of the Department of Forests and Waters, or its agents, the owner may be compensated therefor; the damages to be appraised by the Department of Forests and Waters, or its agents, at and not to exceed the actual value of the material destroyed, and paid to said owner by the State Treasurer upon authorization of the Department of Forests and Waters: Provided, That any and all wild currants and gooseberries are hereby declared noxious weeds and no compensation shall be paid therefor.

(b) In lieu of any damages for any trees or bushes destroyed under this act,¹ the Department of Forests and Waters may offer, and the owner may accept, forest planting stock to be furnished from the State Forest Nurseries.