18S.40.070 Forest Practices.
The intent of the Forest Practices policies and regulations is to provide guidance for Forest Practice activities on shorelines.
A. Applicability. This Section applies to Forest Practices as defined in the Washington State Forest Practices Act, Chapter 76.09 RCW, and the State Forest Practice Rules, Title 222 WAC, as follows:
1. Class I, II, and III Forest Practices located within 200 feet of the OHWM on Shorelines of Statewide Significance.
2. Class IV-General Forest Practices where shorelines are being converted to non-forest uses. Class IV-General Forest Practices are subject to the requirements of the other Sections of this Title, Development Policies and Regulations – Shorelines, as applicable, and to Title 18H PCC, Development Regulations – Forest Practices.
B. Policies.
1. Allow only selective harvest methods of merchantable timber in accordance with RCW 90.58.150 on Shorelines of Statewide Significance.
2. Accomplish reforestation in shorelines as quickly as possible. Replanting should be done with native species common to the area.
3. Forest lands should be reserved for long term forest management and other uses compatible with the forestry use.
C. Regulations.
1. Forest Practice regulations are found in Title 18H PCC, Development Regulations – Forest Practices.
2. Class I, II, and III Forest Practices located within 200 feet of the OHWM on Shorelines of Statewide Significance, consistent with RCW 90.58.150, shall only allow selective timber cutting so that no more than 30 percent of the merchantable trees may be harvested in any 10-year period of time; provided, that other timber harvesting methods may be permitted in those limited instances where the topography, soil conditions, or silviculture practices necessary for regeneration render selective logging ecologically detrimental; and provided further, that clear cutting of timber which is solely incidental to the preparation of land for other uses authorized by this chapter may be permitted. Exceptions to this standard shall be by Conditional Use Permit only.
3. When forest land is to be converted to another use under a Class IV Forest Practice, the conversion shall be clearly indicated on the Forest Practices application. Preparatory work associated with the conversion of land to non-forestry uses or developments shall not be considered forest practices and shall be reviewed in accordance with the provisions for the proposed non-forestry use and the general provisions of this Master Program, including vegetation conservation.