OAR 629-610-0040: Time Allowed for Reforestation

(1) The time period for compliance with the reforestation rules begins at the completion of the operation or 12 months after tree stocking has been reduced, whichever comes first. (2) The landowner shall begin reforestation, including any necessary site preparation, within 12 months when reforestation is required. (3) The landowner shall complete planting or seeding within 24 months unless a plan for an alternate practice for natural reforestation has been approved by the State Forester. (4) By the end of the sixth full calendar year, the landowner shall have established a free to grow stand of trees which meets or exceeds the minimum stocking level required by OAR 629-610-0020. (5) When natural reforestation methods are planned, the time limits for evidence of successful germination and for establishing a free to grow stand of trees which meets or exceeds the minimum stocking level required for the site shall be established in the approved plan for an alternate practice required for such methods. (6) If reforestation cannot be accomplished within the specified time due to circumstances determined by the State Forester to be beyond the landowner's control, the State Forester shall extend the time to accomplish reforestation. Such circumstances may include, but are not limited to: (a) Nursery failure; (b) Inadequate seedling availability following salvage harvesting; (c) Extreme drought; (d) Insect infestation; (e) State smoke management restrictions on the burning of slash; (f) Wildfire or disease damage; or (g) Severe wildlife damage that could not be reasonably anticipated or controlled by the landowner. (7) Extensions shall be made only upon a determination by the State Forester, based on timely written evidence provided by the landowner, that documents the landowner made reasonable attempts to comply with the reforestation requirements of the rules. (8) Where an extension is granted for reforestation failure on land suitable for reforestation or in cases where a violation of the reforestation rules is cited, the landowner shall be required to take remedial action to achieve the required stocking standards within a time prescribed by the State Forester using recognized stand establishment methods.