OAR 629-630-0000: Purpose

(1) OAR 629-630-0000 through 629-630-0925 shall be known as the harvesting rules. (2) Harvesting of forest tree species is an integral part of forest management by which wood for human use is obtained and by which forests are established and tended. (3) Harvesting operations result in a temporary disturbance to the forest environment. (4) The purpose of the harvesting rules is to establish standards for forest practices that will maintain the productivity of forestland, minimize soil and debris entering waters of the state, and protect wildlife and fish habitat. (5) The harvesting rules are intended to reduce the potential for sediment delivery to waters of the state from ground disturbance and drainage alterations that may be caused by harvesting. (6) The purpose of the timber harvesting on steep slopes rules, as identified in OAR 629-630-0900 through 629-630-0925, is to retain trees in designated areas to provide the beneficial elements of landslides while mitigating the potential negative effects of forest management activities on unstable slopes. (7) The harvesting rules shall apply to all forest practices regions unless otherwise indicated. (8) OAR 629-630-0900 through 629-630-0925, do not replace or modify OAR 629-623-0000 through 629-623-0800 Shallow, Rapidly Moving Landslides and Public Safety rules.