OAR 629-630-0700: Yarding; Cable Equipment Near Waters of the State

(1) Operators shall maintain the purposes and functions of vegetation required to be retained in riparian management areas and minimize disturbance to beds and banks of streams, lakes, all wetlands larger than one-quarter acre, and retained vegetation during cable yarding operations. (2) Operators shall minimize the yarding of logs across streams, lakes, significant wetlands, and other wetlands greater than one-quarter acre whenever harvesting can be accomplished using existing roads or other practical alternatives. (3) Operators may use cable yarding corridors through retained trees if the numbers and widths of yarding corridors are minimized. Operators shall submit a written plan to the State Forester when yarding across any of the waters listed in subsections (a) through (g) of this section: (a) Type F streams; (b) Type SSBT streams; (c) Type D streams; (d) Large or medium Type Np streams; (e) Small Type Np or Type Ns streams located within designated debris flow traversal areas, as described in OAR 629-630-0905; (f) Lakes; or (g) Significant wetlands. (4) When cable yarding across any of the waters listed in subsections (a) through (f) of this section is necessary, it shall be done by swinging the yarded material free of the ground in the aquatic areas and riparian areas. (a) Type F streams; (b) Type SSBT streams; (c) Type D streams; (d) Large or medium Type Np streams; (e) Lakes; or (f) Significant wetlands. (5) Cable yarding across streams classified as Type Ns, small Type Np, stream-associated wetlands, designated debris flow traversal areas, seeps, and springs, or other wetlands greater than one-quarter acre shall be done in ways that minimize disturbances to the stream channel or wetland and minimize disturbances of retained streamside vegetation, including one-end log suspension where feasible. (6) Operators shall minimize disturbance from cable yarding near streams to maintain soil function, retain understory vegetation, and protect habitat for fish, amphibians, and other wildlife. (a) The following equipment limitation zones shall be applied to streams and associated riparian management areas as described in division 643 Water Protection Rules Vegetation Retention Along Streams rules. (A) An “R-ELZ” means an equipment limitation zone in which disturbance from equipment activity shall be minimized and all trees less than 6 inches DBH and shrub species are retained where possible. (i) In Western Oregon, the R-ELZ is 35 feet. (ii) In Eastern Oregon, the R-ELZ is 30 feet. (B) An “ELZ” means an equipment limitation zone in which disturbance from equipment activity shall be minimized. (i) In Western Oregon, the ELZ is 35 feet. (ii) In Eastern Oregon, the ELZ is 30 feet. (b) Operators shall take corrective action(s) when soil disturbance from cabled logs exceeds 20 percent of the total area within any R-ELZ or ELZ within an operation unit. Corrective action(s) shall be designed to replace the equivalent of lost functions in consultation with the State Forester. Examples include, but are not limited to, water bars, grass seeding, logging slash, mulching, downed log placement in accordance with ORS 527.676(1), with a preference for utilizing on-site materials. (c) The department shall publish Forest Practices Technical Guidance, developed in consultation with Department of Fish and Wildlife to assist operators with selecting appropriate corrective measures.