OAR 629-643-0400: Site Specific Vegetation Retention Prescriptions for Streams and Riparian Management Areas

(1) A primary purpose of these site-specific vegetation retention prescriptions in Table 7 and described for the geographic areas in Figure 1, is to identify opportunities and allow incentives for restoring or enhancing riparian management areas or streams. Another purpose of site-specific vegetation retention prescriptions is to allow for changes to the vegetation retention requirements in this rule division. The changes must provide for the functions and values of streams and their riparian management areas as described in the vegetation retention goals for streams while affording a better opportunity to meet other objectives. [Figure 1. Geographic Areas, OAR 629-643-0400] [Table 7. Site Specific Basal Area Targets] (2) The operator may develop site specific vegetation retention prescriptions for streams and their riparian management areas to achieve the vegetation retention goals described in OAR 629-643-0000 if: (a) The potential of the streamside stand to achieve conditions similar to mature forest stands in a timely manner is questionable; (b) In-stream conditions are impaired due to inadequate large wood or other factors; or (c) The site-specific prescription would result in less environmental damage than the standard practice. (3) An operator who wishes to implement site specific vegetation retention prescriptions instead of the standard practice shall submit to the State Forester a plan for an alternate practice. (4) The State Forester shall approve a plan for an alternate practice if the State Forester determines that, when it is properly executed, the alternate plan will have no significant or permanent adverse effects, and: (a) The plan shall meet or exceed the vegetation retention goals in a more timely manner than if the plan were not implemented; (b) The long-term benefits of the plan are greater than short-term detrimental effects; or (c) The plan will result in less environmental damage than if the standard practice were followed. (5) The State Forester may consider the following non-exhaustive list of factors in evaluating the plan: (a) The potential of the existing streamside stand to achieve mature streamside forest characteristics; (b) The long-term supply of woody debris; (c) The survival of newly established trees or shrubs; (d) Fish and wildlife species’ sensitivity to changes in water temperature and water quality; (e) The potential for sedimentation; (f) The stability of woody debris placed in aquatic areas; and (g) The State Forester’s ability to monitor the direct effects of the proposed practices. [ED. NOTE: To view attachments referenced in rule text, click here to view rule.]