PROPOSED RULES
Original Notice.
Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 05-20-097.
Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: Achieving desired future conditions in riparian management zones. This rule proposal amends WAC 222-30-021 to change timber harvest and leave tree requirements in riparian management zones adjacent to Type S and F waters as defined in WAC 222-16-030. It pertains to forest lands in western Washington.
Hearing Location(s): Holiday Inn, 3105 Pine Street, Everett, (425) 993-2000, on Tuesday, March 18, 2008, at 6:00 p.m.; and at the Natural Resources Building, Room 172, 1111 Washington Street S.E., Olympia, (360) 902-1400, on Thursday, March 20, 2008, at 6:00 p.m.
Date of Intended Adoption: May 14, 2008.
Submit Written Comments to: Patricia Anderson, DNR Forest Practices Division, 1111 Washington Street S.E., P.O. Box 47012, Olympia, WA 98504-7012, e-mail forest.practicesboard@wadnr.gov, fax (360) 902-1428, by March 21, 2008.
Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact forest practices division at (360) 902-1400, by March 10, 2008, TTY (360) 902-1125.
Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: WAC 222-30-021 provides prescriptions and options to harvesting trees in forested "riparian management zones" as defined in WAC 222-16-010.
Pursuant to RCW 76.09.370, the forest practices board incorporates a scientific-based adaptive management process to determine the effectiveness of forest practices rules in aiding Washington's salmon recovery effort. Under this adaptive management process, a scientific study was completed by the forest practices board's cooperative monitoring, evaluation, and research committee. The study, entitled Validation of the Western Washington Riparian Desired Future Condition (DFC) Performance Targets in the Washington State Forest Practices Rules with Data From Mature, Unmanaged, Conifer-Dominated Riparian Stands. The study's findings were that basal areas per acre of mature, unmanaged conifer-dominated riparian stands are greater than the values used in the rule (see WAC 222-20-021(1) for values in existing rule).
The board is considering two alternative rule amendments to respond to the study findings. The effects of both would increase the basal area retained in riparian management zones, thereby decreasing allowable harvest.
| • | The first would increase the target basal area per acre (325 sq. ft. for all site classes) that a forest stand is projected to reach at one hundred forty years from the year of harvest in the riparian management zone. |
| • | The second would increase the target basal area per acre the same as the first alternative rule amendment, and also change the methods of thinning trees in the inner zones - see WAC 222-30-021 (1)(b)(ii)(B)(I) and (II). |
Reasons Supporting Proposal: The proposed rule changes are based on recommendations resulting from the scientifically based adaptive management process outlined in WAC 222-12-045. Through this process, the board has determined that the forest practices rules should be adjusted to ensure that appropriate riparian buffers are maintained on forest land covered by the Forest Practices Act.
Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 76.09.040 and 76.09.370(6).
Statute Being Implemented: Not applicable.
Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.
Name of Proponent: Forest practices board, governmental.
Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting: Marc Engel, 1111 Washington Street S.E., Olympia, (360) 902-1390; Implementation: Gary Graves, 1111 Washington Street S.E., Olympia, (360) 902-1483; and Enforcement: Lenny Young, 1111 Washington Street S.E., Olympia, (360) 902-1744.
A small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW.
A copy of the statement may be obtained by contacting Gretchen Robinson, P.O. Box 47012, Olympia, WA 98504-7012, phone (360) 902-1705, fax (360) 902-1428, e-mail gretchen.robinson@dnr.wa.gov.
A cost-benefit analysis is required under RCW 34.05.328. A preliminary cost-benefit analysis may be obtained by contacting Gretchen Robinson, P.O. Box 47012, Olympia, WA 98504-7012, phone (360) 902-1705, fax (360) 902-1428, e-mail gretchen.robinson@dnr.wa.gov. Note: The small business economic impact statement and the preliminary cost-benefit analysis are combined in the document, Preliminary Economic Analysis, Forest Practices Rule Making, Affecting Timber Harvest in Riparian Zones in Western Washington.
October 4, 2007
Victoria Christiansen
Chair
Reviser's note: The material contained in this filing exceeded the page-count limitations of WAC 1-21-040 for appearance in this issue of the Register. It will appear in the 07-22 issue of the Register.