WASHINGTON STATE REGISTER

WSR 11-21-002

PROPOSED RULES

COLUMBIA RIVER

GORGE COMMISSION

[ Filed October 5, 2011, 3:07 p.m. ]

Original Notice.

Exempt from preproposal statement of inquiry under RCW 34.05.310(4).

Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: Proposed rule revising dates and notice requirements for development review decisions and incorporating SMA changes.

Hearing Location(s): Hood River Best Western Inn,

1108 East Marina Way, Hood River, OR 97031, on February 14, 2012, at 9:00 a.m.

Date of Intended Adoption: February 14, 2012.

Submit Written Comments to: Jill Arens, Executive Director, P.O. Box 730, White Salmon, WA 98672, e-mail crgc@gorgecommission.org, fax (509) 493-2229, by January 30, 2012.

Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Nancy Andring by January 30, 2012.

Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: The proposed rule modifies the due date for development review decisions from the executive director of the Gorge Commission. The proposed rule does not propose new hard time periods, but rather sets the current fourteen day and seventy-two day time periods as goals. The executive director anticipates meeting these time periods in most cases, but needs the flexibility of surpassing them to manage overall workload and staff resources. The proposed rule also eliminates the requirement that the commission publish notices of development review applications in the local newspaper and send a notice to the local library. Finally, the proposed rule incorporates changes to the management plan for the special management areas that the forest service provided to the commission in 2011 and the commission adopted without change.

Reasons Supporting Proposal: The commission's 2011-2013 budget has forced the commission to reduce staff. As a result, the executive director can no longer assure that she can review applications for completeness within fourteen days or issue standard development review decisions within seventy-two days or expedited review applications within thirty days, which the commission's rules specify. The change to the development review notice requirements saves money, and the changes to the SMA provisions are required by federal law, 16 U.S.C. งง 544d (c)(5)(A), 544f(1).

Statutory Authority for Adoption: ORS 196.150.

Statute Being Implemented: ORS 196.150; 16 U.S.C. ง 544e (c)(1); RCW 43.97.015.

Rule is necessary because of federal law, 16 U.S.C. งง 544d (c)(5)(A), 544f(1).

Name of Proponent: Columbia River Gorge Commission, governmental.

Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting, Implementation and Enforcement: Jill Arens, Executive Director, P.O. Box 730, White Salmon, WA, (509) 493-3323.

No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW. These proposed amendments do not add substantive regulations. Most of the proposed amendments govern commission procedures and will not have any effect on small businesses.

A cost-benefit analysis is not required under RCW 34.05.328. The proposed amendments govern only commission procedures and are exempt pursuant to RCW 34.05.328 (5)(b)(ii).

October 5, 2011

Nancy A. Andring

Administrative Assistant

Amendatory Section
350-081-0036

Acceptance of Application

~~Within 14 days of the receipt of an application, t~~The Executive Director shall review the application for completeness and if complete, shall accept the application for review.

(1) No application shall be accepted until all documented omissions and deficiencies have been corrected by the applicant. The Executive Director shall notify the applicant of all omissions and deficiencies in writing ~~within 14 days of receipt of the application~~. The Executive Director shall review supplemental application materials ~~within 14 days after receipt of the materials~~ to determine if the application is complete.

(2) No application for a proposed use, which is explicitly prohibited by this ordinance, shall be accepted.

(a) The application shall be returned to the applicant.

(b) A letter, signed by the Executive Director, stating that the proposed use is prohibited and citing the guideline which explicitly prohibits the proposed use, shall be sent to the applicant.

(3) As a goal, the Executive Director shall attempt to accept the application as complete or notify the applicant of omissions and deficiencies within 14 days of receipt of the application. The Executive Director shall attempt to review supplemental materials within 14 days of receipt. The 14-day time periods in this rule are effective retroactively to all development review applications that have been submitted to the Commission and for which the Executive Director has not made a decision.

Reviser's note: The typographical errors in the above material occurred in the copy filed by the Columbia River Gorge Commission and appear in the Register pursuant to the requirements of RCW 34.08.040.

Amendatory Section

350-081-0042

Decision of the Executive Director

(1) In making a decision on a proposed use or development the Executive Director shall:

(a) Consult with the applicant and such agencies as the Executive Director deems appropriate;

(b) Consider information submitted by the applicant and all other relevant information available;

(d) Solicit and consider the comments of the Forest Service.

(2) The Executive Director shall approve a proposed use or development only if it is consistent with the standards of section 6 and the purposes of P.L. 99-663 and Commission Rule 350-81.

(a) In approving a proposed development action, the Executive Director may impose conditions as necessary to ensure consistency with the guidelines of Commission Rule 350-81.

(b) Conditions attached to approval of a proposed development action shall be recorded in county deeds and records to ensure notice of the conditions to successors in interest. The Executive Director's decision shall include this requirement.

(3) The Executive Director shall issue a decision on a proposed use or development including findings of fact and conclusions of law and any conditions to ensure consistency with the standards of section 6 and the purposes of P.L. 99-663 and Commission Rule 350-81. As a goal, the Executive Director shall attempt to issue a decision within 72 days after acceptance of the application. ~~within 72 days after acceptance of the application except in one or more of the following situations:~~

~~(a) The applicant consents to an extension of time.~~

~~(b) The Executive Director determines that additional information is required pursuant to Commission Rule 350-81-040.~~

~~(c) The Executive Director determines that additional information is necessary to evaluate land use issues and the impacts of the proposed use to scenic, cultural, natural, and recreation resources.~~

~~(d) Unforeseen circumstances including, but not limited to, weather, illness, etc.~~

(4) The Executive Director shall send a copy of the decision to the applicant, the Forest Service, the applicable state, the four Indian tribal governments, the applicable county and/or city and each person who submitted comments under Commission Rule 350-81-040. The decision shall set forth the rights of appeal under Commission Rule 350-70.

(5) The decision of the Executive Director shall be final unless a Notice of Appeal is filed in accordance with Commission Rule 350-70. An applicant who chooses to proceed with an approved development during the appeal period shall assume all associated risks and liabilities.

(6) The 72-day time period in this rule is effective retroactively to all development review applications that have been submitted to the Commission and for which the Executive Director has not made a decision.

Reviser's note: The typographical error in the above material occurred in the copy filed by the Columbia River Gorge Commission and appears in the Register pursuant to the requirements of RCW 34.08.040.

Amendatory Section

350-081-0054

Procedures for Expedited Review Process

(1) Applications

(a) Prior to initiating any use or development which requires review and approval by the Executive Director, an application shall be completed pursuant to 350-81-054.

(b) The Executive Director shall accept and review the application pursuant to 350-81-054 for consistency with the appropriate guidelines of this rule.

(c) The Commission may charge a fee for review of applications after a public hearing. The Gorge Commission shall set the fee.

(d) Standard application forms shall be available at the Commission Office, and shall be provided to county and city planning offices for which this ordinance is effective and the Forest Service.

(e) Applications for uses eligible for expedited review shall include the information required for review uses listed in 350-81-032(5). They shall also include elevation drawings if the proposed development would be visible from a key viewing area. The drawing shall show natural grade and finished grade.

(2) Acceptance of Application

(a) ~~Within 14 days of the receipt of an application, t~~The Executive Director shall review the application for completeness, and if complete, shall accept the application for review.

(b) No application shall be accepted until all documented omissions and deficiencies have been corrected by the applicant. The Executive Director shall notify the applicant of all omissions and deficiencies in writing ~~within 14 days of receipt of the application~~. The Executive Director shall review supplemental application materials ~~within 14 days after receipt of the materials~~ to determine if the application is complete.

(c) As a goal, the Executive Director shall attempt to accept the application as complete or notify the applicant of omissions and deficiencies in writing within 14 days of receipt of the application. The Executive Director shall attempt to review supplemental application materials within 14 days of receipt of the materials.

(3) Notice of Development Review

(a) Within 7 days of the acceptance of an application, the Executive Director shall issue notice of a proposed development review. The notice shall provide the following information:

(A) The name of the applicant;

(B) The general and specific location of the subject property;

(D) The deadline for ~~rendering~~ issuing a decision; and

(E) The deadline for filing comments on the proposed action.

(b) The notice shall state that the application and supporting documents are available for inspection at the Commission office during normal working hours.

~~(c) The notice shall state the applicant must comply with all applicable local, state, and federal laws.~~

(d) The notice shall be mailed to the Forest Service, the four Indian tribal governments, applicable county or city planning office(s), ~~libraries~~ and other agencies and interested parties that request a notice or that the Executive Director determines should be notified.

(e) A copy of the notice shall be ~~filed in the records of the Commission~~ posted on the Commission's website.

(4) Comment Period: Any interested person or party shall submit written comments within 10 days from the date a notice is sent.

(5) Written Decision

(a) In making a decision on a proposed use or development the Executive Director shall:

(A) Consult with the applicant and such agencies as the Executive Director deems appropriate;

(B) Consider information submitted by the applicant and all other relevant information available;

(D) Solicit and consider the comments of the Forest Service.

(b) The Executive Director shall approve a proposed use or development only if it is consistent with the standards of section 6 and the purposes of P.L. 99-663 and Commission Rule 350-81.

(A) In approving a proposed development action, the Executive Director may impose conditions as necessary to ensure consistency with the guidelines of Commission Rule 350-81.

(B) Conditions attached to approval of a proposed development action shall be recorded in county deeds and records to ensure notice of the conditions to successors in interest. The Executive Director's decision shall include this requirement.

(c) The Executive Director shall issue a decision on a proposed use or development including findings of fact and conclusions of law and any conditions to ensure consistency with the standards of section 6 and the purposes of P.L. 99-663 and Commission Rule 350-81 ~~within 30 days after acceptance of the application~~. As a goal, the Executive Director shall attempt to issue a decision within 30 days after acceptance of the application.

(d) The decision of the Executive Director shall be final unless a Notice of Appeal is filed in accordance with Commission Rule 350-70. An applicant who chooses to proceed with an approved development during the appeal period shall assume all associated risks and liabilities.

(6) Notice of Decision and Opportunity to Appeal

(a) The Executive Director shall send a copy of a decision issued under the expedited review process to the four Indian tribal governments, the Forest Service, landowners within 200 feet of the perimeter of the subject parcel, and anyone who submitted comments pursuant to 350-81-054(4).

(b) Any person shall be allowed to appeal a decision issued under the expedited review process in accordance with Commission Rule 350-70.

(7) Expiration of Approvals. Approvals issued under the expedited review process shall expire in accordance with the standards for expiration of approvals for review uses (Commission Rule 350-81-044, above).

(8) Changes or Alterations to an Approved Action. Changes or alterations to an approval issued under the expedited review process shall be made in accordance with the standards for changes or alterations to approved actions for review uses (Commission Rule 350-81-046, above).

(9) The time periods in this rule are effective retroactively to all expedited review applications that have been submitted to the Commission and for which the Executive Director has not made a decision.

Amendatory Section

350-081-0038

Notice of Development Review

(1) Within 7 days of the acceptance of an application, the Executive Director shall issue notice of a proposed development review. The notice shall provide the following information:

(a) The name of the applicant;

(b) The general and specific location of the subject property;

(d) The deadline for ~~rendering~~ issuing a decision; and

(e) The deadline for filing comments on the proposed action.

(2) The notice shall state that the application and supporting documents are available for inspection at the Commission office during normal working hours.

~~(3) The notice shall state the applicant must comply with all applicable local, state, and federal laws.~~

(4) The notice shall be mailed to:

(a) The Forest Service, the applicable state, the four Indian tribal governments, and the applicable county ~~and/~~or city planning office; and

(b) Owners of property within a radius of the subject parcel(s) as determined by 350-81-630; and

(c) Other agencies and interested parties which request a notice or which the Executive Director determines should be notified.

~~(5) The notice shall be posted at the Commission and shall be sent to the Forest Service offices, and the applicable county or city planning office(s) and libraries.~~

~~(6) For all development, notice shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation nearest to the site of the proposed action.~~

(57) A copy of the notice shall be ~~filed in the records of the Commission~~ posted on the Commission's website.

Amendatory Section

350-081-0190

Review Uses--Agricultural Land

(1) The following uses may be allowed on lands designated Large-Scale or Small-Scale Agriculture subject to compliance with guidelines for the protection of scenic, cultural, natural, and recreation resources (350-81-520 through 350-81-620):

(a) New cultivation, subject to compliance with guidelines for the protection of cultural resources (350-81-540) and natural resources (350-81-560 through 350-81-590).

(b) Agricultural structures, except buildings, in conjunction with agricultural use.

(c) Agricultural buildings in conjunction with current agricultural use and, if applicable, proposed agricultural use that a landowner would initiate within one year and complete within five years, subject to the standards in "Agricultural Buildings" (350-81-090).

(d) Accessory structures for an existing or approved dwelling that are not otherwise allowed outright, eligible for the expedited development review process, or allowed in (1)(e) and (f) below.

(e) Accessory building(s) larger than 200 square feet in area or taller than 10 feet in height for a dwelling on any legal parcel less than or equal to 10 acres in size are subject to the following additional standards:

(A) The combined footprints of all accessory buildings on a single parcel shall not exceed 1,500 square feet in area. This combined size limit refers to all accessory buildings on a parcel, including buildings allowed without review, existing buildings and proposed buildings.

(B) The height of any individual accessory building shall not exceed 24 feet.

(f) Accessory building(s) larger than 200 square feet in area or taller than 10 feet in height for a dwelling on any legal parcel larger than 10 acres in size are subject to the following additional standards:

(A) The combined footprints of all accessory buildings on a single parcel shall not exceed 2,500 square feet in area. This combined size limit refers to all accessory buildings on a parcel, including buildings allowed without review, existing buildings and proposed buildings.

(B) The footprint of any individual accessory building shall not exceed 1,500 square feet.

(g) The temporary use of a mobile home in the case of a family hardship, subject to the guidelines for hardship dwellings in "Temporary Use - Hardship Dwelling" (350-81-092).

(h) On lands designated Large-Scale Agriculture, a single-family dwelling in conjunction with agricultural use, upon a demonstration that all of the following conditions exist:

(A) The subject farm or ranch (including all of its constituent parcels, contiguous or otherwise) has no other dwellings that are vacant or currently occupied by persons not directly engaged in farming or working on the subject farm or ranch and that could be used as the principal agricultural dwelling.

(B) The farm or ranch upon which the dwelling will be located is currently devoted to agricultural use where the day-to-day activities of one or more residents of the agricultural dwelling will be principally directed to the agricultural use of the land. The farm or ranch must currently satisfy subsection (h)(C)(iv) below.

(i) Size of the entire farm or ranch, including all land in the same ownership.

(ii) Type(s) of agricultural uses (crops, livestock) and acreage.

(iii) Operational requirements for the particular agricultural use that are common to other agricultural operations in the area.

(iv) Income capability. The farm or ranch, and all its constituent parcels, must be capable of producing at least $40,000 in gross annual income. This determination can be made using the following formula:

(A)(B)(C) = I

where:

A = Average yield of the commodity per acre or unit of production

B = Average price of the commodity

C = Total acres suitable for production, or total units of production that can be sustained, on the subject farm or ranch

I = Income capability

(i) On lands designated Large-Scale Agriculture, a second single-family dwelling in conjunction with agricultural use when the dwelling would replace an existing dwelling that is included in, or eligible for inclusion in, the National Register of Historic Places, in accordance with the criteria listed in 350-81-540 (1)(e).

(j) On lands designated Small-Scale Agriculture, a single-family dwelling on any legally existing parcel.

(k) On lands designated Large-Scale Agriculture, a single-family dwelling for an agricultural operator's relative provided that all of the following conditions exist:

(A) The dwelling would be occupied by a relative of the agricultural operator or of the agricultural operator's spouse who will be actively engaged in the management of the farm or ranch. Relative means grandparent, grandchild, parent, child, brother or sister.

(B) The dwelling would be located on the same parcel as the dwelling of the principal operator.

(C) The operation is a commercial enterprise, as determined by an evaluation of the factors described in 350-81-190 (1)(h)(C).

(l) Construction, reconstruction, or modifications of roads not in conjunction with agriculture.

(m) Resource enhancement projects for the purpose of enhancing scenic, cultural, recreation and/or natural resources, subject to the guidelines in "Resource Enhancement Projects" (350-81-104). These projects may include new structures (e.g., fish ladders, sediment barriers) and/or activities (e.g., closing and revegetating unused roads, recontouring abandoned quarries).

(n) Structures associated with hunting and fishing operations.

(o) Towers and fire stations for forest fire protection.

(p) Agricultural labor housing, under the following conditions:

(A) The proposed housing is necessary and accessory to a current agricultural use.

(B) The housing shall be seasonal, unless it is shown that an additional full-time dwelling is necessary to the current agricultural use of the subject farm or ranch unit. Seasonal use shall not exceed 9 months.

(C) The housing shall be located to minimize the conversion of lands capable of production of farm crops or livestock, and shall not force a significant change in or significantly increase the cost of accepted agricultural practices employed on nearby lands devoted to agricultural use.

(q) On lands designated Large-Scale Agriculture, on a parcel that was legally created and existed prior to November 17, 1986, a single-family dwelling not in conjunction with agricultural use upon a demonstration that all of the following conditions exist:

(A) The dwelling will not force a change in or increase the cost of accepted agricultural practices on surrounding lands.

(B) The subject parcel is predominantly unsuitable for the production of farm crops and livestock, considering soils, terrain, location, and size of the parcel. Size alone shall not be used to determine whether a parcel is unsuitable for agricultural use. An analysis of suitability shall include the capability of the subject parcel to be used in conjunction with other agricultural operations in the area.

(C) The dwelling shall be set back from any abutting parcel designated Large-Scale or Small-Scale Agriculture, as required by 350-81-076, or designated Commercial Forest Land or Large or Small Woodland, as required in "Siting of Dwellings on Forest Land" (350-81-310).

(D) A declaration has been signed by the landowner and recorded into county deeds and records specifying that the owners, successors, heirs, and assigns of the subject property are aware that adjacent and nearby operators are entitled to carry on accepted agriculture or forest practices on lands designated Large-Scale or Small-Scale Agriculture, Commercial Forest Land, Large or Small Woodland.

(E) All owners of land in areas designated Large-Scale or Small-Scale Agriculture, Commercial Forest Land, or Large or Small Woodland that is within 500 feet of the perimeter of the subject parcel on which the dwelling is proposed to be located have been notified and given at least 10 days to comment prior to a decision.

(r) On parcels in Small-Scale Agriculture, a land division creating parcels smaller than the designated minimum parcel size, subject to the guidelines for cluster development in "Land Divisions and Cluster Development" (350-81-124). If the designated minimum parcel size is 20 acres, this provision will apply to parcels 40 acres in size or larger. Similarly, if the designated minimum parcel size is 40, 80, or 160 acres, this provision will apply to parcels 80 acres or larger, 160 acres or larger, or 320 acres or larger, respectively.

(s) Life estates, subject to the guidelines in "Approval Criteria for Life Estates," (350-81-210).

(t) Land divisions, subject to the minimum lot sizes designated on the Land Use Designation Map.

(u) Lot line adjustments that would result in the potential to create additional parcels through subsequent land divisions, subject to the guidelines in "Lot Line Adjustments" (350-81-126).

(v) Additions to existing buildings greater than 200 square feet in area or greater than the height of the existing building.

(w) Docks and boathouses, subject to the guidelines in "Docks and Boathouses" (350-81-096).

(x) Removal/demolition of structures that are 50 or more years old, including wells, septic tanks and fuel tanks.

(y) Commercial events, subject to the guidelines in "Commercial Events" (350-81-108).

(z) Special uses in historic buildings, subject to the guidelines in "Special Uses in Historic Buildings" (350-81-114).

(2) The following uses may be allowed on lands designated SMA Agriculture subject to review for compliance with the scenic, cultural, natural, and recreation resource guidelines (350-81-520 through 350-81-620). The use or development shall be sited to minimize the loss of land suitable for the production of agricultural crops or livestock.

(a) New cultivation or new agricultural use outside of previously disturbed and regularly worked fields or areas. Clearing trees for new agricultural use is subject to the additional requirements of 350-81-270 (2)(x).

(b) Forest uses and practices, as allowed for in 350-81-270 (2)(y).

(c) A single-family dwelling necessary for and accessory to agricultural use upon a demonstration that all of the following conditions exist:

(A) The proposed dwelling would be the only dwelling on the subject farm or ranch, including contiguous lots/parcels.

(B) The farm or ranch upon which the dwelling will be located is currently devoted to agricultural use, where the day-to-day activities of one or more residents of the dwelling will be principally directed to the agricultural use of the land. The farm or ranch must currently satisfy C(iv) below.

(i) Size of the entire farm or ranch, including all land in the same ownership.

(ii) Type(s) of agricultural uses (crops, livestock, orchard, etc.) and acreage.

(iii) Operational requirements for the particular agricultural use that are common to other agricultural operations in the area.

(iv) Income capability. The farm or ranch, and all its contiguous parcels, must be capable of producing at least $40,000 in gross annual income. This determination can be made using the following formula, with periodic adjustments for inflation:

(A)(B)(C) = I

where:

A = Average yield of the commodity per acre or unit of production

B = Average price of the commodity

C = Total acres suitable for production, or total units of production that can be sustained, on the subject farm or ranch

I = Income capability

(D) Minimum parcel size of 40 contiguous acres.

(d) Farm labor housing on a parcel with an existing dwelling under the following conditions:

(A) The proposed housing is necessary and accessory to a current agricultural use, and the operation is a commercial agricultural enterprise as determined by 350-81-190 (2)(c)(C).

(B) The housing shall be seasonal, unless it is shown that an additional full-time dwelling is necessary for the current agricultural use. Seasonal use shall not exceed 9 months.

(C) The housing shall be located to minimize the conversion of lands capable of production of farm crops and livestock, and shall not force a significant change in or significantly increase the cost of accepted agricultural uses employed on nearby lands devoted to agricultural use.

(D) Minimum parcel size of 40 contiguous acres.

(e) Agricultural structures, except buildings, in conjunction with agricultural use.

(f) Agricultural buildings in conjunction with current agricultural use and, if applicable, proposed agricultural use that a landowner would initiate within one year and complete within five years, subject to the standards in "Agricultural Buildings" (350-81-090).

(g) Accessory structures for an existing or approved dwelling that are not otherwise allowed outright, eligible for the expedited development review process, or allowed in 2(h) or 2(i), below.

(h) Accessory building(s) larger than 200 square feet in area or taller than 10 feet in height for a dwelling on any legal parcel less than or equal to 10 acres in size are subject to the following additional standards:

(B) The height of any individual accessory building shall not exceed 24 feet.

(i) Accessory building(s) larger than 200 square feet in area or taller than 10 feet in height for a dwelling on any legal parcel larger than 10 acres in size are subject to the following additional standards:

(B) The footprint of any individual accessory building shall not exceed 1,500 square feet.

(j) Home occupations and cottage industries, subject to the guidelines in "Home Occupations and Cottage Industries" (350-81-098). The use or development shall be compatible with agricultural use. Buffer zones should be considered to protect agricultural practices from conflicting uses.

(k) Bed and breakfast inns, subject to the guidelines in "Bed and Breakfast Inns" (350-81-100). The use or development shall be compatible with agricultural use. Buffer zones should be considered to protect agricultural practices from conflicting uses.

(l) Fruit stands and produce stands, upon a showing that sales will be limited to agricultural products raised on the property and other agriculture properties in the local region.

(m) Aquaculture.

(n) Exploration, development, and production of sand, gravel, and crushed rock for the construction, maintenance, or reconstruction of roads used to manage or harvest commercial forest products on lands within the SMA.

(o) Utility facilities necessary for public service, upon a showing that:

(A) There is no alternative location with less adverse effect on Agriculture lands.

(B) The size is the minimum necessary to provide the service.

(p) Temporary asphalt/batch plant operations related to public road projects, not to exceed 6 months.

(q) Community facilities and nonprofit facilities related to agricultural resource management.

(r) Resource enhancement projects for the purpose of enhancing scenic, cultural, recreation and/or natural resources, subject to the guidelines in "Resource Enhancement Projects" (350-81-104). These projects may include new structures (e.g., fish ladders, sediment barriers) and/or activities (e.g., closing and revegetating unused roads, recontouring abandoned quarries).

(s) Expansion of existing nonprofit group camps, retreats, and conference or education centers for the successful operation on the dedicated site. Expansion beyond the dedicated site is prohibited.

(t) Public recreation, commercial recreation, interpretive, and educational developments and uses, consistent with the guidelines in 350-81-620.

(u) Road and railroad construction and reconstruction.

(v) Agricultural product processing and packaging, upon demonstration that the processing will be limited to products produced primarily on or adjacent to the property. "Primarily" means a clear majority of the product as measured by volume, weight, or value.

(w) On a parcel of 40 acres or greater with an existing dwelling, the temporary use of a mobile home in the case of a family hardship, subject to the guidelines for hardship dwellings in "Temporary Use - Hardship Dwelling" (350-81-092).

(x) Additions to existing buildings greater than 200 square feet in area or greater than the height of the existing building.

(y) Docks and boathouses, subject to the guidelines in "Docks and Boathouses" (350-81-096).

(z) Removal/demolition of structures that are 50 or more years old, including wells, septic tanks and fuel tanks.

(aa) Disposal sites managed and operated by the Oregon Department of Transportation, the Washington State Department of Transportation, or a Gorge county public works department for earth materials and any intermixed vegetation generated by routine or emergency/disaster public road maintenance activities within the Scenic Area, subject to compliance with the guidelines in "Disposal Sites for Spoil Materials from Public Road Maintenance Activities" (350-81-106).

Amendatory Section

350-081-0370

Review Uses--Residential Land

(1) The following uses may be allowed on lands designated GMA-Residential, subject to compliance with the guidelines for the protection of scenic, cultural, natural, and recreation resources (350-81-520 through 350-81-620):

(a) One single-family dwelling per legally created parcel. If the subject parcel is located adjacent to lands designated Large-Scale or Small-Scale Agriculture, Commercial Forest Land, or Large or Small Woodland, the use shall comply with the buffer and notification requirements for agricultural land [350-81-076 and 350-81-190 (1)(q)(E)], or forest land [(350-81-290 (1)(a) and 350-81-310 (1)(a)]. If the subject parcel is located within a Residential designation that is adjacent to lands designated Commercial Forest Land or Large or Small Woodland, the placement of a dwelling shall also comply with the fire protection guidelines in "Approval Criteria for Fire Protection" (350-81-300).

(b) Accessory structures for an existing or approved dwelling that are not otherwise allowed outright, eligible for the expedited development review process, or allowed in (1)(c) below.

(c) Accessory building(s) larger than 200 square feet in area or taller than 10 feet in height for a dwelling on any legal parcel are subject to the following additional standards:

(B) The height of any individual accessory building shall not exceed 24 feet.

(d) The temporary use of a mobile home in the case of a family hardship, subject to guidelines for hardship dwellings in "Temporary Use - Hardship Dwelling" (350-81-092).

(e) Construction or reconstruction of roads.

(f) On parcels 10 acres or larger in the 5-acre Residential designation, or 20 acres or larger in the 10-acre Residential designation, a land division creating new parcels smaller than the designated minimum parcel size, subject to the guidelines for cluster development in "Land Divisions and Cluster Development" (350-81-124).

(g) New cultivation, subject to compliance with guidelines for the protection of cultural resources (350-81-540) and natural resources (350-81-560 through 590).

(h) Land divisions, subject to the minimum lot sizes designated on the Land Use Designation Map.

(i) Lot line adjustments that would result in the potential to create additional parcels through subsequent land divisions, subject to the guidelines in "Lot Line Adjustments" (350-81-126).

(j) Resource enhancement projects for the purpose of enhancing scenic, cultural, recreation and/or natural resources, subject to the guidelines in "Resource Enhancement Projects" (350-81-104). These projects may include new structures (e.g., fish ladders, sediment barriers) and/or activities (e.g., closing and revegetating unused roads, recontouring abandoned quarries).

(k) Agricultural structures, except buildings, in conjunction with agricultural use.

(l) Agricultural buildings in conjunction with current agricultural use and, if applicable, proposed agricultural use that a landowner would initiate within one year and complete within five years, subject to the standards in "Agricultural Buildings" (350-81-090).

(m) Additions to existing buildings greater than 200 square feet in area or greater than the height of the existing building.

(n) Docks and boathouses, subject to the guidelines in "Docks and Boathouses" (350-81-096).

(o) Removal/demolition of structures that are 50 or more years old, including wells, septic tanks and fuel tanks.

(p) Commercial events, subject to the guidelines in "Commercial Events" (350-81-108).

(q) Special uses in historic buildings, subject to the guidelines in "Special Uses in Historic Buildings" (350-81-114).

(2) The following uses may be allowed on lands designated SMA-Residential subject to review for compliance with scenic, cultural, natural, and recreation resources guidelines (350-81-520 through 350-81-620):

(a) One single-family dwelling per legally created lot or consolidated parcel not less than 40 contiguous acres. The placement of a dwelling shall comply with fire protection standards developed by the county, in accordance with Management Plan SMA Policy 13 in Part II, Chapter 2: Forest Land.

(b) Accessory structures for an existing or approved dwelling that are not otherwise allowed outright, eligible for the expedited development review process, or allowed in (2)(c) below.

(c) Accessory building(s) larger than 200 square feet in area or taller than 10 feet in height for a dwelling on any legal parcel are subject to the following additional standards:

(B) The height of any individual accessory building shall not exceed 24 feet.

(d) New utility facilities.

(e) Fire stations.

(f) Home occupations and cottage industries subject to the guidelines in "Home Occupations and Cottage Industries" (350-81-098).

(g) Bed and breakfast inns, subject to the guidelines in "Bed and Breakfast Inns" (350-81-100).

(h) Community parks and playgrounds.

(i) Road and railroad construction and reconstruction.

(j) Forest practices, as specified in 350-81-270 (2)(y).

(k) Resource enhancement projects for the purpose of enhancing scenic, cultural, recreation and/or natural resources, subject to the guidelines in "Resource Enhancement Projects" (350-81-104). These projects may include new structures (e.g., fish ladders, sediment barriers) and/or activities (e.g., closing and revegetating unused roads, recontouring abandoned quarries).

(l) On a parcel of 40 acres or greater with an existing dwelling, the temporary use of a mobile home in the case of a family hardship, subject to the guidelines for hardship dwellings in "Temporary Use - Hardship Dwelling" (350-81-092).

(m) Additions to existing buildings greater than 200 square feet in area or greater than the height of the existing building.

(n) Removal/demolition of structures that are 50 or more years old, including wells, septic tanks and fuel tanks.

(o) Docks and boathouses, subject to the guidelines in "Docks and Boathouses" (350-81-096).

(p) New cultivation or new agricultural use outside of previously disturbed and regularly worked fields or areas. Clearing trees for new agricultural use is subject to the additional requirements of 350-81-270 (2)(x).

Reviser's note: The brackets and enclosed material in the text of the above section occurred in the copy filed by the agency and appear in the Register pursuant to the requirements of RCW 34.08.040.

Amendatory Section

350-081-0082

Existing Uses and Discontinued Uses

(1) Right to Continue Existing Uses and Structures

(a) Except as otherwise provided, any existing use or structure may continue as long as it is used in the same manner and for the same purpose.

(2) Replacement of Existing Structures Not Damaged or Destroyed by Disaster

(a) Except as provided in 350-81-082(3), an existing structure may be replaced if a complete land use application for a replacement structure is submitted to the reviewing agency within one year of the date the use of the original structure was discontinued. The replacement structure shall comply with the following standards:

(A) The replacement structure shall be used in the same manner and for the same purpose as the original structure.

(B) The replacement structure may have a different size and/or location than the original structure. An existing mobile home may be replaced with a framed residence and an existing framed residence may be replaced with a mobile home.

(C) The replacement structure shall be subject to the scenic, cultural, recreation and natural resources guidelines; the treaty rights guidelines; and the land use designations guidelines involving agricultural buffer zones, approval criteria for fire protection, and approval criteria for siting of dwellings on forest land.

(D) The original structure shall be considered discontinued if a complete land use application for a replacement structure is not submitted within the one year time frame.

(3) Replacement of Existing Structures Damaged or Destroyed by Disaster

(a) An existing structure damaged or destroyed by fire, flood, landslide or other similar disaster may be replaced if a complete land use application for a replacement structure is submitted to the reviewing agency within two years of the date the original structure was damaged or destroyed. The replacement structure shall comply with the following standards:

(A) The replacement structure shall be used in the same manner and for the same purpose as the original structure. An existing mobile home may be replaced with a framed residence.

(B) The replacement structure shall be in the same location as the original structure. An exception may be granted and the replacement structure may be sited in a different location if the following conditions exist:

(i) A registered civil engineer, registered geologist, or other qualified and licensed professional hired by the applicant demonstrates the disaster made the original building site physically unsuitable for reconstruction.

(ii) The new building site is no more visible from key viewing areas than the original building site. An exception may be granted if a registered civil engineer, registered geologist, or other qualified and licensed professional hired by the applicant demonstrates the subject parcel lacks alternative building sites physically suitable for construction that are no more visible from key viewing areas than the original building site.

(iii) The new building site complies with the cultural resources, natural resources, and treaty rights protection guidelines.

(i) The footprint of the replacement structure may be up to 10 percent larger than the footprint of the original structure.

(ii) The walls of the replacement structure shall be the same height as the walls of the original structure unless a minor increase is required to comply with standards in the current jurisdictional building code.

(D) The replacement structure shall only be subject to the following scenic resources standards:

(i) The replacement structure shall comply with the scenic resources guidelines regarding color and reflectivity. These guidelines shall be applied to achieve the applicable scenic standard (visually subordinate or not visually evident) to the maximum extent practicable.

(ii) Decks, verandas, balconies and other open portions of the original structure shall not be rebuilt as enclosed (walls and roof) portions of the replacement structure.

(iii) In the General Management Area, the replacement structure shall comply with the scenic resources guidelines regarding landscaping. These guidelines shall be applied to achieve the applicable scenic standard (visually subordinate) to the maximum extent practicable, provided:

(I) Except as provided in 350-81-082 (3)(a)(D)(iii)(II), the percent of the replacement structure screened by vegetation as seen from key viewing areas shall not exceed the percent of the original structure that was screened by vegetation as seen from key viewing areas. Coniferous vegetation shall be replaced with coniferous vegetation and deciduous vegetation shall be replaced with deciduous vegetation unless the applicant chooses to use all coniferous vegetation.

(II) In situations where the original structure was approved under Scenic Area regulations (e.g., Final Interim Guidelines, land use ordinance), the percent of the replacement structure screened by vegetation shall comply with any conditions of approval that required a landowner to preserve existing vegetation and/or plant and maintain new vegetation to screen the original structure as seen from key viewing areas.

(III) To help determine how much vegetation may be required under 350-81-082 (3)(a)(D)(iii)(I) and (II), land use applications shall include all available documentation (photographic or otherwise) on the amount and type of vegetation that screened the original structure from key viewing areas. At a minimum, development review decisions shall include findings that address the following:

(1) The percent of original structure facing each key viewing area that was screened by coniferous vegetation, for each key viewing area from which the structure was visible.

(2) The percent of original structure facing each key viewing area that was screened by deciduous vegetation, for each key viewing area from which the structure was visible.

(3) Elevation drawings showing the replacement structure and the amount of coniferous and deciduous vegetation that would screen the structure from key viewing areas in 10 years.

(IV) The height of any new trees shall not be required to exceed 5 feet.

(V) The time frame for achieving visual subordinance shall be 10 years or less from the commencement of construction.

(iv) In the Special Management Area, the replacement structure shall comply with the scenic resources guidelines regarding landscaping. These guidelines shall be applied to achieve the applicable scenic standard (visually subordinate or not visually evident) to the maximum extent practicable, provided:

(I) The Scenic Resources Implementation Handbook shall be utilized to determine approvable species and minimum approvable sizes of new trees planted (based on average growth rates expected for approvable species).

(II) The height of any new trees shall not be required to exceed 5 feet.

(III) The time frame for achieving the applicable scenic standard (visually subordinate or not visually evident) shall be 10 years.

(E) The replacement structure shall be subject to 350-81-082 (2)(a)(A), (B), and (C) above if it would not comply with 350-81-082 (3)(a)(B) and (C).

(F) The original structure shall be considered discontinued if a complete land use application for a replacement structure is not submitted within the two year time frame.

(4) Changes to Existing Uses and Structures

(a) Except as otherwise provided, any change to an existing use or modification to the exterior of an existing structure shall be subject to review and approval pursuant to Commission Rule 350-81.

(A) Expansion of Existing Commercial and Multifamily Residential Uses: In the SMA, existing commercial and multifamily residential uses may expand as necessary for successful operation on the dedicated site, subject to guidelines to minimize adverse effects on scenic, cultural, natural, and recreation resources. Expansion beyond the dedicated site shall be prohibited.

(AB) Conversion of Existing Industrial Uses in the GMA: In the GMA, existing industrial uses may convert to less intensive uses. For this section, a less intensive use is a commercial, recreation, or residential use with fewer adverse effects upon scenic, cultural, natural, and recreation resources.

(BC) Existing Development or Production of Mineral Resources in the GMA: In the GMA, existing development or production of mineral resources may continue unless the Gorge Commission determines that the uses adversely affect the scenic, cultural, natural, or recreation resources of the Scenic Area. These uses will be considered discontinued and subject to land use ordinances under the Management Plan if any of the following conditions exist:

(i) The mined land has been reclaimed naturally or artificially to a point where it is revegetated to 50 percent of its original cover (considering both basal and canopy) or has reverted to another beneficial use, such as grazing. Mined land shall not include terrain that was merely leveled or cleared of vegetation.

(ii) The site has not maintained a required state permit.

(iii) The site has not operated legally within 5 years before October 15, 1991.

(CD) Existing Development or Production of Mineral Resources in the SMA: Uses involving the exploration, development, or production of sand, gravel, or crushed rock in the SMA may continue if both of the following conditions exist:

(i) The sand, gravel, or crushed rock is used for construction or maintenance of roads used to manage or harvest forest products in the SMA.

(ii) A determination by the Forest Service finds that the use does not adversely affect the scenic, cultural, natural, or recreation resources.

(5) Discontinuance of Existing Uses and Structures

(a) Except as provided in 350-81-082 (3)(a) and (3)(a)(F), any use or structure that is discontinued for one (1) year or more shall not be considered an existing use or structure. Proof of intent to abandon is not required to determine that an existing use or use of an existing structure has been discontinued.

(A) Multiple Uses: An existing use or structure with more than one legally established use may discontinue one of the uses without discontinuing the others.

(B) Change in Use: An existing use or structure shall become discontinued if the use or use of the structure changes.

(6) Discontinued Uses and Structures:

(a) Re-establishment or replacement of any use or structure that has been discontinued shall be subject to all applicable policies and guidelines in the Management Plan, including, but not limited to, guidelines for land use designations and scenic, cultural, recreation and natural resources.

Amendatory Section

350-081-0620

Special Management Area Recreation Resource Review Criteria

(1) The following shall apply to all new recreation developments and land uses in the Special Management Area:

(a) New developments and land uses shall not displace existing recreational use.

(b) Recreation resources shall be protected from adverse effects by evaluating new developments and land uses as proposed in the site plan. An analysis of both on and off site cumulative effects shall be required.

(c) New pedestrian or equestrian trails shall not have motorized uses, except for emergency services and motorized wheelchairs.

(d) Mitigation measures shall be provided to preclude adverse effects on the recreation resource.

(e) The facility guidelines contained in 350-81-620(1) are intended to apply to individual recreation facilities. For the purposes of these guidelines, a recreation facility is considered a cluster or grouping of recreational developments or improvements located in relatively close proximity to one another. Recreation developments or improvements to be considered a separate facility from other developments or improvements within the same recreation intensity class must be separated by at least one-quarter mile of undeveloped land (excluding trails, pathways, or access roads).

(f) New development and reconstruction of scenic routes (see Part III, Chapter 1 of the Management Plan) shall include provisions for bicycle lanes.

(g) The Executive Director may grant a variance of up to 10 percent to the guidelines of Recreation Intensity Class 4 for parking and campground units upon demonstration that:

(A) Demand and use levels for the proposed activity(s), particularly in the area where the site is proposed, are high and expected to remain so and/or increase. Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) data and data from National Scenic Area recreation demand studies shall be relied upon to meet the criterion in the absence of current applicable studies.

(B) The proposed use is dependent on resources present at the site.

(C) Reasonable alternative sites offering similar opportunities, including those in Urban Areas, have been evaluated, and it has been demonstrated that the proposed use cannot be adequately accommodated elsewhere.

(D) The proposed use is consistent with the goals, objectives, and policies in Chapter 4, Part 1 of the Management Plan.

(E) Through site design and/or mitigation measures, the proposed use can be implemented without adversely affecting scenic, natural, or cultural resources and adjacent land uses.

(F) Through site design and/or mitigation measures, the proposed use can be implemented without affecting treaty rights.

(G) Mass transportation shall be considered and implemented, if feasible, for all proposed variances to Recreation Intensity Class 4.

(2) Special Management Areas Recreation Intensity Class Guidelines

(a) Recreation Intensity Class 1 (Very Low Intensity)

Emphasis is to provide opportunities for semi-primitive recreation.

(A) Permitted uses are those in which people participate in outdoor activities to realize experiences such as solitude, tension reduction, and nature appreciation.

(B) The maximum site design capacity shall not exceed 35 people at one time on the site. The maximum design capacity for parking areas shall be 10 vehicles.

(i) Trails and trailheads.

(ii) Parking areas.

(iii) Dispersed campsites accessible only by a trail.

(iv) Viewpoints and overlooks.

(v) Picnic areas.

(vi) Signs.

(vii) Interpretive exhibits and displays.

(vii) Restrooms.

(b) Recreation Intensity Class 2 (Low Intensity)

Emphasis is to provide opportunities for semi-primitive recreation.

(A) Permitted uses are those that provide settings where people can participate in activities such as physical fitness, outdoor learning, relaxation, and escape from noise and crowds.

(B) The maximum site design capacity shall not exceed 70 people at one time on the site. The maximum design capacity for parking areas shall be 25 vehicles.

(C) All uses permitted in Recreation Intensity Class 1 are permitted in Recreation Intensity Class 2. The following uses may also be permitted:

(i) Campgrounds ~~with vehicle access~~ for twenty (20) units or less, tent sites only.

(ii) Boat anchorages designed for no more than 10 boats at one time.

(iii) Swimming areas.

Emphasis is on facilities with design themes emphasizing the natural qualities of the area. Developments are complementary to the natural landscape, yet can accommodate moderate numbers of people.

(A) Permitted uses are those in which people can participate in activities to realize experiences such as group socialization, nature appreciation, relaxation, cultural learning, and physical activity.

(B) The maximum site design capacity shall not exceed 250 people at one time on the site. The maximum design capacity for parking areas shall be 50 vehicles. The GMA vehicle capacity level of 75 vehicles shall be allowed if enhancement or mitigation measures for scenic, cultural, or natural resources are approved for at least 10 percent of the site.

(C) Accommodation of facilities for mass transportation (bus parking, etc.) shall be required for all new Recreation Intensity Class 3 day-use recreation sites, except for sites predominantly devoted to boat access.

(D) All uses permitted in Recreation Intensity Classes 1 and 2 are permitted in Recreation Intensity Class 3. The following uses may also be permitted:

(i) Campgrounds with improvements that may include vehicle access, water, power, sewer, and sewage dump stations.

(ii) Boat anchorages designed for not more than 15 boats.

(iii) Public visitor, interpretive, historic, and environmental education facilities.

(iv) Full-service restrooms, may include showers.

(v) Boat ramps.

(vi) Riding stables.

(d) Recreation Intensity Class 4 (High Intensity)

Emphasis is on providing roaded natural, rural, and suburban recreation opportunities with a high level of social interaction.

(A) Permitted uses are those in which people can participate in activities to realize experiences such as socialization, cultural and natural history appreciation, and physical activity.

(B) The maximum design capacity shall not exceed 1,000 people at one time on the site. The maximum design capacity for parking areas shall be 200 vehicles. The GMA vehicle capacity level of 250 vehicles shall be allowed if enhancement or mitigation measures for scenic, cultural, or natural resources are approved for at least 20 percent of the site.

(C) Accommodation of facilities for mass transportation (bus parking, etc.) shall be required for all new Recreation Intensity Class 4 day-use recreation sites, except for sites predominantly devoted to boat access.

(D) All uses permitted in Recreation Intensity Classes 1, 2, and 3 are permitted in Recreation Intensity Class 4.

Amendatory Section

350-081-0550

Special Management Area Cultural Resource Review Criteria.

(1) General Guidelines for Implementing the Cultural Resources Protection Process

(a) All cultural resource information shall remain confidential, according to Section 6 (a)(1)(A) of the Scenic Area Act. Federal agency cultural resource information is also exempt by statute from the Freedom of Information Act under 16 USC 470aa and 36 CFR 296.18.

(b) All cultural resources surveys, evaluations, assessments, and mitigation plans shall be performed by professionals whose expertise reflects the type of cultural resources that are involved. Principal investigators shall meet the professional standards published in 36 CFR 61.

(c) The Forest Service will be responsible for performing the literature review and consultation, inventory, evaluations of significance, assessments of effect, and mitigation requirements in 350-81-550(4) for forest practices and National Forest System lands.

(d) New developments or land uses shall not adversely affect significant cultural resources.

(e) Determination of potential effects to significant cultural resources shall include consideration of cumulative effects of proposed developments that are subject to any of the following: 1) reconnaissance or historic survey; 2) a determination of significance; 3) an assessment of effect; or 4) a mitigation plan.

(2) The procedures and guidelines in 350-81-540 shall be used to review all proposed developments and land uses other than those on all federal lands, federally assisted projects and forest practices.

(3) The procedures and guidelines in 36 CFR 800 and 350-81-550(4) shall be used by the Executive Director and federal agencies to evaluate new developments or land uses on federal lands, federally assisted projects, and forest practices.

(4) The following procedures as well as the provisions in 36 CFR 800.4 for assessing potential effects to cultural resources and 36 CFR 800.5 for assessing adverse effects to cultural resources shall be used to assess potential effects to cultural resources.

(a) Literature Review and Consultation

(A) An assessment shall be made to determine if any cultural resources listed on the National Register of Historic Places at the national, state or county level exist on or within the area of potential direct and indirect impacts.

(B) A search shall be made of state and county government, National Scenic Area/Forest Service and any other pertinent inventories, such as archives and photographs, to identify cultural resources, including consultation with the State Historic Preservation Office and tribal governments. State and tribal government response to the consultation request shall be allowed for 30 days.

(D) A field inventory by a cultural resource professional shall be required if the Forest Service or the Executive Director determines that a recorded or known cultural resource exists on or within the immediate vicinity of a new development or land use, including those reported in consultation with the Tribal governments.

(b) Field Inventory

(A) Tribal representatives shall be invited to participate in the field inventory.

(B) The field inventory shall consist of one or the other of the following guidelines, as determined by the cultural resource professional:

(i) Complete survey: the systematic examination of the ground surface through a controlled procedure, such as walking an area in evenly-spaced transects. A complete survey may also require techniques such as clearing of vegetation, augering or shovel probing of subsurface soils for the presence of buried cultural resources.

(ii) Sample survey: the sampling of an area to assess the potential of cultural resources within the area of proposed development or use. This technique is generally used for large or difficult to survey parcels, and is generally accomplished by a stratified random or non-stratified random sampling strategy. A parcel is either stratified by variables such as vegetation, topography or elevation, or by non-environmental factors such as a survey grid.

Under this method, statistically valid samples are selected and surveyed to indicate the probability of presence, numbers and types of cultural resources throughout the sampling strata. Depending on the results of the sample, a complete survey may or may not subsequently be recommended.

(i) A narrative integrating the literature review of section (4)(a) above with the field inventory of section (4)(b) above.

(ii) A description of the field inventory methodology used, including the type and extent of field inventory, supplemented by maps which graphically illustrate the areas surveyed, not surveyed, and the rationale for each.

(iii) A statement of the presence or absence of cultural resources within the area of the new development or land use.

(iv) When cultural resources are not located, a statement of the likelihood of buried or otherwise concealed cultural resources shall be included. Recommendations and standards for monitoring, if appropriate, shall be included.

(D) The report shall follow the format specified by the Washington Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation for inventories conducted in the State of Washington. Reports for inventories conducted in the State of Oregon shall follow the format specified by the Oregon State Historic Preservation Office.

(E) The field inventory report shall be presented to the Forest Service or the Executive Director for review.

(A) When cultural resources are found within the area of the new development or land use, an evaluation of significance shall be completed for each cultural resource in accordance with to the criteria of the National Register of Historic Places (36 CFR 60.4).

(B) Evaluations of cultural resource significance shall be guided by previous and current research designs relevant to specific research questions for the area.

(C) Evaluations of the significance of traditional cultural properties shall follow National Register Bulletin 38, Guidelines for the Evaluation and Documentation of Traditional Cultural Properties, within local and regional contexts.

(D) Recommendations for eligibility to the National Register shall be completed for each identified resource, in accordance with National Register criteria A through D (36 CFR 60.4). The Forest Service or the Executive Director shall review evaluations for adequacy.

(E) Evidence of consultation with tribal governments and individuals with knowledge of the cultural resources in the project area, and documentation of their concerns, shall be included as part of the evaluation of significance.

(F) An assessment of effect shall be required if the Forest Service or the Executive Director determines that the inventoried cultural resources are significant.

(d) Assessment of Effect

(A) For each significant (i.e., National Register eligible) cultural resource inventoried within the area of the proposed development or change in use, assessments of effect shall be completed, using the criteria outlined in 36 CFR 800.5 ("Assessing Effects"). Evidence of consultation with tribal governments and individuals with knowledge of the cultural resources of the project area shall be included for sections (4)(d)(B) through (4)(d)(D) below. The Forest Service or Executive Director shall review each determination for adequacy.

(B) If the proposed development or change in use will have "No Adverse Effect," as defined by 36 CFR 800.4, to a significant cultural resource, documentation for that finding shall be completed, following the "Documentation Standards" of 36 CFR 800.11. If the proposed development or change in use will have an effect then the criteria of adverse effect must be applied (36 CFR 800.5).

(C) If the proposed development or change in use will have an "Adverse Effect" as defined by 36 CFR 800.5 to a significant cultural resource, the type and extent of "adverse effect" upon the qualities of the property that make it eligible for the National Register shall be documented (36 CFR 800.6 "Resolution of Adverse Effects"). This documentation shall follow the process outlined under 36 CFR 800.11 ("Failure to Resolve Adverse Effects).

(D) If the "effect" appears to be beneficial (i.e., an enhancement to cultural resources), documentation shall be completed for the recommendation of that effect upon the qualities of the cultural resource that make it eligible to the National Register. This documentation shall follow the process outlined under 36 CFR 800.11 ("Documentation Standards").

(e) Mitigation

(A) If there will be an effect on cultural resources, measures shall be provided for mitigation of effects (36 CFR 800.6 "Resolution of Adverse Effects"). These measures shall address factors such as avoidance of the property through project design or modification and subsequent protection, burial under fill, data recovery excavations, or other measures which are proposed to mitigate effects.

(B) Evidence of consultation with tribal governments and individuals with knowledge of the resources to be affected, and documentation of their concerns, shall be included for all mitigation proposals.

(5) Discovery During Construction

All authorizations for new developments or land uses shall be conditioned to require the immediate notification of the Forest Service or the Executive Director if cultural resources are discovered during construction or development.

(a) If cultural resources are discovered, particularly human bone or burials, work in the immediate area of discovery shall be suspended until a cultural resource professional can evaluate the potential significance of the discovery and recommend measures to protect and/or recover the resources.

(b) If the discovered material is suspected to be human bone or a burial, the following procedure shall be used:

(A) The applicant shall stop all work in the vicinity of the discovery.

(B) The applicant shall immediately notify the Executive Director, the Forest Service, the applicant's cultural resource professional, the State Medical Examiner, and appropriate law enforcement agencies.

(C) The Forest Service or the Executive Director shall notify the tribal governments if the discovery is determined to be an Indian burial or a cultural resource.

(D) A cultural resource professional shall evaluate the potential significance of the resource pursuant to 350-81-550 (4)(c) and report the results to the Forest Service or the Executive Director.

(c) The cultural resource review process shall be complete and work may continue if the Forest Service or the Executive Director determines that the cultural resource is not significant.

(d) The cultural resource professional shall recommend measures to protect and/or recover the resource pursuant to 350-81-550 (4)(e) if the Forest Service or the Executive Director determines that the cultural resource is significant.

Amendatory Section

350-081-0600

Special Management Areas Natural Resource Review Criteria

(1) All new developments and uses, as described in a site plan prepared by the applicant, shall be evaluated using the following guidelines to ensure that natural resources are protected from adverse effects. Comments from state and federal agencies shall be carefully considered. (Site plans are described in 350-81-032).

(2) Water Resources (Wetlands, Streams, Ponds, Lakes, and Riparian Areas)

(a) All Water Resources shall, in part, be protected by establishing undisturbed buffer zones as specified in subsections (2)(a)(B)(i) and (ii) below. These buffer zones are measured horizontally from a wetland, stream, lake, or pond boundary as defined below.

(A) All buffer zones shall be retained undisturbed and in their natural condition, except as permitted with a mitigation plan.

(B) Buffer zones shall be measured outward from the bank full flow boundary for streams, the high water mark for ponds and lakes, the normal pool elevation for the Columbia River, and the wetland delineation boundary for wetlands on a horizontal scale that is perpendicular to the wetlands, stream, pond or lake boundary. On the main stem of the Columbia River above Bonneville Dam, buffer zones shall be measured landward from the normal pool elevation of the Columbia River. The following buffer zone widths shall be required:

(i) A minimum 200 foot buffer on each wetland, pond, lake, and each bank of a perennial or fish bearing stream, some of which can be intermittent.

(ii) A 50-foot buffer zone along each bank of intermittent (including ephemeral), non-fish bearing streams.

(iii) Maintenance, repair, reconstruction and realignment of roads and railroads within their rights-of-way shall be exempted from the wetlands and riparian guidelines upon demonstration of all of the following:

(I) The wetland within the right-of-way is a drainage ditch not part of a larger wetland outside of the right-of-way.

(II) The wetland is not critical habitat.

(III) Proposed activities within the right-of-way would not adversely affect a wetland adjacent to the right-of-way.

(i) When the channel migration zone exceeds the recommended buffer width, the buffer width shall extend to the outer edge of the channel migration zone.

(ii) When the frequently flooded area exceeds the recommended riparian buffer zone width, the buffer width shall be extended to the outer edge of the frequently flooded area.

(iii) When an erosion or landslide hazard area exceeds the recommended width of the buffer, the buffer width shall be extended to include the hazard area.

(D) Buffer zones can be reconfigured if a project applicant demonstrates all of the following: (1) the integrity and function of the buffer zones is maintained, (2) the total buffer area on the development proposal is not decreased, (3) the width reduction shall not occur within another buffer, and (4) the buffer zone width is not reduced more than 50% at any particular location. Such features as intervening topography, vegetation, man made features, natural plant or wildlife habitat boundaries, and flood plain characteristics could be considered.

(E) Requests to reconfigure buffer zones shall be considered if an appropriate professional (botanist, plant ecologist, wildlife biologist, or hydrologist), hired by the project applicant (1) identifies the precise location of the sensitive wildlife/plant or water resource, (2) describes the biology of the sensitive wildlife/plant or hydrologic condition of the water resource, and (3) demonstrates that the proposed use will not have any negative effects, either direct or indirect, on the affected wildlife/plant and their surrounding habitat that is vital to their long-term survival or water resource and its long term function.

(F) The Executive Director shall submit all requests to re-configure sensitive wildlife/plant or water resource buffers to the Forest Service and the appropriate state agencies for review. All written comments shall be included in the project file. Based on the comments from the state and federal agencies, the Executive Director will make a final decision on whether the reconfigured buffer zones are justified. If the final decision contradicts the comments submitted by the federal and state agencies, the Executive Director shall justify how the opposing conclusion was reached.

(b) When a buffer zone is disturbed by a new use, it shall be replanted with only native plant species of the Columbia River Gorge.

(d) Wetlands Boundaries shall be delineated using the following:

(A) The approximate location and extent of wetlands in the Scenic Area is shown on the National Wetlands Inventory (U.S. Department of the Interior 1987). In addition, the list of hydric soils and the soil survey maps shall be used as an indicator of wetlands.

(B) Some wetlands may not be shown on the wetlands inventory or soil survey maps. Wetlands that are discovered by the local planning staff during an inspection of a potential project site shall be delineated and protected.

(C) The project applicant shall be responsible for determining the exact location of a wetlands boundary. Wetlands boundaries shall be delineated using the procedures specified in the '1987 Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual (on-line Edition)'.

(D) All wetlands delineations shall be conducted by a professional who has been trained to use the federal delineation procedures, such as a soil scientist, botanist, or wetlands ecologist.

(e) Stream, pond, and lake boundaries shall be delineated using the bank full flow boundary for streams and the high water mark for ponds and lakes. The project applicant shall be responsible for determining the exact location of the appropriate boundary for the water resource.

(f) The Executive Director may verify the accuracy of, and render adjustments to, a bank full flow, high water mark, normal pool elevation (for the Columbia River), or wetland boundary delineation. If the adjusted boundary is contested by the project applicant, the Executive Director shall obtain professional services, at the project applicant's expense, or ask for technical assistance from the Forest Service to render a final delineation.

(g) Buffer zones shall be undisturbed unless the following criteria have been satisfied:

(A) The proposed use must have no practicable alternative as determined by the practicable alternative test.

Those portions of a proposed use that have a practicable alternative will not be located in wetlands, stream, pond, lake, and riparian areas and/or their buffer zone.

(B) Filling and draining of wetlands shall be prohibited with exceptions related to public safety or restoration/enhancement activities as permitted when all of the following criteria have been met:

(i) A documented public safety hazard exists or a restoration/enhancement project exists that would benefit the public and is corrected or achieved only by impacting the wetland in question, and

(ii) Impacts to the wetland must be the last possible documented alternative in fixing the public safety concern or completing the restoration/enhancement project, and

(iii) The proposed project minimizes the impacts to the wetland.

(C) Unavoidable impacts to wetlands and aquatic and riparian areas and their buffer zones shall be offset by deliberate restoration and enhancement or creation (wetlands only) measures as required by the completion of a mitigation plan.

(h) Determination of potential natural resources effects shall include consideration of cumulative effects of proposed developments within the following areas: wetlands, streams, ponds, lakes, riparian areas and their buffer zones.

(3) Wildlife and Plants

(a) Protection of sensitive wildlife/plant areas and sites shall begin when proposed new developments or uses are within 1000 ft of a sensitive wildlife/plant site and/or area.

Sensitive Wildlife Areas and endemic plants are those areas depicted in the wildlife inventory and listed in the "Types of Wildlife Areas and Sites Inventoried in the Columbia Gorge" and "Columbia Gorge and Vicinity Endemic Plant Species" tables in the Management Plan, including all Priority Habitats listed in this Chapter. The approximate locations of sensitive wildlife and/or plant areas and sites are shown in the wildlife and rare plant inventory.

Updated lists of sensitive wildlife and plant species can be found on websites for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Wildlife Division of Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Oregon or Washington Natural Heritage Programs. A list also is maintained by the USDA Forest Service – Scenic Area Office and available on the Gorge Commission website.

(b) The Executive Director shall submit site plans (of uses that are proposed within 1,000 feet of a sensitive wildlife and/or plant area or site) for review to the Forest Service and the appropriate state agencies (Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife or the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife for wildlife issues and by the Oregon or Washington Natural Heritage Program for plant issues).

(c) The Forest Service wildlife biologists and/or botanists, in consultation with the appropriate state biologists, shall review the site plan and their field survey records. They shall:

(A) Identify/verify the precise location of the wildlife and/or plant area or site,

(B) Determine if a field survey will be required,

(C) Determine, based on the biology and habitat requirements of the affected wildlife/plant species, if the proposed use would compromise the integrity and function of or result in adverse affects (including cumulative effects) to the wildlife or plant area or site. This would include considering the time of year when wildlife or plant species are sensitive to disturbance, such as nesting, rearing seasons, or flowering season, and

(D) Delineate the undisturbed 200 ft buffer on the site plan for sensitive plants and/or the appropriate buffer for sensitive wildlife areas or sites, including nesting, roosting and perching sites.

(i) Buffer zones can be reconfigured if a project applicant demonstrates all of the following: (1) the integrity and function of the buffer zones is maintained, (2) the total buffer area on the development proposal is not decreased, (3) the width reduction shall not occur within another buffer, and (4) the buffer zone width is not reduced more than 50% at any particular location. Such features as intervening topography, vegetation, man made features, natural plant or wildlife habitat boundaries, and flood plain characteristics could be considered.

(ii) Requests to reduce buffer zones shall be considered if an appropriate professional (botanist, plant ecologist, wildlife biologist, or hydrologist), hired by the project applicant, (1) identifies the precise location of the sensitive wildlife/plant or water resource, (2) describes the biology of the sensitive wildlife/plant or hydrologic condition of the water resource, and (3) demonstrates that the proposed use will not have any negative effects, either direct or indirect, on the affected wildlife/plant and their surrounding habitat that is vital to their long-term survival or water resource and its long term function.

(iii) The Executive Director shall submit all requests to re-configure sensitive wildlife/plant or water resource buffers to the Forest Service and the appropriate state agencies for review. All written comments shall be included in the record of application and based on the comments from the state and federal agencies, the Executive Director will make a final decision on whether the reduced buffer zone is justified. If the final decision contradicts the comments submitted by the federal and state agencies, the Executive Director shall justify how the opposing conclusion was reached

(d) The Executive Director, in consultation with the State and federal wildlife biologists and/or botanists, shall use the following criteria in reviewing and evaluating the site plan to ensure that the proposed developments or uses do not compromise the integrity and function of or result in adverse affects to the wildlife or plant area or site:

(A) Published guidelines regarding the protection and management of the affected wildlife/plant species. Examples include: the Oregon Department of Forestry has prepared technical papers that include management guidelines for osprey and great blue heron; the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has prepared similar guidelines for a variety of species, including the western pond turtle, the peregrine falcon, and the Larch Mountain salamander.

(B) Physical characteristics of the subject parcel and vicinity, including topography and vegetation.

(D) Existing condition of the wildlife/plant area or site and the surrounding habitat and the useful life of the area or site.

(E) In areas of winter range, habitat components, such as forage, and thermal cover, important to the viability of the wildlife must be maintained or, if impacts are to occur, enhancement must mitigate the impacts so as to maintain overall values and function of winter range.

(F) The site plan is consistent with the "Oregon Guidelines for Timing of In-Water Work to Protect Fish and Wildlife Resources" (Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 2000) and the Washington guidelines when they become finalized.

(G) The site plan activities coincide with periods when fish and wildlife are least sensitive to disturbance. These would include, among others, nesting and brooding periods (from nest building to fledgling of young) and those periods specified.

(H) The site plan illustrates that new developments and uses, including bridges, culverts, and utility corridors, shall not interfere with fish and wildlife passage.

(I) Maintain, protect, and enhance the integrity and function of Priority Habitats (such as old growth forests, talus slopes, and oak woodlands) as listed on the following Priority Habitats Table. This includes maintaining structural, species, and age diversity, maintaining connectivity within and between plant communities, and ensuring that cumulative impacts are considered in documenting integrity and function.

Priority Habitats Table

Priority Habitats Criteria

Aspen stands High fish and wildlife species diversity, limited availability, high vulnerability to habitat alteration.

Caves Significant wildlife breeding habitat, limited availability, dependent species.

Old-growth forest High fish and wildlife density, species diversity, breeding habitat, seasonal ranges, and limited and declining availability, high vulnerability.

Oregon white oak woodlands Comparatively high fish and wildlife density, species diversity, declining availability, high vulnerability

Prairies and steppe Comparatively high fish and wildlife density, species diversity, important breeding habitat, declining and limited availability, high vulnerability.

Riparian High fish and wildlife density, species diversity, breeding habitat, movement corridor, high vulnerability, dependent species.

Wetlands High species density, high species diversity, important breeding habitat and seasonal ranges, limited availability, high vulnerability.

Snags and logs High fish and wildlife density, species diversity, limited availability, high vulnerability, dependent species.

Talus Limited availability, unique and dependent species, high vulnerability.

Cliffs Significant breeding habitat, limited availability, dependent species.

Dunes Unique species habitat, limited availability, high vulnerability, dependent species.

(e) The wildlife/plant protection process may terminate if the Executive Director, in consultation with the Forest Service and state wildlife agency or Heritage program, determines (1) the sensitive wildlife area or site is not active, or (2) the proposed use is not within the buffer zones and would not compromise the integrity of the wildlife/plant area or site, and (3) the proposed use is within the buffer and could be easily moved out of the buffer by simply modifying the project proposal (site plan modifications). If the project applicant accepts these recommendations, the Executive Director shall incorporate them into the final decision and the wildlife/plant protection process may conclude.

(f) If the above measures fail to eliminate the adverse affects, the proposed project shall be prohibited, unless the project applicant can meet the Practicable Alternative Test and prepare a mitigation plan to offset the adverse effects by deliberate restoration and enhancement.

(g) The Executive Director shall submit a copy of all field surveys (if completed) and mitigation plans to the Forest Service and appropriate state agencies. The Executive Director shall include all comments in the record of application and address any written comments submitted by the state and federal wildlife agency/heritage programs in the final decision.

Based on the comments from the state and federal wildlife agency/heritage program, the Executive Director shall make a final decision on whether the proposed use would be consistent with the wildlife/plant policies and guidelines. If the final decision contradicts the comments submitted by the state and federal wildlife agency/heritage program, the Executive Director shall justify how the opposing conclusion was reached.

(h) The Executive Director shall require the project applicant to revise the mitigation plan as necessary to ensure that the proposed use would not adversely affect a sensitive wildlife/plant area or site.

(i) Determination of potential natural resources effects shall include consideration of cumulative effects of proposed developments within the following areas: sites within 1,000 feet of sensitive wildlife areas and sites; and 2) sites within 1,000 feet of rare plants.

(4) Soil Productivity

(a) Soil productivity shall be protected using the following guidelines:

(A) A description or illustration showing the mitigation measures to control soil erosion and stream sedimentation.

(B) New developments and land uses shall control all soil movement within the area shown on the site plan.

(C) The soil area disturbed by new development or land uses, except for new cultivation, shall not exceed 15 percent of the project area.

(D) Within 1 year of project completion, 80 percent of the project area with surface disturbance shall be established with effective native ground cover species or other soil-stabilizing methods to prevent soil erosion until the area has 80 percent vegetative cover.

Practicable Alternative Test

(1) An alternative site for a proposed use shall be considered practicable if it is available and the proposed use can be undertaken on that site after taking into consideration cost, technology, logistics, and overall project purposes.

A practicable alternative does not exist if a project applicant satisfactorily demonstrates all of the following:

(a) The basic purpose of the use cannot be reasonably accomplished using one or more other sites in the vicinity that would avoid or result in less adverse effects on wetlands, ponds, lakes, riparian areas, wildlife, or plant areas and sites.

(b) The basic purpose of the use cannot be reasonably accomplished by reducing its proposed size, scope, configuration, or density, or by changing the design of the use in a way that would avoid or result in less adverse effects on wetlands, ponds, lakes, riparian areas, wildlife, or plant areas and sites.

(c) Reasonable attempts were made to remove or accommodate constraints that caused a project applicant to reject alternatives to the proposed use. Such constraints include inadequate infrastructure, parcel size, and land use designations. If a land use designation or recreation intensity class is a constraint, an applicant must request a Management Plan amendment to demonstrate that practicable alternatives do not exist.

Mitigation Plan

(1) Mitigation Plan shall be prepared when:

(a) The proposed development or use is within a buffer zone (wetland, pond, lakes, riparian areas, wildlife or plant areas and/or sites).

(b) There is no practicable alternative (see the "practicable alternative" test).

(2) In all cases, Mitigation Plans are the responsibility of the applicant and shall be prepared by an appropriate professional (botanist/ecologist for plant sites, a wildlife/fish biologist for wildlife/fish sites, and a qualified professional for water resource sites).

(3) The primary purpose of this information is to provide a basis for the project applicant to redesign the proposed use in a manner that protects sensitive water resources, and wildlife/plant areas and sites, that maximizes his/her development options, and that mitigates, through restoration, enhancement, and replacement measures, impacts to the water resources and/or wildlife/plant area or site and/or buffer zones.

(4) The applicant shall submit the mitigation plan to the Executive Director. The Executive Director shall submit a copy of the mitigation plan to the Forest Service, and appropriate state agencies. If the final decision contradicts the comments submitted by the state and federal wildlife agency/heritage program, the Executive Director shall justify how the opposite conclusion was reached.

(5) A project applicant shall demonstrate sufficient fiscal, technical, and administrative competence to successfully execute a mitigation plan involving wetland creation.

(6) Mitigation plans shall include maps, photographs, and text. The text shall:

(a) Describe the biology and/or function of the sensitive resources (e.g. Wildlife/plant species, or wetland) that will be affected by a proposed use. An ecological assessment of the sensitive resource to be altered or destroyed and the condition of the resource that will result after restoration will be required. Reference published protection and management guidelines.

(b) Describe the physical characteristics of the subject parcel, past, present, and future uses, and the past, present, and future potential impacts to the sensitive resources. Include the size, scope, configuration, or density of new uses being proposed within the buffer zone.

(c) Explain the techniques that will be used to protect the sensitive resources and their surrounding habitat that will not be altered or destroyed (for examples, delineation of core habitat of the sensitive wildlife/plant species and key components that are essential to maintain the long-term use and integrity of the wildlife/plant area or site).

(d) Show how restoration, enhancement, and replacement (creation) measures will be applied to ensure that the proposed use results in minimum feasible impacts to sensitive resources, their buffer zones, and associated habitats.

(e) Show how the proposed restoration, enhancement, or replacement (creation) mitigation measures are NOT alternatives to avoidance. A proposed development/use must first avoid a sensitive resource, and only if this is not possible should restoration, enhancement, or creation be considered as mitigation. In reviewing mitigation plans, the local government, appropriate state agencies, and Forest Service shall critically examine all proposals to ensure that they are indeed last resort options.

(7) At a minimum, a project applicant shall provide to the Executive Director a progress report every 3-years that documents milestones, successes, problems, and contingency actions. Photographic monitoring stations shall be established and photographs shall be used to monitor all mitigation progress.

(8) A final monitoring report shall be submitted to the Executive Director for review upon completion of the restoration, enhancement, or replacement activity. This monitoring report shall document successes, problems encountered, resource recovery, status of any sensitive wildlife/plant species and shall demonstrate the success of restoration and/or enhancement actions. The Executive Director shall submit copies of the monitoring report to the Forest Service; who shall offer technical assistance to the Executive Director in helping to evaluate the completion of the mitigation plan. In instances where restoration and enhancement efforts have failed, the monitoring process shall be extended until the applicant satisfies the restoration and enhancement guidelines.

(9) Mitigation measures to offset impacts to resources and/or buffers shall result in no net loss of water quality, natural drainage, fish/wildlife/plant habitat, and water resources by addressing the following:

(a) Restoration and enhancement efforts shall be completed no later than one year after the sensitive resource or buffer zone has been altered or destroyed, or as soon thereafter as is practicable.

(b) All natural vegetation within the buffer zone shall be retained to the greatest extent practicable. Appropriate protection and maintenance techniques shall be applied, such as fencing, conservation buffers, livestock management, and noxious weed control. Within five years, at least 75 percent of the replacement vegetation must survive. All plantings must be with native plant species that replicate the original vegetation community.

(c) Habitat that will be affected by either temporary or permanent uses shall be rehabilitated to a natural condition. Habitat shall be replicated in composition, structure, and function, including tree, shrub and herbaceous species, snags, pool-riffle ratios, substrata, and structures, such as large woody debris and boulders.

(d) If this standard is not feasible or practical because of technical constraints, a sensitive resource of equal or greater benefit may be substituted, provided that no net loss of sensitive resource functions occurs and provided the Executive Director, in consultation with the appropriate State and Federal agency, determine that such substitution is justified.

(e) Sensitive plants that will be destroyed shall be transplanted or replaced, to the maximum extent practicable. Replacement is used here to mean the establishment of a particular plant species in areas of suitable habitat not affected by new uses. Replacement may be accomplished by seeds, cuttings, or other appropriate methods.

Replacement shall occur as close to the original plant site as practicable. The project applicant shall ensure that at least 75 percent of the replacement plants survive 3 years after the date they are planted.

(f) Nonstructural controls and natural processes shall be used to the greatest extent practicable.

(A) Bridges, roads, pipeline and utility corridors, and other water crossings shall be minimized and should serve multiple purposes and properties.

(B) Stream channels shall not be placed in culverts unless absolutely necessary for property access. Bridges are preferred for water crossings to reduce disruption to hydrologic and biologic functions. Culverts shall only be permitted if there are no practicable alternatives as demonstrated by the 'Practical Alternative Test'.

(D) Restoration of fish passage should occur wherever possible.

(E) Show location and nature of temporary and permanent control measures that shall be applied to minimize erosion and sedimentation when riparian areas are disturbed, including slope netting, berms and ditches, tree protection, sediment barriers, infiltration systems, and culverts.

(F) Groundwater and surface water quality will not be degraded by the proposed use. Natural hydrologic conditions shall be maintained, restored, or enhanced in such a manner that replicates natural conditions, including current patterns (circulation, velocity, volume, and normal water fluctuation), natural stream channel and shoreline dimensions and materials, including slope, depth, width, length, cross-sectional profile, and gradient.

(G) Those portions of a proposed use that are not water-dependent or that have a practicable alternative will be located outside of stream, pond, and lake buffer zones.

(H) Streambank and shoreline stability shall be maintained or restored with natural revegetation.

(I) The size of restored, enhanced, and replacement (creation) wetlands shall equal or exceed the following ratios. The first number specifies the required acreage of replacement wetlands, and the second number specifies the acreage of wetlands altered or destroyed.

Restoration: 2: l

Creation: 3: l

Enhancement: 4: l

(g) Wetland creation mitigation shall be deemed complete when the wetland is self-functioning for 5 consecutive years. Self-functioning is defined by the expected function of the wetland as written in the mitigation plan. The monitoring report shall be submitted to the local government to ensure compliance. The Forest Service, in consultation with appropriate state agencies, shall extend technical assistance to the local government to help evaluate such reports and any subsequent activities associated with compliance.

(h) Wetland restoration/enhancement can be mitigated successfully by donating appropriate funds to a non-profit wetland conservancy or land trust with explicit instructions that those funds are to be used specifically to purchase protection easements or fee title protection of appropriate wetlands acreage in or adjacent to the Columbia River Gorge meeting the ratios given above in guideline (9)(f)(I). These transactions shall be explained in detail in the Mitigation Plan and shall be fully monitored and documented in the monitoring report.

Amendatory Section

350-081-0020

Definitions

As used in Commission Rule 350-81, unless otherwise noted, the following words and their derivations shall have the following meanings:

(1) Accepted agricultural practice: A mode of operation that is common to farms or ranches of similar nature, necessary for the operation of such farms or ranches to obtain a profit in money and customarily utilized in conjunction with agricultural use.

(2) Accessory structure/building: A structure or detached building whose use is incidental and subordinate to that of the main use of the property, and that is located on the same parcel as the main building or use. The term "detached" means that the main building and accessory building do not share a common wall. An accessory building connected to the main building by a breezeway is a detached building.

(3) Active wildlife site: A wildlife site that has been used within the past 5 years by a sensitive wildlife species.

(4) Addition: An extension or increase in the area or height of an existing building.

(5) Agency official: The federal, state, or local agency head or designee who has authority over a proposed project.

(6) Agricultural specialist (SMA): A person such as a county extension agent with a demonstrated knowledge of farming operations, and a demonstrated ability to interpret and recommend methods to implement regulations pertaining to agriculture. Such abilities are usually obtained through a combination of higher education and experience.

(7) Agricultural structure/building: A structure or building located on a farm or ranch and used in the operation for the storage, repair, and maintenance of farm equipment and supplies or for the raising and/or storage of crops and livestock. These include, but are not limited to: barns, silos, workshops, equipment sheds, greenhouses, wind machines (orchards), processing facilities, storage bins and structures.

(8) Agricultural use: The current employment of land for the primary purpose of obtaining a profit in money by raising, harvesting, and selling crops; or by the feeding, breeding, management, and sale of, or production of, livestock, poultry, fur-bearing animals or honeybees; or for dairying and the sale of dairy products; or any other agricultural or horticultural use, including Christmas trees. Current employment of land for agricultural use includes:

(a) The operation or use of farmland subject to any agriculture-related government program.

(b) Land lying fallow for 1 year as a normal and regular requirement of good agricultural husbandry.

(d) Land under buildings supporting accepted agricultural practices.

Agricultural use does not include livestock feedlots.

(9) Anadromous fish: Species of fish that migrate upstream to freshwater after spending part of their life in the ocean (saltwater).

(10) Anaerobic: A condition in which molecular oxygen is absent (or effectively so) from the environment.

(11) Aquaculture: The cultivation, maintenance, and harvesting of aquatic species.

(12) Aquatic area: The water area of a stream, pond, or lake measured at the ordinary high water mark.

(13) Archaeological resources: See cultural resource.

(14) Archival research: Research in primary documents that is likely to yield information regarding human occupation of the area in question, including but not limited to deed, census, cartographic, and judicial records.

(15) Bed and breakfast inn: An establishment located in a structure designed as a single-family dwelling where more than two rooms but fewer than six rooms are rented on a daily basis. Bed and breakfast inns are clearly incidental to the use of a structure as a single-family dwelling and are owner occupied and operated. Bed and breakfast inns operate as transient accommodations, not as rooming or boarding houses.

(16) Best management practices: Conservation techniques and management measures that (1) control soil loss and reduce water quality degradation caused by nutrients, animal waste, toxins, and sediment; (2) minimize adverse affects to groundwater and surface-water flow and circulation patterns; and (3) maintain the chemical, biological, and physical characteristics of wetlands, ponds, streams, and riparian areas.

(17) Biodiversity (SMA): A diversity of biological organisms at the genetic, species, ecosystem, and landscape levels.

(18) Boat landing: Cleared area or developed structure used to facilitate launching or retrieving watercraft.

(19) Buffer zone: An area adjacent to a wetland, stream, pond, or other sensitive area that is established and managed to protect sensitive natural resources from human disturbance. In instances that involve a wetland, stream, or pond, the buffer zone includes all or a portion of the riparian area.

(20) Building: Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy. Buildings have a roof supported by columns or walls. They include, but are not limited to, dwellings, garages, barns, sheds and shop buildings.

(21) Camping or recreational vehicle: A vacation trailer, camper, self-propelled vehicle, or structure equipped with wheels for highway use that is intended for recreational purposes, but not for residential purposes, and is equipped with plumbing, sink, or toilet. A camping or recreational vehicle shall be considered a dwelling unit if it is connected to a sewer system (including septic tank), water, and electrical lines or is occupied on the same parcel for more than 60 days in any consecutive 12-month period.

(22) Campsite: Single camping unit, that usually consists of a cleared, level area for a tent, and may include a parking spur, fire ring, table, and other amenities.

(23) Capability: The ability of land to produce forest or agricultural products due to characteristics of the land itself, such as soil, slope, exposure, or other natural factors.

(24) Canopy closure (SMA): For forest practices, the percentage measuring the degree to which one layer of a tree canopy blocks sunlight or obscures the sky as measured from below.

(25) Cascadian architecture (SMA): Architectural style using native rock work, large timber, and steeply pitched roofs in a rustic manner.

(26) Catastrophic situations (SMA): Forces such as fire, insect and disease infestations, and earth movements.

(27) Childcare center: A facility providing daycare to three or more children, but not including:

(a) The provision of care that is primarily educational, unless provided to a preschool child for more than 4 hours a day.

(b) The provision of care that is primarily supervised training in a specific subject, including but not limited to dancing, gymnastics, drama, music or religion.

(d) The provision of daycare in the provider's home in the family living quarters for less than 13 children.

(28) Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Graphic Signing System: Sign design standards developed for the Scenic Area for public signs in and adjacent to public road rights-of-way.

(29) Commercial development/use: Any facility or use of land or water whose function is primarily retail buying or selling of goods or services or both. This does not include fruit or produce stands.

(30) Commercial forest products: These include timber for lumber, pulp, and firewood for commercial purposes.

(31) Commercial recreation: Any private (non-governmental) recreational activity or facility on privately owned land, excluding nonprofit facilities. This does not include operation of a public recreation facility by a private vendor.

(32) Community facility: Basic utilities and services necessary to support public service needs, including but not limited to water and power utilities, sanitation facilities, public microwave stations and communication facilities, schools, roads and highways. This does not include sanitary landfills.

(33) Consulting parties (cultural resources): Organizations or individuals who submit substantive written comments to a local government in a timely manner because they are concerned with the effects of a proposed use on cultural resources.

(34) Contiguous land: Parcels or other lands that are under the same ownership and have a common boundary, regardless of whether or not portions of the parcels have separate tax lot numbers, lie in different counties, lie in different sections or government lots, lie in different land use or zoning designations, or are separated by public or private roads. Contiguous land does not include parcels that meet only at a single point.

(35) Counties: The six counties within the Scenic Area: Hood River, Multnomah, and Wasco in Oregon, and Clark, Skamania, and Klickitat in Washington.

(36) Created opening (SMA): A created forest opening with less than 40 percent average canopy closure of overstory trees and less than 60 percent average canopy closure of understory trees averaging less than 5 inches diameter at breast height for coniferous forests and less than 25 percent total canopy cover for oak woodlands. This definition does not include agricultural fields.

(37) Creation (wetlands): A human activity that converts an upland into a wetland. This definition presumes that the area to be converted has not been a wetland in recent times (100 to 200 years).

(38) Cultivation: Any activity that prepares land for raising crops by turning, breaking, or loosening the soil. Cultivation includes plowing, harrowing, leveling, and tilling.

(39) Cultural resource: Evidence of human occupation or activity that is important in the history, architecture, archaeology or culture of a community or region. Cultural resources include, but are not limited to, the following:

(a) Archaeological resources. Physical evidence or ruins of human occupation or activity that are located on or below the surface of the ground and are at least 50 years old.

Archaeological resources include, but are not limited to, the remains of houses, villages, camp and fishing sites, and cave shelters; rock art such as petroglyphs and pictographs; artifacts such as arrowheads, utensils, tools, fragments of tools and utensils, obsidian flakes or other material byproducts from tool and utensil-making activities; and graves, human remains, and associated artifacts.

(b) Historic buildings and structures. Standing or above-ground buildings and structures that are at least 50 years old.

Historic buildings and structures include, but are not limited to, log cabins, barns, canals, flumes, pipelines, highways, and tunnels.

(c) Traditional cultural properties. Locations, buildings, structures, and objects that are associated with cultural beliefs, customs, or practices of a living community that are rooted in that community's history and are important in maintaining the continuing cultural identity of the community.

Traditional cultural properties include, but are not limited to, a location associated with the traditional beliefs of a Native American group about its origins or its cultural history; a location where a community has traditionally carried out artistic or other cultural practices important in maintaining its historical identity; and a location where Native American religious practitioners have historically gone, and go today, to perform ceremonial activities. Objects may include petroglyphs, pictographs, rock cairns or other rock structures, trees, and rock outcrops.

(40) Cumulative effects: The combined effects of two or more activities. The effects may be related to the number of individual activities, or to the number of repeated activities on the same piece of ground. Cumulative effects can result from individually minor but collectively significant actions taking place over a period of time.

(41) Cut: An area where soil or earth is excavated or removed in conjunction with development activities.

(42) Dedicated site: An area actively devoted to the current use and as delineated on the site plan.

(43) Deer and elk winter range: Areas normally used, or capable of being used, by deer and elk from December through April.

(44) Destruction of wetlands: Loss of the wetlands or any of its component parts, including the filling, draining, or other adverse effect to the sustainable functioning of the wetland.

(45) Developed recreation: Recreational opportunities characterized by high-density use on specific sites and requiring facilities installation. Density of use, amount of site development, and type of recreation site can vary widely across the spectrum of recreation activities.

(46) Developed road prism (SMA): The area of the ground associated with a particular road and containing the road surface, ditch, shoulder, retaining walls, or other developed features. Does not include the natural appearing portions of cut and fill slopes.

(47) Development: Any land division or structure, including but not limited to new construction of buildings and structures, and mining, dredging, filling, grading, paving, and excavation.

(48) Diameter at breast height (dbh): The diameter of a tree as measured at breast height.

(49) Duplex: A building containing two dwelling units and designed for occupancy by two families.

(50) Dwelling, single-family: A detached building containing one dwelling unit and designed for occupancy by one family only.

(51) Dwelling unit: A single unit designed for occupancy by one family and having not more than one cooking area or kitchen.

(52) Earth materials: Any rock, natural soil or any combination thereof. Earth materials do not include non-earth or processed materials, including, but not limited to, construction debris (e.g., concrete, asphalt, wood), organic waste (e.g., cull fruit, food waste) and industrial byproducts (e.g., slag, wood waste).

(53) Effect on treaty rights: To bring about a change in, to influence, to modify, or to have a consequence to Indian treaty or treaty-related rights in the Treaties of 1855 with the Nez Perce, Umatilla, Warm Springs and Yakima tribes executed between the individual Indian tribes and the Congress of the United States and as adjudicated by the Federal courts.

(54) Emergency/disaster: A sudden unexpected occurrence, either the result of human or natural forces, necessitating immediate action to prevent or mitigate significant loss or damage to life, health, property, essential public services, or the environment.

(55) Emergency/disaster response: Actions involving any development (such as new structures, grading, or excavation) or vegetation removal that must be taken immediately in response to an emergency/disaster event (as defined above). Emergency/disaster response actions not involving any structural development or ground-disturbance (such as use of emergency transport vehicles, communications activities or traffic control measures) are not included in this definition and are not affected by these provisions.

(56) Endemic: Plant and animal species that are found only in the vicinity of the Columbia River Gorge area.

(57) Enhancement (natural resources): A human activity that increases one or more functions of an existing wetland, stream, lake, riparian area, or other sensitive area. Enhancement is generally limited to a wetland, stream, lake, riparian area, or other sensitive area that is degraded. Enhancing an area that is in good or excellent condition may reduce biological diversity and eliminate other natural functions and may not be desirable.

(58) Ephemeral streams (SMA): streams that contain flowing water only during, and for a short duration after, precipitation events.

(59) Ethnography: The descriptive and analytic study of the culture of particular groups. An ethnographer seeks to understand a group through interviews with its members and often through living in and observing it.

(60) Existing use or structure: Any use or structure that was legally established. "Legally established" means: (1) the landowner or developer obtained applicable land use and building permits and complied with land use regulations and other laws that were in effect at the time the use or structure was established, or that were in effect at the time the landowner or developer corrected an improperly established use or structure; (2) the use or structure was initially operated or constructed according to those applicable permits, land use regulations and other laws, or has been operated or constructed according to permits obtained to correct an improperly established use or structure; and (3) any changes to the original use or structure must comply with all applicable permit requirements, land use regulations and other laws that were in effect at the time the change was established.

(61) Exploration, development (extraction and excavation), and production of mineral resources: Includes all or any part of the process of surface, underground, or submerged mining of mineral resources. Minerals include soil, coal, clay, stone, sand, gravel, metallic ore, oil and gases and any other material or substance excavated for commercial, industrial or construction use. For the Management Plan, this definition includes all exploration and mining, regardless of area disturbed or volume mined. Production of mineral resources means the use of portable crushing, onsite stockpiling, washing, milling, screening, or sorting equipment or other similar methods of initial treatment of a mineral resource to transport to another site for use or further processing. Secondary processing such as concrete or asphalt batch plants are considered industrial uses.

(62) Fill: The placement, deposition, or stockpiling of sand, sediment, or other earth materials to create new uplands or create an elevation above the existing surface.

(63) Finished grade: The final elevation of the ground level of a property after construction is completed.

(64) Fire break: A break in ground cover fuels, adjacent to and surrounding buildings.

(65) Footprint: The area that falls directly beneath and shares the same perimeter as a structure.

(66) Forbs: Broad-leaved herbs, in contrast to ferns, fern allies, and grasses and grasslike plants.

(67) Foreground (SMA): One-half mile on either side of a traveled road or trail.

(68) Forest health (SMA): A measure of the robustness of forest ecosystems. Forests are deemed healthy when they have capacity across the landscape for renewal, for the maintenance of wildlife habitats, for recovery from a wide range of disturbances, and for retention of their resilience.

(69) Forest practice (SMA): Any activity conducted on or directly pertaining to forested land and relating to forest ecosystem management including but not limited to growing, thinning, or removing live or dead forest tree or shrub species, road and trail construction, reforestation, fertilizing, brush control, prevention of wildfire, and suppression of diseases and insects. The removal of hazardous trees is excluded. Uses that include establishment, management or harvest of Christmas trees, nursery stock, or fiber producing tree species requiring intensive cultivation (irrigation, fertilization, etc.) and a harvest rotation of 12 years or less are considered agricultural uses.

(70) Forest practice (GMA): Those activities related to the growing and harvesting of forest tree species, as defined by the Oregon Forest Practices Act or the Washington Forest Practices Act.

(71) Forest products: Commodities produced from a forest, including, but not limited to, timber products, boughs, mushrooms, pine cones, and huckleberries.

(72) Forest stand structure (SMA): The number, types and spacing of tree species, tree sizes, and canopy layers contained in a stand of trees.

(73) Forest use: The growing, propagation, and harvesting of forest tree species and other forest products.

(74) Fully screened: A description of the relative visibility of a structure where that structure is not visible as viewed from a specified vantage point (generally a key viewing area, for the purpose of the Management Plan).

(75) Grade (ground level): The average elevation of the finished ground elevation as defined by the Uniform Building Code.

(76) Grading: Any excavating or filling of earth materials or any combination thereof, including the land in its excavated or filled condition.

(77) Hazard tree (SMA): A tree with a structural defect that will predictably result in whole or partial failure within 1.5 tree lengths of a road or maintained development. A defective tree is hazardous only when its failure could result in danger to people or damage to structures, vehicles, or other property.

(78) Height of building: The greatest vertical distance between the point of lowest finished grade adjoining any exterior wall of a building and the highest point of the roof, such as the highest coping or parapet of a flat roof, the highest deck line of a mansard roof, or the highest ridge of a hip, gable, gambrel, shed or other pitched roof.

(79) Herbaceous: A plant with no persistent woody stem above the ground, with characteristics of an herb.

(80) Herbs: Nonwoody (herbaceous) plants, including grasses and grasslike plants, forbs, ferns, fern allies, and nonwoody vines. (Note: Seedlings of woody plants that are less than 3 feet tall shall be considered part of the herbaceous layer.)

(81) Historic buildings and structures: See cultural resource.

(82) Historic survey: Actions that document the form, style, integrity, and physical condition of historic buildings and structures. Historic surveys may include archival research, architectural drawings, and photographs.

(83) Horses, boarding of (GMA): The stabling, feeding, and grooming, or the use of stalls for and the care of horses not belonging to the owner of the property, and related facilities, such as training arenas, corrals, and exercise tracks. These facilities are either operated for a fee or by a nonprofit organization.

(84) Hydric soil: A soil that is saturated, flooded, or ponded long enough during the growing season to develop anaerobic conditions in the upper part.

(85) In-lieu sites: Sites acquired by the Army Corps of Engineers and transferred to the Bureau of Indian Affairs for treaty fishing, in lieu of those usual and accustomed fishing areas lost by inundation from reservoir construction. These sites were acquired under the provisions of Public Law 14 and Public Law 100-581, Section 401. Additional in-lieu sites will be provided for.

(86) Indian tribal government: The governing bodies of the Nez Perce Tribe (Nez Perce Tribal Executive Committee), the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (Board of Trustees), the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon (Tribal Council), and the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Indian Nation (Tribal Council).

(87) Indian tribes: The Nez Perce Tribe, the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Indian Nation, the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon, and the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation.

(88) Industrial uses: Any use of land or water primarily involved in:

(a) Assembly or manufacture of goods or products,

(b) Processing or reprocessing of raw materials, processing of recyclable materials or agricultural products not produced within a constituent farm unit,

(c) Storage or warehousing, handling or distribution of manufactured goods or products, raw materials, agricultural products, forest products, or recyclable materials for purposes other than retail sale and service, or

(d) Production of electric power for commercial purposes.

(89) Interpretive displays: Signs and structures that provide for the convenience, education, and enjoyment of visitors, helping visitors understand and appreciate natural and cultural resources and their relationship to them.

(90) Key components: The attributes that are essential to maintain the long-term use and productivity of a wildlife site. The key components vary by species and wildlife site. Examples include fledgling and perching trees, watering sites, and foraging habitat.

(91) Key viewing areas: Those portions of important public roads, parks, or other vantage points within the Scenic Area from which the public views Scenic Area landscapes. These include:

(a) Historic Columbia River Highway;

(b) Crown Point;

(d) Multnomah Falls;

(e) Washington State Route 14;

(f) Beacon Rock;

(g) Panorama Point Park;

(h) Cape Horn;

(i) Dog Mountain Trail;

(j) Cook-Underwood Road;

(k) Rowena Plateau and Nature Conservancy Viewpoint;

(l) Portland Women's Forum State Park;

(m) Bridal Veil State Park;

(n) Larch Mountain;

(o) Rooster Rock State Park;

(p) Bonneville Dam Visitor Centers;

(q) Columbia River;

(r) Washington State Route 141;

(s) Washington State Route 142;

(t) Oregon Highway 35;

(u) Sandy River;

(v) Pacific Crest Trail;

(w) SMA only:

(x) Old Washington State Route 14 (County Road 1230);

(y) Wyeth Bench Road;

(z) Larch Mountain Road;

(aa) Sherrard Point on Larch Mountain.

(92) Land division: The division or redivision of contiguous land(s) into tracts, parcels, sites or divisions, regardless of the proposed parcel or tract size or use. A land division includes, but is not limited to, short subdivisions, partitions, and subdivisions.

(93) Landscape setting: The combination of land use, landform, and vegetation patterns that distinguish an area in appearance and character from other portions of the Scenic Area.

(94) Livestock feedlot: Stockyards and commercial livestock finishing yards for cattle, sheep, swine, and fur bearers. Feedlots do not include winter pasture or winter hay-feeding grounds.

(95) Lot line adjustment: Relocation of one or more common boundary lines between two contiguous parcels that does not create additional parcels.

(96) Maintenance: Ordinary upkeep or preservation of a serviceable structure affected by wear or natural elements. Maintenance does not change the original size, scope, configuration or design of a structure.

Maintenance includes, but is not limited to, painting and refinishing, regrouting masonry, patching roofs, grading gravel roads and road shoulders, cleaning and armoring ditches and culverts, filling potholes, controlling vegetation within rights-of-way, removing trees and other roadside hazards within rights-of-way, and testing and treating utility poles.

(97) Mitigation: The use of any or all of the following actions:

(a) Avoiding the impact altogether by not taking a certain action or parts of an action.

(b) Minimizing impacts by limiting the degree or magnitude of the action and its implementation.

(d) Reducing or eliminating the impact over time by preservation and maintenance operations during the life of the action.

(98) Mosaic (SMA): The dispersal of overstory and understory leave trees in irregularly spaced clumps of varying sizes throughout an irregularly shaped created forest opening.

(99) Multifamily dwelling: A dwelling constructed or modified into two or more single-family units.

(100) Native species: Species that naturally inhabit an area.

(101) Natural grade: The undisturbed elevation of the ground level of a property before any excavation or construction operations.

(102)~~(a) Natural resources (SMA): Naturally occurring features including land, water, air, plants, animals (including fish), plant and animal habitat, and scenery.~~

~~(b)~~ Natural Resources ~~(GMA)~~: Wetlands, streams, ponds and lakes, riparian areas, wildlife and wildlife habitat, rare plants, and natural areas.

(103) Natural resource specialist: A person with professional qualifications, including an academic degree or sufficient professional experience, in the subject matter the specialist is being asked to analyze or evaluate.

(104) Natural resource-based recreation (SMA): Recreation activities, uses, or facilities that essentially depend on the unique natural, scenic, or cultural resources found within the Scenic Area. Campgrounds, trails, boating and windsurfing facilities, swimming beaches, picnic sites, viewpoints, interpretive parks, and similar outdoor recreation facilities are considered resource-based; golf courses, tennis courts, and rental cabins are not.

(105) Nonprofit organization: An organization whose nonprofit status has been approved by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.

(106) Not visually evident (SMA): A visual quality standard that provides for development or uses that are not visually noticeable to the casual visitor. Developments or uses shall only repeat form, line, color, and texture that are frequently found in the natural landscape, while changes in their qualities of size, amount, intensity, direction, pattern, etc., shall not be noticeable.

(107) Old growth (SMA): A forest stand usually at least 180-220 years old with moderate to high canopy closure; a multi-layered, multi-species canopy dominated by large overstory trees; high incidence of large trees, some with broken tops and other indications of old and decaying wood (decadence); numerous large snags, and heavy accumulations of wood, including large logs on the ground.

(108) Operational (SMA): For new agricultural use, an agricultural use shall be deemed operational when the improvements and investments described in the Stewardship Plan are in place on the parcel.

(109) Ordinary high water mark: The mark on all streams, ponds, and lakes that will be found by examining the bed and banks and ascertaining where the presence and action of waters are so common and usual, and so long continued in all ordinary years, as to mark upon the soil a vegetative character distinct from that of the abutting upland. In any area where the ordinary high water mark cannot be found, the line of mean high water shall substitute.

(110) Other related major structure (SMA): A structure related to a dwelling on a parcel in the SMA that is less than 40 acres in size, which is not incidental and subordinate to the main use of the property. A building or structure that satisfies the definition of "accessory building" is not an "other related major structure" or a "major development action."

(111) Overstory (SMA): For forest practices, the tall or mature trees that rise above the shorter or immature understory trees.

(112) Parcel:

(a) Any unit of land legally created by a short division, partition, or subdivision that was legally recognized under all state laws and local ordinances in effect on November 17, 1986. A unit of land that is eligible for consolidation as provided in the Management Plan shall not be considered a parcel.

(b) Any unit of land legally created and separately described by deed, sales contract, or record of survey prior to November 17, 1986, if the unit of land complied with all planning, zoning, and land division ordinances or regulations applicable at the time of creation and up through November 16, 1986.

(c) A unit of land legally created and separately described by deed or sales contract after November 17, 1986 if the unit was approved under the Final Interim Guidelines or a land use ordinance consistent with the Management Plan, or by the Forest Service Office prior to the Final Interim Guidelines.

(d) A unit of land shall not be considered a separate parcel simply because the subject tract of land:

(A) Is a unit of land solely created to establish a separate tax account;

(B) Lies in different counties;

(D) Lies in different land use or zoning designations; or

(E) Is dissected by a public or private road.

(113) Practicable: Able to be done, considering technology and cost.

(114) Preexisting: Existing prior to the adoption of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Management Plan.

(115) Previously disturbed: An area of land where the natural surface has been graded, excavated, paved and/or graveled.

(116) Project area: The geographic area or areas within which new development and uses may cause changes in the character or use of cultural resources, if any such resources exist.

(117) Public use facility: Recreation development(s) that meet the definition of "recreation facility" in the Management Plan and are open for use by the general public. Private clubs and other facilities limited to members or otherwise restricted in availability shall not be considered public use facilities.

(118) Rare plant species: Used in a generic sense to refer to various categories of sensitive plants cited in federal and state programs.

(119) Recreation facility: A cluster or grouping of recreational developments or improvements located in relatively close proximity to one another, and that are not separated in distance by more than 1/4 mile of land that does not contain any such developments or improvements, except for roads and/or pathways.

(120) Reconnaissance survey: Actions conducted to determine if archaeological resources are present in an area that would be affected by a proposed use. Reconnaissance surveys may include archival research, surface surveys, subsurface testing, and ethnographic research.

(121) Recreation opportunity spectrum (ROS): A means of classifying areas in relation to the types of recreation opportunities and experiences they provide or are appropriate for. The spectrum ranges from primitive (wilderness areas) to urban (highly modified areas).

(a) Primitive: Remote, inaccessible areas with a high degree of solitude and with resources essentially unmodified.

(b) Semiprimitive: Areas accessible only by primitive transportation routes, with low to moderately infrequent human encounters and with only subtle modifications to the natural setting.

(d) Rural: Roaded areas with moderate to highly frequent human encounters and with the natural setting dominated by cultural modifications.

(e) Suburban: Areas representing the rural-urban interface, with urban-like roads, structures, highly frequent human encounters, and dominant resource modifications encroaching into the rural landscape.

(f) Urban: Highly accessible, roaded areas dominated by human encounters and human-related structures.

(122) Recreation resources: Areas and facilities that provide recreation opportunities and experiences. Recreation resources include semiprimitive areas with few facilities and developed sites.

(123) Regularly maintained: An area of land that has been previously disturbed and where periodic actions have been taken to (1) keep the area clear of vegetation (e.g., shoulders, utility yards), (2) limit the height and type of vegetation (e.g., utility rights-of-way), and/or (3) establish and retain non-native vegetation (e.g., landscaped medians, rest area grounds).

(124) Rehabilitation (natural resources): A human activity that returns a wetland, stream, buffer zone, or other sensitive area that was disturbed during construction of a permitted use to its natural or preconstruction condition.

(125) Remnant old forest (SMA): Large trees in the overstory that are well into the mature growth state (older than 180 years).

(126) Repair: Replacement or reconstruction of a part of a serviceable structure after damage, decay or wear. A repair returns a structure to its original and previously authorized and undamaged condition. It does not change the original size, scope, configuration or design of a structure, nor does it excavate beyond the depth of the original structure.

Repair includes, but is not limited to, reroofing a building, replacing damaged guardrails, reconstructing a rotten deck or porch, replacing a broken window or door, replacing a utility pole and associated anchors, replacing a section of broken water or sewer line, replacing a damaged or defective utility line, reconstructing a portion of a building damaged by fire or a natural event, and replacing railroad ties or rails.

(127) Resource-based recreation: Those recreation uses that are essentially dependent upon the natural, scenic, or cultural resources of the Scenic Area and that do not adversely affect those resources upon which they depend.

(128) Restoration (wetlands): A human activity that converts an area that was formerly a wetland back into a wetland. This definition presumes that the area to be restored no longer qualifies as a wetland because of past activities, alterations, or catastrophic events.

(129) Review uses: Proposed uses and developments that must be reviewed by a county planning department, the Gorge Commission, or the Forest Service to determine if they comply with the policies and guidelines in the Management Plan.

(130) Riparian area: The area immediately adjacent to streams, ponds, lakes, and wetlands that directly contributes to the water quality and habitat components of the water body. This may include areas that have high water tables and soils and vegetation that exhibit characteristics of wetness, as well as upland areas immediately adjacent to the water body that directly contribute shade, nutrients, cover, or debris, or that directly enhance water quality within the water body.

(131) Road: The entire right-of-way of any public or private way that provides ingress to or egress from property by means of vehicles or other means or that provides travel between places by means of vehicles. "Road" includes, but is not limited to:

(a) Ways described as streets, highways, throughways, or alleys.

(b) Road-related structures that are in the right-of-way, such as tunnels, culverts, or similar structures.

(132) Scenic Area: The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.

(133) Scenic travel corridor: Those portions of Interstate 84, the Historic Columbia River Highway, Oregon Highway 35, and Washington State Routes 14, 141, and 142 located in the Scenic Area and specifically designated to be managed as scenic and recreational travel routes.

(134) Secretary: The Secretary of Agriculture.

(135) Sensitive plant species: Plant species that are (1) endemic to the Columbia River Gorge and vicinity, (2) listed as endangered or threatened pursuant to federal or state endangered species acts, or (3) listed as endangered, threatened or sensitive by the Oregon or Washington Natural Heritage Program.

In the SMA, sensitive plant species also include plant species recognized by the Regional Forester as needing special management to prevent them from being placed on federal or state endangered species lists.

(136) Sensitive wildlife species: Animal species that are (1) listed as endangered or threatened pursuant to federal or state endangered species acts, (2) listed as endangered, threatened, sensitive, or candidate by the Washington Wildlife Commission, (3) listed as sensitive by the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission, or (4) considered to be of special interest to the public, limited to great blue heron, osprey, mountain goat, golden eagle, and prairie falcon.

In the SMA, sensitive wildlife species also include animal species recognized by the Regional Forester as needing special management to prevent them from being placed on federal or state endangered species lists.

(137) Service station: A business operated for the purpose of retailing and delivering motor vehicle fuel into the fuel tanks of motor vehicles.

(138) Serviceable: Presently useable.

(139) Shall: Action is mandatory.

(140) Should: Action is encouraged.

(141) Shrub: A woody plant usually greater than 3 feet but less than 20 feet tall that generally exhibits several erect, spreading, or prostrate stems and has a bushy appearance. (Note: For the Management Plan, seedlings of woody plants that are less than 3 feet tall shall be considered part of the herbaceous layer.)

(142) Sign: Any placard, poster, billboard, advertising structure or inscribed surface, pattern or artificial lighting, pictorial or symbolic ornament, emblematic structure, banner, fluttering apparatus, statue, model, ornamental figure, or other visually communicative or expressive device that is visible from an out-of-doors position and is used to advertise or call the public's attention to any public, business, commercial, industrial, recreational or any other activity, object for sale or lease, person or place, or to bear any kind of message. It includes any surface on which a name, text, device, signal, ornament, logotype, or advertising matters is made visible. The meaning of "sign" shall also include any sign currently in disuse, but still visible from an out-of-doors position, and any frame or support structure erected specifically to bear or uphold a sign.

(143) Significant cultural resource (SMA): A cultural resource that is included in, or eligible for inclusion in, the National Register of Historic Places. (The criteria for evaluating the eligibility of properties for the National Register of Historic Places appear in "National Register Criteria for Evaluation" [36 CFR 60].)

(144) Skyline: The line that represents the place at which a landform, such as a cliff, bluff or ridge, meets the sky, as viewed from a specified vantage point (generally a key viewing area, for the purpose of the Management Plan). In areas with thick, unbroken tree cover, the skyline is generally formed by the top of the vegetative canopy. In treeless areas or areas with more open tree cover, the skyline is generally formed by the surface of the ground.

(145) Soil capability class: A classification system developed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service to group soils as to their capability for agricultural use.

(146) Special habitat area: Wetlands, mudflats, shallow water, and riparian vegetation that have high values for waterfowl, shorebirds, raptors, songbirds, upland game, and reptiles.

(147) Special streams: Streams that are primary water supplies for fish hatcheries and rearing ponds.

(148) Stand: A group of trees possessing uniformity in regard to type, age, vigor, or size.

(149) Story: A single floor level of a structure, as defined by the Uniform Building Code.

(150) Streams: Areas where surface water produces a defined channel or bed, including bedrock channels, gravel beds, sand and silt beds, springs and defined-channel swales. The channel or bed does not have to contain water year-round. This definition is not meant to include irrigation ditches, canals, storm or surface water runoff structures, or other artificial watercourses unless they are used to convey streams naturally occurring prior to construction of such watercourses.

For the Management Plan, streams are categorized into two classes: perennial streams and intermittent streams. Perennial stream means a stream that flows year-round during years of normal precipitation. Intermittent stream means a stream that flows only part of the year, or seasonally, during years of normal precipitation.

(151) Structure: That which is built or constructed, an edifice or building of any kind, or any piece of work artificially built up or composed of parts joined together in some definite manner. This includes, but is not limited to, buildings, walls, fences, roads, parking lots, signs, and additions/alterations to structures.

(152) Submit: To deliver a document (e.g., land use application, written comment) to a reviewing agency's office by personal delivery, commercial delivery, mail, fax, or E-mail. When a document must be submitted within a specified period, it must arrive at the reviewing agency's office by the close of business on the last day of the specified period.

(153) Subsurface testing: Any procedure that removes material from beneath the ground surface for the purpose of identifying cultural resources, such as shovel tests, posthole digger tests, and auger borings.

(154) Suitability: The appropriateness of land for production of agricultural or forest products or for recreation, considering its capability for production; surrounding uses and features associated with development; compatibility with scenic, cultural, natural and recreation resources; compatibility among uses; and other cultural factors, such as roads, powerlines, dwellings, and size of ownership.

(155) Thinning (SMA): A forest practice intended to create favorable conditions for the continued growth of trees within an existing stand of trees. A thinning becomes a forest opening in coniferous forests when the average canopy closure of the overstory layer is zero or less than 40 percent and the understory layer is less than 60 percent average canopy closure of trees averaging less than 5 inches diameter at breast height. A thinning becomes a forest opening in oak woodlands when the total average canopy closure is less than 25 percent.

(156) Total canopy closure (SMA): For forest practices, the percentage measuring the degree to which all layers of the tree canopy combine together to block sunlight or obscure the sky as measured from below.

(157) Travelers accommodations: Any establishment having rooms rented or kept for rent on a daily or weekly basis to travelers or transients for a charge or fee paid or to be paid for rental use or use of facilities.

(158) Treatment (SMA): For forest practices, a site-specific operation that carries out the forest management objectives for an area.

(159) Treaty rights or other rights: Rights reserved by the Indian tribes through the Treaties of 1855. These include the right of fishing at all usual and accustomed places, as well as the privilege of pasturing livestock and hunting and gathering on open and unclaimed lands in common with the citizens of the states.

(160) Tributary fish habitat: Streams that are used by anadromous or resident fish for spawning, rearing and/or migration.

(161) Understory (SMA): For forest practices, the shorter or immature trees below the tall or mature overstory trees.

(162) Undertaking: Any project, activity, program or development or change in land use that can result in changes in the character or use of a cultural resource, if any such cultural resources are located in the area of potential effects. For federal undertakings, the project, activity, or program must be under the direct or indirect jurisdiction of a federal agency or licensed or assisted by a federal agency. Undertakings include new and continuing projects, activities, or programs and any of their elements [36 CFR 800.16(y)].

(163) Unimproved lands: Lands that generally do not have developments such as buildings or structures.

(164) Upland: Any area that does not qualify as a wetland because the associated hydrologic regime is not sufficiently wet to elicit development of vegetation, soils, and/or hydrologic characteristics associated with wetlands.

(165) Uses allowed outright: New uses and developments that may occur without being reviewed by a county planning department, the Gorge Commission, or the Forest Service to determine if they are consistent with the Management Plan.

(166) Utility facility: Any structure that provides for the transmission or distribution of water, sewer, fuel, electricity, or communications.

(167) Vested right: The right to develop or continue to develop a use, development or structure that was reviewed and approved pursuant to this Management Plan.

(168) Viewshed: A landscape unit seen from a key viewing area.

(169) Visual quality objective (VQO): A set of visual management goals established by the Forest Service to achieve a desired visual objective. These objectives include retention (not visually evident) and partial retention (visually subordinate), and others in the Mt. Hood and Gifford Pinchot National Forest Plans.

(170) Visually subordinate: A description of the relative visibility of a structure or use where that structure or use does not noticeably contrast with the surrounding landscape, as viewed from a specified vantage point (generally a key viewing area, for the Management Plan). As opposed to structures that are fully screened, structures that are visually subordinate may be partially visible. They are not visually dominant in relation to their surroundings. Visually subordinate forest practices in the SMA shall repeat form, line, color, or texture common to the natural landscape, while changes in their qualities of size, amount, intensity, direction, pattern, etc., shall not dominate the natural landscape setting.

(171) Water-dependent: Uses that absolutely require, and cannot exist without, access or proximity to, or siting within, a water body to fulfill their basic purpose. Water-dependent uses include, but are not limited to, docks, wharfs, piers, dolphins, certain fish and wildlife structures, boat launch facilities, and marinas. Dwellings, parking lots, spoil and dump sites, roads, restaurants, trails and paths, trailer parks, resorts, and motels are not water-dependent.

(172) Water-related: Uses not directly dependent upon access to a water body, but whose presence facilitates public access to and enjoyment of a water body. In the GMA, water-related uses shall be limited to boardwalks, trails and paths, observation decks, and interpretative aids, such as kiosks and signs.

(173) Wetlands: Areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions. This does not include riparian areas, rivers, streams, and lakes.

(174) Wetlands functions: The beneficial roles that wetlands serve, including storage, conveyance, and attenuation of floodwaters and stormwaters; groundwater recharge and discharge; protection of water quality and reduction of sediment and erosion; production of waterfowl, game and nongame birds, mammals, and other living resources; protection of habitat for endangered, threatened, and sensitive species; food chain support for a broad range of wildlife and fisheries; educational, historical, and archaeological value protection; and scenic, aesthetic, and recreational amenities.

(175) Winery: An agricultural facility used for processing grapes into wine, including laboratories, processing areas, offices, and storage areas. A winery is distinct from a wine sales/tasting room; each of these uses must be explicitly reviewed and approved.

(176) Wine sales/tasting room: A facility that is accessory to a winery and used for tasting and retail sales of wine, including interior space (e.g., wine bar, sitting room) and exterior space (e.g., patio, veranda). A wine sales/tasting room shall not be used for preparing or serving meals or hosting weddings, receptions or other commercial events, unless allowed, reviewed and approved under the "Commercial Events" provisions in 350-81-108. A wine sales/tasting room is distinct from a winery; each of these uses must be explicitly reviewed and approved.

(177) Woody plant: A seed plant (gymnosperm or angiosperm) that develops persistent, hard, fibrous tissues.

Priority Habitats Table
Priority Habitats	Criteria
Aspen stands	High fish and wildlife species diversity, limited availability, high vulnerability to habitat alteration.
Caves	Significant wildlife breeding habitat, limited availability, dependent species.
Old-growth forest	High fish and wildlife density, species diversity, breeding habitat, seasonal ranges, and limited and declining availability, high vulnerability.
Oregon white oak woodlands	Comparatively high fish and wildlife density, species diversity, declining availability, high vulnerability
Prairies and steppe	Comparatively high fish and wildlife density, species diversity, important breeding habitat, declining and limited availability, high vulnerability.
Riparian	High fish and wildlife density, species diversity, breeding habitat, movement corridor, high vulnerability, dependent species.
Wetlands	High species density, high species diversity, important breeding habitat and seasonal ranges, limited availability, high vulnerability.
Snags and logs	High fish and wildlife density, species diversity, limited availability, high vulnerability, dependent species.
Talus	Limited availability, unique and dependent species, high vulnerability.
Cliffs	Significant breeding habitat, limited availability, dependent species.
Dunes	Unique species habitat, limited availability, high vulnerability, dependent species.

ฉ Washington State Code Reviser's Office