WSR 17-17-009

INTERPRETIVE STATEMENT

[Filed August 4, 2017, 10:43 a.m.]

Subject: The industrial fire precaution level system (IFPL) restrictions and tethered logging operations.

Description: RCW 76.04.325 authorizes the department of natural resources (DNR) to regulate/restrict industrial operations on forest lands. DNR implements this authority under chapter 332-24 WAC. Part of those rules describe IFPL under WAC 332-24-301.

Recent advances in harvest techniques suggest that updated operational guidance about IFPL restrictions would be helpful and improve forest safety from potential human-caused fires. The interpretive statement referenced here explains that tethered logging system operations are basically new ways of using existing logging equipment, and that DNR's existing IFPL provisions in WAC 332-24-301 regarding that logging equipment (particularly those provisions applicable to power saws, cable yarding, and feller bunchers) apply to tethered logging systems.

This guidance will become effective immediately.

A copy of the interpretive statement may be obtained by contacting DNR region offices at:

Northeast: 225 South Silke Road, Colville, WA 99114, 509-684-7474, northeast.region@dnr.wa.gov.

Northwest: 919 North Township Street, Sedro Woolley, WA 98284, 360-856-3500, northwest.region@dnr.wa.gov.

Olympic: 411 Tillicum Lane, Forks, WA 98331, 360-374-2800, olympic.region@dnr.wa.gov.

Pacific Cascade: 601 Bond Road, P.O. Box 280, Castle Rock, WA 98611, 360-577-2025, pacific-cascade.region@dnr.wa.gov

South Puget Sound: 950 Farman Avenue North, Enumclaw, WA 98022, 360-825-1631, southpuget.region@dnr.wa.gov.

Southeast: 713 Bowers Road, Ellensburg, WA 98926, 509-925-8510, southeast.region@dnr.wa.gov.

Alternatively, the interpretive statement may be accessed at the following internet web site http://www.dnr.wa.gov/ifpl.