Large woody debris removal or repositioning projects shall incorporate mitigation measures as necessary to achieve no-net-loss of productive capacity of fish and shellfish habitat. The following shall apply to large woody debris removal or repositioning:

(1) Large woody debris removal from streams shall only be approved where necessary to address safety considerations, or where its removal would not diminish the fish habitat quality of the watercourse. The department may approve the repositioning of large woody debris within the watercourse to protect life and property or as needed to conduct a forest practices hydraulic project. Repositioned large woody material shall be placed or anchored to provide stable, functional fish habitat.

(2) Large woody debris removal shall be conducted by equipment stationed on the bank, bridge, or other approved methods.

(3) Unless otherwise authorized, large woody debris shall be suspended during its removal so no portion of the large woody debris or limbs can damage the bed or banks. Yarding corridors or full suspension shall be required to avoid damage to riparian vegetation. It may be necessary to cut the large woody debris in place, to a size that allows suspension during removal.

(4) Smaller limb and bark debris associated with the large woody material shall be removed and disposed of so as not to reenter the typed water.

(5) Large woody debris embedded in a bank or bed shall be left undisturbed and intact except where authorized for removal.

(6) Large woody debris removal or repositioning shall be accomplished in a manner which minimizes the release of bedload, logs, or debris downstream.

(7) Depressions created in gravel bars shall be filled, smoothed over, and sloped upwards toward the bank on a minimum two percent gradient.