(1) Snags within areas of extreme fire hazard requiring abatement, as defined by WAC 332-24-005(28), shall be felled concurrently with the logging operation, unless:

(a) Such snag contains a visible nest of a species of wildlife designated by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service as threatened or endangered; or

(b) The department, upon written request of the landowner, determines, in writing, that such snag does not represent a substantial deterrent to effective fire control action.

(2) The department may designate, in writing, that additional snags be felled concurrently with the logging operation if, in the department's opinion, they represent a substantial deterrent to effective fire control action, unless such snag contains a visible nest of a threatened or endangered species.