PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
Subject of Possible Rule Making: The Forest Practices Board is considering amending chapter 222-30 WAC, Timber harvesting, related to riparian desired future condition performance targets. The board is also considering minor clarifications to other rules within this chapter.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 76.90.040.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Pursuant to RCW 76.09.370, the Forest Practices Board incorporates a scientific-based adaptive management process to determine the effectiveness of the 2001 forest practices rules in aiding Washington's salmon recovery effort. Under this adaptive management process, a scientific study has been completed by the Forest Practices Board's Cooperative Monitoring, Evaluation, and Research Committee, Validation of the Western Washington Riparian Desired Future Condition (DFC) Performance Targets in the Washington State Forest Practices Rules with Data From Mature, Unmanaged, Conifer-Dominated Riparian Stands. The study's findings show that basal area per acre of mature, unmanaged conifer-dominated riparian stands is significantly different from the values used in the rule.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: The Forest Practices Board adopts rules pertaining to water quality protection with agreement from the Washington Department of Ecology.
Process for Developing New Rule: Negotiated rule making.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication. Mail, e-mail, or fax comments to Forest Practices Board, c/o Patricia Anderson, Rules Coordinator, Department of Natural Resources, Forest Practices Division, P.O. Box 47012, Olympia, WA 98504-47012 [98504-7012], fax (360) 902-11428 [902-1428], e-mail forest.practicesboard@wadnr.gov.
October 4, 2005
Leonard Young, Acting
for Pat McElroy, Chair