Effective Date of Rule: Thirty-one days after filing.

     Purpose: Implement SHB 2893 (2008 session) which added a thirteenth member to the forest practices board and changed the criterion for the small forest landowner general public member position and to make minor corrections throughout TITLE 222 WAC.

     Citation of Existing Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 222-08-010, 222-08-040, 222-08-050, 222-08-090, 222-08-140, 222-08-150, 222-08-160, 222-10-010, 222-10-110, 222-12-010, 222-12-041, 222-16-060, 222-16-105, 222-21-010, 222-21-035, 222-21-050, 222-22-020, 222-22-050, 222-30-021, 222-30-023, 222-30-060, 222-30-070, 222-30-120, 222-34-030, 222-42-010, 222-46-020, 222-46-030, 222-46-040, 222-46-060, 222-46-070, and 222-50-020; and new sections WAC 222-08-141 and 222-08-151.

     Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 76.09.040.

      Adopted under notice filed as WSR 08-18-001 on August 20, 2008.

     Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 3, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted at Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's Own Initiative: New 2, Amended 31, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 31, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted Using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0;      Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 31, Repealed 0.

     Date Adopted: November 12, 2008.

Victoria Christiansen

Chair

OTS-1839.2

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 04-05-122, filed 2/18/04, effective 3/20/04)

WAC 222-08-010   Purpose.   The purpose of this chapter is to describe the forest practices board, its organization((,)) and administrative procedures, and to provide rules implementing RCW 34.05.220 and ((42.17.250 through 42.17.320 and)) chapters 42.52 and 42.56 RCW ((for the forest practices board)). The purpose of this chapter is also to set out department procedures for administration of the forest practices regulatory program.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 34.05.220, 42.17.250, 42.17.260, and 76.09.040. 04-05-122, § 222-08-010, filed 2/18/04, effective 3/20/04; Order 263, § 222-08-010, filed 6/16/76.]

     (2) Each member of the board is allowed one vote on any action before the board; pursuant to RCW 42.30.060(2), secret voting is not allowed. All actions shall be decided by majority vote. A majority of the board shall constitute a quorum for making decisions and promulgating rules necessary for the conduct of its powers and duties. When there is a quorum and a vote is taken, a majority vote is based upon the number of members participating. The chair, designee, or majority of the board may hold hearings and receive public comment on specific issues such as rule making that the board will consider in its actions.

     (3) Rules marked with an asterisk (*) pertain to water quality and are adopted or amended with agreement from the department of ecology ((because they pertain to water quality)). See WAC 222-12-010.

     (4) The chair or majority of board members shall set the meeting agenda. Public requests for topics to be included in the board's quarterly public meeting agenda must include the name of the requester, and be received at the office at least fourteen days before the scheduled meeting. Topics requested may be added to the meeting agenda at the chair's discretion or by a majority vote of the board members.

     (5) Written materials for the board which are not provided in advance of the meeting date will not be distributed during the meeting unless fifteen copies are provided to staff.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 34.05.220, 42.17.250, 42.17.260, and 76.09.040. 04-05-122, § 222-08-040, filed 2/18/04, effective 3/20/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 76.09.040 and chapter 34.05 RCW. 93-12-001, § 222-08-040, filed 5/19/93, effective 6/19/93. Statutory Authority: RCW 76.09.040. 87-23-036 (Order 535), § 222-08-040, filed 11/16/87, effective 1/1/88. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.21C.120, 76.09.040 and 42.30.075. 84-18-021 (Order 429, Resolution No. 8-8-84), § 222-08-040, filed 8/29/84, effective 10/1/84.]

[Statutory Authority: RCW 34.05.220, 42.17.250, 42.17.260, and 76.09.040. 04-05-122, § 222-08-050, filed 2/18/04, effective 3/20/04.]

     (1) A request shall be made in writing, by fax or electronic mail, to the public records officer or designee. The request shall include the following information:

     (a) The name of the person requesting the record;

     (b) The calendar date of the request; and

     (c) A description of the record(s) requested.

     (2) Within five business days of receiving a public records request, as required by RCW ((42.17.320)) 42.56.520, the office shall respond by:

     (a) Providing the record; or

     (b) Acknowledging that the office has received the request and providing a reasonable estimate of time required to respond; or

     (c) Denying the request.

     (3) The office may request additional time to provide the records based upon the need to:

     (a) Clarify the intent of the request;

     (b) Locate and assemble the information requested;

     (c) Notify third persons or agencies who may be affected by the request; or

     (d) Determine whether any of the information requested is exempt and that a denial should be made for all or part of the request.

     (4) The public records officer may, if it deems the request is unclear, ask the requester to clarify the information the requester is seeking. If the requester fails to clarify the request, the office need not respond to it.

     (5) Public records shall be available for inspection in the office from 9:00 a.m. to noon and from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays and during board meetings.

     (6) No fee shall be charged for the inspection of public records. For printed, typed and written public records of a maximum size of 8 1/2" by 14", the board shall charge twenty-five cents per page to reimburse the board for the actual costs of providing the copies and the use of copying equipment. Copies of maps, photos, films, recordings, and other nonstandard public records shall be furnished at the board's actual costs. The board shall charge the current rate for tax and shipping on all disclosure copying requests. The public records officer may waive the fees when the expense of processing the payment exceeds the cost of providing the copies. Before releasing the copies, the public records officer may require ((that all charges be paid in advance of release of the copies)) a deposit not to exceed ten percent of the estimated cost.

     (7) The public records officer may determine that all or a portion of a public record is exempt under the provisions of chapter ((42.17)) 42.56 RCW. Pursuant to RCW ((42.17.260)) 42.56.070(1) and ((42.17.310(2))) 42.56.210(1), the public records officer may delete portions of public records. The public records officer will explain the reasons for such deletion in writing, including the exemption that applies.

     (8) Any denial of a request for public records shall be in writing, specifying the reason for the denial, including the specific exemption authorizing the nondisclosure of the record, and a brief explanation of how the exemption applies to the records withheld.

     (9) Any person who objects to a denial of a request for a public record may request review of such decision by submitting a written request to the public records officer. The written request shall specifically refer to the written statement by the public records officer or designee which constituted or accompanied the denial.

     (10) Immediately after receiving a written request for review of a decision denying disclosure of a public record, the public records officer or designee denying the request shall refer it to the chair of the board. The chair shall consider the matter and either affirm or reverse such denial.

     (11) Administrative remedies shall not be considered exhausted until the chair of the board or designee has returned the request for review with a decision or until the close of the second business day following receipt of the written request for review of the denial of the public record, whichever occurs first.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 34.05.220, 42.17.250, 42.17.260, and 76.09.040. 04-05-122, § 222-08-090, filed 2/18/04, effective 3/20/04.]

     (2) "Board staff" means employees of the forest practices division of the department who work in support of the board.

     (3) "Department" means department of natural resources.

     (4) "Office" means the administrative office of the board in the forest practices division of the department.

     (5) "Public record" as defined in RCW ((42.17.020(36))) 42.56.010(2), means any writing containing information relating to the conduct of government or the performance of any governmental or proprietary function prepared, owned, used, or retained by any state or local agency regardless of physical form or characteristics.

     (6) "Writing" as defined in RCW ((42.17.020(42))) 42.56.010(3), means handwriting, typewriting, printing, photographing, including, but not limited to, letters, words, pictures, sounds, and all papers, maps, magnetic or paper tapes, photographic films and prints, video recordings, diskettes, sound recordings, and other documents including existing data compilations from which information may be obtained or translated.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 34.05.220, 42.17.250, 42.17.260, and 76.09.040. 04-05-122, amended and recodified as § 222-08-140, filed 2/18/04, effective 3/20/04. Statutory Authority: Chapter 34.05 RCW, RCW 76.09.040, [76.09.]050, [76.09.]370, 76.13.120(9). 01-12-042, § 222-08-020, filed 5/30/01, effective 7/1/01; Order 263, § 222-08-020, filed 6/16/76.]

     (1) Investigation of current developments in a practical applications of forest resources and related technology.

     (2) Continuing training of department personnel in the current status of forest resources technology and related disciplines.

     (3) Dissemination of information on current forest practice technology to the public, in a manner determined by the department to be effective.

[]

     (2) The board's membership as described in RCW 76.09.030(1), consists of ((twelve)) thirteen members to include:

     (a) The commissioner of public lands or the commissioner's designee((,));

     (b) The director of the department of community, trade, and economic development or the director's designee((,));

     (c) The director of the department of agriculture or the director's designee((,));

     (d) The director of the department of ecology or the director's designee((,));

     (e) The director of the department of fish and wildlife or the director's designee((,));

     (f) An elected member of a county legislative authority appointed by the governor so long as that member serves as an elected official((, and));

     (g) A member representing a timber products union, appointed by the governor from a list of three names submitted by a timber labor coalition affiliated with a statewide labor organization that represents a majority of the timber product unions in the state; and

     (h) Six members of the general public appointed by the governor, one of whom shall be ((an owner of not more than five hundred acres of forest)) a small forest landowner who actively manages his or her land, and one of whom shall be an independent logging contractor.

     (3) The ((six)) governor-appointed members ((from the general public)) are appointed to four-year terms.

     (4) The commissioner of public lands or designee shall chair the board.

     (((3))) (5) General public members of the board, except public employees and elected officials, shall be compensated in accordance with RCW 43.03.250. Each member shall be entitled to reimbursement for travel expenses incurred in the performance of their duties as provided in RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060.

     (((4))) (6) Staff support is provided to the board as provided in RCW 76.09.030(6). Staff shall perform the following duties under the general authority and supervision of the board:

     (a) Act as administrative arm of the board;

     (b) Act as records officer to the board;

     (c) Coordinate the policies and activities of the board; and

     (d) Act as liaison between the board and other public agencies and stakeholders.

     (((5))) (7) The administrative office of the board is located at 1111 Washington Street S.E., Olympia, Washington. The board may sit or hold hearings anywhere in the state. The office hours are 8:00 a.m. to noon and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except legal holidays and during board meetings. The board may be contacted at:

     Forest Practices Board

     c/o Department of Natural Resources

     Forest Practices Division

     P.O. Box 47012

     Olympia, WA 98504-7012

     Phone: 360-902-1400

     Fax: 360-902-1428

     E-mail: ((forest.practicesboard@wadnr.gov)) forest.practicesboard@dnr.wa.gov

     (((6))) (8) Any person may contact the board as indicated in subsection (((5))) (7) of this section to obtain information on board activities.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 34.05.220, 42.17.250, 42.17.260, and 76.09.040. 04-05-122, amended and recodified as § 222-08-150, filed 2/18/04, effective 3/20/04. Statutory Authority: Chapter 34.05 RCW, RCW 76.09.040, [76.09.]050, [76.09.]370, 76.13.120(9). 01-12-042, § 222-08-030, filed 5/30/01, effective 7/1/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 76.09.040, 76.09.170 and chapter 34.05 RCW. 94-01-134, § 222-08-030, filed 12/20/93, effective 1/1/94; Order 263, § 222-08-030, filed 6/16/76.]

     (1) Survey and identify all silviculturally related nonpoint sources of pollution and related control programs in the state;

     (2) Prepare an analysis of the above activities and programs; and

     (3) Report and recommend to the forest practices board and to the governor additional rules, procedures and/or methods necessary for the control of such sources to the extent feasible.

[]

     *(2) Adaptive management program. The adaptive management program will be used to determine the effectiveness of forest practices rules in aiding the state's salmon recovery effort and provide recommendations to the board on proposed changes to forest practices rules to meet timber industry viability and salmon recovery. The program provides assurances that rules and guidance not meeting aquatic resource objectives will be modified in a streamlined and timely manner. The board may also use this program to adjust other forest practices rules and guidance in order to further the purposes of chapter 76.09 RCW. The specific components of the adaptive management program are set forth in WAC 222-12-045.

     (3) Resource management plans. The department is directed to develop a method for cooperative voluntary resource management planning among forest landowners, governmental agencies, affected Indian tribes, and environmental groups which would result in the development of plans which might be used as an alternative to the forest practices rules in achieving the purposes and policies set forth in the act. This should be done through pilot projects, at least one of which should be located on the east side of the Cascade summit and one on the west side of the Cascade summit.

     (4) Compliance monitoring. The department shall conduct compliance monitoring that addresses the following key question: "Are forest practices being conducted in compliance with the rules?" The department shall provide statistically sound, biennial compliance audits and monitoring reports to the board for consideration and support of rule and guidance analysis. Compliance monitoring shall determine whether forest practices rules are being implemented on the ground. An infrastructure to support compliance will include adequate compliance monitoring, enforcement, training, education and budget.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 76.09.040. 05-12-119, § 222-08-160, filed 5/31/05, effective 7/1/05. Statutory Authority: Chapter 34.05 RCW, RCW 76.09.040, [76.09.]050, [76.09.]370, 76.13.120(9). 01-12-042, recodified as § 222-08-160, filed 5/30/01, effective 7/1/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 76.09.040 and chapter 34.05 RCW. 97-24-091, § 222-08-035, filed 12/3/97, effective 1/3/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 76.09.040. 87-23-036 (Order 535), § 222-08-035, filed 11/16/87, effective 1/1/88.]

     The following sections of the Washington Administrative Code are recodified as follows:

Old WAC Number	New WAC Number
222-08-140	222-08-025
222-08-150	222-08-032

OTS-1840.1

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 01-12-042, filed 5/30/01, effective 7/1/01)

WAC 222-10-010   Policies and authorities.   (1) This chapter is promulgated pursuant to the authority granted in RCW 76.09.010, 43.21C.120 and chapter 197-11 WAC.

     (2) The forest practices board, according to RCW 76.09.040, possesses the authority to promulgate forest practices rules establishing minimum standards for forest practices and setting forth necessary administrative provisions.

     (3) The forest practices board adopts by reference the policies of SEPA as set forth in RCW 43.21C.020.

     (4) A forest practices application or notification which requires a threshold determination will be conditioned when necessary to mitigate specific adverse impacts which are identified in the environmental documents prepared under SEPA. An application or notification will be ((denied)) disapproved when the proposal would result in significant adverse impacts identified in a final or supplemental environmental impact statement prepared under SEPA, and reasonable mitigation measures are insufficient to mitigate the identified impacts and denial is consistent with all provisions of the acts cited in subsection (1) of this section.

     (5) SEPA policies and procedures shall be implemented by the department of natural resources.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 34.05 RCW, RCW 76.09.040, [76.09.]050, [76.09.]370, 76.13.120(9). 01-12-042, § 222-10-010, filed 5/30/01, effective 7/1/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.21C.120, 76.09.040 and 42.30.075. 84-18-021 (Order 429, Resolution No. 8-8-84), § 222-10-010, filed 8/29/84, effective 10/1/84; Order 258, § 222-10-010, filed 5/21/76.]

[Statutory Authority: RCW 76.09.040 and chapter 34.05 RCW. 93-12-001, § 222-10-110, filed 5/19/93, effective 6/19/93. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.21C.120, 76.09.040 and 42.30.075. 84-18-021 (Order 429, Resolution No. 8-8-84), § 222-10-110, filed 8/29/84, effective 10/1/84; Order 258, § 222-10-110, filed 5/21/76.]

OTS-1841.1

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 05-12-119, filed 5/31/05, effective 7/1/05)

WAC 222-12-010   Authority.   These forest practices rules are adopted pursuant to chapter 76.09 RCW, RCW 76.13.100 through 76.13.130, and RCW 77.85.180 through 77.85.190. Where necessary to accomplish the purposes and policies stated in the act, the board is authorized to promulgate forest practices rules pursuant to chapter 34.05 RCW and in accordance with the procedures enumerated in the act. These rules establish minimum standards for forest practices, provide procedures for the voluntary development of resource management plans, set forth necessary administrative provisions, establish procedures for the collection and administration of forest practices fees, allow for the development of watershed analyses, foster cooperative relationships and agreements with affected tribes, and establish the riparian open space program. The board also establishes which forest practices will be included within each class and is authorized to adopt rules under RCW 76.09.055, 76.09.370, and 76.13.120(9).

     Promulgation of all forest practices rules shall be accomplished so that compliance with such forest practices rules will achieve compliance with the water quality laws.

     Those rules marked with an asterisk (*) pertain to water quality protection; pursuant to RCW 76.09.040 they can be amended only by agreement between the board and the department of ecology.

     Forest practices rules shall be administered and enforced by the department except as otherwise provided in the act. Such rules shall be administered so as to give consideration to all purposes and policies set forth in RCW 76.09.010.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 76.09.040. 05-12-119, § 222-12-010, filed 5/31/05, effective 7/1/05. Statutory Authority: Chapter 34.05 RCW, RCW 76.09.040, [76.09.]050, [76.09.]370, 76.13.120(9). 01-12-042, § 222-12-010, filed 5/30/01, effective 7/1/01; Order 263, § 222-12-010, filed 6/16/76.]

     (a) The forest practices rule pertains to a species included within aquatic resources and that species is covered by an agreement listed in subsection (3) below; and

     (b) The primary risk(s) to public resources addressed by the forest practices rules (e.g., delivery of sediment to waters from roads, harvest activities, or mass wasting events; chemical contamination of waters; inadequate recruitment of large woody debris; delivery of thermal energy to waters) is addressed in the agreement. The agreement may address the risk using different prescriptions, approaches, or timing than the forest practices rule.

     (2)(a) When the landowner submits an application or notification, the landowner must include a proposed list of specific rules replaced.

     (b) The department will review and confirm whether the rules identified by the landowner meet the criteria identified in subsection (1) above.

     (c) At the request of the department, the landowner will confer in good faith with the department and provide the department and other interested parties with information necessary to assist the department in implementing this section.

     (3) This section applies to landowners who are operating consistent with one of the following agreements that covers a species included within aquatic resources provided that the agreement has received environmental review with an opportunity for public comment under the National Environmental Policy Act, 42 U.S.C. section 4321 et seq., the Endangered Species Act, 16 U.S.C. section 1531 et seq., or the State Environmental Policy Act, chapter 43.21C RCW;

     (a) A habitat conservation plan and incidental take permit approved by the Secretary of the Interior or Commerce pursuant to 16 U.S.C. section 1539(a);

     (b) An incidental take statement issued by the Secretary of the Interior or Commerce pursuant to 16 U.S.C. 1536(b);

     (c) An "unlisted species agreement" approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or National Marine Fisheries Service; or

     (d) A candidate conservation agreement or other cooperative or conservation agreement entered into with a federal or state fish and wildlife agency pursuant to its statutory authority for fish and wildlife protection.

     For any agreement with a formal application date after July 1, 2001, the landowner must have made a good faith effort to involve the department of fish and wildlife, the department of ecology, department of natural resources, and affected Indian tribes in the development of the related plan or management strategy.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 34.05 RCW, RCW 76.09.040, [76.09.]050, [76.09.]370, 76.13.120(9). 01-12-042, § 222-12-041, filed 5/30/01, effective 7/1/01.]

OTS-1842.1

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 94-01-134, filed 12/20/93, effective 1/1/94)

WAC 222-16-060   Lands with a likelihood of future conversion.   (1) Prior to identification of any forest lands as having a likelihood of future conversion to urban development within a ten-year period, the department shall consider all available information, including but not limited to:

     (a) Whether the land is assessed under the provisions of chapter 84.33 or 84.34 RCW;

     (b) Whether the land is excluded from any local improvement district;

     (c) Whether the classification of the land in the local comprehensive plan or the local zoning ordinance permits or encourages long-term timber production;

     (d) Whether the land lies outside the current or proposed boundary of a city or the urban growth boundary of a city or outside a water or sewer district;

     (e) Whether the land has received previous development permit approval;

     (f) The presence or absence of a written forest management plan for the land.

     Any identification must be consistent with any local or regional land use plans or ordinances.

     (2) A local ((government)) governmental entity with jurisdiction or an affected Indian tribe may submit to the department a proposal for identification of forest lands that have the likelihood of future conversion to urban development within a ten-year period.

     (3) The department may develop a public participation process when identifying forest lands with a likelihood of future conversion to urban development within a ten-year period.

     (4) Forest lands that have been identified by the department prior to the effective date of this section as having a likelihood of future conversion to urban development within a ten-year period shall be reviewed under subsection (1) of this section to determine if the identification should be withdrawn or modified.

     (5) A landowner that submits an application or notification in an area that has been identified as having a likelihood of future conversion to urban development within a ten-year period may request the department to reconsider the identification of the affected parcel. The department shall remove the identification if the landowner complies with (a) of this subsection and at least one from (b) or (c) of this subsection:

     (a) The landowner submits a statement of intent not to convert to a use other than commercial timber operation for a period of ten years after completion of the forest practice. The statement shall be on a form prepared by the department and shall indicate the landowner is aware of the provisions of RCW 76.09.060 (3)(b); and

     (b) The land is enrolled under the provisions of chapter 84.28, 84.33, or 84.34 RCW; or

     (c) A written forest management plan for the land covering the next ten years has been reviewed and accepted by the department.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 76.09.040, 76.09.170 and chapter 34.05 RCW. 94-01-134, § 222-16-060, filed 12/20/93, effective 1/1/94. Statutory Authority: RCW 76.09.040, 76.09.050 and 34.05.350. 91-23-052, § 222-16-060, filed 11/15/91, effective 12/16/91.]

     (a) For northern spotted owls, outside of the median home range circles of northern spotted owl site centers in existence at the time of implementation.

     (b) For marbled murrelets, any current unoccupied or potential future habitat.

     (2) Authority. Outside of the median home range circles of northern spotted owls or an occupied marbled murrelet site, the department, in consultation with the department of fish and wildlife, may enter into agreements with nonfederal landowners to create, enhance, or maintain habitat that the northern spotted owl and/or the marbled murrelet can be expected to utilize. During the term of these agreements, forest practices covered by the agreements shall not be classified as Class IV-Special on the basis of critical habitat (state) or critical habitat (federal) for the northern spotted owl or the marbled murrelet. This does not preclude classification as Class IV-Special because of the presence of other factors listed in WAC 222-16-050(1).

     (3) Baseline.

     (a) Each agreement shall identify a baseline level of habitat, and the department shall not permit forest practices that reduce the habitat below the baseline during the term of the agreement.

     (b) For northern spotted owls, the baseline may range from zero habitat to the overall levels of suitable spotted owl habitat and dispersal habitat that existed across the land in question at the time the agreement is entered into.

     (c) For marbled murrelets, the baseline may range from zero habitat to the overall levels of suitable marbled murrelet habitat that existed across the land in question at the time the agreement is entered into.

     (d) The department shall determine, working with the landowner and in consultation with the department of fish and wildlife, the appropriate baseline, taking into consideration:

     (i) The size of the landowner's ownership and the ability of the landowner to maintain habitat conditions across the landscape in question over time;

     (ii) The overall benefits of the agreement to the northern spotted owl or marbled murrelet including both the proposed measures to create, enhance, or maintain habitat and the proposed baseline levels; and

     (iii) The term of the agreement.

     (4) Form and content of CHEAs.

     (a) The department shall, in consultation with the department of fish and wildlife, have the authority to define the form and content of CHEAs. The form and content may vary among agreements, but each must provide sufficient information for the department, the public, and other reviewers to understand and evaluate the agreement against the standards established under this section.

     (b) For northern spotted owls, in addition to the elements required by the department, each agreement shall include a plan to avoid harvesting, road construction, or the aerial application of pesticides, between March 1 and August 31, on the seventy acres of highest quality suitable spotted owl habitat surrounding any known northern spotted owl site centers on lands covered by the agreement.

     (5) Approval of a CHEA. Upon receipt of a CHEA, the department shall circulate the agreement to the department of fish and wildlife, affected Indian tribes, local ((government)) governmental entities, other forest landowners in the SOSEA (if the CHEA is in a SOSEA), and the public for review and comment. Within sixty days of receipt of the agreement, the department shall review the comments and approve or disapprove the agreement or submit the agreement to the landowner to revise as appropriate. The department, after consultation with the department of fish and wildlife, may approve the agreement if the agreement will create, enhance, or maintain habitat conditions for:

     (a) The northern spotted owl in a manner that provides a measurable contribution toward meeting the goals of the SOSEA or a measurable benefit to northern spotted owls outside SOSEAs.

     (b) The marbled murrelet in a manner that provides a measurable benefit to the species.

     (6) Enforcement of CHEAs. The department shall review all applications and notifications from the landowner, proposed within the agreement area, for consistency with the agreement. Any applications or notifications found to be inconsistent with the agreement shall be returned to the landowner for modification. After landowner review, applications and notifications which are not consistent with the agreement shall be classified based on the rules in effect at the time of application and without any of the benefits of the agreement.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 34.05 RCW, RCW 76.09.040, [76.09.]050, [76.09.]370, 76.13.120(9). 01-12-042, § 222-16-105, filed 5/30/01, effective 7/1/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 76.09.040 and chapter 34.05 RCW. 97-15-105, § 222-16-105, filed 7/21/97, effective 8/21/97.]

OTS-1843.1

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 03-06-039, filed 2/26/03, effective 3/29/03)

WAC 222-21-010   Definitions.   The following definitions apply to this chapter:

     (1) "Commercially reasonable harvest unit" means a harvest area that meets the requirements of WAC 222-21-060.

     (2) "Completion of harvest" means that the trees have been harvested from an area under an approved forest practices application and that further entry into that area by any type of logging or slash treating equipment or method is not expected.

     (3) "Compliance costs" includes the cost of preparing and recording the easement, and any business and occupation tax and real estate excise tax imposed because of entering into the easement.

     (4) "Danger tree" means any qualifying timber reasonably perceived to pose an imminent danger to life or improved property.

     (5) "Easement premises" means the geographic area designated in a forestry riparian easement, including the areas in which qualifying timber is located. Easement premises may be categorized as follows:

     (a) Riparian area easement premises means riparian areas and areas upon which qualifying timber associated with riparian areas are located.

     (b) Other easement premises means areas of land required to be left unharvested under rules adopted under RCW 76.09.055 or 76.09.370 including areas upon which other qualifying timber outside riparian areas is located and areas of land upon which uneconomic qualifying timber is located.

     (6) "Forestry riparian easement" means an easement covering qualifying timber granted voluntarily to the state by a small forest landowner.

     (7) "Hazardous substances" means hazardous substances as defined in RCW 70.102.010(5), and 70.105D.020(7), and solid waste as defined in RCW 70.95.030(22).

     (8) "High impact regulatory threshold" means the threshold where the value of qualifying timber is greater than 19.1% (for timber in Western Washington) or 12.2% (for timber in Eastern Washington) of the value of the harvested timber and qualifying timber under the approved forest practices application covering the qualifying timber.

     (9) "Qualifying timber" means those trees covered by a forest practices application that the small forest landowner is required to leave unharvested under rules adopted under RCW 76.09.055 or 76.09.370 or that are made uneconomic to harvest by those rules, and for which the small forest landowner is willing to grant the state a forestry riparian easement. Qualifying timber is timber within or bordering a commercially reasonable harvest unit, or timber for which an approved forest practices application for timber harvest cannot be obtained because of restrictions under these rules. Qualifying timber is categorized as follows:

     (a) Permanent qualifying timber includes trees that shall not be harvested or damaged or removed from the easement premises during the term of the easement.

     (i) Where permanent qualifying timber is in areas in which no harvest may take place, the easement shall describe the boundaries of the areas. No harvest of any tree within this area shall take place during the term of the easement.

     (ii) Where permanent qualifying timber is located in areas in which selective harvest may take place, the permanent qualifying timber must be tagged for the duration of the easement.

     (b) Reserve qualifying timber includes trees that may be harvested and removed but only in compliance with the terms of the easement. Reserve qualifying timber shall be identified separately from the permanent qualifying timber.

     (c) Replacement qualifying timber includes trees which, in the future, will be substituted for the reserve qualifying timber before the reserve qualifying timber may be harvested or removed from the property. Replacement qualifying timber will be selected from time to time pursuant to the provisions of the easement and will be subject to the terms and protections of the easement.

     (d) Uneconomic qualifying timber includes trees made uneconomical to harvest. The trees are considered permanent qualifying timber and may not be harvested or otherwise damaged during the term of the easement.

     (e) Other qualifying timber outside riparian areas includes trees that may not be harvested under forest practices rules adopted under RCW 76.09.055 or 76.09.370 for reasons other than protection of riparian functions. It includes without limitation trees that are unharvestable because of public safety concerns. The trees are considered permanent qualifying timber and may not be harvested or otherwise damaged during the term of the easement.

     (10) "Reimbursement" means the repayment that the department shall provide to small forest landowners for the actual costs incurred for laying out the streamside buffers and marking the qualifying timber once a contract has been executed for the forestry riparian easement program.

     (11) "Riparian areas" include the areas designated in a forestry riparian easement. Riparian areas include without limitation all riparian and other special management zones required by the forest practices rules for protection of aquatic resources and includes associated qualifying timber.

     (12) "Riparian function" includes bank stability, recruitment of woody debris, leaf litter fall, nutrients, sediment filtering, shade, and other riparian features that are important to both riparian forest and aquatic systems conditions.

     (13) "Small forest landowner" means:

     (a) A forest landowner meeting all of the following characteristics as of the date a forest practices application is received (see WAC 222-20-010(((8)))(7)), or the date the landowner provides written notification to the small forest landowner office that the harvest is to begin, for which the forestry riparian easement is associated:

     (i) Is an individual, partnership, corporate, or other nongovernmental legal entity. If a landowner grants timber rights to another entity for less than five years, the landowner may still qualify as a small forest landowner under this section;

     (ii) Has a fee interest in the land and timber or has rights to harvest the timber to be included in the forestry riparian easement that extend at least fifty years from the date the forest practices application associated with the easement is received;

     (iii) Has harvested from its own lands in this state during the three years prior to the year of application an average timber volume that would qualify the forest landowner as a small harvester under RCW 84.33.035(14); and

     (iv) Certifies at the time the forest practices application is received that it does not expect to harvest from its own lands more than the volume allowed by RCW 84.33.035(14) during the ten years following receipt of the application.

     (b) A forest landowner whose prior three-year average harvest exceeds the limit of RCW 84.33.035(14), or who expects to exceed this limit during the ten years following receipt of the forest practices application, may still qualify as a small forest landowner if that landowner establishes to the small forest landowner office reasonable satisfaction that the harvest limits were or will be exceeded to raise funds to pay estate taxes or equally compelling and unexpected obligations such as court-ordered judgments or extraordinary medical expenses. (Note: The small forest landowner office will establish a board manual governing these exceptions.)

     (c) A landowner may still qualify as a small forest landowner if the landowner is unable to obtain an approved forest practices application for timber harvest for any of his or her land because of restrictions under the forest practices rules adopted under RCW 76.09.055 or 76.09.370.

     (14) "Small forest landowner office" is an office within the department described in RCW 76.13.110, and it shall be a resource and focal point for small landowner concerns and policies and shall have significant expertise regarding the management of small forest holdings and government programs applicable to such holdings, and the forestry riparian easement program.

     (15) "Uneconomic to harvest" means that a harvest area meets the requirements of WAC 222-21-065.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 76.09.040, 76.09.370, chapters 76.13 and 34.05 RCW. 03-06-039, § 222-21-010, filed 2/26/03, effective 3/29/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 76.09.040, chapters 76.13, 34.05 RCW. 02-05-084, § 222-21-010, filed 2/20/02, effective 3/23/02. Statutory Authority: Chapter 34.05 RCW, RCW 76.09.040, [76.09.]050, [76.09.]370, 76.13.120(9). 01-12-042, § 222-21-010, filed 5/30/01, effective 7/1/01.]

     (1) Range, township, section, and parcel number;

     (2) Forest practice base map of proposed harvest, other forest practices activities and easement;

     (3) 1:400 map of the easement premises indexed either to one legal land survey point or two geopositional system points; and

     (4) Traverse of the easement premises tied to subsection (3) of this section. (See the board manual section 17 for standards of traverse.)

     (5) Where the department does not have satisfactory access to the easement premises, the landowner must designate the access route on the forest practices application base map.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 76.09.040, 76.09.370, chapters 76.13 and 34.05 RCW. 03-06-039, § 222-21-035, filed 2/26/03, effective 3/29/03. Statutory Authority: Chapter 34.05 RCW, RCW 76.09.040, [76.09.]050, [76.09.]370, 76.13.120(9). 01-12-042, § 222-21-035, filed 5/30/01, effective 7/1/01.]

     (a) If the high impact regulatory threshold is exceeded for an area covered by an approved forest practices application, then the compensation offered will be increased to 100% for the value of the qualifying timber where the high impact regulatory threshold is exceeded. Use the following calculation:

Where:

Vq = value of qualifying timber;

Vh = value of harvested timber;

t = high impact of regulatory threshold (19.1% for Western Washington, 12.2% for Eastern Washington);

TV = total value of all timber covered under FPA = Vq + Vh; and

HIO - high impact override = (Vq/TV) - t;

See Section 17 of board manual for example.

     (b) All compensation is subject to available funding.

     (2) If funding is not available, the small forest landowner office will maintain a priority list for compensation. Priority will be based on (a) date of receipt of forest practices application and (b) date of receipt of completed harvest status questionnaire.

     (3) Reimbursement costs for easement layout are subject to the work being acceptable to the department. The small forest landowner office shall determine how the reimbursement costs will be calculated. The small forest landowner office will send the small forest landowner a notice of compensation decision within 60 days of completion of the timber cruise.

     (4) Compensation for a forestry riparian easement associated with an approved forest practices application will not be paid until:

     (a) The department has documented completion of harvest;

     (b) The department has verified that there has been compliance with the rules requiring leave trees in the easement area;

     (c) Any dispute over the amount of compensation or eligibility or other matter involving the forestry riparian easement has been resolved; and

     (d) The forestry riparian easement has been executed and delivered to the department.

     (5) Compensation for a forestry riparian easement for which an approved forest practices application for timber harvest cannot be obtained because of restrictions under these rules adopted under RCW 76.09.055 or 76.09.370 will not be paid until:

     (a) The department has verified that there has been compliance with the rules requiring leave trees in the easement area; and

     (b) Any dispute over the amount of compensation or eligibility or other matter involving the forestry riparian easement has been resolved; and

     (c) The forestry riparian easement has been executed and delivered to the department.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 76.09.040, 76.09.370, chapters 76.13 and 34.05 RCW. 03-06-039, § 222-21-050, filed 2/26/03, effective 3/29/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 76.09.040, chapters 76.13, 34.05 RCW. 02-05-084, § 222-21-050, filed 2/20/02, effective 3/23/02. Statutory Authority: Chapter 34.05 RCW, RCW 76.09.040, [76.09.]050, [76.09.]370, 76.13.120(9). 01-12-042, § 222-21-050, filed 5/30/01, effective 7/1/01.]

OTS-1844.1

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 05-12-119, filed 5/31/05, effective 7/1/05)

WAC 222-22-020   Watershed administrative units.   *(1) For purposes of this chapter, the state is divided into areas known as watershed administrative units (WAUs). The department shall, in cooperation with the departments of ecology, fish and wildlife, affected Indian tribes, local government entities, forest land owners, and the public, define WAUs throughout the state. The department shall identify WAUs on a map.

     *(2) WAUs should generally be between 10,000 to 50,000 acres in size and should be discrete hydrologic units. The board recognizes, however, that identified watershed processes and potential effects on resource characteristics differ, and require different spatial scales of analysis, and the department's determination of the WAUs should recognize these differences. The board further recognizes that mixed land uses will affect the ability of a watershed analysis to predict probabilities and identify causation as required under this chapter, and the department's conduct and approval of a watershed analysis under this chapter shall take this effect into account.

     *(3) The department is directed to conduct periodic reviews of the WAUs adopted under this chapter to determine whether revisions are needed to more efficiently assess potential cumulative effects. The department shall consult with the departments of ecology, fish and wildlife, affected Indian tribes, forest land owners, local government entities, and the public. From time to time and as appropriate, the department shall make recommendations to the board regarding revision of watershed administrative units.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 76.09.040. 05-12-119, § 222-22-020, filed 5/31/05, effective 7/1/05. Statutory Authority: RCW 76.09.040 and chapter 34.05 RCW. 97-24-091, § 222-22-020, filed 12/3/97, effective 1/3/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 76.09.040, 76.09.170 and chapter 34.05 RCW. 94-01-134, § 222-22-020, filed 12/20/93, effective 1/1/94. Statutory Authority: RCW 76.09.040, 76.09.050 and chapter 34.05 RCW. 92-15-011, § 222-22-020, filed 7/2/92, effective 8/2/92.]

OTS-1845.1

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 05-12-119, filed 5/31/05, effective 7/1/05)

WAC 222-22-050   Level 1 watershed resource assessment.   *(1) To begin a watershed resource analysis on a WAU, the department shall assemble a level 1 assessment team consisting of analysts qualified under WAC 222-22-030(1). A forest land owner or owners acting under WAC 222-22-040(3) may assemble a level 1 assessment team consisting of analysts qualified under WAC 222-22-030(1) or, at its option, may begin the analysis under WAC 222-22-060. Each level 1 team shall include persons qualified in the disciplines indicated as necessary in the methodology, and should generally include a person or persons qualified in the following:

     (a) Forestry;

     (b) Forest hydrology;

     (c) Forest soil science or geology;

     (d) Fisheries science;

     (e) Geomorphology;

     (f) Cultural anthropology; and

     (g) Archaeology.

     Any owner, and any cooperating group of owners, of ten percent or more of the nonfederal forest land acreage in the WAU and any affected Indian tribe shall be entitled to include one qualified individual to participate on the team at its own expense. The cultural resources module must include the participation of the affected Indian tribe(s). See board manual section 11, J. Cultural Resources Module, Introduction, 1) Using this methodology in formal watershed analysis.

     *(2) The level 1 team shall perform an inventory of the WAU utilizing the methodology, indices of resource condition, and checklists set forth in the manual in accordance with the following:

     (a) The team shall survey the WAU for fish, water, and capital improvements of the state or its political subdivisions, and conduct an assessment for cultural resources.

     (b) The team shall display the location of these resources on a map of the WAU, except mapping of tribal cultural resources sites must be approved by the affected tribe. The location of archaeological sites shall be on a separate map that will be exempt from public disclosure per RCW ((42.17.310 (1)(k))) 42.56.300.

     (c) For public resources (fish, water, and capital improvements of the state or its political subdivisions):

     (i) The team shall determine the current condition of the resource characteristics of these resources, shall classify their condition as "good," "fair," or "poor," and shall display this information on the map of the WAU. The criteria used to determine current resource conditions shall include indices of resource condition, in addition to such other criteria as may be included in the manual. The indices will include two levels, which will distinguish between good, fair, and poor conditions.

     (ii) The team shall assess the likelihood that identified watershed processes in a given physical location will be adversely changed by one forest practice or by cumulative effects and that, as a result, a material amount of water, wood, sediment, or energy (e.g., affecting temperature) will be delivered to fish, water, or capital improvements of the state or its political subdivisions. (This process is referred to in this chapter as "adverse change and deliverability.") (For example, the team will address the likelihood that road construction will result in mass wasting and a slide that will in turn reach a stream.) The team shall rate this likelihood of adverse change and deliverability as "high," "medium," "low," or "indeterminate." Those likelihoods rated high, medium, or indeterminate shall be displayed on the map of the WAU.

     (iii) For each instance of high, medium, or indeterminate likelihood of adverse change and deliverability identified under (c)(ii) of this subsection, the team shall assess the vulnerability of potentially affected resource characteristics. Criteria for resource vulnerability shall include indices of resource condition as described in (c)(i) of this subsection and quantitative means to assess the likelihood of material adverse effects to resource characteristics caused by forest practices. (For example, the team will assess the potential damage that increased sediment caused by a slide reaching a stream will cause to salmon spawning habitat that is already in fair or poor condition.) The team shall rate this vulnerability "high," "medium," "low," or "indeterminate" and shall display those vulnerabilities on the map of the WAU. If there are no other criteria in the manual to assess vulnerability at the time of the assessment, current resource condition shall be used, with good condition equivalent to low vulnerability, fair condition equivalent to medium vulnerability, and poor condition equivalent to high vulnerability.

     (iv) The team shall identify as areas of resource sensitivity, as provided in table 1 of this section, the locations in which a management response is required under WAC 222-22-070(3) because, as a result of one forest practice or of cumulative effects, there is a combination of a high, medium, or indeterminate likelihood of adverse change and deliverability under (c)(ii) of this subsection and a low, medium, high, or indeterminate vulnerability of resource characteristics under (c)(iii) of this subsection:

Table 1

Areas of Resource Sensitivity and Management Response

     (v) The decision criteria used to determine low, medium, and high likelihood of adverse change and deliverability shall be as set forth in the manual. A low designation generally means there is minimal likelihood that there will be adverse change and deliverability. A medium designation generally means there is a significant likelihood that there will be adverse change and deliverability. A high designation generally means that adverse change and deliverability is more likely than not with a reasonable degree of confidence. Any areas identified as indeterminate in the level 1 assessment shall be classified for the purposes of the level 1 assessment as medium until a level 2 assessment is done on the WAU under WAC 222-22-060, during which the uncertainties shall be resolved.

     (d) For cultural resources, the team shall follow the methodology outlined in the cultural resources module to determine the risk call for cultural resources based upon resource vulnerability and resource importance.

     (e) The team shall prepare a causal mechanism report regarding the relationships of each process identified in (c) and (d) of this subsection. The report shall demonstrate that the team's determinations were made in accordance with the manual. If, in the course of conducting a level 1 assessment, the team identifies areas in which voluntary corrective action will significantly reduce the likelihood of material, adverse effects to the condition of a resource characteristic, the team shall include this information in the report, and the department shall convey this information to the applicable land owner.

     *(3) Within 21 days of mailing notice under WAC 222-22-040(4), the level 1 team shall submit to the department its draft level 1 assessment, which shall consist of the map of the WAU marked as set forth in this section and the causal mechanism report proposed under subsection (2)(e) of this section. If the level 1 team is unable to agree as to one or more resource sensitivities or potential resource sensitivities, or the causal mechanism report, alternative designations and an explanation therefor shall be included in the draft assessment. Where the draft level 1 assessment delivered to the department contains alternative designations, the department shall within 21 days of the receipt of the draft level 1 assessment make its best determination and approve that option which it concludes most accurately reflects the proper application of the methodologies, indices of resource condition, and checklists set forth in the manual.

     *(4) If the level 1 assessment contains any areas in which the likelihood of adverse change and deliverability or resource vulnerability are identified as indeterminate under this section or if the level 1 methodology recommends it, the department shall assemble a level 2 assessment team under WAC 222-22-060 to resolve the uncertainties in the assessment, unless a forest land owner acting under WAC 222-22-040(3) has conducted a level 2 assessment on the WAU.

     *(5) Pending the completion of the level 2 assessment, if any, on the WAU, the department shall select interim prescriptions using the process and standards described in WAC 222-22-070 (1), (2), and (3) and 222-22-080(3) and shall apply them to applications and notifications as provided in WAC 222-22-090 (1) and (2). Before submitting recommended interim prescriptions to the department, the field managers' team under WAC 222-22-070(1) shall review the recommended prescriptions with available representatives of the jurisdictional management authorities of the fish, water, capital improvements of the state or its political subdivisions, and cultural resources in the WAU, including, but not limited to, the departments of fish and wildlife, ecology, and affected Indian tribes.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 76.09.040. 05-12-119, § 222-22-050, filed 5/31/05, effective 7/1/05. Statutory Authority: RCW 76.09.040 and chapter 34.05 RCW. 97-24-091, § 222-22-050, filed 12/3/97, effective 1/3/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 76.09.040, 76.09.170 and chapter 34.05 RCW. 94-01-134, § 222-22-050, filed 12/20/93, effective 1/1/94. Statutory Authority: RCW 76.09.040, 76.09.050 and chapter 34.05 RCW. 92-15-011, § 222-22-050, filed 7/2/92, effective 8/2/92.]

OTS-1846.1

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 05-12-119, filed 5/31/05, effective 7/1/05)

WAC 222-30-021   *Western Washington riparian management zones.   These rules apply to all typed waters on forest land in Western Washington, except as provided in WAC 222-30-023. RMZs are measured horizontally from the outer edge of the bankfull width or channel migration zone, whichever is greater, and extend to the limits as described in this section. See the board manual section 7 for riparian design and layout guidelines.

     *(1) Western Washington RMZs for Type S and F Waters have three zones: The core zone is nearest to the water, the inner zone is the middle zone, and the outer zone is furthest from the water. (See definitions in WAC 222-16-010.) RMZ dimensions vary depending on the site class of the land, the management harvest option, and the bankfull width of the stream. See tables for management options 1 and 2 below.

     None of the limitations on harvest in each of the three zones listed below will preclude or limit the construction and maintenance of roads for the purpose of crossing streams in WAC 222-24-030 and 222-24-050, or the creation and use of yarding corridors in WAC 222-30-060(1).

     The shade requirements in WAC 222-30-040 must be met regardless of harvest opportunities provided in the inner zone RMZ rules. See the board manual section 1.

     (a) Core zones. No timber harvest or construction is allowed in the core zone except operations related to forest roads as detailed in subsection (1) of this section. Any trees cut for or damaged by yarding corridors in the core zone must be left on the site. Any trees cut as a result of road construction to cross a stream may be removed from the site, unless used as part of a large woody debris placement strategy or as needed to reach stand requirements.

     (b) Inner zones. Forest practices in the inner zone must be conducted in such a way as to meet or exceed stand requirements to achieve the goal in WAC 222-30-010(2). The width of the inner zone is determined by site class, bankfull width, and management option. Timber harvest in this zone must be consistent with the stand requirements in order to reach the desired future condition targets.

     "Stand requirement" means a number of trees per acre, the basal area and the proportion of conifer in the combined inner zone and adjacent core zone so that the growth of the trees would meet desired future conditions. The following table defines basal area targets when the stand is 140 years old.

Site Class	Desired future condition target basal area per acre (at 140 years)
I	285 sq. ft.
II	275 sq. ft.
III	258 sq. ft.
IV	224 sq. ft.
V	190 sq. ft.

     Growth modeling is necessary to calculate whether a particular stand meets stand requirement and is on a trajectory towards these desired future condition basal area target. The appropriate growth model will be based on stand characteristics and will include at a minimum, the following components: The number of trees by diameter class, the percent of conifer and hardwood, and the age of the stand. See the board manual section 7.

     (i) Hardwood conversion in the inner zone. When the existing stands in the combined core and inner zone do not meet stand requirements, no harvest is permitted in the inner zone, except in connection with hardwood conversion.

     (A) The landowner may elect to convert hardwood-dominated stands in the inner zone to conifer-dominated stands. Harvesting and replanting shall be in accordance with the following limits:

     (I) Conversion activities in the inner zone of any harvest unit are only allowed where all of the following are present:

     • Existing stands in the combined core and inner zone do not meet stand requirements (WAC 222-30-021 (1)(b));

     • There are fewer than 57 conifer trees per acre 8 inches or larger dbh in the conversion area;

     • There are fewer than 100 conifer trees per acre larger than 4 inches dbh in the conversion area;

     • There is evidence (such as conifer stumps, historical photos, or a conifer understory) that the conversion area can be successfully reforested with conifer and support the development of conifer stands;

     • The landowner owns 500 feet upstream and 500 feet downstream of the harvest unit;

     • The core and inner zones contain no stream adjacent parallel roads;

     • Riparian areas contiguous to the proposed harvest unit are owned by the landowner proposing to conduct the conversion activities, and meet shade requirements of WAC 222-30-040 or have a 75-foot buffer with trees at least 40 feet tall on both sides of the stream for 500 feet upstream and 500 feet downstream of the proposed harvest unit (or the length of the stream, if less);

     • If the landowner has previously converted hardwood-dominated stands, then post-harvest treatments must have been performed to the satisfaction of the department.

     (II) In addition to the conditions set forth above, permitted conversion activities in the inner zone of any harvest unit are limited by the following:

     • Each continuous conversion area is not more than 500 feet in length; two conversion areas will be considered "continuous" unless the no-harvest area separating the two conversion areas is at least half the length of the larger of the two conversion areas.

     • Type S and F (Type 1, 2, or 3) Water: Up to 50% of the inner zone area of the harvest unit on one side of the stream may be converted provided that:

     ♦ The landowner owns the opposite side of the stream and the landowner's riparian area on the opposite bank meets the shade requirements of WAC 222-30-040 or has a 75-foot buffer of trees at least 40 feet tall or:

     ♦ The landowner does not own land on the opposite side of the stream but the riparian area on the opposite bank meets the shade requirements of WAC 222-30-040 or has a 75-foot buffer of trees at least 40 feet tall.

     • Not more than 25% of the inner zone of the harvest unit on both sides of a Type S or F Water may be converted if the landowner owns both sides.

     (III) Where conversion is allowed in the inner zone, trees within the conversion area may be harvested except that:

     • Conifer trees larger than 20 inches dbh shall not be harvested;

     • Not more than 10% of the conifer stems greater than 8 inches dbh, exclusive of the conifer noted above, within the conversion area may be harvested; and

     • The landowner must exercise reasonable care in the conduct of harvest activities to minimize damage to all residual conifer trees within the conversion area including conifer trees less than 8 inches dbh.

     (IV) Following harvest in conversion areas, the landowner must:

     • Reforest the conversion area with conifer tree species suitable to the site in accordance with the requirements of WAC 222-34-010; and

     • Conduct post-harvest treatment of the site until the conifer trees necessary to meet acceptable stocking levels in WAC 222-34-010(2) have crowns above the brush or until the conversion area contains a minimum of 150 conifer trees greater than 8 inches dbh per acre.

     • Notify the department in writing within three years of the approval of the forest practices application for hardwood conversion, if the hardwood conversion has been completed.

     (V) Tracking hardwood conversion. The purpose of tracking hardwood conversion is to determine if hardwood conversion is resulting in adequate enhancement of riparian functions toward the desired future condition while minimizing the short term impacts on functions. The department will use existing or updated data bases developed in cooperation with the Washington Hardwoods Commission to identify watershed administrative units (WAUs) with a high percentage of hardwood-dominated riparian areas and, thus have the potential for excessive hardwood conversion under these rules. The department will track the rate of conversion of hardwoods in the riparian zone: (1) Through the application process on an annual basis; and (2) at a WAU scale on a biennial basis as per WAC 222-30-120 through the adaptive management process which will develop thresholds of impact for hardwood conversion at the watershed scale.

     (ii) Harvest options.

     (A) No inner zone management. When the existing stands in the combined core and inner zone do not meet stand requirements, no harvest is permitted in the inner zone. When no harvest is permitted in the inner zone or the landowner chooses not to enter the inner zone, the width of core, inner and outer zones are as provided in the following table:

No inner zone management RMZ widths for Western Washington

     (I) Option 1. Thinning from below. The objective of thinning is to distribute stand requirement trees in such a way as to shorten the time required to meet large wood, fish habitat and water quality needs. This is achieved by increasing the potential for leave trees to grow larger than they otherwise would without thinning. Thinning harvest under option 1 must comply with the following:

     • Residual trees left in the combined core and inner zones must meet stand requirements necessary to be on a trajectory to desired future condition. See board manual section 7 for guidelines.

     • Thinning must be from below, meaning the smallest dbh trees are selected for harvest first, then progressing to successively larger diameters.

     • Thinning cannot decrease the proportion of conifer in the stand.

     • Shade retention to meet the shade rule must be confirmed by the landowner for any harvest inside of 75 feet from the outer edge of bankfull width or outer edge of CMZ, whichever is greater.

     • The number of residual conifer trees per acre in the inner zone will equal or exceed 57.

Option 1. Thinning from below.

     • Harvest is not permitted within 30 feet of the core zone for streams less than or equal to 10 feet wide and harvest is not permitted within 50 feet of the core zone for streams greater than 10 feet wide;

     • Residual leave trees in the combined core and inner zone must meet stand requirements necessary to be on a trajectory to desired future condition. See board manual section 7 for calculating stand requirements;

     • A minimum of 20 conifers per acre, with a minimum 12-inch dbh, will be retained in any portion of the inner zone where harvest occurs. These riparian leave trees will not be counted or considered towards meeting applicable stand requirements nor can the number be reduced below 20 for any reason.

     • Trees are selected for harvest starting from the outer most portion of the inner zone first then progressively closer to the stream.

     • If (II) of this subsection results in surplus basal area per the stand requirement, the landowner may take credit for the surplus by harvesting additional riparian leave trees required to be left in the adjacent outer zone on a basal area-for-basal area basis. The number of leave trees in the outer zone can be reduced only to a minimum of 10 trees per acre.

Option 2. Leaving trees closest to water.

     (iii) Where the basal area components of the stand requirement cannot be met within the sum of the areas in the inner and core zone due to the presence of a stream-adjacent parallel road in the inner or core zone, a determination must be made of the approximate basal area that would have been present in the inner and core zones if the road was not occupying space in the core or inner zone and the shortfall in the basal area component of the stand requirement. See definition of "stream-adjacent parallel road" in WAC 222-16-010.

     (A) Trees containing basal area equal to the amount determined in (iii) of this subsection will be left elsewhere in the inner or outer zone, or if the zones contain insufficient riparian leave trees, substitute riparian leave trees will be left within the RMZ width of other Type S or F Waters in the same unit or along Type Np or Ns Waters in the same unit in addition to all other RMZ requirements on those same Type S, F, Np or Ns Waters.

     (B) When the stream-adjacent road basal area calculated in (iii) of this subsection results in an excess in basal area (above stand requirement) then the landowner may receive credit for such excess which can be applied on a basal area-by-basal area basis against the landowner's obligation to leave trees in the outer zone of the RMZ of such stream or other waters within the same unit, provided that the number of trees per acre in the outer zone is not reduced to less than 10 trees per acre.

     (C) When the basal area requirement cannot be met, as explained in (iii) of this subsection, the shortfall may be reduced through the implementation of an acceptable large woody debris placement plan. See board manual section 26 for guidelines.

     (iv) If a harvest operation includes both yarding and harvest activities within the RMZ, all calculations of basal area for stand requirements will be determined as if the yarding corridors were constructed prior to any other harvest activities. If trees cut or damaged by yarding are taken from excess basal area, these trees may be removed from the inner zone. Trees cut or damaged by yarding in a unit which does not meet the basal area target of the stand requirements cannot be removed from the inner zone. Any trees cut or damaged by yarding in the core zone may not be removed.

     (c) Outer zones. Timber harvest in the outer zone must leave 20 riparian leave trees per acre after harvest. "Outer zone riparian leave trees" are trees that must be left after harvest in the outer zone in Western Washington. Riparian leave trees must be left uncut throughout all future harvests:

Outer zone riparian leave tree requirements

     (i) Dispersal strategy. Riparian leave trees, which means conifer species with a diameter measured at breast height (dbh) of 12 inches or greater, must be left dispersed approximately evenly throughout the outer zone. If riparian leave trees of 12" dbh or greater are not available, then the next largest conifers must be left. If conifers are not present, riparian leave trees must be left according to the clumping strategy in subsection (ii) below.

     (ii) Clumping strategy. Riparian leave trees must be left clumped in the following way:

     (A) Clump trees in or around one or more of the following sensitive features to the extent available within the outer zone. When clumping around sensitive features, riparian leave trees must be 8 inches dbh or greater and representative of the overstory canopy trees in or around the sensitive feature and may include both hardwood and conifer species. Sensitive features are:

     (I) Seeps and springs;

     (II) Forested wetlands;

     (III) Topographic locations (and orientation) from which leave trees currently on the site will be delivered to the water;

     (IV) Areas where riparian leave trees may provide windthrow protection;

     (V) Small unstable, or potentially unstable, slopes not of sufficient area to be detected by other site evaluations. See WAC 222-16-050 (1)(d).

     (VI) ((Archeological)) Archaeological or historical sites registered with the Washington state ((office)) department of ((archeology)) archaeology and historic preservation. See WAC 222-16-050 (1)(g); or

     (VII) Sites containing evidence of Native American cairns, graves or glyptic records. See WAC 222-16-050 (1)(f).

     (B) If sensitive features are not present, then clumps must be well distributed throughout the outer zone and the leave trees must be of conifer species with a dbh of 12 inches or greater. When placing clumps, the applicant will consider operational and biological concerns. Tree counts must be satisfied regardless of the presence of stream-adjacent parallel roads in the outer zone.

     (iii) Large woody debris in-channel placement strategy. A landowner may design a LWD placement plan in cooperation with the department of fish and wildlife. The plan must be consistent with guidelines in the board manual section 26. The landowner may reduce the number of trees required to be left in the outer zone to the extent provided in the approved LWD placement plan. Reduction of trees in the outer zone must not go below a minimum of 10 trees per acre. If this strategy is chosen, a complete forest practices application must include a copy of the WDFW approved hydraulics project approval (HPA) permit.

     (iv) Twenty riparian leave trees must be left after harvest with the exception of the following:

     (A) If a landowner agrees to implement a placement strategy, see (iii) of this subsection.

     (B) If trees are left in an associated channel migration zone, the landowner may reduce the number of trees required to be left according to the following:

     (I) Offsets will be measured on a basal area-for-basal area basis.

     (II) Conifer in a CMZ equal to or greater than 6" dbh will offset conifer in the outer zone at a one-to-one ratio.

     (III) Hardwood in a CMZ equal to or greater than 10" dbh will offset hardwood in the outer zone at a one-to-one ratio.

     (IV) Hardwood in a CMZ equal to or greater than 10" dbh will offset conifer in the outer zone at a three-to-one ratio.

     *(2) Western Washington protection for Type Np and Ns Waters.

     (a) An equipment limitation zone is a 30-foot wide zone measured horizontally from the outer edge of the bankfull width of a Type Np or Ns Water where equipment use and other forest practices that are specifically limited by these rules. It applies to all perennial and seasonal streams.

     (i) On-site mitigation is required if any of the following activities exposes the soil on more than 10% of the surface area of the zone:

     (A) Ground based equipment;

     (B) Skid trails;

     (C) Stream crossings (other than existing roads); or

     (D) Cabled logs that are partially suspended.

     (ii) Mitigation must be designed to replace the equivalent of lost functions especially prevention of sediment delivery. Examples include water bars, grass seeding, mulching, etc.

     (iii) Nothing in this subsection (2) reduces or eliminates the department's authority to prevent actual or potential material damage to public resources under WAC 222-46-030 or 222-46-040 or any related authority to condition forest practices notifications or applications.

     (b) Sensitive site and RMZs protection along Type Np Waters. Forest practices must be conducted to protect Type Np RMZs and sensitive sites as detailed below:

     (i) A 50-foot, no-harvest buffer, measured horizontally from the outer edge of bankfull width, will be established along each side of the Type Np Water as follows:

Required no-harvest, 50-foot buffers on Type Np Waters.

     (iii) No timber harvest is permitted in an area within 50 feet of the outer perimeter of a soil zone perennially saturated from a side-slope seep.

     (iv) No timber harvest is permitted within a 56-foot radius buffer patch centered on the point of intersection of two or more Type Np Waters.

     (v) No timber harvest is permitted within a 56-foot radius buffer patch centered on a headwater spring or, in the absence of a headwater spring, on a point at the upper most extent of a Type Np Water as defined in WAC 222-16-030(3) and 222-16-031.

     (vi) No timber harvest is permitted within an alluvial fan.

     (vii) At least 50% of a Type Np Waters' length must be protected by buffers on both sides of the stream (2-sided buffers). Buffered segments must be a minimum of 100 feet in length. If an operating area is located more than 500 feet upstream from the confluence of a Type S or F Water and the Type Np Water is more than 1,000 feet in length, then buffer the Type Np Water according to the following table. If the percentage is not met by protecting sensitive sites listed in (b)(i) through (vii) of this subsection, then additional buffers are required on the Type Np Water to meet the requirements listed in the table.

Minimum percent of length of Type Np Waters to be buffered when more than 500 feet upstream from the confluence of a Type S or F Water

     (A) Low gradient areas;

     (B) Perennial water reaches of nonsedimentary rock with gradients greater than 20% in the tailed frog habitat range;

     (C) Hyporheic and ground water influence zones; and

     (D) Areas downstream from other buffered areas.

     Except for the construction and maintenance of road crossings and the creation and use of yarding corridors, no timber harvest will be allowed in the designated priority areas. Landowners must leave additional acres equal to the number of acres (including partial acres) occupied by an existing stream-adjacent parallel road within a designated priority area buffer.

     (c) None of the limitations on harvest in or around Type Np Water RMZs or sensitive sites listed in (b) of this subsection will preclude or limit:

     (i) The construction and maintenance of roads for the purpose of crossing streams in WAC 222-24-030 and 222-24-050.

     (ii) The creation and use of yarding corridors in WAC 222-30-060(1).

     To the extent reasonably practical, the operation will both avoid creating yarding corridors or road crossings through Type Np Water RMZ or sensitive sites and associated buffers, and avoid management activities which would result in soil compaction, the loss of protective vegetation or sedimentation in perennially moist areas.

     Where yarding corridors or road crossings through Type Np Water RMZs or sensitive sites and their buffers cannot reasonably be avoided, the buffer area must be expanded to protect the sensitive site by an area equivalent to the disturbed area or by providing comparable functions through other management initiated efforts.

     Landowners must leave additional acres equal to the number of acres (including partial acres) occupied by an existing stream-adjacent parallel road within a Type Np Water RMZs or sensitive site buffer.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 76.09.040. 05-12-119, § 222-30-021, filed 5/31/05, effective 7/1/05. Statutory Authority: Chapter 34.05 RCW, RCW 76.09.040, [76.09.]050, [76.09.]370, 76.13.120(9). 01-12-042, § 222-30-021, filed 5/30/01, effective 7/1/01.]

Note:

Compliance with this section does not ensure compliance with the federal Endangered Species Act or the Clean Water Act.

     On parcels of 20 contiguous acres or less, landowners with total parcel ownership of less than 80 forested acres shall not be required to leave the riparian buffers described in WAC 222-30-021 and 222-30-022. These landowners are required to follow applicable watershed analysis riparian prescriptions in effect as of January 1, 1999, or if there are no watershed analysis riparian prescriptions in effect these landowners are required to follow the riparian management zone rules below.

     *(1) Western Washington RMZs for exempt 20-acre parcels. Riparian management zones are measured horizontally from the outer edge of bankfull width of a Type S or F Water and extend to the line where vegetation changes from wetland to upland plant community, or the line required to leave sufficient shade as required by WAC 222-30-040, whichever is greater, but must not be less than 29 feet in width nor more than the maximum widths described in (f) of this subsection, provided that the riparian management zone width shall be expanded as necessary to include wetlands or ponds adjacent to the stream. When the riparian management zone overlaps a Type A or B Wetland or a wetland management zone, the requirement which best protects public resources shall apply.

     (a) Harvest units shall be designed so that felling, bucking, yarding or skidding, and reforestation can be accomplished in accordance with these rules, including those rules relating to stream bank integrity and shade requirements to maintain stream temperature. Where the need for additional actions or restrictions adjacent to waters not covered by the following become evident, WAC 222-12-050 and 222-12-060 may apply.

     (b) When requested in writing by the applicant, the department shall assist in preparation of an alternate plan for the riparian management zone.

     (c) Landowners must meet the following shade requirements in effect January 1, 1999, to maintain stream temperature.

     *(i) Determination of adequate shade. The temperature prediction method in (c)(ii) and (iii) of this subsection shall be used to determine appropriate shade levels for flowing Type S and F Waters to prevent excessive water temperatures which may have detrimental impact on aquatic resources.

     *(ii) Temperature prediction method. In addition to the riparian management zone requirements described in (f) of this subsection, leave trees shall be retained within the maximum riparian management zones on flowing Type S and F Waters as provided by the method described in the board manual which includes the following considerations:

     (A) Minimum shade retention requirements; and

     (B) Regional water temperature characteristics; and

     (C) Elevation; and

     (D) Temperature criteria defined for stream classes in chapter 173-201A WAC.

     *(iii) Leave tree requirements for shade. The method described in (c)(ii) of this subsection shall be used to establish the minimum shade cover based on site-specific characteristics. When site-specific data indicate that preharvest conditions do not meet the minimums established by the method, no additional shade removal from riparian management zones will be allowed.

     (iv) Waivers. The department may waive or modify the shade requirements where:

     (A) The applicant agrees to a staggered setting program producing equal or greater shade requirements to maintain stream temperature; or

     (B) The applicant provides alternative means of stream temperature control satisfactory to the department; or

     (C) The temperature method indicates that additional shade will not affect stream temperature.

     (d) For wildlife habitat within the riparian management zone, leave an average of 5 undisturbed and uncut wildlife trees per acre at the ratio of 1 deciduous tree to 1 conifer tree equal in size to the largest existing trees of those species within the zone. Where the 1 to 1 ratio is not possible, then substitute either species present. Forty percent or more of the leave trees shall be live and undamaged on completion of harvest. Wildlife trees shall be left in clumps whenever possible.

     (e) When 10 percent or more of the harvest unit lies within any combination of a riparian management zone of Type S or F Waters or a wetland management zone and the harvest unit is a clearcutting of 20 acres or less, leave not less than 50 percent of the trees required in (c) of this subsection.

     (f) Within the riparian management zone, trees shall be left for wildlife and fisheries habitat as provided for in the chart below. Fifty percent or more of the trees shall be live and undamaged on completion of the harvest. The leave trees shall be randomly distributed where feasible; some clumping is allowed to accommodate operational considerations. The number, size, species and ratio of leave trees, deciduous to conifer, is specified by the bed material and average width of the water type within the harvest unit. Trees left according to (c) of this subsection may be included in the number of required leave trees in this subsection.

Western Washington Riparian Leave Tree Requirements
For exempt 20-acre parcels

1	"Or next largest available" requires that the next largest trees to those specified in the rule be left standing when those available are smaller than the size specified.

Ponds or lakes which are Type S or F Waters shall have the same leave tree requirements as boulder/bedrock streams.

     *(2) Eastern Washington riparian management zones for exempt 20-acre parcels. These zones shall be measured horizontally from the outer edge of bankfull width of Type S or F Waters and extend to the line where vegetation changes from wetland to upland plant community, or to the line required to leave sufficient shade as required by WAC 222-30-040, whichever is greater, but shall not be less than the minimum width nor more than the maximum widths described in (c) of this subsection, provided that the riparian management zone width shall be expanded as necessary to include wetlands or ponds adjacent to the stream. When the riparian management zone overlaps a Type A or B Wetland or a wetland management zone, the requirement which best protects public resources shall apply.

     (a) Harvest units shall be designed so that felling, bucking, yarding or skidding, and reforestation can be accomplished in accordance with these rules, including those rules relating to stream bank integrity and shade requirements to maintain stream temperature. Where the need for additional actions or restrictions adjacent to waters not covered by the following become evident, WAC 222-12-050 and 222-12-060 may apply.

     (b) When requested in writing by the applicant, the department shall assist in preparation of an alternate plan for the riparian management zone.

     (c) Within the riparian management zone, trees shall be left for wildlife and fisheries habitat as provided for below. Fifty percent or more of the trees shall be live and undamaged on completion of the harvest. The leave trees shall be randomly distributed where feasible; some clumping is allowed to accommodate operational considerations.

     (i) The width of the riparian management zone shall be based on the adjacent harvest type as defined in WAC 222-16-010 "Partial cutting." When the adjacent unit harvest type is:

     Partial cutting - The riparian management zone width shall be a minimum of 35 feet to a maximum of 58 feet on each side of the stream.

     Other harvest types - The riparian management zone shall average 58 feet in width on each side of the stream with a minimum width of 35 feet and a maximum of 345 feet on each side of the stream.

     (ii) Leave tree requirements within the riparian management zones of Type S or F Waters:

     (A) Leave all trees 12 inches or less in diameter breast height (dbh); and

     (B) Leave all wildlife reserve trees within the riparian management zone where operations in the vicinity do not violate the state safety regulations (chapter 296-54 WAC and chapter 49.17 RCW administered by department of labor and industries, safety division); and

     (C) Leave 18 live conifer trees per acre between 12 inches dbh and 20 inches dbh distributed by size, as representative of the stand; and

     (D) Leave 4 live conifer trees per acre 20 inches dbh or larger and the 2 largest live deciduous trees per acre 16 inches dbh or larger. Where these deciduous trees do not exist, and where 2 wildlife reserve trees per acre 20 inches or larger do not exist, substitute 2 live conifer trees per acre 20 inches dbh or larger. If live conifer trees of 20 inches dbh or larger do not exist within the riparian management zone, then substitute the 5 largest live conifer trees per acre; and

     (E) Leave 3 live deciduous trees per acre between 12 inches and 16 inches dbh where they exist.

     (iii) Minimum leave tree requirements per acre for Type S or F Waters. Trees left for (c)(ii) of this subsection shall be included in the minimum counts.

     (A) On streams with a boulder/bedrock bed, the minimum leave tree requirements shall be 75 trees per acre 4 inches dbh or larger.

     (B) On streams with a gravel/cobble (less than 10 inches diameter) bed, the minimum leave tree requirement shall be 155 trees per acre 4 inches dbh or larger.

     (C) On lakes or ponds, the minimum leave tree requirement shall be 86 trees per acre 4 inches dbh or larger.

Note:

See the board manual for guidelines for calculating trees per acre and average RMZ widths.

     (d) When 10 percent or more of the harvest unit lies within any combination of a riparian management zone of Type S or F Waters or a wetland management zone and the harvest unit is 20 acres or less, leave not less than 50 percent of the trees required in (c) of this subsection. (See WAC 222-16-010 "Partial cutting.")

     *(3) Riparian leave tree areas for exempt 20-acre parcels. The department will require trees to be left along Type Np Waters where such practices are necessary to protect public resources. Where such practices are necessary, leave at least 29 conifer or deciduous trees, 6 inches in diameter or larger, on each side of every 1000 feet of stream length within 29 feet of the stream. The leave trees may be arranged to accommodate the operation.

     (4) For the purposes of this section RMZ means: A specified area alongside Type S and F Waters where specific measures are taken to protect water quality and fish and wildlife habitat.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 76.09.040. 05-12-119, § 222-30-023, filed 5/31/05, effective 7/1/05. Statutory Authority: Chapter 34.05 RCW, RCW 76.09.040, [76.09.]050, [76.09.]370, 76.13.120(9). 01-12-042, § 222-30-023, filed 5/30/01, effective 7/1/01.]

     *(2) Type A or B Wetlands. No timber shall be cable yarded in or across Type A or B Wetlands without written approval from the department and may require a hydraulic project approval from the department of fish and wildlife.

     *(3) Deadfalls. Logs which are firmly embedded in the bed or bank of Type S or F Waters shall not be removed or disturbed without hydraulic project approval from the department of fish and wildlife. ((Such activities in Type Np or Ns Waters may require a hydraulic project approval.))

     *(4) Yarding in riparian management zones, sensitive sites, and wetland management zones. Where timber is yarded from or across a riparian management zone, sensitive site, or wetland management zone reasonable care shall be taken to minimize damage to the vegetation providing shade to the stream or open water areas and to minimize disturbance to understory vegetation, stumps and root systems. Where practical and consistent with good safety practices, logs shall be yarded in the direction in which they lie and away from Type A or B Wetlands or Type S, F or Np Waters until clear of the wetland management zone or riparian management zone.

     (5) Direction of yarding.

     (a) Uphill yarding is preferred.

     (b) Where downhill yarding is used, reasonable care shall be taken to lift the leading end of the log to minimize downhill movement of slash and soils.

     *(c) When yarding parallel to a Type S or F Water channel below the 100-year flood level or within the riparian management zone, reasonable care shall be taken to minimize soil disturbance and to prevent logs from rolling into the stream, lake, pond, or riparian management zone.

     (6) Disturbance avoidance for northern spotted owls. The operation of heavy equipment within a SOSEA boundary shall not be allowed within 0.25 mile of a northern spotted owl site center between March 1 and August 31 provided that, this restriction shall not apply if:

     (a) The landowner demonstrates that the owls are not actively nesting during the current nesting season; or

     (b) The forest practice is operating in compliance with a plan or agreement developed for the protection of the northern spotted owl under WAC 222-16-080 (6)(a), (e), or (f).

     (7) Disturbance avoidance for marbled murrelets. Yarding or operation of heavy equipment shall not be allowed within 0.25 mile of an occupied marbled murrelet site during the daily peak activity periods within the critical nesting season, provided that, this restriction shall not apply if the forest practice is operating in compliance with a plan or agreement developed for the protection of the marbled murrelet under WAC 222-16-080 (6)(a) or (c).

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 34.05 RCW, RCW 76.09.040, [76.09.]050, [76.09.]370, 76.13.120(9). 01-12-042, § 222-30-060, filed 5/30/01, effective 7/1/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 76.09.040 and chapter 34.05 RCW. 97-24-091, § 222-30-060, filed 12/3/97, effective 1/3/98; 97-15-105, § 222-30-060, filed 7/21/97, effective 8/21/97. Statutory Authority: Chapters 76.09 and 34.05 RCW. 96-12-038, § 222-30-060, filed 5/31/96, effective 7/1/96. Statutory Authority: RCW 76.09.040, 76.09.050 and chapter 34.05 RCW. 92-15-011, § 222-30-060, filed 7/2/92, effective 8/2/92. Statutory Authority: RCW 76.09.040. 87-23-036 (Order 535), § 222-30-060, filed 11/16/87, effective 1/1/88. Statutory Authority: RCW 76.09.040 and 76.09.050. 82-16-077 (Resolution No. 82-1), § 222-30-060, filed 8/3/82, effective 10/1/82; Order 263, § 222-30-060, filed 6/16/76.]

     (a) Ground-based equipment shall not be used in Type S or F Water, except with approval by the department and with a hydraulic project approval issued by the department of fish and wildlife.

     Yarding across Type S or F Waters is limited to cable or other aerial logging methods.

     (b) Ground-based transport of logs across Type Np and Ns Waters shall minimize the potential for damage to public resources. ((A hydraulic project approval issued by the department of fish and wildlife may be required for ground-based equipment in Type Np or Ns Waters.))

     (i) Skidding logs and driving ground-based equipment through defined channels with flowing water is not allowed.

     (ii) Ground-based transport of logs to landings across any Typed Np or Ns Water shall minimize the potential to damage public resources.

     (iii) Whenever skidding across Type Np or Ns Waters, the direction of log movement between stream banks shall be designed to minimize sediment delivery to the stream.

     (c) In order to maintain wetland water movement and water quality, and to prevent soil compaction, ground-based logging systems shall not be used in Type A or B wetlands.

     (d) Where harvest in wetlands is permitted, ground-based logging systems shall be limited to low impact harvest systems. Ground-based logging systems operating in wetlands shall only be allowed during periods of low soil moisture or frozen soil conditions.

     (e) Locations of temporary stream crossings to Np Waters shall be shown on the base map of the forest practices application. Whenever skidding in or across Type Np or Ns Waters, the direction of log movement between stream banks shall be designed to minimize sediment delivery to the stream. BMPs for stream crossings can be found in the board manual section 3.

     *(2) Riparian management zone.

     (a) Logging will be permitted within the riparian management zone subject to riparian management zone protection in chapter 222-30 WAC. However, any use of ground-based yarding machines within the zone must be as described in an approved forest practices application or otherwise approved in writing by the department.

     (b) When transporting logs in or through the riparian management zone with ground-based equipment, the number of routes through the zone shall be minimized.

     (c) Logs shall be transported so as to minimize damage to leave trees and vegetation in the riparian management zone, to the extent practical and consistent with good safety practices.

     *(3) Wetlands management zones.

     (a) Logging will be permitted within wetland management zones subject to restrictions in WAC 222-30-020(7).

     (b) Where feasible logs shall be skidded with at least one end suspended from the ground so as to minimize soil disturbance and damage to leave trees and vegetation in the wetland management zone.

     (c) Ground-based harvesting systems shall not be used within the minimum WMZ width unless described in an approved forest practices application or otherwise approved in writing by the department.

     *(4) Deadfalls. Logs firmly embedded in the bed or bank of Type S or F Waters shall not be removed or disturbed without hydraulic project approval from the department of fish and wildlife. ((Such activities in Type Np or Ns Waters may require a hydraulic project approval.))

     *(5) Moisture conditions.

     (a) Ground-based logging systems shall not be used on exposed erodible soils or saturated soils if sediment delivery is likely to disturb a wetland, stream, lake or pond.

     (b) When soil moisture is high and unrestricted operation of ground-based equipment would result in unreasonable soil compaction, operations shall be restricted to methods that minimized widespread soil compaction or, operations postponed until site conditions improve such that yarding may proceed without causing unreasonable soil compaction and the long-term impacts to soil productivity and moisture absorption capacity that can result.

     (6) Protection of residual timber. Reasonable care shall be taken to minimize damage from skidding to the stems and root systems of residual timber and to young reproduction.

     *(7) Skid trail location and construction.

     (a) Skid trails shall be kept to the minimum width.

     (b) Reasonable care shall be taken to minimize the amount of sidecast required and shall only be permitted above the 100-year flood level.

     (c) Skid trails shall be outsloped where practical, but be insloped where necessary to prevent logs from sliding or rolling downhill off the skid trail.

     (d) Skid trails running parallel or near parallel to streams shall be located outside the no-harvest zone of all typed waters and at least 30 feet from the outer edge of the bankfull width of the unbuffered portions of Type Np or Ns Water unless approved in writing by the department.

     (e) Skid trails shall cross the drainage point of swales at an angle to minimize the potential for delivering sediment to a typed water or where channelization is likely to occur. See board manual section 3.

     *(8) Skid trail maintenance.

     (a) Upon completion of use and termination of seasonal use, skid trails on slopes in exposed soils shall be water barred where necessary to prevent soil erosion.

     (b) Skid trails located within 200 feet horizontal distance of any typed water that directly delivers to the stream network shall use water bars, grade breaks, and/or slash to minimize sediment delivery to the stream. Water bars shall be placed at a frequency to minimize gullying and soil erosion. In addition to water barring, skid trails with exposed soil that is erodible and may be reasonably expected to cause damage to a public resource shall be seeded with a noninvasive plant species (preferably a species native to the state) and adapted for rapid revegetation of disturbed soil, or treated with other erosion control measures acceptable to the department.

     *(9) Slope restrictions. Ground-based systems shall not be used on slopes where in the opinion of the department this method of operation would cause actual or potential material damage to a public resource.

     (10) Disturbance avoidance for northern spotted owls. The operation of heavy equipment within a SOSEA boundary shall not be allowed within 0.25 mile of a northern spotted owl site center between March 1 and August 31, provided that, this restriction shall not apply if:

     (a) The landowner demonstrates that the owls are not actively nesting during the current nesting season; or

     (b) The forest practice is operating in compliance with a plan or agreement developed for the protection of the northern spotted owl under WAC 222-16-080 (6)(a), (e), or (f).

     (11) Disturbance avoidance for marbled murrelets. Operation of heavy equipment shall not be allowed within 0.25 mile of an occupied marbled murrelet site during the daily peak activity periods within the critical nesting season, provided that, this restriction shall not apply if the forest practice is operating in compliance with a plan or agreement developed for the protection of the marbled murrelet under WAC 222-16-080 (6)(a) or (c).

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 34.05 RCW, RCW 76.09.040, [76.09.]050, [76.09.]370, 76.13.120(9). 01-12-042, § 222-30-070, filed 5/30/01, effective 7/1/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 76.09.040 and chapter 34.05 RCW. 97-24-091, § 222-30-070, filed 12/3/97, effective 1/3/98; 97-15-105, § 222-30-070, filed 7/21/97, effective 8/21/97. Statutory Authority: Chapters 76.09 and 34.05 RCW. 96-12-038, § 222-30-070, filed 5/31/96, effective 7/1/96. Statutory Authority: RCW 76.09.040, 76.09.050 and chapter 34.05 RCW. 92-15-011, § 222-30-070, filed 7/2/92, effective 8/2/92. Statutory Authority: RCW 76.09.040. 87-23-036 (Order 535), § 222-30-070, filed 11/16/87, effective 1/1/88. Statutory Authority: RCW 76.09.040 and 76.09.050. 82-16-077 (Resolution No. 82-1), § 222-30-070, filed 8/3/82, effective 10/1/82; Order 263, § 222-30-070, filed 6/16/76.]

     (2) Monitoring program. The department shall monitor the rate at which forest land is harvested. The geographic base for monitoring will be a water resource inventory area.

     (3) Annual report to the board. In addition to the report provided for in WAC ((222-08-035 [222-08-160])) 222-08-160, the department shall report monitoring results to the board, annually, beginning in August 1992, including:

     (a) A summary of rate of harvest by water resource inventory area; and

     (b) Any other information considered to be significant in understanding the status of the rate of harvest.

     Actual reporting periods may be modified as dictated by the availability of satellite imagery.

     (((4) Review of the rate of harvest monitoring program.

     (a) No later than March 1, 1996, the board will review and evaluate the effectiveness of the monitoring program.

     (b) The department shall provide, for review by the board, a compilation and summary of the annual reports for calendar years 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, and 1995.))

[Statutory Authority: RCW 76.09.040. 92-08-025, § 222-30-120, filed 3/23/92, effective 4/23/92.]

OTS-1847.1

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 94-01-134, filed 12/20/93, effective 1/1/94)

WAC 222-34-030   Reforestation -- Plans -- Reports -- Inspections.   (1) Reforestation plans. Reforestation plans must be submitted with the application or notification except where no reforestation is required. The department shall designate difficult regeneration areas utilizing silvicultural information. When a forest practice is proposed for such an area, the department may require additional information regarding harvest systems and post harvest site preparation, as well as regeneration. The department shall approve the reforestation plan for difficult regeneration areas if it determines that such a plan will achieve acceptable stocking according to WAC 222-34-010 and 222-34-020.

     (2) Reforestation reports. The landowner, forest landowner, or his/her designee shall file a report with the department either at the time of completion of planting or reforestation or at the end of the normal planting season. When artificial seeding is used the report shall be filed 2 growing seasons after seeding.

     (3) The reports in subsection (2) of this section must contain at least the following:

     (a) The original forest practices application or notification number.

     (b) Species reforested, planted, or seeded.

     (c) Age of stock planted or seed source zone.

     (d) Description of actual area reforested, planted, or seeded.

     (4) Inspection; supplemental planting or reforestation directives.

     (a) Within 12 months after a reforestation report is received, the department shall inspect the reforested lands. The department shall issue written notice to the landowner, forest landowner, or his/her designee stating whether supplemental planting or reforestation or further inspection is required within 30 days after the deadline for inspection or the reforestation shall be deemed satisfactory.

     (b) If the inspection shows that acceptable stocking levels have not been achieved, the department shall direct the forest landowner to perform supplemental planting in accordance with the planting standards of WAC 222-34-010 (3) and (4)(a)(ii), 222-34-020 (3) and (4)(a)(ii): Provided, That:

     (i) In lieu of such supplemental planting, the department and the forest landowner may agree on a supplemental reforestation plan.

     (ii) Supplemental planting or reforestation shall not be required where in the opinion of the department planting or reforestation is not feasible due to rocky ground, dry conditions, excessively high water table or other adverse site factors and the department determines that there is little probability of significantly increasing the stocking level.

     (iii) Where supplemental planting or reforestation has been required by the department, the landowner, forest landowner, or his/her designee shall file a report of supplemental planting or reforestation upon completion.

     (iv) Except where stocking improvement is necessary to protect public resources and is feasible, further supplementary planting shall not be required where acceptable stocking levels have not been achieved after two properly performed supplemental plantings.

     (c) Within 12 months after a supplemental planting or reforestation report is received, the department shall inspect the reforested lands.

     (d) Evidence of compliance. The department shall within 30 days after the deadline for inspection or reinspection and when requested by the forest landowner confirm in writing whether acceptable stocking levels have been achieved, provided field conditions do not prevent the department from properly evaluating the reforestation.

     (e) Where a natural regeneration plan has been approved by the department, the department may allow up to 10 years to achieve acceptable stocking levels.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 76.09.040, 76.09.170 and chapter 34.05 RCW. 94-01-134, § 222-34-030, filed 12/20/93, effective 1/1/94. Statutory Authority: RCW 76.09.040. 87-23-036 (Order 535), § 222-34-030, filed 11/16/87, effective 1/1/88; 86-21-040 (Resolution No. 86-2), § 222-34-030, filed 10/10/86, effective 12/1/86. Statutory Authority: RCW 76.09.040 and 76.09.050. 82-16-077 (Resolution No. 82-1), § 222-34-030, filed 8/3/82, effective 10/1/82; Order 263, § 222-34-030, filed 6/16/76.]

OTS-1848.1

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending Order 263, filed 6/16/76)

WAC 222-42-010   Supplemental directives.   (1) Purpose of supplemental directives. The department may issue supplemental directives to the forest landowner, timber owner and operator, advising them to take or not take as part of any forest practices operations specified actions the department determines to be preferred courses of action or minor changes in the operation to provide greater assurance that the purposes and policies set forth in RCW 76.09.010 of the act will be met.

     (2) Content of supplemental directives. Supplemental directives shall indicate the reason for their issuance.

     (3) Form, service. All supplemental directives shall either be in writing, or be confirmed in writing. The supplemental directive shall be given to the operator and a copy mailed promptly to the forest landowner and to the timber owner if different than the forest landowner.

     (4) Directive constitutes approval. No other approval of the department shall be necessary to conduct forest practices operations in compliance with the terms of a supplemental directive.

     (5) Informal discussions. The department shall provide an opportunity for an informal discussion before issuing, withdrawing or modifying a supplemental directive.

[Order 263, § 222-42-010, filed 6/16/76.]

OTS-1849.1

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 94-01-134, filed 12/20/93, effective 1/1/94)

WAC 222-46-020   Informal conferences.   (1) Opportunity mandatory. The department shall afford the operator and/or a designated representative reasonable opportunities to discuss proposed enforcement actions at an informal conference prior to taking further enforcement action, unless the department determines that there may be imminent damages to the public resource. Informal conferences may be used at any stage in enforcement proceedings, except that the department may refuse to conduct informal conferences with respect to any matter then pending before the appeals board or a court.

     (2) Reports required. Department personnel in attendance at informal conferences shall keep written notes of the date and place of the conference, the persons in attendance, the subject matter discussed, and any decisions reached with respect to further enforcement action. Copies of the conference notes shall be forwarded to the landowner and the timber owner.

     (3) Records available. Copies of written notes shall be sent to each participant in the conference, be kept in the department files until one year after final action on the application involved, and be open to public inspection.

     (4) Local ((government)) governmental entity conditions. If the proposed enforcement actions involve conditions imposed pursuant to WAC 222-20-040(3), then the local ((government)) governmental entity shall be involved in the informal conference.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 76.09.040, 76.09.170 and chapter 34.05 RCW. 94-01-134, § 222-46-020, filed 12/20/93, effective 1/1/94. Statutory Authority: RCW 76.09.040 and chapter 34.05 RCW. 93-12-001, § 222-46-020, filed 5/19/93, effective 6/19/93. Statutory Authority: RCW 76.09.040, 76.09.050 and 34.05.350. 91-23-052, § 222-46-020, filed 11/15/91, effective 12/16/91; Order 263, § 222-46-020, filed 6/16/76.]

     (1) The notice shall clearly set forth:

     (a) The specific nature, extent, and time of failure to comply with the approved application; or identifying the damage or potential damage; and/or

     (b) The relevant provisions of the Forest Practices Act or of the forest practices rules relating thereto;

     (c) The right of the operator, landowner, or timber owner to a hearing before the department; and

     (d) The specific course of action ordered by the department to be followed by the operator to correct such failure to comply and to prevent, correct and/or compensate for material damage to public resources which resulted from any violation, unauthorized deviation, or willful or negligent disregard for potential damage to a public resource; and/or those courses of action necessary to prevent continuing damage to public resources where the damage is resulting from the forest practices activities but has not resulted from any violation, unauthorized deviation, or negligence.

     (2) Local ((government)) governmental entity conditions. If the notice to comply involves a condition imposed pursuant to WAC 222-20-040(3), then the specific course of action ordered by the department shall include a requirement that the operator obtain approval of the local ((government)) governmental entity of the action to be taken.

     (3) The department shall mail a copy of the notice to comply to the forest landowner and the timber owner at the addresses shown on the application, showing the date of service upon the operator. The department shall also mail a copy to the local ((government)) governmental entity if a condition imposed pursuant to WAC 222-20-040(3) is involved.

     (4) Such notice to comply shall become a final order of the department: Provided, That no direct appeal to the appeals board will be allowed from such final order. Such operator shall undertake the course of action so ordered by the department unless, within fifteen days after the date of service of such notice to comply, the operator, forest landowner, or timber owner, shall request the department in writing to schedule a hearing. If so requested, the department shall schedule a hearing on a date not more than twenty days after receiving such request. The local ((government)) governmental entity shall participate in the hearing if a condition imposed pursuant to WAC 222-20-040(3) is involved. Within ten days after such hearing, the department shall issue a final order either withdrawing its notice to comply or clearly setting forth the specific course of action to be followed by such operator. Such operator shall undertake the course of action so ordered by the department unless within thirty days after the date of such final order, the operator, forest landowner, or timber owner appeals such final order to the appeals board. No person shall be under any obligation under this section to prevent, correct, or compensate for any damage to public resources which occurs more than one year after the date of completion of the forest practices operations involved exclusive of reforestation, unless such forest practices were not conducted in accordance with forest practices rules: Provided, That this provision shall not relieve the forest landowner from any obligation to comply with forest practices rules pertaining to providing continuing road maintenance. No action to recover damages shall be taken under this section more than two years after the date the damage involved occurs.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 34.05 RCW, RCW 76.09.040, [76.09.]050, [76.09.]370, 76.13.120(9). 01-12-042, § 222-46-030, filed 5/30/01, effective 7/1/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 76.09.040 and chapter 34.05 RCW. 97-24-091, § 222-46-030, filed 12/3/97, effective 1/3/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 76.09.040, 76.09.170 and chapter 34.05 RCW. 94-01-134, § 222-46-030, filed 12/20/93, effective 1/1/94. Statutory Authority: RCW 76.09.040, 76.09.050 and 34.05.350. 91-23-052, § 222-46-030, filed 11/15/91, effective 12/16/91; Order 263, § 222-46-030, filed 6/16/76.]

     (a) There is any violation of the provisions of the Forest Practices Act or these rules; or

     (b) There is a deviation from the approved application; or

     (c) Immediate action is necessary to prevent continuation of or to avoid material damage to a public resource.

     (2) The stop work order shall set forth:

     (a) The specific nature, extent, and time of the violation, deviation, damage, or potential damage;

     (b) An order to stop all work connected with the violation, deviation, damage, or potential damage;

     (c) The specific course of action needed to correct such violation or deviation or to prevent damage and to correct and/or compensate for damage to public resources which has resulted from any violation, unauthorized deviation, or willful or negligent disregard for potential damage to a public resource. The stop work order shall also set forth those courses of action necessary to prevent continuing damage to public resources where the damage is resulting from the forest practices activities but has not resulted from any violation, unauthorized deviation, or negligence. If the stop work order involves a condition imposed pursuant to WAC 222-20-040(3), then the specific course of action ordered by the department shall include a requirement that the operator obtain approval of the local ((government)) governmental entity of the action to be taken.

     (d) The stop work order shall also set forth the right of the operator to a hearing before the appeals board.

     (3) The department shall immediately file a copy of such order with the appeals board and mail a copy thereof to the timber owner and forest landowner at the addresses shown on the application. The department shall also mail a copy to the local ((government)) governmental entity if a condition imposed pursuant to WAC 222-20-040(3) is involved.

     (4) The operator, timber owner, or forest landowner may commence an appeal to the appeals board within fifteen days after service upon the operator. If such appeal is commenced, a hearing shall be held not more than twenty days after copies of the notice of appeal were filed with the appeals board. Such proceeding shall be a contested case within the meaning of chapter 34.05 RCW.

     (5) The operator shall comply with the order of the department immediately upon being served, but the appeals board if requested shall have authority to continue or discontinue in whole or in part the order of the department under such conditions as it may impose pending the outcome of the proceeding.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 34.05 RCW, RCW 76.09.040, [76.09.]050, [76.09.]370, 76.13.120(9). 01-12-042, § 222-46-040, filed 5/30/01, effective 7/1/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 76.09.040, 76.09.170 and chapter 34.05 RCW. 94-01-134, § 222-46-040, filed 12/20/93, effective 1/1/94. Statutory Authority: RCW 76.09.040, 76.09.050 and 34.05.350. 91-23-052, § 222-46-040, filed 11/15/91, effective 12/16/91; Order 263, § 222-46-040, filed 6/16/76.]

     (2) Penalty assessments shall consider the following:

     (a) Repairability of the adverse effect from the violation;

     (b) Whether the violation of the act or rules was intentional;

     (c) Cooperation with the department;

     (d) Previous violation history;

     (e) Severity of the impact or the potential for material damage to public resources; and

     (f) The extent to which a penalty to be imposed on a forest landowner for a forest practices violation committed by another should be reduced because the owner was unaware of the violation and did not receive substantial economic benefits from the violation.

     (3) Calculation of penalty. The department shall evaluate any violation to determine if a civil penalty is warranted. When penalties are to be assessed they shall be calculated using the following process:

     (a) Determine the base penalty; see WAC 222-46-065.

     (b) The penalty may be adjusted using factors specific to the incident and the site. The following additional factors will be independently considered and added to the base penalty to calculate the civil penalty:

     (i) Repairability:

     Repairability shall be based on the length of time natural restoration or implementation of a restoration plan will take and whether repair can be achieved. The penalty will be substantially increased when natural restoration will not occur within three years and the damage cannot be effectively corrected. For this factor, up to double the base penalty may be added to the penalty.

     (ii) Intention:

     In making a determination of intent, the department shall consider, but not be limited to, the following considerations: The foreseeability of the violation; whether precautions were taken to avoid the violation; whether an informal conference or enforcement action was served on the violator prior to the violation. For this factor, up to double the base penalty may be added to the penalty.

     (iii) Cooperation:

     The department shall consider whether the violator did or did not make any attempt to correct the problem. Timeliness of action(s) and/or ignoring or evading agency contacts or directives shall determine if the penalty shall be increased. For this factor, up to double the base penalty may be added to the penalty.

     (iv) Previous violation(s):

     The department shall consider whether the violator has previous violations of a forest practices rule or regulation as documented in an enforcement action. The department may consider company organizations and assignment of operational responsibilities when evaluating previous violations. A history of violations with adverse impacts or potential for adverse impacts or that shows a pattern of ignoring the rules or the act, shall result in a substantially larger penalty.

     Enforcement actions for the purposes of this section shall include notices to comply, stop work orders, civil penalties, and criminal citations when those enforcement actions are associated with forest practices violations. For this factor, up to quadruple the base penalty may be added to the penalty.

     (v) Severity:

     The department shall adjust the penalty based on the extent and magnitude of the damage or potential damage to public resources. For this factor, up to quadruple the base penalty may be added to the penalty.

     (vi) Landowner involvement:

     If in the opinion of the department, the landowner exercised reasonable prudence in the development of timber sale contracts or supervision of the forest practices operations, was unaware of the forest practices violation, and the landowner received no substantial economic benefit from the violation, then the landowner generally would not be assessed a civil penalty.

     (c) In accordance with RCW 76.09.170, the penalty may not exceed ten thousand dollars for each and every violation.

     (d) The department shall determine whether all or a portion of the penalty should be assessed against the operator, landowner, and/or timber owner. The department should consider the responsible party, the degree of control, the sophistication of the party and whether different parties conducted different violations.

     (4) Other participants. Every person who through an act of commission or omission procures, aids or abets in the violation shall be considered to have violated the provisions of this section and shall be subject to the penalty provided for in this section.

     (5) Government employees. No penalty shall be imposed under this section upon any governmental official, an employee of any governmental department, agency, or entity, or a member of any board created by the act for any act or omission in his/her duties in the administration of the act or of these rules.

     (6) Written notice. The penalty shall be imposed by a notice in writing, either by certified mail with return receipt requested or by personal service, to the person incurring the same from the department describing the violation with reasonable particularity.

     (7) Remission or mitigation. Within fifteen days after the notice is received, the person incurring the penalty may apply in writing to the supervisor of the department or his or her designee for the remission or mitigation of such penalty. Upon receipt of the application, the department may remit or mitigate the penalty upon whatever terms the department in its discretion deems proper: Provided, That the department deems such remission or mitigation to be in the best interests of carrying out the purposes of the act. The department shall have authority to ascertain the facts regarding all such applications in such reasonable manner and under such rules as they may deem proper. The reviewer may reduce, dismiss or not change the civil penalty.

     (8) Right of appeal. Any person incurring any penalty hereunder may appeal the same to the forest practices appeals board. Such appeals shall be filed within thirty days of receipt of notice imposing any penalty unless an application for remission or mitigation is made to the department. When such an application for remission or mitigation is made, such appeals shall be filed within thirty days of receipt of notice from the department setting forth the disposition of the application for remission or mitigation. Concurrently with the filing of any appeal to the forest practices appeals board as provided in this section, the appellant shall file a copy of the appeal with the department region from which the penalty was issued and a copy with the office of the attorney general.

     (9) Penalties due. The penalty imposed under this section shall become due and payable thirty days after receipt of a notice imposing the same unless application for remission or mitigation is made or an appeal is filed. When such an application for remission or mitigation is made, any penalty incurred under this section shall become due and payable thirty days after receipt of notice setting forth the disposition of such application unless an appeal is filed from such disposition. Whenever an appeal of the penalty incurred is filed, the penalty shall become due and payable only upon completion of all administrative and judicial review proceedings and the issuance of a final order or decision confirming the penalty in whole or in part.

     (10) Enforcement. If the amount of any penalty is not paid to the department within thirty days after it becomes due and payable, the attorney general, upon the request of the department, shall bring an action in the name of the state of Washington in the superior court of Thurston county or of any county in which such violator may do business, to recover such penalty, interest, costs, and attorneys' fees. In all such actions the procedure and rules of evidence shall be the same as an ordinary civil action except as otherwise provided in the Forest Practices Act. In addition to or as an alternative to seeking enforcement of penalties in superior court, the department may bring an action in district court as provided in Title 3 RCW, to collect penalties, interest, costs, and attorneys' fees.

     (11) Liens. Penalties imposed under this section for violations associated with a conversion to a use other than commercial timber operation shall be a lien upon the real property of the person assessed the penalty. The department may collect such amounts in the same manner provided in chapter 60.04 RCW for mechanics' liens.

     (12) Any person incurring a penalty is also responsible for the payment of all costs and attorneys' fees incurred with the penalty as well as interest accruing on the unpaid penalty amount.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 34.05 RCW, RCW 76.09.040, [76.09.]050, [76.09.]370, 76.13.120(9). 01-12-042, § 222-46-060, filed 5/30/01, effective 7/1/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 76.09.040, 76.09.170 and chapter 34.05 RCW. 94-01-134, § 222-46-060, filed 12/20/93, effective 1/1/94; Order 263, § 222-46-060, filed 6/16/76.]

     (2)(a) The department may disapprove any forest practices application or notification submitted by any person who has failed to comply with a final order or decision as set forth in RCW 76.09.080, 76.09.090, or 76.09.110, or has failed to pay any civil penalties as provided in RCW 76.09.170. This disapproval will last for up to one year from the issuance of a notice of intent to disapprove notifications and applications under this section, or until the violator pays all outstanding civil penalties and complies with all validly issued and outstanding notices to comply and stop work orders, whichever is longer.

     (b) For purposes of this subsection, "validly issued" means a stop work order or notice to comply for which no appeal or request for hearing has been filed; or if appealed, it has not been declared invalid by a final order or decision and all appeals are exhausted.

     (c) The department shall provide written notice of its intent to disapprove future applications or notifications, and shall forward copies of such notice to any affected landowner, timber owner or operator. The disapproval period shall run from thirty days following the date of actual notice or from the date all appeals, if any, have been exhausted.

     (d) Any person provided notice of intent to disapprove an application or notification may seek review from the forest practices appeals board within thirty days of the date of notice.

     (e) While the notice of intent to disapprove is in effect, the violator(s) may not serve as a person in charge of, be employed by, manage, or otherwise participate to any degree in forest practices.

     (3) A county may bring injunctive, declaratory, or other actions for enforcement for forest practices activities within its jurisdiction in the superior court as provided by law against the department, the forest landowner, timber owner or operator to enforce the forest practices regulations or any final order of the department or the appeals board. No civil or criminal penalties shall be imposed for past actions or omissions if such actions or omissions were conducted pursuant to an approval or directive of the department. A county may not commence injunctions, declaratory actions, or other actions for enforcement under this subsection unless the department fails to take appropriate actions after ten days' written notice to the department by the county of a violation of the forest practices rules or final orders of the department or the appeals board.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 34.05 RCW, RCW 76.09.040, [76.09.]050, [76.09.]370, 76.13.120(9). 01-12-042, § 222-46-070, filed 5/30/01, effective 7/1/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 76.09.040, 76.09.170 and chapter 34.05 RCW. 94-01-134, § 222-46-070, filed 12/20/93, effective 1/1/94; Order 263, § 222-46-070, filed 6/16/76.]

OTS-1850.1

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 01-12-042, filed 5/30/01, effective 7/1/01)

WAC 222-50-020   Other agency requirements.   (1) Many other laws and rules apply to the conduct of forest practices. Other agencies administer some of these other regulatory programs. Permits may be required by such agencies prior to the conduct of certain forest practices. The department will maintain a list for distribution of state, regional and local regulatory programs that apply to forest practices operations. Affected parties are urged to consult with the specified agencies and independent experts with respect to the regulatory requirements shown on the list.

     (2) Hydraulics project approval law, chapter 77.55 RCW. A hydraulics project approval must be obtained from the department of fish and wildlife prior to constructing any form of hydraulic project or other work that will use, divert, obstruct, or change the natural flow or bed of any river or stream or that will utilize any of the waters of the state or materials from the stream beds. See chapter 77.55 RCW and WAC 232-14-010.

     *(3) Compliance with the Shoreline Management Act, chapter 90.58 RCW, is required. The Shoreline Management Act is implemented by the department of ecology and the applicable local governmental entity. A substantial development permit must be obtained prior to conducting forest practices which are "substantial developments" within the "shoreline" area as those terms are defined by the Shoreline Management Act.

     (4) Nothing in these rules is intended to interfere with any authority of the department of fish and wildlife to protect wildlife under any other statutes or regulations, or under any agreements with landowners.

     (5) Federal Endangered Species Act, 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq., and other federal laws. The federal Endangered Species Act and other federal laws may impose certain obligations on persons conducting forest practices. Compliance with the Forest Practices Act or these rules does not ensure compliance with the Endangered Species Act or other federal laws.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 34.05 RCW, RCW 76.09.040, [76.09.]050, [76.09.]370, 76.13.120(9). 01-12-042, § 222-50-020, filed 5/30/01, effective 7/1/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 76.09.040 and chapter 34.05 RCW. 97-24-091, § 222-50-020, filed 12/3/97, effective 1/3/98; 93-12-001, § 222-50-020, filed 5/19/93, effective 6/19/93. Statutory Authority: RCW 76.09.040. 88-19-112 (Order 551, Resolution No. 88-1), § 222-50-020, filed 9/21/88, effective 11/1/88. Statutory Authority: RCW 76.09.040 and 76.09.050. 82-16-077 (Resolution No. 82-1), § 222-50-020, filed 8/3/82, effective 10/1/82; Order 263, § 222-50-020, filed 6/16/76.]

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