California Code of Regulations
Title 14 - Natural Resources
Division 1.5 - Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
Chapter 4 - Forest Practices
Subchapter 5 - Northern Forest District Rules
Article 11 - Logging Roads, Landings, and Logging Road Watercourse Crossings
Section 943.6 - Use of Logging Roads and Landings

Universal Citation: 14 CA Code of Regs 943.6

Current through Register 2024 Notice Reg. No. 38, September 20, 2024

The following use standards shall apply to Logging Roads and Landings:

(a) Logging Roads and Landings shall be used in a manner that is consistent with their design and construction specifications.

(b) Logging Roads and Landings shall not be used during any time of the year when operations may result in Significant Sediment Discharge to Watercourse or Lakes, except in emergencies to protect the road, to reduce erosion, to protect water quality, or in response to public safety needs.

(c) During the Extended Wet Weather Period, log hauling or other heavy equipment uses shall be limited to Logging Roads and Landings that exhibit a Stable Operating Surface in conformance with (b) above. Routine use of Logging Roads and Landings shall not occur when equipment cannot operate under its own power.

(d) When burning permits are required pursuant to PRC § 4423, Logging Roads and Landings that are in use shall be kept in passable condition for fire trucks.

(e) Roadside Berms that impede Logging Road drainage, concentrate Logging Road surface flow, or lead to hydrologic connection shall be removed or breached before the beginning of the Winter Period, with the exception of Berms needed for Erosion Control.

(f) Temporary Roads shall be blocked or otherwise closed to standard production four-wheel drive highway vehicles prior to the Winter Period, or upon completion of use as specified in an approved Winter Period operating Plan pursuant to 14 CCR § 934.7(b).

(g) Logging Roads and Landings used for log hauling or other heavy equipment uses during the Winter Period shall occur on a Stable Operating Surface and, where necessary, be surfaced with rock to a depth and quantity sufficient to maintain such a surface. Use is prohibited on roads that are not hydrologically disconnected and exhibit Saturated Soil Conditions. Exceptions may be proposed by the RPF when locations are disclosed and justified in the THP, consistent with 14 CCR § 923(c). Exceptions must be approved by the Director.

(h) In Watersheds with Listed Anadromous Salmonids and in Planning Watersheds immediately upstream of, and contiguous to, any watershed with listed anadromous salmonids, the following shall apply:

(1) Existing Logging Roads or Landings shall not be used within the CMZ of a Class I Watercourse except as listed in 14 CCR § 936.9 subsection (e)(1)(A)-(F) or pursuant to 14 CCR § 936.9(v).

(2) When Feasible, minimize use of existing Logging Roads and Landings located within Inner Zones A and B of Flood Prone Areas. Exceptions include the use of roads and Landings to accomplish actions to improve salmonid habitat conditions stated in 14 CCR § 936.9(f)(3)(E)1.

(3) Log hauling on Logging Roads and Landings shall be limited to those which are hydrologically disconnected from Watercourses to the extent Feasible, and exhibit a Stable Operating Surface in conformance with (b) above. Exceptions may be proposed by the RPF when locations are disclosed and justified in the THP, consistent with 14 CCR § 923(c). Exceptions must be approved by the Director.

(4) Concurrent with use for log hauling, all Road Approaches to Logging Road Watercourse crossings shall be treated for Erosion Control as needed to minimize soil erosion and sediment transport and to prevent Significant Sediment Discharge to Watercourses or Lakes.

(5) Concurrent with use for log hauling, all traveled surfaces of Logging Roads in a WLPZ, and ELZ or EEZ designated for Watercourse or Lake protection, shall be treated for Erosion Control as needed to minimize soil erosion and sediment transport and to prevent Significant Sediment Discharge to Watercourses or Lakes.

(6) No Timber Operations shall take place during the Extended Wet Weather Period unless the approved Plan incorporates a complete Winter Period operating Plan pursuant to 14 CCR § 934.7(b) that specifically addresses, where applicable, proposed Logging Road or Landing use.

1. Amendment filed 12-20-89; operative 2-1-90 (Register 90, No. 3).
2. Amendment filed 2-11-91; operative 3-13-91 (Register 91, No. 14).
3. Amendment of section heading, repealer and new section and amendment of NOTE filed 6-11-2014; operative 1-1-2015 pursuant to Public Resources Code section 4554.5 (Register 2014, No. 24).
4. Change without regulatory effect amending section filed 12-20-2017 pursuant to section 100, title 1, California Code of Regulations (Register 2017, No. 51).

Note: Authority cited: Sections 4551, 4551.5, 4453 and 4562.9, Public Resources Code. Reference: Sections 4512, 4513, 4551, 4551.5, 4562.5 and 4562.7, Public Resources Code; 33 USC 1288(b); 40 CFR 130.2(q); and Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc. v. Arcata Natl. Corp. (1972) 59 Cal.App.3d 959, 131 Cal. Rptr. 172.

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