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 945.3 - Timber Harvest Prescriptions

Universal Citation: 14 CA Code of Regs 945.3

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

The following Rules shall be applied to all areas designated Scenic Combining District. Limited timber harvesting may be allowed within the Scenic Combining Districts using the following criteria:

(a) Selection. In the areas designated as Scenic Combining Districts, only the selection Regeneration Method and commercial thinning shall be used. The group selection method (14 CCR § 933.2(a)(2)(B)) shall not be used.

(1) A map that clearly defines the location and extent of the Scenic Combining District occurring on the site to be harvested shall be submitted with the Plan.

(2) Trees to be harvested shall be marked by or under the supervision of an RPF. All trees to be harvested shall be marked within the Scenic Combining District prior to a preharvest inspection for evaluation.

(3) In all areas designated as Scenic Combining Districts, at least 75 square feet per acre of conifer basal area shall be retained.

(4) Post harvest stand Stocking levels of conifers shall be stated in the Plan. The level of residual Stocking shall be consistent with maximum sustained production for high quality timber products. In no case shall conifer Stocking levels per acre be reduced below the following standards:
(A) Within the first 150 feet of the Scenic Combining District, at least 50% of the trees 18 to 24 inches dbh, and 50% of the trees 26 inches dbh and larger, shall be retained.

(B) Between 150 and 300 feet of the Scenic Combining District, at least 50% of the trees less than 18 inches dbh, 40% of the trees 18-24 inches dbh, and 33% of the trees 26 inches dbh and larger shall be retained.

(C) Between 300 feet and the outermost boundary of the Scenic Combining District, 75 square feet of Basal Area Per Acre shall be retained.

(b) Logging Roads, Tractor Roads, and Landings shall be screened from direct view to the extent Feasible by leaving trees and vegetation between the disturbed areas and vista points that would attract viewers.

(c) Hardwoods shall be considered for the purposes of aesthetic enhancement and a minimum of 25% of the pre-harvest hardwood basal area shall be retained.

(d) A second harvest shall not be conducted sooner than ten years following completion of an initial harvest unless an Emergency condition exists pursuant to 14 CCR § 1052 et seq. in the interim, or pursuant to a conversion exemption (14 CCR § 1104.1).

1. New section filed 11-30-2000; operative 1-1-2001 pursuant to Public Resources Code section 4554.5 (Register 2000, No. 48).
2. Change without regulatory effect amending section filed 10-31-2017 pursuant to section 100, title 1, California Code of Regulations (Register 2017, No. 44).

Note: Authority cited: Section 4516.5, Public Resources Code. Reference: Section 4516.5, Public Resources Code.

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