Idaho Administrative Code
Title IDAPA 20 - Lands, Department of
Rule 20.02.01 - RULES PERTAINING TO THE IDAHO FOREST PRACTICES ACT
Section 20.02.01.050 - RESIDUAL STOCKING AND REFORESTATION
Current through August 31, 2023
01. Purpose. To provide requirements for residual stocking and reforestation that will maintain a continuous growing and harvesting of forest tree species, and for sites not requiring reforestation, to maintain soil productivity and minimize erosion. The rules specify the minimum number of acceptable trees per acre and the maximum period of time allowed after harvesting for establishment of forest tree species. (3-31-22)
02. Quality of Residual Stocking. On any operation, trees left for future harvest must be of acceptable species and adequately protected from harvest damage to enhance their survival and growth. Locate roads and landings and conduct felling, bucking, skidding, yarding, and decking operations to minimize damage to residual trees. Acceptable residual trees should have a minimum live crown ratio of thirty percent (30%), minimum basal scarring, and should not have dead or broken tops. When stands have a high percentage of unacceptable trees, consider stand replacement rather than intermediate cuttings. (3-31-22)
03. Sites Impractical to Reforest. Sites impractical to reforest, generally ponderosa pine and drier Douglas-fir habitat types, must not be harvested below minimum stocking, unless the site is converted to some other use or, in instances of wildfire, insects, disease or other natural causes, where salvage of damaged timber is planned. (3-31-22)
04. Stocking. (3-31-22)
MINIMUM STOCKING - ACCEPTABLE TREES
Idaho Region |
Diameter Range DBH (inches) |
Average Number of Retained Trees Per Acre |
Average Spacing (feet) |
North |
0" - 2.9" |
170 |
16 x 16 |
South |
0" - 2.9" |
125 |
18 x 18 |
North |
3.0" - 10.9" |
110 |
19 x 19 |
South |
3.0" - 10.9" |
75 |
24 x 24 |
North |
11.0" and greater |
20 |
46 x 46 |
South |
11.0" and greater |
15 |
53 x 53 |
(3-31-22)
Diameter Range |
Weight |
0" - 2.9" |
1 |
3.0" - 10.9" |
1.6 |
11.0" and greater |
8.4 |
(3-31-22)
05. Reforestation Exemptions. (3-31-22)
06. Supplemental Reforestation. Seeding and/or planting may be required if after three (3) growing seasons from the date of harvest, stocking levels do not meet the standards in Subsection 050.04. Complete required seeding and/or planting before the end of the fifth growing season following the time of harvest; the Director must grant an extension of time if suitable seeds or seedlings are not available or if weather or other conditions interfere. (3-31-22)