OAR 629-642-0300
Live Tree Retention Credit for Improvement of Type F and Type SSBT Streams
(1)
Many Type F and Type SSBT streams currently need improvement of fish habitat because they lack adequate amounts of large woody debris in channels, or they lack other important habitat elements.(2)
This rule allows operators incentives to conduct other stream enhancement projects to create immediate improvements in fish habitat. Operators placing large wood key pieces in streams, as described in OAR 629-642-0200 (Placing Large Wood Key Pieces in Type F or Type SSBT Streams to Improve Fish Habitat), may qualify for the live tree retention credit for Type F or Type SSBT streams under this rule only if such placement meets the additional requirements of this rule.(3)
When addressed in a written plan, operators may place conifer logs or downed trees in Type F or Type SSBT streams and receive basal area credit toward meeting the live tree retention requirements in a stream’s riparian management area.(4)
For each conifer log or tree the operator places in a large or medium Type F stream (except Type SSBT streams), the basal area credit is twice the basal area of the placed log or tree.(5)
For each conifer log or tree the operator places in a small Type F stream, or small or medium Type SSBT stream, the basal area credit is equal to the basal area of the placed log or tree.(6)
Basal area credit will be determined by measuring the cross-sectional area of the large end of a log or by measuring the point on a downed tree that would be equivalent to breast height.(7)
To receive basal area credit for downed trees or conifer logs placed in a stream, the operator shall comply with the guidance and restrictions for placing logs or trees prescribed by the State Forester.(8)
Operators may propose other stream enhancement projects for basal area credit such as creation of backwater alcoves, riparian grazing exclosures (such as fencing), and placement of other instream structure such as boulders and rootwads. When a project is addressed in a written plan and reviewed by the State Forester in consultation with the Department of Fish and Wildlife, basal area credit shall be given toward meeting the live tree requirements within riparian management areas. The basal area credit shall be negotiated between the State Forester, operator and Department of Fish and Wildlife.(9)
Basal area credit may be given to an operation for enhancement projects conducted at locations other than at the operation site so long as the project is in the same immediate vicinity as the operation site (for instance, within one or two miles of the operation).(10)
Basal area credit may be given to an operation for improvement projects conducted at a later date (this may be necessary to avoid operating under high water conditions or to protect spawning areas), but the project must be completed within six months of the completion of the operation.(11)
In granting basal area credit, the standing tree basal area retained within riparian management areas of Type F streams shall not be reduced to less than the active management targets for Type F streams shown in Table 2 or 3, as applicable.(12)
For small Type F streams in the Eastern Cascade and Blue Mountain geographic regions, the live conifer tree basal area may be reduced to 30 square feet for the active management target. The remaining portion of the basal area requirement must come from snags, dying or recently dead or dying trees, or hardwood trees if available in the riparian management area.(13)
Operators shall notify the State Forester of the completion of live tree retention credit stream improvement projects that were planned for locations other than on the operation site under section (9) of this rule or that were planned to be completed at another date under section (10) of this rule.
Source:
Rule 629-642-0300 — Live Tree Retention Credit for Improvement of Type F and Type SSBT Streams, https://secure.sos.state.or.us/oard/view.action?ruleNumber=629-642-0300.