OAR 629-642-0700
Site Specific Vegetation Retention Prescriptions for Streams and Riparian Management Areas
(1)
Intentionally left blank —Ed.(a)
Operators are encouraged to develop site specific vegetation retention prescriptions in a plan for an alternate practice.(b)
A primary aim of these prescriptions is to identify opportunities and allow incentives for restoring or enhancing riparian management areas or streams.(c)
Another purpose of site specific vegetation retention prescriptions is to allow for changes to the vegetation retention requirements in OARs 629-642-0100 (General Vegetation Retention Prescription for Type F Streams), 629-642-0105 (General Vegetation Retention Prescriptions for Type SSBT Streams) and 629-642-0400 (General Vegetation Retention Prescription for Type D and Type N Streams). The changes must provide for the functions and values of streams and their riparian management areas as described in the vegetation retention goals for streams while affording a better opportunity to meet other objectives.(2)
Operators may develop site specific vegetation retention prescriptions for streams and their riparian management areas to achieve the vegetation retention goals described in OAR 629-642-0000 (Vegetation Retention Goals for Streams; Desired Future Conditions) if:(a)
The potential of the streamside stand to achieve basal area and stand density similar to mature conifer forest stands in a “timely manner” is questionable; or(b)
In-stream conditions are impaired due to inadequate large woody debris or other factors; or(c)
The modification of a standard or practice would result in less environmental damage than if the standard or practice were applied.(3)
A plan for an alternate practice shall be approved if the State Forester determines that when properly executed the alternate plan will have no significant or permanent adverse effects and:(a)
It will meet or exceed the vegetation retention goals in a more “timely manner” than if the plan were not implemented; or(b)
The long-term benefits of the proposed restoration practice are greater than short-term detrimental effects; or(c)
The proposed practice will result in less environmental damage than if the regular rules were followed.(4)
Factors that may need to be considered in the plan include, but are not limited to, the potential of the existing streamside stand to achieve mature conifer forest characteristics, the long-term supply of woody debris, survival of planted conifers, sensitivity to changes in water temperature and water quality, the potential for sedimentation, the stability of woody debris placed in aquatic areas, and monitoring the direct effects of the proposed practices.
Source:
Rule 629-642-0700 — Site Specific Vegetation Retention Prescriptions for Streams and Riparian Management Areas, https://secure.sos.state.or.us/oard/view.action?ruleNumber=629-642-0700.