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(continued)
(6) Special consideration for aesthetic enjoyment shall be given to selection of silvicultural treatments and timber operations within 200 feet of the edge of the traveled surface of any permanent road maintained by the County, or the State.
(7) Special consideration for aesthetic enjoyment and protection of adjacent stand vigor shall be given to the selection of silvicultural methods and timber operations within 200 feet of adjacent non-federal lands not zoned TPZ.
(b) Clearcutting. The clearcutting regeneration method involves the removal of a stand in one harvest. Regeneration after harvesting shall be obtained by direct seeding, planting, sprouting, or by natural seed fall. When practical, clearcuts shall be irregularly shaped and variable in size in order to mimic natural patterns and features found in landscapes. Site preparation and slash disposal measures, if necessary for successful regeneration, shall be described in the plan.
(c) Seed Tree. The seed tree regeneration method involves the removal of a stand in one harvest except for well distributed seed trees of desired species which are left singly or in groups to restock the harvested area. The seed step is utilized to promote natural reproduction from seed and to initiate the establishment of an evenaged stand. The removal step may be utilized to remove the seed trees after a fully stocked stand of reproduction has become established.
(1) Seed Tree Seed Step.
The seed tree seed step is the regeneration step and shall meet the following requirements:
(A) Retention of at least the following basal area of seed trees per acre which are 18 inches dbh or greater:
1. Fifteen square feet basal area on site I, II and III lands and
2. Twelve square feet basal area on site IV and V lands.
The seed trees must be of full crown, capable of seed production and representative of the best phenotypes available in the preharvest stand.
(B) No point within the logged area shall be more than 150 feet from a seed tree.
(C) Seed tree species and site preparation measures shall be specified in the plan by the RPF.
(D) Seed trees shall be marked by or under the supervision of an RPF prior to felling operations.
(E) If natural regeneration is inadequate within two years after the first August following completion of timber operations, seed trees may be harvested and artificial regeneration shall be used to meet the requirements of 14 CCR s 912.7(b)(1).
(F) In the absence of a Sustained Yield Plan, to maintain and improve tree species diversity, genetic material and seed production, trees of each native commercial species where present at the time of harvest shall be retained after harvest. These leave trees shall be representative of the best phenotypes available in the preharvest stand. The RPF may propose and the Director may agree to a species specific plan in the THP which protects existing regeneration or provides for regeneration in-lieu of retaining trees.
(2) Seed Tree Removal Step.
Not more than 15 predominant trees per acre may be removed in the seed tree removal step. Not more than 50 sq. ft. of basal area of predominant trees per acre may be removed in the seed tree removal step. The seed tree removal step may be utilized when the regeneration present exceeds the minimum stocking requirements set forth in 14 CCR s 912.7(b)(1). Regeneration shall not be harvested under the seed tree method unless the trees are dead, dying or diseased or substantially damaged during timber operations. The minimum stocking standards of 14 CCR s 912.7(b)(1) shall be met immediately upon completion of operations. The seed tree removal step shall only be used once in the life of the stand unless otherwise agreed to by the Director.
If the extent and intensity of the soil and vegetation disturbance caused by the harvest is similar to what would have been caused by a clearcut, the size limitations, separation (spacing) by logical logging unit requirements, and yarding equipment limitations of 14 CCR s 913.1(a) are applicable.
(d) Shelterwood. The shelterwood regeneration method reproduces a stand via a series of harvests (preparatory, seed, and removal). The preparatory step is utilized to improve the crown development, seed production capacity and wind firmness of designated seed trees. The seed step is utilized to promote natural reproduction from seed. The removal step is utilized when a fully stocked stand of reproduction has become established, and this step includes the removal of the protective overstory trees. The shelterwood regeneration method is normally utilized when some shade canopy is considered desirable for the establishment of regeneration.
(1) Shelterwood Preparatory Step. The shelterwood preparatory step shall meet the following minimum standards:
(A) At least the following basal area of seed trees per acre which are 18 inches dbh or greater shall be retained.
1. Thirty square feet basal area on site I, II and III lands and
2. Twenty four square feet basal area on site IV and V lands.
The seed trees must be of full crown, capable of seed production and representative of the best phenotypes available in the preharvest stand.
(B) No point within the logged area shall be more than 100 feet from a seed tree.
(C) Seed tree species shall be specified in the plan by the RPF.
(D) At least 125 square feet of basal area per acre on Site I lands, and 75 square feet of basal area per acre on Site II and III lands and 50 sq. ft. of basal area per acre on site IV and V lands shall be retained.
(E) The minimum stocking standards of 14 CCR s 912.7(b)(1) shall be met immediately upon completion of operations. Within six months following completion of work described in the plan, a report of stocking shall be filed as stated in PRC s 4587.
(2) Shelterwood Seed Step. The shelterwood seed step is the regeneration step and shall meet the following standards:
(A) At least the following basal area of seed trees per acre which are 18 inches dbh or greater shall be retained
1. Thirty square feet basal area on site I, II and III lands and
2. Twenty four square feet basal area on site IV and V lands.
The seed trees must be of full crown, capable of seed production and representative of the best phenotypes available in the preharvest stand.
(B) No point within the logged area shall be more than 100 feet from a seed tree.
(C) Seed tree species and site preparation measures shall be specified in the plan by the RPF.
(D) Seed trees shall be marked by or under the supervision of an RPF prior to felling operations.
(E) If natural regeneration is inadequate within two years after the first August following completion of timber operations, seed trees may be harvested and artificial regeneration shall be used to meet the requirements of 14 CCR s 912.7(b)(1).
(F) In the absence of a Sustained Yield Plan, to maintain and improve tree species diversity, genetic material and seed production, trees of each native commercial species where present at the time of harvest shall be retained after harvest. These leave trees shall be representative of the best phenotypes available in the preharvest stand.
The RPF may propose and the Director may agree to a species specific plan in the THP which protects existing regeneration or provides for regeneration in-lieu of retaining trees.
(3) Shelterwood Removal Step. The shelterwood removal step may be utilized when the regeneration present exceeds the minimum stocking requirements set forth in 14 CCR s 912.7(b)(1). Unless otherwise agreed to by the Director, the Shelterwood removal shall only be used once in the life of the stand. Regeneration shall not be harvested during the shelterwood removal step unless the trees are dead, dying or diseased or substantially damaged by timber operations. The minimum stocking standards of 14 CCR s 912.7(b)(1) shall be met immediately upon completion of operations.
The size limitations, and separation (spacing) by logical logging unit requirements, of 14 CCR s 913.1(a) are applicable unless the post-harvest stand, regardless of average diameter, meets the stocking standards of 14 CCR s 913.3(a)(1)(A) or (B). Not more than 32 predominant trees per acre may be removed in the shelterwood removal step. Not more than 100 square feet of basal area of predominant trees per acre may be removed in the shelterwood removal step.

Note: Authority cited: Sections 4551 and 4561, Public Resources Code. Reference: Sections 4561 and 4582(h), Public Resources Code.






s 913.1.5. Regeneration Methods Used in Even-Aged Management and Limitations.

Note: Authority cited: Sections 4551, 4553, 4561, and 21160, Public Resources Code. Reference: Sections 4512, 4513, 4551.5, 4561 and 4582(h), Public Resources Code.






s 913.2. Regeneration Methods Used in Unevenaged Management.
Unevenaged management is utilized to establish and maintain an unevenaged stand structure. Unevenaged management attributes include the establishment and/or maintenance of a multi-aged, balanced stand structure, promotion of growth on leave trees throughout a broad range of diameter classes, and encouragement of natural reproduction.
(a) Selection. Under the selection regeneration method, the trees are removed individually or in small groups sized from .25 acres to 2.5 acres.
(1) Trees to be harvested or trees to be retained shall be marked by or under the supervision of the RPF prior to felling operations. When openings greater than .25 acres will be created, the boundaries of the small group(s) may be designated in lieu of marking individual trees within the small group areas. A sample area must be marked prior to a preharvest inspection for evaluation. The sample area shall include at least 10% of the harvest area up to a maximum of 20 acres per stand type which is representative of the range of conditions present in the area.
(2) Post harvest stand stocking levels shall be stated in the THP. The level of residual stocking shall be consistent with maximum sustained production of high quality timber products. In no case shall stocking be reduced below the following standards:
(A) Selection System.
1. On Site I lands at least 125 square feet per acre of basal area shall be retained.
2. On Site II and III lands at least 75 square feet per acre of basal area shall be retained.
3. On Site IV and V lands at least 50 square feet per acre) of basal area shall be retained.
4. Unless the plan submitter demonstrates how the proposed harvest will achieve MSP pursuant to 14 CCR s 913.11(a) or (b), the residual stand shall contain sufficient trees to meet at least the basal area, size, and phenotypic quality of tree requirement specified under the seed tree method.
(B) Group Selection.
1. At least 80% of the stocked plots must meet the Basal Area stocking standards of 14 CCR s 913.2(a)(2)(A).
2. Not more than 20% of the stocked plots may meet stocking standards utilizing the 300 point count standard with trees that are at least 10 (ten) years old.
3. An RPF or supervised designee may offset up to 8 plots per 40 plots where those plot centers are initially placed within small group clearings created during the current harvest. Unless substantially damaged by fire, the RPF or supervised designee shall not exclude small group clearings created by previous timber harvesting from the stocking survey.
4. Unless the plan submitter demonstrates how the proposed harvest will achieve MSP pursuant to 14 CCR s 913.11(a) or (b), the residual stand shall contain sufficient trees to meet at least the basal area, size, and phenotypic quality of tree requirement specified under the seed tree method.
(3) Within any THP, small group clearings under the selection method shall be separated by a logical logging area.
(4) Following completion of timber operations (including site preparation) not more than 20 percent of the THP area harvested by this method shall be covered by small group clearings.
(5) Exceptions to stocking standards in 14 CCR s 913.2(a)(2) above may be granted only when proposed by the RPF and explained and justified in the plan, but in no case will the exceptions be less than specified in 14 CCR s 912.7(b)(2). Exceptions may only be granted when the RPF clearly demonstrates that the existing stand will grow substantially less than both the potential site productive capacity and the proposed post harvest stand.
(b) Transition. The transition method may be used to develop an unevenaged stand from a stand that currently has an unbalanced irregular or evenaged structure. The transition method involves the removal of trees individually or in small groups from irregular or evenaged stands to create a balanced stand structure and to obtain natural reproduction.
(1) Area for determination of preharvest seed tree retention levels shall be no greater than 20 acres in size.
(2) This method is to be used to increase stocking and improve the balance of age classes so as to allow the residual stand to be managed by the selection regeneration method. This method shall not be used more than two times for a stand. The RPF shall delineate areas previously treated by the transition method on the plan map.
(3) Stands suitable for the transition method contain adequate quantity and quality of seed producing trees to provide adequate regeneration for new age classes. Stands suitable for this method shall have no more than 50 sq. ft. of basal area greater than the selection basal area standards.
(4) Trees to be harvested or trees to be retained shall be marked by or under the supervision of a RPF before felling operations. A sample area must be marked before the preharvest inspection for evaluation. The sample area shall include at least 10% of the harvest area up to a maximum of 20 acres per stand type which is representative of the range of conditions present.
(5) Immediately following the completion of timber operations, the minimum basal area standards in 14 CCR s 912.7(b)(2) shall be met.
(6) The post-harvest residual stand shall contain at least 15 square feet of basal area per acre of seed trees at least 12 inches dbh or greater for timber sites I, II or III; or 12 square feet of basal area per acre of seed trees 12 inches dbh or greater for timber sites IV or V., except for timber sites I with Coast Redwood. For timber sites I with Coast Redwood, the post-harvest residual stand shall contain sufficient trees to meet at least the basal area, size, and phenotypic quality of the leave tree requirement specified under the seed tree method (14 CCRs 913.1(c)(1)(A)). Unless obviously stocked, these basal area requirements will be determined from sampling averaged across each harvested area required in 14 CCR s 913.2(b)(1). Unless the plan submitter demonstrates how the proposed harvest will achieve MSP pursuant to 14 CCR s 913.11(a) or (b), where present in the preharvest stand, disease free, undamaged seed trees 18 inches dbh or greater shall be retained post harvest until the stand exceeds the minimum seed tree requirements of 14 CCR s 913.1(c)(1)(A). The seed trees shall be full crown, capable of seed production and representative of the best phenotypes available in the pre-harvest stand.
(7) Following completion of timber operations (including site preparation) not more than 20 percent of the Plan area harvested by this method shall be occupied by small group clearings.
(8) The Plan Submitter must provide the Director sufficient information such as growth and stand description to demonstrate that the standards of the selection regeneration method will be met by the third and subsequent entries of Plan areas harvested by the transition method.
(c) Within six months following completion of timber operations conducted pursuant to the selection and transition methods as described in the plan, a report of stocking shall be filed as stated in PRC s 4587.
(d) In the absence of a Sustained Yield Plan, to maintain and improve tree species diversity, genetic material, and seed production, trees of each native commercial species where present at the time of harvest shall be retained after harvest. These leave trees shall be representative of the best phenotypes available in the preharvest stand. The RPF may propose and the Director may agree to a species specific plan in the THP which protects existing regeneration or provides for regeneration in-lieu of retaining trees.

Note: Authority cited: Sections 4551 and 4561, Public Resources Code. Reference: Sections 4561, 4582(h) and 4587, Public Resources Code.






s 913.2.5. Even-Aged Size Limits.

Note: Authority cited: Sections 4551, 4553 and 4561, Public Resources Code. Reference: Sections 4512, 4513, 4561, 4582(h) and 21001, Public Resources Code.






s 913.3. Intermediate Treatments.
(a) Commercial Thinning. Commercial thinning is the removal of trees in a young-growth stand to maintain or increase average stand diameter of the residual crop trees, promote timber growth, and/or improve forest health. The residual stand shall consist primarily of healthy and vigorous dominant and codominant trees from the preharvest stand.
(1) Post harvest stand stocking levels shall be stated in the THP. The level of residual stocking shall be consistent with maximum sustained production of high quality timber products. Generally stands will develop stand structures with considerably higher levels of basal area than provided in these minimum standards as stand age increases. In no case shall stocking be reduced below the following standards:
(A) Where the preharvest dominant and codominant crown canopy is occupied primarily by trees greater than 14 inches DBH:
1. On Site I lands at least 125 sq.ft. per acre of basal area shall be left.
2. On Site II and III lands at least 100 sq.ft. per acre of basal area shall be left.
3. On Site IV lands at least 75 sq.ft. per acre of basal area shall be left.
4. On Site V lands, at least 50 sq.ft. per acre of basal area shall be left.
(B) Where the preharvest dominant and codominant crown canopy is occupied primarily by trees less than 14 inches DBH, a minimum of 100 trees per acre over 4 inches DBH shall be retained for site I, II and III. For site IV and V 75 trees per acre over 4 inches DBH shall be retained.
(2) Exceptions to these stocking standards may be proposed by the RPF when explained and justified in the plan, but in no case will the standards be below those specified in 14 CCR 912.7(b)(2).
(3) For stands harvested in compliance with 14 CCR 913.3(a)(1)(A), the trees to be harvested or the trees to be retained shall be marked by or under the supervision of an RPF prior to felling operations. For all thinning proposals, a sample area must be marked prior to a preharvest inspection for evaluation. The sample area shall include at least 10% of the thinning area up to a maximum of 20 acres per stand type which is representative of the range of conditions present in the area. The Director may waive the marking requirements for the remainder of the THP area when explained and justified in the THP.
(4) Within six months following completion of timber operations as described in the plan a report of stocking shall be filed as stated in PRC Section 4587.
(b) Sanitation-Salvage. Sanitation is the removal of insect-attacked or diseased trees in order to maintain or improve the health of the stand. Salvage is the removal of only those trees which are dead, dying or deteriorating, because of damage from fire, wind, insects, disease, flood or other injurious agents. Salvage provides for the economic recovery of trees prior to a total loss of their wood product value. Sanitation and salvage may be combined into a single operation. The following requirements apply to the use of the sanitation-salvage treatment:
(1) The RPF shall estimate in the THP expected level of stocking to be retained upon completion of operations.
(2) Immediately upon completion of operations, the area shall meet the stocking standards of 14 CCR 912.7(b) unless explained and justified in the plan. If stocking is to be met immediately following completion of operations, a report of stocking shall be filed within 6 months of completion. If this standard cannot be met, the area must be planted during the first planting season following completion of operations and the minimum stocking standards of 14 CCR 912.7(b)(1) must be met within 5 years following completion of operations.
(3) Trees to be harvested or trees to be retained shall be marked by or under the supervision of an RPF prior to felling operations. When openings greater than .25 acres will be created, the boundaries of the small group(s) may be designated in lieu of marking individual trees within the small group areas. A sample area must be marked prior to a preharvest inspection for evaluation. The sample area shall include at least 10% of the area, up to a maximum of 20 acres per stand type, whichever is less, which is representative of the range of conditions present in the area. The Director may waive the marking requirement for the remainder of the THP area when explained and justified in the THP.

Note: Authority cited: Sections 4551 and 4561, Public Resources Code. Reference: Sections 4582(d), (h) and 4587, Public Resources Code.






s 913.4. Special Prescriptions.
The following special harvesting methods are appropriate under certain conditions:
(a) Special Treatment Areas Prescriptions. Special consideration in Special Treatment Areas shall be given to selection of a regeneration method or intermediate treatment compatible with the objectives for which the special area was established. Such areas shall be identified in
the plan. To assure the integrity of legally designated historical and archaeological sites and legally designated ecological reserves, and that the objectives of the special treatment areas are met, the RPF and the Director may agree, after on-the-ground inspection, if requested by either party, on specific silvicultural and logging practices to protect such areas. The Director shall notify affected agencies or groups with expertise in the resource involved in the special treatment area of any such areas located during the THP review process.
(b) Rehabilitation of Understocked Area Prescription. For the purposes of restoring and enhancing the productivity of commercial timberlands which do not meet the stocking standards defined in 14 CCR 912.7 prior to any timber operations on such lands, an area may be harvested provided it is restocked in accordance with sub-sections (1) or (2). To facilitate restocking, a regeneration plan must be included in the THP. The regeneration plan shall include site preparation, method of regeneration, and other information appropriate to evaluate the plan.
(1) If the area meets the standards of 14 CCR 912.7 within five years of completion of timber operations, the area shall be considered acceptably stocked, or shall be considered acceptably stocked if it contains at least 10 planted countable trees for each tree harvested on sites I, II, and III, and 5 planted countable trees for each tree harvested on site IV and V.
(2) On understocked timberlands where no countable conifer trees n are to be harvested and the broadleaf species are not designated for management, the area shall be planted to equal or exceed the stocking standards of 14 CCR 912.7(b)(1) and shall be considered acceptably stocked if within five years of completion of timber operations it contains at least an average point count of 150 of Group A species on all site classifications.
(c) Fuelbreak/Defensible Space. Where some trees and other vegetation and fuels are removed to create a shaded fuel break or defensible space in an area to reduce the potential for wildfires and the damage they might cause. Minimum stocking standards within the timber operating area shall be met immediately after harvest and shall be those found in 14 CCR 912.7. The RPF shall describe in the plan specific vegetation and fuels treatment, including timing, to reduce fuels to meet the objectives of the Community Fuelbreak area.
(d) Variable Retention. Variable retention is an approach to harvesting based on the retention of structural elements or biological legacies (trees, snags, logs, etc.) from the pre-harvest stand for integration into the post-harvest stand to achieve various ecological, social and geomorphic objectives. The major variables in the variable retention harvest system are retention types, densities, and spatial arrangement of retained structures; aggregated retention is the retention of structures or biological legacies as intact forest patches within the harvest unit; dispersed retention is the retention of structures or biological legacies in a dispersed or uniform pattern. Retained trees may be intended to become part of future stands managed by the Selection regeneration method. Retained trees are often designated as decadent tree or snag recruitment hence not ever intended for harvest. Regeneration after harvest outside of aggregated retention patches may be obtained by direct seeding, planting, sprouting, or by natural seedfall.
(1) In the plan, the RPF shall describe in sufficient detail to provide for review and evaluation: the trees and elements retained, the objectives intended to be achieved by retention, the distribution and quantity of retained trees, the intended time period of retention, and any potential future conditions or events the RPF believes would allow harvest of retained trees. The RPF may explain and justify, and the Director may approve a plan which indicates up to 50% of retained trees are intended for harvest during future Intermediate Treatments of the regenerated portion of the harvest area where such harvest(s) are consistent with stated Variable Retention objectives.
(2) The retention standards for Dispersed Retention shall be measured in average basal area per acre. Where retention is aggregated in groups (greater than or equal to one-tenth acre), percentage of harvest unit area shall be the standard. Sum of all areas within groups divided by harvest unit acres will be used to determine percentage of aggregated retention in the harvest unit. Area and trees located within any standard width WLPZ will be excluded from calculating retention.
(3) The following retention standards shall be met:
(A) Minimum dispersed Variable Retention standard is 20 percent of the Resource Conservation Standards basal area levels stated in 14 CCR s 912.7 [932.7 952.7] (b) (2), 10 percent of harvest area in aggregated retention or combinations thereof. Variable Retention harvests at the minimum retention level shall be limited to 30 acres.
(B) Table 1 shall be used for Determining the Maximum Size Harvest Area for Variable Retention. For areas with a combination of dispersed and aggregated retention types for determination of permissible unit size, the percentage of basal area in dispersed retention portions of the combination area may be reduced proportionately to the area in aggregated retention indicated in Table 1.
Table 1

Dispersed Retention Aggregated Maximum Size
Retention Harvest Area
>20% of 912.7(b)(2) >10% Area 30 Acres
>30% of 912.7(b)(2) >15% Area 40 Acres
>35% of 912.7(b)(2) >20% Area 60 Acres
>45% of 912.7(b)(2) >25% Area 80 Acres
>55% of 912.7(b)(2) >30% Area 120 Acres
>75% of 912.7(b)(2) >40% Area 200 Acres

(C) Aggregated retention areas that conform to the definition of Late Succession Forest Stands under 14 CCR s 895.1, with the exception of the minimum 20 acre threshold size, may be counted as contributing 1.5 times the acres they actually occupy toward providing retention.
(D) Retention trees classified as Dunning's Class 3, 4, 5, or 7 which exceed the size standards of 14 CCR s 912.7 may be counted as contributing 1.5 times their actual basal area toward providing retention.
(E) Retention standards shall be met on each 20-acre maximum area(s) within each harvest unit. Retention standards may be met by either dispersed, aggregated or a combination of the two types of retention.
(F) Unless explained and justified by the RPF in the plan, and approved by the Director, no point within the harvest area where retention standards are met by dispersed retention shall be more than 300 feet from a retention tree.
(G) With the exception of 14 CCR s 913.4(d)(3)(J) below, the average height of dispersed retention trees shall be at least (the average height of dominants and codominants of like species in the pre-harvest stand.
(H) For areas where the plan relies on natural seedfall to obtain regeneration, dispersed retention trees shall meet the standards of 14 CCR s 913.1(c)(1). Where retention is aggregated, retained aggregates shall meet the standards of Commercial Thinning required under 14 CCR s 913.3(a) including (a)(1)(A) or (a)(1)(B).
(I) Where specific WHR habitat elements are insufficient to provide functional wildlife habitat, the RPF may explain and justify and the Director may approve alternatives to the standards of subsections 14 CCR s 913.4(d)(3)(G) and (H).
(J) Decadent and Deformed Trees of Value to Wildlife, and Snags which meet the standards of 14 CCR s 912.7(b)(3)(A,B or C) and 14 CCR s 912.7(c) may be counted to meet up to 15 square feet of basal area per acre of retention in excess of the minimum variable retention standards (ref. 14 CCR s 913.4(d)(3)(A)).
(K) Trees shall be retained for at least 50 years unless a shorter period of time is described in the plan, explained and justified by the RPF, and approved by the Director.
(4) Retention standards shall be met immediately after harvest and if retention trees are to be used to meet stocking, at the time the stocking report is approved.
(5) The stocking standards of 14 CCR s 912.7(b)(1) within five years following completion of operations.
(6) Retention trees shall be protected to the extent feasible during timber operations consistent with 14 CCR ss 914.1; 914.2(e); 914.3; 915.2; 915.3 and 917.7.
(7) The plan shall indicate the estimated average pre-harvest and post-harvest basal area by species and diameter class. Diameter class designations shall be grouped in no greater than 6"classes.
(8) Where retention is aggregated in groups, the RPF shall provide in the plan a general description of group locations and/or a map showing the approximate location of the groups. This information shall be provided for each logging unit.
(9) All trees to be harvested or all retention trees shall be marked by, or under the supervision of, an RPF prior to felling operations. Where timber harvesting does not occur within retained aggregates, the boundaries of retained aggregates may be designated in lieu of marking individual trees within retained aggregates. A sample area must be marked prior to a pre-harvest inspection for evaluation. The sample area shall include at least 10% of the harvest area for each stand type represented in the range of conditions present in the area. Where necessary to evaluate the proposed retention, the Director may require additional marking before plan approval.
(10) To facilitate restocking, a regeneration plan must be included in the plan. The regeneration plan shall include site preparation, method of regeneration, and other information appropriate to evaluate the plan. Site preparation activities shall be designed to protect retention elements and maintain ground cover to the extent practicable while at the same time result in seedling establishment on the site and encourage long-term site occupancy of the regenerated trees.
(11) Another Variable Retention harvest may not be applied to the Variable Retention harvest area for at least 50 years for Class I, 60 years for Class II or III, or 80 years for Class IV and V site class lands after acceptance by the Director of the completion report except as specified in: (i) a THP that has been approved pursuant to 14 CCR s 913.11(a), (ii) an SYP, (iii) a PTEIR or, (iv) an NTMP).
(12) Within ownership boundaries, no logical logging unit contiguous to a previously harvested Variable Retention harvest area may be harvested by a Variable Retention method unless the previously harvested Variable Retention unit has an approved report of stocking and the dominant and codominant trees, not counting retention trees, average at least five years of age or average at least five feet tall and three years of age from the time of establishment on the site either by the planting or by natural regeneration. If these standards are to be met with trees that were present at the time of the harvest, there shall be an interval of not less than five years following the completion of operations before adjacent Variable Retention management may occur.
(13) A Regeneration Method Used in Evenaged Management, other than Shelterwood Preparatory Step, may not be applied to the Variable Retention harvest area for at least 50 years for Class I, 60 years for Class II or III, or 80 years for Class IV and V site class lands after acceptance by the Director of the completion report.
(14) Within an ownership, at least 10 years must pass after a Variable Retention harvest that exceeds the size standards of 14 CCR s 913.1(a)(2) before a Regeneration Method Used in Evenaged Management, other than Shelterwood Preparatory Step, may occur in an adjacent logical harvest area.
(15) Within an ownership, the separation requirements and adjacency limitations of 14 CCR s 913.1(a)(3, 6 and 7) shall apply equally to Variable Retention harvest areas and evenaged regeneration units.
(16) Alternative Prescriptions proposed under 14 CCR s 913.6 may not reference Variable Retention as the most nearly feasible method (ref. 14 CCR s 913.6(b)(3 and 4)). Alternative Prescriptions which approach but do not fully meet the minimum standards of Variable Retention shall be considered Alternatives to a Regeneration Method Used in Evenaged Management.

Note: Authority cited: Sections 4551, 4553 and 4561, Public Resources Code. Reference: Section 4582.5, Public Resources Code.






s 913.5. Stocking Status.
Under any regeneration method where artificial regeneration is specified in the plan to restock the logged area, a preliminary report on the degree of stocking shall be submitted to the Director annually, between October 1 and December 31, beginning two years following completion of logging by the timber owner or his/her agent until the stocking standard of 14 CCR 912.7 is met or exceeded or as otherwise required. This report shall indicate the degree of stocking achieved and any additional measures that will be taken tostock the logged area.

Note: Authority cited: Sections 4551 and 4561, Public Resources Code. Reference: Sections 4561, 4587 and 4588, Public Resources Code.






s 913.6. Alternative Prescriptions.
(a) An alternative prescription shall be included in a THP when, in the judgment of the RPF, an alternative regeneration method or intermediate treatment offers a more effective or more feasible way of achieving the objectives of Section 913 than any of the standard silvicultural methods provided in this article.
(b) An alternative prescription, as defined in 14 CCR 895.1, shall normally contain at least the following information:
(1) A description of the stand before timber operations, including:
(A) The RPF's professional judgment of the species composition of the stand before harvest.
(B) The RPF's professional judgment of the current stocking on the area expressed in basal area or a combination of basal area and point count.
(C) The RPF's estimate of the basal area per acre to be removed from the stand during harvest.
(2) A description of stand management constraints such as animal, insect, disease, or other natural damage, competing vegetation, harsh site conditions, or other problems which may affect stand management.
(3) A statement of which silvicultural method in the current District rules is most nearly appropriate or feasible and an explanation of why it is not appropriate or feasible.
(4) An explanation of how the proposed alternative prescription will differ from the most nearly feasible method in terms of securing regeneration; protection of soil, water quality, wildlife and disease protection.
(5) A description of the stand expected after completion of timber operations, including the following:
(A) The management objective under which the post-harvest stand is to be managed (even-aged, uneven-aged, or neither);
(B) The desired tree species composition of the post-harvest stand and the RPF's judgment as to the remaining stocking after harvest expressed as basal area or a combination of basal area and point count.
(6) The treatment of the stand to be used in harvesting, including:
(A) The guidelines to be used in determining which trees are to be harvested or left;
(B) The type of field designation to be followed, such as marking, sample marking of at least 20 percent of the area to be harvested, professional supervision of fallers, or other methods; and
(C) The site preparation and regeneration method and time table to be used for restocking.
(c) If an alternative prescription will have the practical on-the-ground effect of a clearcut, regardless of name or description, then the acreage limitations, and requirement for separation by a typical logging unit, yarding equipment limitations, exceptions, and stocking requirements for the clearcut regeneration method, shall apply.
(d) All trees to be harvested or all trees to be retained shall be marked by, or under the supervision of, an RPF prior to harvest. A sample area must be marked prior to the preharvest inspection for evaluation. The sample area shall include at least 10% of the harvest area to a maximum of 20 acres per stand type which is representative of the range of conditions present in the area. The Director may waive the requirements for the remainder of the area when explained and justified by the RPF in the THP.
(e) The Director shall approve the alternative if in his judgment it complies with 14 CCR 898 and if, considering the entire area to which the alternative is to be applied, it would: (1) when compared with the standard most closely related method identified in subsection (b)(3) above have the effect equal to or more favorable than such standard method would achieve in the areas of values relating to soil, the quality and beneficial uses of water, wildlife and fisheries,
(2) not create a significant adverse change in range and forage, and recreation and aesthetic values; and
(3) not reduce the after harvest stocking standards or evenaged prescription limitation below the most closely associated standard, unless the RPF demonstrates that either:
(A) the harvest will result in stand conditions that will increase long term sustained yield as compared to the long term sustained yield achieved by utilizing the stocking standards of the method identified in subsection (b)(3); or
(B) the yield over 20 years of a "No Harvest" alternative would be less than the yield over 20 years of the proposed alternative.
(4) not lead to the direct or indirect conversion of the timberland to other land uses not associated with timber growing and harvesting and compatible uses unless a timberland conversion permit is approved before submission of the THP; and
(5) not result in violations of any of the other standards in the rules of the Board.

Note: Authority cited: Sections 4551 and 4561, Public Resources Code. Reference: Sections 4551.5 and 4561, Public Resources Code.






s 913.7. Exceptions.
The requirements of this article shall not prohibit the timber operator from cutting or removing trees for purposes of:
(a) Clearing rights-of-way, log landings, campsites, or firebreaks necessary for the conduct of timber operations.
(b) The harvesting of Christmas trees and construction of a public fire protection agency fuelbreak is also permitted.

Note: Authority cited: Section 4551, Public Resources Code. Reference: Section 4584, Public Resources Code.






s 913.8. Special Harvesting Methods for Southern Subdistrict.
Only the following regeneration methods and stocking requirements shall apply in the Southern Subdistrict of the Coast Forest District. Timber operations shall be conducted in accordance with subsections (a), (b), (c), or (d) below. If the provisions of more than one subsection will be used within any individual timber operation or logging area, a line separating the areas to be cut under provisions of each shall be shown in the plan and clearly defined on the ground by paint or other means prior to filing the plan and so as to be readily identifiable during and after completion of logging.
(a) Leave uncut a well-distributed timber stand after timber operations have been completed on the logging area that is at least 40% by number of those trees 45.7 cm (18 inches) and more d.b.h. present prior to commencement of current timber operations and at least 50% by number of those trees over 30.5 cm (12 inches) d.b.h., but less than 45.7 cm (18 inches) d.b.h. Leave trees shall be thrifty coniferous trees which were dominant or co-dominant in crown class prior to timber harvesting or which have crowns typical of such dominant or co-dominant trees. They shall be free from significant damage caused by the timber operations. No conifer shall be cut which is more than 22.9 m (75 feet) from a leave tree 30.5 cm (12 inches) d.b.h. or larger located within the logging area. Average top stump diameter, outside bark, shall be considered 2.5 cm (1 inch) greater than d.b.h. No area may be cut in excess of the leave tree standards of this rule in any 10 year period. Upon completion of timber operations one of the following stocking standards for coniferous trees shall be met:
(1) Basal Area. The average residual basal area, measured in stems 2.5 cm (1 inch) or larger in diameter at least 27.6 m<>2 /ha (120 square feet per acre) on Site I lands, and at least 22.7 m <>2 /ha (100 square feet per acre) on Site II lands, and 17.22 m <>2 /ha (75 square feet per acre) on Site III lands, and 11.48 m <>2 /ha (50 square feet per acre) on Sites IV and V lands.
(2) Countable Trees. The area contains a well-distributed stand of trees with an average of at least 1112 countable trees per ha (450 point count per acre) as determined by using the following countable tree equivalents:
(A) 1112 countable trees per ha (450 countable trees per acre) not more than 10.2 cm (4 inches) d.b.h.; each tree to count as one toward meeting stocking requirements.
(B) 371 countable trees per ha (150 countable trees per acre) over 10.2 cm (4 inches) d.b.h. and not more than 30.5 cm (12 inches) d.b.h.; each tree to count as 3 toward meeting stocking requirements.
(C) 185 countable trees per ha (75 countable trees per acre) over 30.5 cm (12 inches) d.b.h. and not more than 45.7 cm (18 inches) d.b.h.; each tree to count as 6 toward meeting stocking requirements.
(D) 124 countable trees per ha (50 countable trees per acre) over 45.7 cm (18 inches) d.b.h.; and not more than 61 cm (24 inches) d.b.h.; each tree to count as 9 toward meeting stocking requirements .
(E) 74 countable trees per ha (30 countable trees per acre) over 61 cm (24 inches) d.b.h.; each tree to count as 15 toward meeting stocking requirements.
(F) Redwood root crown sprouts over .3 m (1 foot) in height will be counted using the average stump diameter .3 m (1 foot) above average ground level of the original stump from which the redwood root crown sprouts originate counting 1 sprout for each .3 m (1 foot) of stump diameter to a maximum of 6 per stump. Any countable redwood root crown sprout over .3 m (1 foot) in height but less than 10.2 cm (4 inches) d.b.h. shall count as 1 toward meeting stocking requirements.
(b) An alternative regeneration method may be approved only if all of the following are met:
(1) The regeneration method described in subsection (a) above is not silviculturally appropriate or feasible in the professional judgment of the Director and the RPF who prepared the plan.
(2) Cutting methods prescribed under the provisions of this section must maintain a well-distributed tree crown cover of at least 50% of the pre-existing tree crown canopy. At no time shall the crown cover be reduced to a level where the productivity of the land is jeopardized or to a level which would create a threat to soil and/or water resources. Provided the required crown cover can be maintained, the removal of all trees in small groups not exceeding .202 ha (one-half acre) in size may be approved as part of the overall cutting prescription.
(3) The alternative method shall provide overall protection at least equal to that of the standard provided by subsection (a) for watershed, wildlife, soil and aesthetic resources considering the silvicultural method, conditions necessary for regeneration, tree growth rate, annual rainfall, summer temperature and length of dry season, critical problems of erodible soils, unstable areas, need for high water quality, increased fire potential and exposure to more intensive use.
(4) A plan agreed upon between the RPF and the Director is prepared which gives timber stand information concerning stocking levels, cutting goals, timber stand growth and future harvest timing expectations. The plan must also include information on site location and preparation for planting required under (6) below.
(5) The timber operator is responsible for carrying out timber operations as described in the plan. The plan submitter is responsible for retaining an RPF to provide professional advice to the timber operator and timberland owner on a continuing basis throughout the timber operations. The RPF or the designee of the RPF works closely with the timber operator to help assure compliance with the approved alternative prescription and the terms and specifications of the approved plan. The RPF or the designee of the RPF is present on the harvest area sufficient hours each week to know the operations' progress and advise the timber operator. The RPF informs the timber operator of potential environmental impacts and the mitigation measures to be taken to minimize such impacts. The timber operator shall sign the plan and major amendments thereto, or shall sign and file with the Director a facsimile thereof prior to commencement or continuation of operation thereunder agreeing to abide by the terms and specifications of the plan. An RPF may be responsible for the conduct of timber operations under contractual arrangements with the timber owner.
(6) The logging area shall meet the stocking standards described in 14 CCR 913.8(a) within five years following completion of timber operations. Hardwoods, as per 14 CCR 912 "Commercial Species," designated for management may be counted for stocking. If such hardwoods are counted to meet stocking requirements, at least 20% of the total harvest area cut under 14 CCR 913.8(a) shall be planted with conifer trees at the rate of at least 1112 well-distributed trees per ha (450 trees/acre).
(c) The harvest of dead, dying or deteriorating trees resulting from fire, wind, insect, disease, flood, or other injurious agents as provided in 14 CCR 913.3(b) shall be exempt from 14 CCR 913.8(a) and (b) except for stocking under 14 CCR 913.8(b) provided there has been a preharvest inspection and a plan has been approved.
(d) Eucalyptus stands designated for management as a commercial crop may be harvested under the evenage silvicultural system provided the following conditions and limitations are met:
(1) Except as provided in 14 CCR 913.1 (a) (2), clearcuts shall be limited to 10 acres in size, and must conform with all other provisions of 14 CCR 913.1 (a).
(2) Clearcut areas shall be screened from direct public view by having screening vegetation between the clearcut area and public areas utilized by substantial numbers of viewers. Screening vegetation shall be a minimum of 100 feet in width. Screening shall be retained until vegetative regrowth effectively covers all areas of visible bare soil.
(3) Regenerated stands may be re-entered for harvest not sooner than ten (10) years after harvest.

Note: Authority cited: Sections 4551, 4553, 4561 and 4562.5, Public Resources Code. Reference: Sections 4561, 4561.1, 4562.5 and 4562.7, Public Resources Code.






s 913.9. Southern Subdistrict -Cutting Method and Stocking Provisions.






s 913.10. Timberland Productivity.
The goal of this section is to restore, enhance and maintain the productivity of the state's timberlands, where feasible.
(a) Where feasible, the productivity of timberlands shall be maintained on a site-specific basis by
(1) meeting the stocking standards of the selected silvicultural or regeneration method, or that level of stocking above the minimum that will achieve long term sustained yield (LTSY) that is proposed in 913.11 a or b.
(2) proposing and implementing an appropriate silvicultural system and regeneration method for the site,
(3) protecting the soil resource and its ability to grow commercial tree species and provide sustainable associated forest values.
(b) Timberland productivity is restored by mitigating the adverse effects of catastrophic events or previous land use activities in order to improve the site capacity to grow for harvest commercial tree species and provide forest values. (continued)