§8714.__Heavy cut allowed with harvest plan

A landowner may harvest or cause a parcel to be harvested in a manner that creates a heavy cut if a harvest plan is prepared prior to the harvest and the conditions of this section are met.__ A harvest plan must be prepared for each parcel 20 acres or greater in area prior to harvesting on that parcel.

1. Map.__A harvest plan must include a map indicating:

A.__The total area of the parcel; and

B.__All areas proposed for harvesting and the forest stand type for each area proposed for harvest.

2.__Silvicultural justification.__A harvest plan must include a statement signed by a professional forester stating the reason for the heavy cut.__The accepted justifications for a heavy cut are limited to:

A.__The removal of poor quality, intolerant, understocked, short-lived or mature overstories where the retention of the overstory trees is not justified for further increase in value, as a source of seed or for protection of the new stand;

B.__Ecologically appropriate improvement or creation of wildlife habitat;

C.__Harvest of timber stands that if less heavily harvested are at high risk for windthrow due to factors such as soils, rooting depth, crown ratio or stem quality; or

D.__Harvesting of an existing plantation or other forest stands established by or previously treated with precommercial silvicultural activities as defined in section 8881.

3.__Environmental protection.__A harvest plan must include provisions that address protection of soil, water quality and wildlife habitat.

4.__Changes to plan; harvest completion.__When a change is made to a harvest plan required under this section, the landowner shall keep a record of the change and the reason for the change.