629-643-0105 Western Oregon Standard Practice Vegetation Retention Prescription for Type N Streams (1) The purpose of this rule is to provide the standard practice vegetation retention prescription for Western Oregon Type N streams, as shown in Table 1. The riparian management area distances described in Table 1 are listed for each stream size category, as defined in OAR 629-635-0200. The operator shall apply the vegetation retention requirements described in this rule. Small forestland owners, as defined in OAR 629-600-0100, may follow the alternative vegetation retention option described in OAR 629-643-0141. [Insert Table 1. Western Oregon Standard Practice Vegetation Retention Riparian Management Area Distances] (2) The standard practice prescriptions and riparian management widths apply to Type N streams, depending on whether the stream classification is perennial (Np) or seasonal (Ns). The State Forester shall classify a Type N stream as Np or Ns following the process described in OAR 629-635-0200(18)(b) and (c). (3) For large and medium Type N streams, the operator shall: (a) Retain all trees and vegetation within 75 feet from the edge of the active channel or channel migration zone. (b) Retain all trees leaning over the channel. (4) For small Type Np streams flowing into a Type SSBT stream, the operator shall retain all trees within: (a) 75 feet from the edge of the active channel for a maximum distance of 500 feet upstream of the confluence of the Type SSBT stream; and (b) 50 feet from the edge of the active channel for a maximum additional distance of 650 feet upstream beyond the distance required by (a); (A) The operator shall determine the total distance of the tree retention area upstream of the confluence, as described in (a) and (b), according to the process in OAR 629-643-0130 (B) This distance may extend to the RH max of 1,150 feet. (c) For locations upstream of the tree retention requirements in this rule, the operator shall apply an R-ELZ or ELZ as required in OAR 629-643-0130 and as further defined in OAR 629-630-0700(6) and 629-630-0800(8). (5) For small Type Np streams flowing into a Type F stream, the operator shall retain all trees within 75 feet from the edge of the active channel for a distance not to exceed RH max of 600 feet upstream of the confluence with the Type F stream. (a) The operator shall determine the total distance of the tree retention area according to the process in OAR 629-643-0130 . (b) For locations upstream of the tree retention requirements in this rule, the operator shall apply an R-ELZ or ELZ as required in OAR 629-643-0130 and as further defined in OAR 629-630-0700(6) and 629-630-0800(8) . (6) Within riparian management areas, the operator shall retain all downed wood and snags that are not safety or fire hazards. The operator shall leave all snags felled for safety or fire hazard reasons where they are felled unless used for stream improvement projects. (7) The operator may fall, move, or harvest vegetation, snags, and trees within the distances described in Table 1 as allowed in other rules for road construction and temporary stream crossings (OAR 629-625-0000 through 629-625-0920), yarding corridors (OAR 629-630-0000 through 629-630-0925), or for stream improvement (OAR 629-643-0200). (8) The operator may conduct pre-commercial thinning and other release activities to maintain the growth and survival of reforestation or to promote fire resiliency within riparian management areas if the operator conforms to the following: (a) The operator shall ensure that such activities contribute to and are consistent with enhancing the stand’s ability to meet the desired future condition. (b) The operator shall submit to the State Forester a written plan that describes how the operator will meet these requirements and the goals of the desired future condition. (9) For all Type Np or Type Ns streams, the operator may count all retained trees within the distances described in Table 1 that otherwise meet the wildlife leave trees requirements within harvest type 2 or harvest type 3 units, pursuant to ORS 527.676. (10) If the vegetation retention requirements span a road and a safety hazard presents a risk to road users, the operator may request that the State Forester approve a plan to remove trees upslope of the road. The State Forester shall authorize tree removal within the designated tree retention area only under the following conditions: (a) Within the tree retention area, the width of the area where trees may be harvested from the upslope edge of the road shall be less than 15 feet. (b) An equivalent basal area shall be retained elsewhere within the harvest unit adjacent to the tree retention area or designated debris flow traversal areas. (11) For a Type Ns streams, the operator shall apply a 35-foot ELZ to each side of the channel as required in OAR 629-630-0700 and 629-630-0800. [ED. NOTE: To view attachments referenced in rule text, click here to view rule.] Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 527.710 & Section 2(1), Chapter 33, Oregon Laws 2022 Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 527.715, 527.765 & Section 2(2), Chapter 33, Oregon Laws 2022 History: DOF 7-2022, adopt filed 11/21/2022, effective 01/01/2024