Md. Code Regs. 08.15.02.05

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 24, December 2, 2024

Section 08.15.02.05 - Logging

A. Logging operations may be conducted in the scenic corridor if approval is obtained from the Department by the owner of the land, a lessee, or authorized agent. A request for approval may be made by submitting a harvesting plan to the Department. The harvest plan shall be on a form provided by the Department and shall contain all the information needed for the Department to evaluate the proposal using the criteria specified in §D of this regulation.

B. The Department shall forward a copy of the plan to the Garrett County Forest Conservancy District Board. Upon reviewing the prepared plan, the Board shall make recommendations to the Department.

C. The Department shall approve, approve conditionally, or deny the request to conduct a logging operation within the scenic corridor.

D. The Department, in evaluating a request for a logging operation, shall take into account:

(1) The effect of the proposed harvesting plan on the scenic and wild character of the river;

(2) Whether or not the proposed harvesting plan allows sufficient natural vegetation on or near the shoreline to remain undisturbed so as to screen the logged area from the river and its contiguous shore;

(3) The effect the logging operation may have on the fish, aquatic, and riverine resources by altering the temperature of the water, causing siltation or pesticide or fertilizer contamination, or any other deleterious effect; and

(4) The use of best management practices taking into account the slope of the land to be logged and the basal area of the trees.

Md. Code Regs. 08.15.02.05