Are There Laws Protecting The Forest During Harvesting?

Oregon was the first state in the nation to adopt a forest practices act, and -- whether a forest products company or a family forest owner -- planning to cut trees is required to comply with its requirements. The Oregon Forest Practices Act (OFPA), adopted in 1971, regulates harvest practices and other forest operations. It also protects forest resources like water, soil, and fish and wildlife habitat.

Protecting Water Quality. To protect bodies of water in forests, particularly where fish and domestic water supplies are involved, harvest operations are restricted within a certain distance from the banks. Protecting these streamsides, known as riparian management areas, promotes mature forest conditions, including large trees that provide shade and keep the water cool. They also help maintain fish habitat and prevent sediment from entering the stream. Application of chemicals such as herbicides and fertilizer is prohibited near streams.

Reforestation. Reforestation is required after every harvest. Landowners have 12 months to begin reforestation and 24 months to complete replanting. They also must manage competing vegetation until the young trees are free to grow. Regulations require trees to reach this point within six years.

Leaving Trees and Downed Logs for Wildlife. A Landowner must leave at least two green trees or snags plus two downed logs per acre in any harvest unit larger than 25 acres. Wildlife biologist have learned that snags and downed logs, as they decay, provide nesting sites and other habitat for many birds and other animals. Green trees are a future source of snags and add to forest complexity.

Size Limits. Clearcuts are limited to 120 acres within a single ownership, with certain permitted exceptions. In addition, they cannot take place within 300 feet of another clearcut on the same ownership until the clearcut area is successfully reforested.

Roads. There are strict regulations governing the construction and maintenance of forest roads on public and private land. They must avoid marshes, meadows, drainage channels, riparian areas, and, when possible, steep terrain. Where a road has to cross a stream, culverts and bridges must allow fish passage. The road, adjacent ditches, and culverts have to be designed and maintained to minimize erosion and runoff that might enter streams.

Sensitive Wildlife Habitat. Harvest operations must be avoided or modified in compliance with Department of Forestry regulations in areas near sensitive bird nesting, roosting, or watering sites, particularly when used by osprey, great blue herons, bald eagles, or northern spotted owls.

Operations Plans Required. All harvesting operations require prior notification and site maps for Department of Forestry review. Harvesting and road construction near streams and high-risk sites, such as steep slopes, require written plans or prior approval.

SOURCE: Oregon Forest Resources Institute, Forest Fact Book.