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Recovery Plan for the Northern Spotted Owl - DRAFT

Recovery Plan for the Northern Spotted Owl - DRAFT

Recovery Plan for the Northern Spotted Owl - DRAFT

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5. State of Cali<strong>for</strong>niaRegulatory ProgramsForest Practices Act. The Forest Practices Act established a comprehensivesystem <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> regulation and management of timberlands to assure thatproductivity is restored, enhanced, and maintained, and that <strong>the</strong> goal ofmaximum sustained production of high quality timber products is achievedwhile giving consideration to watershed, wildlife, recreational, and o<strong>the</strong>rimportant values related to <strong>for</strong>est ecosystems. The program applies to morethan 7 million acres of state and private timberlands.Rules adopted by <strong>the</strong> Cali<strong>for</strong>nia Board of Forestry implement <strong>the</strong> provisions of<strong>the</strong> Forest Practices Act and <strong>the</strong> requirements of o<strong>the</strong>r statutes, such as <strong>the</strong>Cali<strong>for</strong>nia Environmental Quality Act.The <strong>for</strong>est practices regulatory programs and review process <strong>for</strong> timber harvestplans (THP) have been certified by <strong>the</strong> Secretary of Resources as functionallyequivalent to environmental impact report and analysis under <strong>the</strong> Cali<strong>for</strong>niaEnvironmental Quality Act. Be<strong>for</strong>e timber harvesting may commence, <strong>the</strong>Department of Forestry and Fire Protection must review and approve a THPwhich discloses in<strong>for</strong>mation on <strong>the</strong> proposed timber harvest operation and itseffects on <strong>the</strong> environment. A timber harvest plan may not be approved asproposed if <strong>the</strong>re are feasible alternatives or mitigation measures available thatwould substantially lessen any significant adverse environmental impacts frornimplementation of <strong>the</strong> proposal.1. Silvicultural RequirementsA THP must indicate which selected silvicultural methods are appropriateto <strong>the</strong> site conditions to protect environmental values. The plan is subjectedto a review process that includes consultation with o<strong>the</strong>r departments,such as <strong>the</strong> Department of Fish and Game and Cali<strong>for</strong>nia WaterQuality Control Boards, and public review and comment.2. Sensitive Species Listing ProcessThe Cali<strong>for</strong>nia Board of Forestry identifies by regulation plant and animalspecies or subspecies that require special consideration in <strong>the</strong> review ofTHPs to avoid damage to <strong>the</strong>ir habitat areas. The process is similar to <strong>the</strong>listing process specified under <strong>the</strong> Cali<strong>for</strong>nia Endangered Species Act.The state <strong>for</strong>estry board regulations include specific requirements <strong>for</strong>protecting <strong>the</strong>se species. The nor<strong>the</strong>rn spotted owl is among <strong>the</strong> species<strong>for</strong> which <strong>the</strong>se requirements apply.3. Water Course and Lake Protection ZonesThe water course and lake protection rules ensure protection of <strong>the</strong> waterquality, beneficial uses, and biological characteristics of watercourses andlakes within timberlands. Within fixed protection zones timber operatorsare restricted or constrained (e.g., by prohibition of clear-cutting and limitson road building) to prevent discharge of materials and erosion in andaround watercourses and lakes.79

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