The state’s Forest Practice Board will conduct a public hearing on January 7 in Olympia about a proposed rule that would allow DNR to request specific geologic information when Forest Practice Applications (FPAs) are submitted for projects on or near potentially unstable slopes that could threaten public safety or public resources, such as water quality.
Who: Forest Practices Board
What: Proposed rule to require information about unstable slopes
When: 4 p.m., Wednesday, January 7, 2015
Where: Natural Resources Building
1111 Washington Street SE, Room 172
Olympia, Washington 98501
Why: To receive public comments about a proposed rule that would allow DNR to request specific geologic information prepared by a qualified expert when Forest Practice Applications (FPAs) are submitted for projects on or near potentially unstable slopes or landforms.
Written comments accepted
The public is invited to submit written comments about the proposed rule. Please send comments to: Patricia Anderson, Department of Natural Resources, PO Box 47012, Olympia, WA, 98504-7012; email to:forest.practicesboard@dnr.wa.gov or fax to 360-902-1428. Comments must be received by DNR no later thanJanuary 8, 2015.
Directions to hearing site
Southbound: Take I-5 Exit 105A. Follow the “State Capitol” lane, which parallels the freeway, for 1/4 mile.
Northbound: Take I-5 Exit 105. Keep to the LEFT following the “State Capitol” lane.
Go through the roundabout and the tunnel. At first traffic light (Capitol Way), turn RIGHT. Turn RIGHT again at the next traffic light (11th Ave.). At next traffic light (Washington St. SE), turn RIGHT once more. Turn LEFT into the visitor parking lot. Parking costs $1.50 per hour, weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
A directional map to the hearing location is online at: http://www.dnr.wa.gov/Publications/em_directions_to_dnr.pdf
More information
The rule, which would formalize a policy of added scrutiny DNR has been following since May 2014, is slated for final action by the board in February 2015. The text of the proposed rule is online at: http://www.dnr.wa.gov/Publications/fp_rulemkg_unstableslopes_cr102.pdf
Forest Practices Board
DNR processes and approves forest practices applications for projects, including timber harvests, on about 9 million acres of private and state forestland. The Forest Practices Board sets standards for forest practices such as timber harvests, pre-commercial thinning, road construction, and forest chemical applications. The rules are designed to protect public safety and public resources such as water quality and fish habitat while maintaining a viable timber industry. Chaired by the Commissioner of Public Lands or his designee, the board is an is an independent state agency that represents forest landowners, environmental groups, forest product manufacturers, counties, state agencies and the general public.
