WAC 222-12-046   Cumulative effects.  The purpose of this section is to identify how the forest practices rules address changes to the environment caused by the interaction of natural ecosystem processes with the effects of two or more forest practices. This interaction is referred to as "cumulative effects." The following approaches have been taken:

     (1) Title 222 WAC establishes minimum standards for all forest practices, regardless of the class of forest practices application.

     (2) Forest practices which have a potential for a substantial impact on the environment are classified as Class IV-Special or Class IV-General by WAC 222-16-050 and receive an evaluation as to whether or not a detailed statement must be prepared pursuant to chapter 43.21C RCW.

     (3) Certain rules are designed to focus on specific aspects of cumulative effects of forest practices. For example:

     (a) WAC 222-08-160 requires continuing review of the forest practices rules and voluntary processes and adopts the concept of adaptive management. WAC 222-12-045 also adopts adaptive management.

     (b) WAC 222-12-040 allows alternate plans that provide protection to public resources at least equal in overall effectiveness to the protection provided in the Forest Practices Act and rules.

     (c) WAC 222-24-051 allows the department to require road maintenance and abandonment plans.

     (d) WAC 222-30-025 addresses harvest unit size and separation requirements.

     (e) Chapter 222-22 WAC addresses cumulative effects of forest practices on, at a minimum, the public resources of fish, water, and capital improvements of the state or its political subdivisions.

     (f) Chapter 222-46 WAC establishes the enforcement policy for forest practices.

     (4) The board shall continue consultation with the departments of ecology, fish and wildlife, natural resources, and archaeology and historic preservation, forest landowners, and affected tribes to further protect cultural resources and wildlife resource issues.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 76.09.040. 05-12-119, § 222-12-046, filed 5/31/05, effective 7/1/05. Statutory Authority: Chapter 34.05 RCW, RCW 76.09.040, [76.09.]050,[76.09.]370 , 76.13.120(9). 01-12-042, § 222-12-046, filed 5/30/01, effective 7/1/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 76.09.040 and chapter 34.05 RCW. 97-24-091, § 222-12-046, filed 12/3/97, effective 1/3/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 76.09.040, 76.09.050 and chapter 34.05 RCW. 92-15-011, § 222-12-046, filed 7/2/92, effective 8/2/92.]