WAC 365-190-060   Forest land resources.  In classifying forest land, counties and cities should use the private forest land grades of the department of revenue (WAC 458-40-530). This system incorporates consideration of growing capacity, productivity and soil composition of the land. Forest land of long-term commercial significance will generally have a predominance of the higher private forest land grades. However, the presence of lower private forest land grades within the areas of predominantly higher grades need not preclude designation as forest land.

     Each county and city shall determine which land grade constitutes forest land of long-term commercial significance, based on local and regional physical, biological, economic, and land use considerations.

     Counties and cities shall also consider the effects of proximity to population areas and the possibility of more intense uses of the land as indicated by:

     (1) The availability of public services and facilities conducive to the conversion of forest land.

     (2) The proximity of forest land to urban and suburban areas and rural settlements: Forest lands of long-term commercial significance are located outside the urban and suburban areas and rural settlements.

     (3) The size of the parcels: Forest lands consist of predominantly large parcels.

     (4) The compatibility and intensity of adjacent and nearby land use and settlement patterns with forest lands of long-term commercial significance.

     (5) Property tax classification: Property is assessed as open space or forest land pursuant to chapter 84.33 or 84.34 RCW.

     (6) Local economic conditions which affect the ability to manage timberlands for long-term commercial production.

     (7) History of land development permits issued nearby.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 36.70A.050. 91-07-041, § 365-190-060, filed 3/15/91, effective 4/15/91.]