This chapter shall be known and cited as the
"Timber Harvesting and Forest Management Law of the Town of Philipstown."
It is hereby declared to be the policy of the
Town of Philipstown and the purpose of this Timber Harvesting and
Forest Management Law to conserve, manage, protect and make the best
use of trees and forests which are an integral part of the natural
resources and environment of the Town as well as its economy, by regulating
the cutting and harvesting of trees and using professional management
practices therefor and by improving and coordinating plans for tree
cutting, harvesting, forest restoration and forest management, in
order to enhance the health, safety and welfare of its people and
their overall economic well-being.
Whenever used in this chapter, unless a different
meaning clearly appears from the context or unless a different meaning
is stated in a definition applicable to only a portion of this chapter,
the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
APPLICANT
The individual, corporation, copartnership or other entity which files an application under §
159-7 of this chapter.
BASAL AREA PER ACRE
The total cross-sectional area of trees on one acre measured
at diameter breast height (DBH) expressed in square feet.
BENCH
A relatively flat interruption of an otherwise relatively
steep slope or hillside. Benches are typically longer than they are
wide and follow the contour of the slope.
BOARD FOOT
A measure of lumber one foot by one foot by one inch as measured
by the International 1/4 Log Rule. "MBF" equals 1,000 board feet.
CLEAR CUTTING
A method of cutting, removal or harvesting that removes 75%
or more of the trees of six inches in diameter or greater at breast
height (DBH) in either a stand of trees in an area of more than two
acres, or in any area of more than two acres.
CONSULTANT FORESTER
A professional forester to assist the Wetlands Inspector
or Natural Resources Review Officer in both the permit process and
enforcement of the provisions of this chapter. (cf "professional forester"
defined below.)
[Amended 9-25-2013 by L.L. No. 2-2013]
CORD
Four feet by four feet by eight feet or equivalent.
CUBIC FOOT
A unit of timber volume measuring 12 inches by 12 inches
by 12 inches.
EXEMPT OPERATIONS
Tree cutting and timber harvesting operations specifically
exempted by this chapter from the need to obtain a timber harvesting
permit.
FOREST MANAGEMENT
A long-range plan for the forest cycle of regeneration, tending
and harvesting to yield a sustainable forest.
HAUL OR TRUCK ROAD
Construction road utilized for moving cut trees from a point
where they are loaded on a truck to an exit from the site.
INTERNATIONAL 1/4 LOG RULE
A professionally recognized and accepted methodology for
estimating board foot volume in standing trees.
LANDING
Open or cleared areas used for loading logs onto trucks or
any general purpose such as storing logs or servicing equipment.
LOT
The same meaning as defined in Chapter
175, the Zoning Law of the Town of Philipstown.
MAJOR TIMBER HARVESTING OPERATION
The cutting, removal or harvesting of timber or trees from
an area of 10 acres or more in size on any lot, or from a contiguous
area of 10 acres or more in size on adjacent lots.
MINOR TIMBER HARVESTING OPERATION
The cutting, removal or harvesting of timber or trees from
an area of up to 10 acres in size on any lot, or from a contiguous
area of up to 10 acres in size on adjacent lots.
NATURAL RESOURCES REVIEW OFFICER
A Town employee or consultant appointed to review development
applications for compliance with Town environmental regulations, including
but not limited to wetlands, steep slopes, and conservation analysis
requirements of zoning. This term is synonymous with "Wetlands Inspector."
This position may be held by an official with other duties, such as
the Town Planner or Town Engineer.
[Added 9-25-2013 by L.L. No. 2-2013]
PROFESSIONAL FORESTER
One who has a minimum of either a bachelor of science degree
in forestry or other closely related environmental field from a four-year
college accredited by the Society of American Foresters, or an associates
degree in such field, with two years' full-time experience in work
closely associated with forestry management.
RIDGE
The topmost elevation of a steep slope which may either continue
relatively flat on the same contour or drop off to a lower elevation
on the back side.
SILT FENCE
Filter fabric attached to stakes one inch by two inches by
2 1/2 feet to collect siltation.
SKID TRAIL OR ROAD
Trail or rough road used to move a tree from the place where
it was cut to a pile or landing where it is loaded onto a truck.
SLASH
Those portions of trees remaining on the ground following
a timber harvest, including limbs, branches and other unmarketable
portions of the tree.
STAND
A contiguous group of trees sufficiently uniform in species
composition, age class and condition to be a homogenous and distinguishable
unit.
STREAM
The same meaning as "watercourse."
SUGARBUSH
A stand consisting primarily of sugar maple (acer saccharum)
trees annually tapped for the commercial production of maple syrup,
maple sugar, maple candy or other typical maple products.
TIMBER HARVESTING
The cutting, removal or harvesting of any timber or trees
from any property or lot in the Town of Philipstown, and includes
the term "timber harvesting operation."
WATERBARS
Small humps or diversions for the purpose of erosion and
sediment control which are built up across roads and/or landings which
catch and then divert runoff into adjacent vegetated areas in a nonerosive
manner.
WATERCOURSE
Includes the term "stream" and shall also have the same meaning as defined in Chapter
93 of the Code of the Town of Philipstown.
WETLANDS
The same meaning as defined in Chapter
93 of the Code of the Town of Philipstown.
WETLANDS INSPECTOR
The same meaning as defined in Chapter
93 of the Code of the Town of Philipstown. Also known as "Natural Resources Review Officer."
[Amended 9-25-2013 by L.L. No. 2-2013]
A timber harvesting permit is not required for
the following operations:
A. The cutting, removal or harvesting of trees or timber from an area
of 40,000 square feet or less in size on any lot or from a contiguous
area of two acres or less in size on adjacent lots.
[Amended 9-25-2013 by L.L. No. 2-2013]
B. The harvesting of evergreens specifically planted
for Christmas trees or the thinning of sugarbush.
C. The cutting or removal of timber or trees reasonably
necessary in connection with the bona fide construction or alteration
of a building, other structure, outside storage area or off-street
parking or loading area for which any required building permit has
been issued and an application for certificate of occupancy has been
approved.
D. A bona fide landscaping operation, provided that such operation also conforms to the requirements of Town Code §
175-34I(5).
[Amended 9-25-2013 by L.L. No. 2-2013]
E. The cutting or removal of timber or trees in connection with a bona fide operation for which a special use permit has been issued pursuant to Town Code Chapter
175, Article
IX.
[Amended 9-25-2013 by L.L. No. 2-2013]
F. The cutting or removal of timber or trees in connection with the construction of streets, drainage and other improvements and the changing of contours in an approved subdivision plat or in connection with an approved site plan in accordance with construction plans and contour plans approved by the Philipstown Planning Board pursuant to Town Code Chapter
112 or Chapter
175.
G. The cutting or removal of timber or trees in connection with and within the area of a soil extraction operation authorized under Town Code Chapter
175, §§
175-17 through
175-17.4.
[Amended 9-25-2013 by L.L. No. 2-2013]
H. The cutting, removal or harvesting on any property
or lot of trees or timber in any twelve-month period of either 10,000
or less board feet of timber as measured by the International 1/4
Log Rule or 20 full cords or less, whichever is greater.
I. The normal maintenance of trees or property through
the pruning or topping of trees or timber, or the cutting, removal
or harvesting of trees or timber which are dead or diseased or are
a hazard to public safety or health or property.
J. The cutting or removal of timber or trees in the case of a bona fide
emergency to protect or preserve health, safety or welfare of persons
or property as determined by the Natural Resources Review Officer
or other competent public safety or public health authority.
[Amended 9-25-2013 by L.L. No. 2-2013]
K. Any forestry use or timber harvesting operation for
which a building permit has been issued or an application for certificate
of occupancy has been approved prior to the adoption of this chapter.
[Amended 9-25-2013 by L.L. No. 2-2013]
A. Minor timer harvesting operation.
(1) Within 10 business days after an application for a minor timber harvesting operation is deemed complete, the Natural Resources Review Officer shall approve the permit, deny the permit or approve the permit with modifications and/or additional conditions. The Natural Resources Review Officer may consult with the Town's consultant forester and/or the Conservation Board if he/she deems it necessary. If a permit is denied, the grounds for denial shall be set forth. Upon grant or denial of a permit, the Natural Resources Review Officer shall notify the Conservation Board of the action. In the event of a denial of permit for a minor timber harvesting operation, an applicant may appeal as provided in §
93-10 of the Wetlands Law.
(2) The ten-business-day time period in which the Natural Resources Review
Officer must take action may be extended by mutual consent of the
applicant and the Natural Resources Review Officer.
B. Major timber harvesting operation.
(1) Within three business days after an application for a major timber harvesting operation is deemed complete, the Natural Resources Review Officer shall refer same to the Philipstown Conservation Board, which shall review the application according to its procedures and time line for major project wetlands permit plan approval under §
93-9 of the Wetlands Law.
(2) The Conservation Board shall issue a decision setting forth findings whether the standards and guidelines set forth in §
159-10 have been met and recommending that the Natural Resources Review Officer issue the permit, deny the permit, or approve the permit with modifications and/or additional conditions.
(3) Upon receipt of said decision from the Conservation Board, the Natural
Resources Review Officer shall promptly take action on the application
for permit in accordance with said decision.
All timber cutting, removal or harvesting operations
requiring a timber harvesting permit shall be designed and conducted
in accordance with the policy and purpose of this chapter and shall
adhere to the following standards and guidelines:
A. General.
(1) Clear cutting, as defined in §
159-4, is not permitted.
[Amended 9-25-2013 by L.L. No. 2-2013]
(2) No tree cutting, harvesting or removal, other than
exempt operations, shall take place between the hours of 6:00 p.m.
and 7:00 a.m., or on Sundays or legal holidays.
(3) All trees shall be felled so that no trees or debris
shall fall on any adjoining property or on any roads.
(4) All stumps shall be kept as low as possible and in
general, when measured on the uphill side, no higher than the diameter
of the tree trunk.
(5) Landing or loading areas should be located, if possible,
in the same vicinity as the operations. They shall be smoothed to
remove all ruts and debris at the conclusion of the operation.
(6) There shall be no tree cutting, harvesting or removal
on slopes over 25%, unless such property has been granted a real property
tax exemption pursuant to Real Property Tax Law § 480 or
480-a.
[Added 7-17-2002 by L.L. No. 1-2002]
(7) The Natural Resources Review Officer or Code Enforcement Officer
shall have the authority to issue a stop-work order for all or part
of the cutting and harvesting activity if in his opinion conditions
created by a spring thaw, adverse weather conditions or any other
cause may make damage to public roads likely or may result in soil
erosion or other damage beyond or outside of the boundaries of the
area of the timber harvesting operation.
[Amended 9-25-2013 by L.L. No. 2-2013]
B. Stream crossings.
(1) Stream crossing shall be kept to a minimum and shall
be designed and planned so that streams shall be crossed at the most
direct route at a ninety-degree angle to the flow of the stream, and
all crossings at heads of pools are to be avoided.
(2) Silt fences, straw bales, or the equivalent shall be installed and/or
maintained across the roads at stream crossings when the road is not
in use.
[Amended 9-25-2013 by L.L. No. 2-2013]
(3) Stream crossing sites shall be at locations with low, stable banks,
a firm stream bottom and gentle slopes along the approaches. All temporary
culverts, bridges or runways, etc., must be removed after use.
(4) There shall be no skidding in any stream channel, and all fallen
trees, bushes and debris shall be promptly removed from any stream
channel.
(5) In order to keep stream banks stable and to minimize stream temperature variations, no trees shall be cut within 100 feet of stream banks unless a permit has been issued pursuant to Town Code Chapter
93.
[Amended 9-25-2013 by L.L. No. 2-2013]
(6) There shall be no cleaning, draining of oils, gasoline,
hydraulic fluids, antifreeze, etc., or any other maintenance of any
machinery, vehicles, chainsaws, etc., and no refueling of any equipment
with said or similar fluids within 100 feet of any water body or dry
stream channel.
(7) Running water from skid trails and haul roads shall
not be diverted directly into a stream or other water body but should
be diverted into a well-vegetated area.
C. Road and skid trails.
(1) A driveway permit shall be obtained from the appropriate
town, county or state agency for any new access road to the timber
harvesting operation.
(2) Whenever practical, haul roads and skid trails shall be located on benches and ridges and off of steep slopes to minimize erosion. They must be kept out of wet and poorly drained areas and off the tops and toes of banks and slopes. Roads should be designed so that their construction causes a minimum amount of soil removal and shall not exceed 14 feet in width. Any haul road or skid trail constructed within 100 feet of a town-controlled wetland or within 100 feet of mean high water of a watercourse, as defined in §
93-4 of the Philipstown Freshwater Wetlands and Watercourse Law, shall require a wetlands and watercourse permit.
[Amended 9-25-2013 by L.L. No. 2-2013]
(3) Whenever practical, haul roads and skid trails shall
be kept back from streams, ponds, wetlands and other water bodies
at least 100 feet on slopes of 25% or less and at least 150 feet from
steeper slopes.
(4) Running water shall be diverted off haul roads and
skid trails by waterbars placed at the following intervals:
|
Road Grade
|
Spacing
(in feet)
|
---|
|
2% to 5%
|
300 to 500
|
|
6% to 10%
|
200 to 300
|
|
11% to 15%
|
100 to 200
|
|
Over 15%
|
100
|
(5) No haul road or skid trail shall exceed a slope of
25% for a distance of more than 100 feet.
D. Landings and buffer zones.
(1) Whenever practical, landings shall be located so as
to avoid erosion by keeping such landings out of low spots and poorly
drained places. Whenever possible, landings shall be located on gently
sloping ground that provides good drainage. Whenever possible, landings
shall not be located in areas of special flood hazard and shall be
set back at least 200 feet from streams, ponds, lakes, swampy areas
and marshes.
(2) Whenever practical, landings shall be located at least
200 feet from all roads and adjacent property. Access roads to such
landing areas should be designed to reduce visibility from the road
whenever reasonably possible.
(3) The nature and dimension of buffers between the harvesting
area and any public or private road or any adjacent property, if applicable,
must be addressed in the applicant's forest management plan.
E. Reclamation. Upon completion or termination of the
cutting and harvesting activity, or upon revocation of the timber
harvesting permit, reclamation of the site shall be performed by the
applicant as follows:
[Amended 9-25-2013 by L.L. No. 2-2013]
(1) All stream crossings, stream culverts, bridges and
runways shall be treated according to the requirements of the Department
of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and/or the Wetlands and Watercourse
Law.
(2) Haul roads and skid trails shall be smoothed and sloped.
Said haul roads and skid trails shall also be seeded with grass.
(3) Landings and loading areas shall be smoothed to remove
all ruts and debris and shall be seeded with grass.
(4) All trash and debris within the area covered by the
permit, such as oil cans, food containers, cables, etc., shall be
removed during and after the operation.
(5) All structures erected during the operation shall
be removed upon completion, unless a certificate of occupancy is obtained
for same.
(6) All hung-up or partly fallen trees shall be pulled
down during the operation and at the termination of the operation.
As slash constitutes a serious fire hazard, all slash must be chopped
into a layer not more than four feet thick, in contact with the ground
or piled and burned under controlled conditions. Quick decay or removal
of slash is key to fire prevention and forest regeneration.
(7) On land that is not intended for immediate building
or other development, native and/or noninvasive seed trees shall be
left or planted for restoration of the forest, and small trees shall
be retained on steep slopes.
(8) All reclamation efforts shall be subject to inspection and review
by the Natural Resources Review Officer and/or Code Enforcement Officer
to assure compliance with this chapter.
(9) Upon completion of the operation, a statement shall be filed with
the Natural Resources Review Officer by the contractor, forester and
property owner certifying that the operation was performed in accordance
with the application and all the standards set forth herein.
F. Additional standards.
(1) The Natural Resources Review Officer or the Conservation Board, in
the case of a major timber harvesting operation, may impose such other
additional standards as may be warranted by specific circumstances.
[Amended 9-25-2013 by L.L. No. 2-2013]
(2) In the event that any other or stricter standards,
measures or permits are required by any federal, state, county or
Town governmental authority, agency or department having jurisdiction
thereof (for example, the Freshwater Wetlands and Watercourse Law
of the Town of Philipstown, New York Water Resources Law and New York fire laws) the
same shall be complied with by the persons conducting such operation.
(3) The Natural Resources Review Officer, Code Enforcement Officer or
the Philipstown Superintendent of Highways shall have the right to
restrict the weight of logging trucks and equipment in accordance
with the capabilities or conditions of Town and private roads, bridges
and culverts. The Natural Resources Review Officer, Code Enforcement
Officer or Highway Superintendent shall have the right to require
the repair of roads, bridges and culverts damaged as a result of any
operation.
[Amended 9-25-2013 by L.L. No. 2-2013]
(4) Applications for timber harvesting permits are subject
to the State Environmental Quality Review Act.
[Amended 9-25-2013 by L.L. No. 2-2013]
As a part of the permit procedure and to ensure compliance by
the applicant with the conditions of the permit and all of the standards
set forth in this chapter, a bond shall be posted with the Town of
Philipstown in an amount to be determined by the Natural Resources
Review Officer or, in the case of major timber harvesting operations,
by the Conservation Board. Such amount shall be no less than 10% of
the contract price. Said bond shall remain in full force and effect
throughout the operation and will be released once a certificate of
completion has been issued by the Natural Resources Review Officer
or Code Enforcement Officer following a site inspection indicating
that all of the provisions of this chapter and any additional permit
conditions have been complied with. The bonding or surety company,
or the security posted by the owner, is subject to the approval of
the Town Board, as is the form, sufficiency and manner of execution
of the bond. Such bonds may be but are not limited to surety bonds,
cash bonds or irrevocable letters of credit.
Any violation of this chapter is hereby declared
to be a violation, punishable by a fine not exceeding $1,000 or by
imprisonment for a period not to exceed 15 days, or by both such fine
and imprisonment. Each day's continued violation shall constitute
a separate additional violation.
If any part of or provision of this chapter
or the application thereof to any person or circumstances be adjudged
invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, such judgment shall
be confined in its operation to the part or provision of this chapter
directly involved in the controversy in which such judgment shall
have been rendered and shall not affect or impair the validity of
the remainder of this chapter or the application thereof to other
persons or circumstances.