Township of Easttown, PA Article VII Forestry

§ 274-26 Timber harvesting plan.

A. Timber harvesting, when permitted, shall be in compliance with a timber harvesting plan.

B. Timber harvesting shall be conducted in such a manner as to provide the least disturbance necessary to the existing woodland.

C. Timber harvesting that would threaten the growth of remaining trees shall be avoided.

D. Woodlands and other natural vegetation that remain interconnected with abutting woodlands or wooded areas of adjacent properties should be preserved to maintain continuous woodland corridors and allow for the normal movement, dispersion, and migration of wildlife. The applicant shall, within the timber management plan, justify the necessity of separating or dividing woodlands or extensive habitat areas, especially woodlands exceeding 10 acres in area.

E. No accumulation of slash shall be left within 50 feet of any public roadway.

F. Felling or skidding on or across any public road is prohibited without the express written consent of the Township or the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, whichever is responsible for the maintenance of such roads.

G. Skid trails, log yards, and other sites, where the operation of harvesting machinery results in the exposure of soil, shall be left in a condition suitable for natural reforestation and in a condition that will not promote soil erosion.

H. A Pennsylvania-certified forester or other certified professional approved by the Township shall clearly mark all trees, six inches or greater dbh, that are to be harvested.

I. Tree removal shall not create single clear-cut openings greater than 5,000 square feet in the forest canopy. Where such openings exceed 2,500 square feet, they shall be at least 100 feet apart. Such clear-cut openings shall be included in the calculation of total volume removal.

J. When the removal of storm-damaged, diseased, unsafe, or dead trees results in the creation of cleared openings, these openings shall be reforested in accordance with the requirements of Article IX of this chapter.

K. Cleared openings legally in existence on the effective date of this chapter (October 2, 2006) may be maintained but shall not be enlarged, except as permitted by this chapter.

[Amended 6-2-2014 by Ord. No. 422-14]

L. Litter resulting from a timber harvesting operation shall be removed from the site before vacated by the operator.