WSR 02-22-051

PROPOSED RULES

FOREST PRACTICES BOARD


[ Filed October 30, 2002, 3:30 p.m. ]

     Original Notice.

     Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 02-17-098.

     Title of Rule: The rule chapter undergoing amendment is entitled "Small forest landowner forestry riparian easement program," chapter 222-21 WAC. It contains the process followed by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and landowners of small acreages (as described in RCW 76.13.120 (2)(c)) in granting and receiving compensation for trees that may not be harvested under chapter 76.09 RCW and Title 222 WAC.

     Purpose: To adopt legislatively directed changes from 2SHB 2311, Washington Laws of 2002.

     Other Identifying Information: DNR administers the forestry riparian easement program.

     Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 76.09.040, chapters 76.13 and 34.05 RCW.

     Statute Being Implemented: 2SHB 2311, Washington Laws of 2002.

     Summary: The changes implement 2SHB 2311 which, in part, amends chapter 76.13 RCW, Stewardship on nonindustrial forests and woodlands. The statutory amendments make it necessary to amend chapter 222-21 WAC by:

•     Eliminating compensation reduction for timber harvest reentry into approved riparian easements, and

•     Clarifying the Department of Natural Resources' authority to reimburse small forest landowners for their costs in preparing riparian easements.

     Reasons Supporting Proposal: The changes are proposed to make the forestry riparian easement program consistent with 2SHB 2311, and also to provide language clarification and procedural clarification.

     Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting: Gretchen Robinson, 1111 Washington Street S.E., Olympia, (360) 902-1388; Implementation and Enforcement: Lenny Young, 1111 Washington Street S.E., Olympia, (360) 902-1744.

     Name of Proponent: Forest Practices Board, governmental.

     Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.

     Explanation of Rule, its Purpose, and Anticipated Effects: The statutory amendments, which, in part, amend chapter 76.13 RCW, make it necessary to amend chapter 222-21 WAC, Small forest landowner forestry riparian easement program. The WAC amendments also include minor changes for procedural and language clarification.

     Proposal Changes the Following Existing Rules: Changes to implement 2SHB 2311: WAC 222-21-010(10), add definition of "reimbursement."

     WAC 222-21-010 (13)[(a)](iii), delete the word, "timber" from the term "small timber harvester."

     WAC 222-21-045(3), eliminate language about the landowner receiving a reduced compensation for situations where there may be future removal of qualifying timber during the easement term, and add language from legislation that states there shall be no reduction in compensation for reentry.

     WAC 222-21-045(3), add language from legislation regarding reimbursement of costs to landowners.

     WAC 222-21-050(1), add reimbursement costs to factors of payment to landowners.

     Changes for language and procedural clarification: WAC 222-21-030 (3)(b), add reference to section 17 of the Forest Practices Board manual to specify the section where riparian easement program procedures will be described.

     WAC 222-21-035(3), spell out the numerals "one" and "two," to clarify mapping specifications.

     WAC 222-21-040 [(2)](d), add reference to section 17 of the Forest Practices Board manual to specify the section where riparian easement program procedures will be described.

     WAC 222-21-045 (2)(b)(i), eliminate the requirement for landowners to provide scaling bureau log grades information for the valuation of easements.

     No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW. This rule making does not impose any costs on businesses. According to RCW 19.85.030 in the Regulatory Fairness Act, an agency shall prepare a small business economic impact statement "if the proposed rule will impose more than minor costs on businesses in any industry." Therefore, the requirement does not apply to this rule amendment.

     RCW 34.05.328 does not apply to this rule adoption. The content of these rule amendments to chapter 222-21 WAC are dictated by statute and clarify language of the rule without changing the rule's effect (RCW 34.05.328 [(5)](b)(iv) and (v)). Therefore, this rule is exempt from RCW 34.05.328 analysis.

     Hearing Location: Natural Resources Building, 1111 Washington Street S.E., First Floor, Room 172, Olympia, WA 98504, on January 15, 2003, at 3:00 p.m.

     Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Forest Practices Division at (360) 902-1400, by January 2, 2003, TDD (360) 902-1125.

     Submit Written Comments to: Patricia Anderson, Department of Natural Resources, Forest Practices Division, 1111 Washington Street S.E., P.O. Box 47012, Olympia, WA 98504-7012, fax (360) 902-1428, e-mail forest.practicesboard@wadnr.gov, by January 15, 2003, 5:00 p.m.

     Date of Intended Adoption: February 19, 2003.

October 25, 2002

Pat McElroy

Chair

OTS-6022.1


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 02-05-084, filed 2/20/02, effective 3/23/02)

WAC 222-21-010   Definitions.   The following definitions apply to this chapter:

     (1) "Commercially reasonable harvest unit" means a harvest area that meets the requirements of WAC 222-21-060.

     (2) "Completion of harvest" means that the trees have been harvested from an area under an approved forest practices application and that further entry into that area by any type of logging or slash treating equipment or method is not expected.

     (3) "Compliance costs" includes the cost of preparing and recording the easement, and any business and occupation tax and real estate excise tax imposed because of entering into the easement.

     (4) "Danger tree" means any qualifying timber reasonably perceived to pose an imminent danger to life or improved property.

     (5) "Easement premises" means the geographic area designated in a forestry riparian easement, including the areas in which qualifying timber is located. Easement premises may be categorized as follows:

     (a) Riparian area easement premises means riparian areas and areas upon which qualifying timber associated with riparian areas are located.

     (b) Other easement premises means areas of land required to be left unharvested under rules adopted under RCW 76.09.055 or 76.09.370 including areas upon which other qualifying timber outside riparian areas is located and areas of land upon which uneconomic qualifying timber is located.

     (6) "Forestry riparian easement" means an easement covering qualifying timber granted voluntarily to the state by a small forest landowner.

     (7) "Hazardous substances" means hazardous substances as defined in RCW 70.102.010(5), and 70.105D.020(7), and solid waste as defined in RCW 70.95.030(22).

     (8) "High impact regulatory threshold" means the threshold where the value of qualifying timber is greater than 19.1% (for timber in Western Washington) or 12.2% (for timber in Eastern Washington) of the value of the harvested timber and qualifying timber under the approved forest practices application covering the qualifying timber.

     (9) "Qualifying timber" means those trees covered by a forest practices application that the small forest landowner is required to leave unharvested under rules adopted under RCW 76.09.055 or 76.09.370 or that are made uneconomic to harvest by those rules, and for which the small forest landowner is willing to grant the state a forestry riparian easement. Qualifying timber is timber within or bordering a commercially reasonable harvest unit, or timber for which an approved forest practices application for timber harvest cannot be obtained because of restrictions under these rules. Qualifying timber is categorized as follows:

     (a) Permanent qualifying timber includes trees that shall not be harvested or damaged or removed from the easement premises during the term of the easement.

     (i) Where permanent qualifying timber is in areas in which no harvest may take place, the easement shall describe the boundaries of the areas. No harvest of any tree within this area shall take place during the term of the easement.

     (ii) Where permanent qualifying timber is located in areas in which selective harvest may take place, the permanent qualifying timber must be tagged for the duration of the easement.

     (b) Reserve qualifying timber includes trees that may be harvested and removed but only in compliance with the terms of the easement. Reserve qualifying timber shall be identified separately from the permanent qualifying timber.

     (c) Replacement qualifying timber includes trees which, in the future, will be substituted for the reserve qualifying timber before the reserve qualifying timber may be harvested or removed from the property. Replacement qualifying timber will be selected from time to time pursuant to the provisions of the easement and will be subject to the terms and protections of the easement.

     (d) Uneconomic qualifying timber includes trees made uneconomical to harvest. The trees are considered permanent qualifying timber and may not be harvested or otherwise damaged during the term of the easement.

     (e) Other qualifying timber outside riparian areas includes trees that may not be harvested under forest practices rules adopted under RCW 76.09.055 or 76.09.370 for reasons other than protection of riparian functions. It includes without limitation trees that are unharvestable because of public safety concerns. The trees are considered permanent qualifying timber and may not be harvested or otherwise damaged during the term of the easement.

     (10) "Reimbursement" means the repayment that the department shall provide to small forest landowners for the actual costs incurred for laying out the streamside buffers and marking the qualifying timber once a contract has been executed for the forestry riparian easement program.

     (11) "Riparian areas" include the areas designated in a forestry riparian easement. Riparian areas include without limitation all riparian and other special management zones required by the forest practices rules for protection of aquatic resources and includes associated qualifying timber.

     (((11))) (12) "Riparian function" includes bank stability, recruitment of woody debris, leaf litter fall, nutrients, sediment filtering, shade, and other riparian features that are important to both riparian forest and aquatic systems conditions.

     (((12))) (13) "Small forest landowner" means:

     (a) A forest landowner meeting all of the following characteristics as of the date a forest practices application is received (see WAC 222-20-010(8)), or the date the landowner provides written notification to the small forest landowner office that the harvest is to begin, for which the forestry riparian easement is associated:

     (i) Is an individual, partnership, corporate, or other nongovernmental legal entity. If a landowner grants timber rights to another entity for less than five years, the landowner may still qualify as a small forest landowner under this section;

     (ii) Has a fee interest in the land and timber or has rights to harvest the timber to be included in the forestry riparian easement that extend at least fifty years from the date the forest practices application associated with the easement is received;

     (iii) Has harvested from its own lands in this state during the three years prior to the year of application an average timber volume that would qualify the forest landowner as a small ((timber)) harvester under RCW 84.33.035(14); and

     (iv) Certifies at the time the forest practices application is received that it does not expect to harvest from its own lands more than the volume allowed by RCW 84.33.035(14) during the ten years following receipt of the application.

     (b) A forest landowner whose prior three-year average harvest exceeds the limit of RCW 84.33.035(14), or who expects to exceed this limit during the ten years following receipt of the forest practices application, may still qualify as a small forest landowner if that landowner establishes to the small forest landowner office reasonable satisfaction that the harvest limits were or will be exceeded to raise funds to pay estate taxes or equally compelling and unexpected obligations such as court-ordered judgments or extraordinary medical expenses. (Note: The small forest landowner office will establish a board manual governing these exceptions.)

     (c) A landowner may still qualify as a small forest landowner if the landowner is unable to obtain an approved forest practices application for timber harvest for any of his or her land because of restrictions under the forest practices rules adopted under RCW 76.09.055 or 76.09.370.

     (((13))) (14) "Small forest landowner office" is an office within the department described in RCW 76.13.110, and it shall be a resource and focal point for small landowner concerns and policies and shall have significant expertise regarding the management of small forest holdings and government programs applicable to such holdings, and the forestry riparian easement program.

     (((14))) (15) "Uneconomic to harvest" means that a harvest area meets the requirements of WAC 222-21-065.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 76.09.040, chapters 76.13, 34.05 RCW. 02-05-084, § 222-21-010, filed 2/20/02, effective 3/23/02. Statutory Authority: Chapter 34.05 RCW, RCW 76.09.040, [76.09.]050, [76.09.]370, 76.13.120(9). 01-12-042, § 222-21-010, filed 5/30/01, effective 7/1/01.]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 01-12-042, filed 5/30/01, effective 7/1/01)

WAC 222-21-030   Document standards.   (1) Riparian easement. The riparian easement document must be substantially in the following form, but may be modified by the small forest landowner office wherever necessary to accomplish the purposes of RCW 76.13.120.

(This version assumes ownership of land and trees)


FORESTRY RIPARIAN EASEMENT
     THIS GRANT OF A FORESTRY RIPARIAN EASEMENT is made on this           day of           , 20          , by           [a                corporation, limited liability company, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability partnership] [husband and wife] [individual][or others as appropriate] having an address at                ("Grantor"), to and in favor of the State of Washington, acting by and through the Department of Natural Resources ("Grantee").
    
1.0 RECITALS AND PURPOSE
1.1     This Easement is intended to implement the goals of the Forest Practices Salmon Recovery Act, ESHB 2091, sections 501 through 504, chapter 4, Laws of 1999 ("Salmon Recovery Act"). The goals include avoiding the further erosion of the small forest landowners' economic viability and willingness or ability to keep the lands in forestry use which would reduce the amount of habitat available for salmon recovery and conservation of other aquatic resources, through the establishment of a forestry riparian easement program to acquire easements from small forest landowners along riparian and other areas of value to the state for protection of aquatic resources.
1.2     This Easement is intended to protect the Qualifying Timber and riparian functions associated with the qualifying timber located on the Easement Premises as provided by the terms of this Easement as set forth in Exhibit B while preserving all lawful uses of the Easement Premises by Grantor consistent with the Easement objectives, and to provide Grantee with the ability to enforce the terms thereof.
1.3     The Easement Premises and Qualifying Timber are located, as described in Exhibit A; that the encumbrances, if any, are as set forth in Exhibit A; that all Exhibits referenced herein and attachments thereto are incorporated into this Easement as part of this Easement; and that the Grantor wishes to execute this Forestry Riparian Easement.
2.0 CONVEYANCE AND CONSIDERATION
2.1     In consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein, including without limitation the monetary consideration set forth in subsection 2.2 below, the Grantor does hereby voluntarily warrant and convey to the Grantee a Forestry Riparian Easement under the Salmon Recovery Act, which Easement shall remain in full force and effect from the date hereof until it expires on (month, date, year) [50 years from the date the complete and accurate forest practices application is submitted], which Easement shall consist of the rights and restrictions expressly set forth herein.
2.2     In consideration of this Easement, Grantee shall pay to Grantor the sum of dollars ($ .00).
IN WITNESS WHEREOF Grantor and Grantee have executed this instrument on the day and year written.
GRANTOR:
                                                                 Date:                                                  
By:                                                            
GRANTEE:
State of Washington
By and Through the Department of

Natural Resources
                                                                 Date:                                                       
                                                                
(Title)

(insert form of acknowledgement, as appropriate)
EXHIBIT A
A1 DESCRIPTION AND LOCATION OF QUALIFYING TIMBER
The Qualifying Timber includes the following categories of trees located within the Easement Premises:
[List the categories relevant to particular Easement, i.e., Permanent, Reserve, Replacement, Uneconomic, or Other Qualifying Timber.] The Qualifying Timber is located as shown in the documentation attached hereto as Attachment A-1.
A2 DESCRIPTION AND LOCATION OF EASEMENT PREMISES
The Easement Premises is [insert description using the standards developed under Section 504(9)(b) of the Salmon Recovery Act including the categories relevant to particular Easement, i.e., Riparian Area and Other Easement Premises] as shown in the documentation attached hereto as Attachment A-2 and is located in [insert legal subdivision/lot, etc., in which the Easement Premises exists.]
A3 BASELINE IDENTIFICATION, DESCRIPTION AND DOCUMENTATION OF PROPERTY, EASEMENT PREMISES AND QUALIFYING TIMBER
The parties agree that the current use, condition of the Easement Premises and the condition of the Qualifying Timber are documented in the inventory of their relevant features and identified in Attachment A-3 ("Baseline Documentation"), and that this documentation provides, collectively, an accurate representation at the time of this grant and is intended to serve as an objective information baseline for monitoring compliance with the terms of this grant.


EXHIBIT B
FORESTRY RIPARIAN EASEMENT TERMS AND CONDITIONS
B1 DEFINITIONS
The terms used in this Easement, including without limitation the following, are defined by the forest practices rules incorporated in Attachment B-1 to this Exhibit.
     "Danger Tree"
     "Easement Premises"
     "Qualifying Timber"
     "Hazard Substances"
     "Riparian Areas"
     "Riparian Function"
B2 RIGHTS OF GRANTEE **[Subsection B2.4 should be included only for multiple entry Easements.]**
To accomplish the purposes of this Easement, the following rights are conveyed to Grantee by this Easement:
B2.1 To enforce the terms of this Easement as provided in subsection B9.
B2.2 To enter upon the Easement Premises, or to allow Grantee's agents or any experts consulted by Grantee in exercising its rights under this Easement to enter upon the Easement Premises in order to evaluate Grantor's compliance with this Easement, and to otherwise enforce the terms of this Easement.
B2.3 To convey, assign, or otherwise transfer Grantee's interests herein to another agency of the State of Washington, as provided for and limited by Section 504 of the Salmon Recovery Act.
B2.4 Where harvest of Reserve Qualifying Timber is allowed during the term of this Easement, to approve Replacement Qualifying Timber that will be protected by this Easement as provided in subsection B3.5.
B3 RESTRICTIONS ON GRANTOR **[Subsection B3.6 should be included only for multiple entry Easements.]**
B3.1 Inconsistent Uses of Riparian Easement Premises
Any use of, or activity on, the Easement Premises inconsistent with the purposes and terms of this Easement, including without limitation converting to a use incompatible with growing timber, is prohibited, and Grantor acknowledges and agrees that it will not conduct, engage in, or permit any such use or activity.
B3.2 Property Outside the Easement Premises
Grantor may change its use of the property on which the Easement lies to any lawful use. Grantor shall provide Grantee sixty (60) days notice prior to changing the use of the property as a courtesy to Grantee.
B3.3 Qualifying Timber
Grantor shall not engage in any activity which would result in the cutting of Qualifying Timber or the removal of that timber from the Easement Premises, except as provided in this Easement. The parties further agree that use, harvest, and treatment of the Qualifying Timber are restricted according to the forest practices rules in Attachment B-1.
B3.4 Danger Trees and Salvage
Grantor may cut a Danger Tree, which shall be left in place within the Easement Premises or moved by Grantor inside the Easement Premises. Grantor shall notify DNR within seven (7) days that a Danger Tree has been felled. Grantor shall not engage in any activities pertaining to salvage of Qualifying Timber including without limitation blowdown except as provided for in the forest practices rules.
B3.5 Harvest of Reserve Qualifying Timber and Designation of Replacement Qualifying Timber on Riparian Area Easement Premises
Grantor shall not, during the term of this Easement, harvest or remove any Reserve Qualifying Timber except as permitted under the applicable forest practices rules. Grantor shall give Grantee at least thirty (30) days written notice prior to harvest or removal of Reserve Qualifying Timber, except that where a permit or approval is required from any governmental entity, such notice shall be given thirty (30) days before submission of the application for such permit or approval. Grantor shall mark Reserve Qualifying Timber and Replacement Qualifying Timber, where Replacement Qualifying Timber is required, for review by Grantee. Grantor's thirty (30) days written notice to Grantee is effective only after both Reserve Qualifying Timber and Replacement Qualifying Timber (if required) are marked. If Grantee does not object by giving Grantor written notice within thirty (30) days of receipt of Grantor's notice, Grantor may proceed to harvest and remove the Reserve Qualifying Timber. If Grantee does object and gives Grantor written notice thereof within thirty (30) days of receipt of Grantor's notice, Grantor shall not harvest or remove Reserve Qualifying Timber until the objection is resolved. If Reserve Qualifying Timber is to be removed but Replacement Qualifying Timber is required to be left standing for the balance of the term of this Easement, then Grantor shall mark the Replacement Qualifying Timber and, if approved by Grantee, such Timber shall be considered Qualifying Timber under this Easement. A new Exhibit A shall be prepared along with a supplement to this Easement, executed by Grantor and Grantee, and recorded.
B3.6 Multiple Entry Easements
Grantor shall not, during the term of this Easement, make multiple entry harvests except as permitted under the applicable forest practices rules. Grantor shall give Grantee at least thirty (30) days written notice prior to harvest or removal of timber, except that where a permit or approval is required from any government entity, such notice shall be given thirty (30) days before submission of the application for such permit or approval. Grantor shall mark timber to be removed for review by Grantee. Grantor's thirty (30) day written notice to Grantee is effective only after the timber to be removed is marked. If Grantee does not object by giving Grantor written notice within thirty (30) days of receipt of Grantor's notice, Grantor may proceed to harvest. If Grantee does object and gives Grantor notice thereof within thirty (30) days of receipt of Grantor's notice, Grantor shall not harvest until the objection is resolved. Valuation methodology for multiple entry easements shall be in accordance with WAC 222-21-045(3).
B4 RESERVED RIGHTS
Other than specifically provided herein, Grantor is not restricted in its use of the Easement Premises.
B5 PUBLIC ACCESS
No right of public access to or across, or any public use of, the Easement Premises or the property on which it lies is conveyed by this Easement.
B6 COSTS, LIABILITIES, TAXES, AND INDEMNIFICATION
B6.1 Costs, Legal Requirements, and General Liabilities
Except as is expressly placed on Grantee herein, Grantor retains full responsibility for the Qualifying Timber and Easement Premises. Grantor shall keep the Qualifying Timber and Easement Premises free of any liens arising out of any work performed for, materials furnished to, or obligations incurred by Grantor. Grantor remains responsible for obtaining all permits required by law.
B6.2 Taxes and Obligations
Grantor shall remain responsible for payment of taxes or other assessments imposed on the Easement Premises or the Qualifying Timber. Grantor shall furnish Grantee with satisfactory evidence of payment upon request.
B6.3 Hold Harmless
B6.3.a Grantor
To the extent permitted by law, Grantor hereby releases and agrees to hold harmless, indemnify, and defend Grantee and its employees, agents, and assigns from and against all liabilities, penalties, costs, charges, losses, damages, expenses, causes of action, claims, demands, orders, judgments, or administrative actions, including without limitation reasonable attorneys' fees arising from or in any way connected with: (a) Injury or death of any person or any physical damage to property resulting from any act or omission, or other matter occurring on or relating to the Easement Premises or Qualifying Timber, caused solely by Grantor; (b) a breach by Grantor of its obligations under subsection B3; (c) the violation or alleged violation of, or other failure to comply with, any state, federal, or local law or requirement by Grantor in any way affecting, involving, or relating to the Easement Premises or the Qualifying Timber; (d) the release or threatened release onto the Easement Premises of any substance now or hereinafter classified by state or federal law as a hazardous substance or material caused solely by Grantor.
B6.3.b Grantee
To the extent permitted by law, Grantee hereby releases and agrees to hold harmless, indemnify and defend Grantor and its employees, agents, and assigns from and against all liabilities, penalties, costs, charges, losses, damages, expenses, causes of action, claims, demands, orders, judgments or administrative actions, including without limitation reasonable attorneys' fees arising from or in any way connected with: (a) Injury or death of any person or any physical damage to property resulting from any act or omission, or other matter occurring on or relating to the Easement Premises or Qualifying Timber, caused solely by Grantee; or (b) the release or threatened release onto the Easement Premises of any substance now or hereinafter classified by state or federal law as a hazardous substance or material caused solely by Grantee.
B7 SUBSEQUENT TRANSFERS
B7.1 Grantee
Grantee may assign, convey, or otherwise transfer its interest as evidenced in this Easement, but only to another agency of the State of Washington under any circumstances in which it determines, in its sole discretion, that such transfer is in the best interests of the state. Grantee shall give written notice to Grantor of the same within thirty (30) days of such conveyance, assignment, or transfer (provided that failure to give such notice shall not affect the validity of the assignment, conveyance, or transfer).
B7.2 Grantor
Grantor may assign, convey, or otherwise transfer without restriction its interest in the Easement Premises or the Qualifying Timber identified in Exhibit A hereto. Grantor agrees to incorporate the restrictions of the Easement in any deed or other legal instrument by which Grantor divests itself of all or a portion of its interests in the Easement Premises or Qualifying Timber. Grantor shall give written notice to the Grantee of the assignment, conveyance, or other transfer of all or a portion of its interest in the Easement Premises or the Qualifying Timber within thirty (30) days of such conveyance, assignment, or transfer (provided that failure to give such notice shall not affect the validity of the assignment, conveyance, or transfer).
B7.3 Termination of Grantor's Rights and Obligations
The Grantor's personal rights and obligations under this Easement terminate upon transfer of the Grantor's interest in the property on which the Easement lies or the Qualifying Timber, except that liability under the Easement for acts or omissions occurring prior to transfer shall survive transfer.
B8 DISPUTE RESOLUTION
The parties may at any time by mutual agreement use any nonbinding alternative dispute resolution mechanism with a qualified third party acceptable to Grantor and Grantee. Grantor and Grantee shall share equally the costs charged by the third party. The existence of a dispute between the parties with respect to this Easement, including without limitation the belief by one party that the other party is in breach of its obligations hereunder, shall not excuse either party from continuing to fully perform its obligations under this Easement. The dispute resolution provided for in this subsection is optional, not obligatory, and shall not be required as a condition precedent to any remedies for enforcement of this Easement.
B9 ENFORCEMENT
B9.1 Remedies
Either party may bring any action in law or in equity in the superior court for the county in which the Easement Premises are located or in Thurston County (subject to venue change under law) to enforce any provision of this Easement, including without limitation, injunctive relief (permanent, temporary, or ex parte, as appropriate) to prohibit a breach of this Easement, enforce the rights and obligations of this Easement, restore Qualifying Timber cut or removed in violation of this Easement or for damages. Grantee may elect to pursue some or all of the remedies provided herein.
B9.1.a Damages and Restoration
If Grantor cuts or removes (or causes another to cut or remove) Qualifying Timber from the Easement Premises in violation of this Easement, Grantee shall be entitled to damages, or restoration. Damages for the cutting of Qualifying Timber or the removal of Qualifying Timber from the Easement Premises in violation of the terms of this Easement may be up to triple stumpage value times the proportion of the original compensation. The maximum amount of damages shall be calculated according to the following formula:
Where:
Sv = The stumpage value of the Qualifying Timber that is cut or removed from the Easement Premises at the time the damage was done;
C = The compensation paid by the state to the Grantor at the time the Easement became effective;
Vq = The original value of Qualifying Timber at the time the Easement became effective as calculated in WAC 222-21-050.
Maximum Damages = 3*Sv*(C/Vq)
In addition the Grantor shall pay interest on the amount of the damages at the maximum interest rate allowable by law.
Grantee's rights to damages under this section shall survive termination. Restoration of Qualifying Timber may include either replanting or replacing trees or both, as determined by Grantee, in its sole discretion, to be appropriate. Replanting shall be by nursery transplant seedlings approved by Grantee with subsequent silvicultural treatment including without limitation weed control and fertilization approved by Grantee. Replacing trees shall be accomplished by designation of replacement trees of the size and species acceptable to Grantee. If replacement trees are designated to replace the Qualifying Timber cut or removed in violation of the terms of this Easement, the designated trees shall be thereafter treated as Qualifying Timber under this Easement.
B9.1.b Injunctive Relief. Grantor agrees that Grantee's remedies at law for any violation of the terms of this Easement may be inadequate and that Grantee may be entitled to injunctive relief, both prohibitive and mandatory, in addition to other relief to which Grantee may be entitled, including specific performance of the terms of this Easement, without the necessity of providing either actual damages or the inadequacy of otherwise available legal remedies.
B9.1.c Relationship to Remedies in Other Laws. The remedies provided for in this section are in addition to whatever other remedies the state may have under other laws including without limitation the Forest Practices Act. Nothing in this Easement shall be construed to enlarge, diminish or otherwise alter the authority of the state to administer state law.
B9.2 Costs of Enforcement
The costs, including reasonable attorneys' fees, of enforcing this Easement shall be borne by Grantee unless Grantee prevails in a judicial action to enforce the terms of this Easement, in which case costs shall be borne by Grantor, provided that nothing herein shall make Grantor liable for costs incurred by Grantee in taking enforcement actions pursuant to other state laws.
B9.3 Forbearance/Waiver
Enforcement of this Easement against the Grantor is at the sole discretion of the Grantee, and vice versa. Any forbearance by either party to exercise its rights hereunder in the event of a breach by the other party shall not be deemed a waiver by the forbearing party of the term being breached or of a subsequent breach of that term or any other term or of any other of the forbearing party's rights under this Easement.
B9.4 Waiver of Certain Defenses
Grantor hereby waives any defense of laches, estoppel, or prescription.
B9.5 Acts Beyond Grantor's Control
Nothing herein shall be construed to entitle Grantee to bring any action or claim against Grantor on account of any change in the condition of the Easement Premises or of the Qualifying Timber that was not within Grantor's control, including without limitation fire, flood, storms, insect and disease outbreaks, earth movement, or acts of trespassers, that Grantor could not reasonably have anticipated and prevented, or from any prudent action taken by Grantor under emergency conditions to prevent, abate, or mitigate significant injury to the Easement Premises or Qualifying Timber resulting from such causes. In the event the terms of this Easement are violated by acts of trespassers that Grantor could not reasonably have anticipated or prevented, Grantor agrees, at Grantee's option, to join in any suit, to assign its right of action to Grantee, or to appoint Grantee its attorney in fact, for the purpose of pursuing enforcement action against the responsible parties.
B10 CONSTRUCTION AND INTERPRETATION
B10.1 Controlling Law
Interpretation and performance of this Easement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Washington.
B10.2 Liberal Construction
Any general rule of construction to the contrary notwithstanding, this Easement shall be liberally construed in favor of the grant to effect the purposes of this Easement. If any provision in this instrument is found to be ambiguous, an interpretation consistent with the purposes of this Easement that would render the provision valid shall be favored over any interpretation that would render it invalid. The parties acknowledge that each has had an opportunity to have this Easement reviewed by an attorney and agree that the terms shall not be presumptively construed against either party.
B10.3 Captions
The captions in this instrument have been inserted solely for convenience of reference and are not a part of this instrument and shall have no effect upon construction or interpretation.
B11 AMENDMENT
This Easement may be jointly amended. The amendments shall be in writing and signed by authorized representatives. Grantee shall record any such amendments in a timely fashion in the official records of County, Washington. All amendments shall be consistent with the purposes of this Easement.
B12 TERMINATION
Grantee may unilaterally terminate this Easement if it determines, in its sole discretion, that termination is in the best interest of the State of Washington. Grantee shall provide thirty (30) days written notice to Grantor of such termination.
B13 EXTINGUISHMENT
If circumstances arise that render the purpose of this Easement impossible to accomplish, this Easement can only be extinguished, in whole or in part, by mutual agreement of the parties or through judicial proceedings brought by one of the parties. Grantee shall be entitled to the value of the Easement as such value is determined pursuant to forest practices rules governing extinguishment or eminent domain, if no rule for extinguishment exists.
B14 CONDEMNATION
If the Easement is taken, in whole or in part, by exercise of the power of eminent domain, or acquired by purchase in lieu of condemnation, Grantee shall be entitled to compensation in accordance with the forest practices rules.
B15 NOTICE
Notices given pursuant or in relation to this Easement shall be in writing and delivered personally or by first class mail (postage prepaid), addressed as follows:
(a) If to Grantor:
                                                      
                                                      
                                                      
(b) If to Grantee:
Washington State Department of Natural Resources
Small Forest Landowner Office
DNR-Forest Practices Division
P.O. Box 47012
Olympia, WA 98504-7012
If either party's address changes during the term of this Easement, that party shall notify the other party of the change.
Any notice required to be given hereunder is considered as being received: (i) If delivery in person, upon personal receipt by the person to whom it is being given; or (ii) if delivered by first class U.S. mail and properly addressed, three (3) days after deposit into the U.S. mail; or (iii) if sent by U.S. mail registered or certified, upon the date receipt is acknowledged by the recipient.
B16 RECORDATION
Grantee shall record this instrument in timely fashion in the official records of                County, Washington and may rerecord it at any time as may be required to preserve its rights in this Easement.
B17 GENERAL PROVISIONS
B17.1 Severability
If any provision in this Easement, or the application hereof to any person or circumstance, is found to be invalid, the remainder of this Easement, or the application hereof to other persons or circumstances shall not be affected thereby and shall remain in full force and effect.
B17.2 Entire Agreement
This instrument sets forth the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the Easement. This instrument supersedes all other and prior discussions, negotiations, understandings, or agreements of the parties. No alteration or variation of this instrument shall be binding unless set forth in an amendment to this instrument consistent with subsection B11.
B17.3 Successors and Assigns
The covenants, terms, conditions, and restrictions of this Easement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Grantor, Grantee, and their respective successors and assigns and shall continue as a servitude running with the property on which the Easement lies for the term of this Easement set forth in subsection 2.1.
B17.4 No Forfeiture
Nothing contained herein will result in a forfeiture or reversion of Grantor's title in any respect.
B17.5 Counterparts
The parties may execute this instrument in two or more counterparts which shall, in the aggregate, be signed by both parties. Each counterpart shall be deemed an original as against the party that has signed it. In the event of any disparity between counterparts produced, the recorded counterpart shall be controlling.
B17.6 References to Statutes and Rules
Except as otherwise specifically provided, any references in this Easement to any statute or rule shall be deemed to be a reference to such statute or rule in existence at the time the action is taken or the event occurs.
B17.7 Adherence to Applicable Law
Any activity pertaining to or use of the Easement Premises or Qualifying Timber shall be consistent with applicable federal, state, or local law including chapter 76.09 RCW, the Forest Practices Act, chapter 36.70A RCW, the Growth Management Act, chapter 90.58 RCW, the Shoreline Management Act, chapter 75.20 RCW, Construction Projects in State Waters Act ("Hydraulics Code"), the Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C. Sec. 1531, et seq.), and the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. Sec. 1251, et seq.), and rules adopted pursuant to these statutes (including all rules adopted under Section 4(d) of the Endangered Species Act).

     (2) Forestry riparian easement application. The following items are required for a complete forestry riparian easement application:

     (a) A certification by the small forest landowner that he or she meets the qualifications of a small forest landowner;

     (b) The small forest landowners' timber tax identification number and permission to access harvest information at the department of revenue;

     (c) All forest practices application numbers for the commercially reasonable harvest units and the associated qualifying timber on the property;

     (d) The dates and areas of all planned future harvest entries on the easement premises;

     (e) A preliminary litigation guarantee or similar report from a title company for the tax parcels that contain the easement premises;

     (f) A description of past and current uses of the easement premises;

     (g) Any information not specifically listed that the small forest landowner office needs to evaluate the easement and eligibility of the small forest landowner.

     (3) Baseline documentation. The baseline documentation must describe the features and current uses on the easement premises and the qualifying timber. The information provided by the small forest landowner in subsection (2) of this section is considered part of the baseline documentation. In addition, the department will provide documentation that includes, but is not limited to:

     (a) Cruise information consistent with the standards and methods in WAC 222-21-040;

     (b) An assessment to determine site condition and potential liabilities associated with the proposed riparian easement (see the board manual ((on)) section 17 for procedures for conducting assessment); and

     (c) A description of the easement consistent with WAC 222-21-035.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 34.05 RCW, RCW 76.09.040, [76.09.]050, [76.09.]370, 76.13.120(9). 01-12-042, § 222-21-030, filed 5/30/01, effective 7/1/01.]

     Reviser's note: The brackets and enclosed material in the text of the above section occurred in the copy filed by the agency and appear in the Register pursuant to the requirements of RCW 34.08.040.
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 01-12-042, filed 5/30/01, effective 7/1/01)

WAC 222-21-035   Description of easement.   The easement premises and qualifying timber must be described as follows:

     (1) Range, township, section, and parcel number;

     (2) Forest practice base map of proposed harvest, other forest practice activities and easement;

     (3) 1:400 map of the easement premises indexed either to (((1))) one legal land survey point or (((2))) two geopositional system points; and

     (4) Traverse of the easement premises tied to subsection (3) of this section. (See the board manual section 17 for standards of traverse.)

     (5) Where the department does not have satisfactory access to the easement premises, the landowner must designate the access route on the forest practice application base map.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 34.05 RCW, RCW 76.09.040, [76.09.]050, [76.09.]370, 76.13.120(9). 01-12-042, § 222-21-035, filed 5/30/01, effective 7/1/01.]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 01-12-042, filed 5/30/01, effective 7/1/01)

WAC 222-21-040   Timber cruises.   (1) This section is designed to establish methods and standards for cruises of qualifying timber for the proposed forestry riparian easements for purposes of establishing the compensation. It applies only to the department, small forest landowners, and the small forest landowner office in connection with the forestry riparian easement program.

     (2) The following standards will be used for the timber cruises:

     (a) The purpose of the timber cruise is to determine the volume by species and grade sufficient to value the qualifying timber.

     (b) Additional trees left voluntarily by the small forest landowner may be noted, but are not included in the cruise volume.

     (c) The cruise method will be a 100 percent inventory of qualifying timber on the proposed easement premises. The inventory will include species, diameter class, grade, and any other information necessary to determine valuation of the easement. (See the board manual for specific cruise standards.)

     (d) A sampling cruise method may be used for easement premises under certain circumstances. (See the board manual section 17 for standards for sampling cruise method.)

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 34.05 RCW, RCW 76.09.040, [76.09.]050, [76.09.]370, 76.13.120(9). 01-12-042, § 222-21-040, filed 5/30/01, effective 7/1/01.]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 02-05-084, filed 2/20/02, effective 3/23/02)

WAC 222-21-045   Valuation.   (1) This section is designed to establish methods and standards for valuation of forestry riparian easements for purposes of establishing the compensation. It applies only to the department, small forest landowners, and the small forest landowner office in connection with the forestry riparian easement program.

     (2) The small forest landowner office will calculate the fair market value of the forestry riparian easement as of the date of receipt of the forest practices application associated with the qualifying timber, or the date the landowner provides written notification to the small forest landowner office that the harvest is to begin. Data obtained or maintained by the department of revenue under RCW 84.33.074 and 84.33.091 will be used and adjusted to the applicable date. For easements with an approved forest practices application, the small forest landowner must indicate whether valuation will be calculated using method (a) or (b) of this subsection. Only method (a) of this subsection is available for qualifying timber for which an approved application for timber harvest cannot be obtained because of restrictions under the forest practices rules under WAC 222-21-061. In either method (a) or (b) of this subsection, the time adjustment index will be based on log price changes. The small forest landowner office will determine the specific log species and/or sorts and the log price reporting service to use after consultation with the small forest landowner advisory committee established under RCW 76.13.110(4) and the department of revenue. The small forest landowner office will generate an index that reflects the time adjustments using information and data obtained from a log price reporting service determined by the department in consultation with the small forest landowner committee.

     (a) Stumpage value determination. The small forest landowner office will create and maintain value tables to determine stumpage value of the qualifying timber. These tables will be created using a method coordinated with the department of revenue. The values will closely approximate the stumpage value for logs that would be sold in the ordinary course of business for the date of receipt of the forest practices application. The landowner must provide the small forest landowner office with:

     (i) The reference for the stumpage value table and any other needed information for use of the table (see the board manual section 17 for details); and

     (ii) Any information the small forest landowner would like the department to consider in its cruise and valuation of the qualifying timber.

     (b) Small harvester tax return. The landowner must provide mill or buyer information to the department on the sale breakdown. This includes:

     (i) The volume ((and scaling bureau log grades)) of each species harvested;

     (ii) The amount received for each species; and

     (iii) The actual harvesting and marketing costs as defined in the department of revenue small harvester instructions.

     The price received for the timber is adjusted to the applicable date using the time adjustment index and then the average logging and hauling cost per MBF is subtracted to arrive at the stumpage value. The value of the qualifying timber is determined by multiplying the time adjusted stumpage value of each species in the harvest unit by the net volume for each corresponding species in the inventory of qualifying timber. A residual value approach is used to determine the value of species in the easement, which are not present in the harvest area. The prices for species not present in the harvest unit are based on the delivered log price report approved by the small forest landowner office that corresponds closest to the date of the forest practices application, minus the average logging and hauling costs.

     (3) ((Reduced valuation.

     (a) For an easement that allows one or more harvests of qualifying timber during the term of the easement, a reduced valuation rate will be applied to the values obtained using either method in subsection (2) of this section. The reduced rate adjusts the values for reserve and replacement qualifying timber. The rate is based on the proportionate economic value lost to the small forest landowner from the regulatory requirements and adjusted for future harvest options during the term of the easement.

     (b) The value of the qualifying timber that may be harvested during the term of the easement will be reduced based on the following formula. Variables will include:

     (i) The 29 or more trees in the inner zone;

     (ii) The outer zone leave trees;

     (iii) Other regulatory requirements.

Place illustration here.
Where:
l -- Is the rate of return on 30 year treasury bills, as reported by the Federal Reserve Statistical Release H15 less the rate of increase in the Consumer Price Index for all urban consumers as published by the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics for the previous 12 months less the anticipated rate of growth expected on the portion of the easement subject to reentry, but not less than zero or greater than 6 percent.
N -- The single time limit established by the small forest landowner office.

     (c) The reduced rate will not be applied to the department of revenue tax data values if the landowner does not intend to reenter the easement area during the length of the 50 year easement. The harvest at the time of the reentry is not required to meet the requirements in WAC 222-21-060 (5) and (6).)) Removal of any qualifying timber before the expiration of the easement must be in accordance with the forest practices rules and the terms of the easement. There shall be no reduction in compensation for reentry.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 76.09.040, chapters 76.13, 34.05 RCW. 02-05-084, § 222-21-045, filed 2/20/02, effective 3/23/02. Statutory Authority: Chapter 34.05 RCW, RCW 76.09.040, [76.09.]050, [76.09.]370, 76.13.120(9). 01-12-042, § 222-21-045, filed 5/30/01, effective 7/1/01.]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 02-05-084, filed 2/20/02, effective 3/23/02)

WAC 222-21-050   Payment of compensation.   (1) The compensation offered to the small forest landowner will be 50% of the fair market value of the qualifying timber established under the process described in WAC 222-21-045, plus the compliance and reimbursement costs, subject to the following exceptions:

     (a) If the high impact regulatory threshold is exceeded for an area covered by an approved forest practices application, then the compensation offered will be increased to 100% for the value of the qualifying timber where the high impact regulatory threshold is exceeded. Use the following calculation:


Where:
Vq = value of qualifying timber;
Vh = value of harvested timber;
t = high impact of regulatory threshold (19.1% for Western Washington, 12.2% for Eastern Washington);
TV = total value of all timber covered under FPA = Vq +Vh; and
HIO - high impact override = (Vq/TV)-t;

Place illustration here.

     (b) All compensation is subject to available funding.

     (2) If funding is not available, the small forest landowner office will maintain a priority list for compensation. Priority will be based on (a) date of receipt of forest practice application and (b) date of receipt of completed harvest status questionnaire.

     (3) Reimbursement costs for easement layout are subject to the work being acceptable to the department. The small forest landowner office shall determine how the reimbursement costs will be calculated. The small forest landowner office will send the small forest landowner a notice of compensation decision within 60 days of completion of the timber cruise.

     (4) Compensation for a forestry riparian easement associated with an approved forest practices application will not be paid until:

     (a) The department has documented completion of harvest;

     (b) The department has verified that there has been compliance with the rules requiring leave trees in the easement area;

     (c) Any dispute over the amount of compensation or eligibility or other matter involving the forestry riparian easement has been resolved; and

     (d) The forestry riparian easement has been executed and delivered to the department.

     (5) Compensation for a forestry riparian easement for which an approved forest practices application for timber harvest cannot be obtained because of restrictions under these rules adopted under RCW 76.09.055 or 76.09.370 will not be paid until:

     (a) The department has verified that there has been compliance with the rules requiring leave trees in the easement area; and

     (b) Any dispute over the amount of compensation or eligibility or other matter involving the forestry riparian easement has been resolved; and

     (c) The forestry riparian easement has been executed and delivered to the department.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 76.09.040, chapters 76.13, 34.05 RCW. 02-05-084, § 222-21-050, filed 2/20/02, effective 3/23/02. Statutory Authority: Chapter 34.05 RCW, RCW 76.09.040, [76.09.]050, [76.09.]370, 76.13.120(9). 01-12-042, § 222-21-050, filed 5/30/01, effective 7/1/01.]

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