(a) Methods. Unless a different method is necessary to achieve the objectives of County land use policies and this article or to take advantage of opportunities to consolidate forest conservation efforts, afforestation and reforestation shall be undertaken in accordance with one or more of the following methods in preferred sequence, as determined by the Office of Planning and Zoning, based on site conditions or forestry practices that will enhance wildlife or water quality values:
(1) onsite afforestation or reforestation using transplanted or nursery stock that is at least 1.5 inches in diameter measured at 4.5 feet above the ground and shrubs;
(2) onsite afforestation or reforestation using transplanted or nursery stock that is at least 1.5 inches in diameter measured at 4.5 feet above the ground;
(3) onsite afforestation or reforestation using whip and seedling stock;
(4) offsite afforestation or reforestation using transplanted or nursery stock that is at least 1.5 inches in diameter measured at 4.5 feet above the ground and shrubs;
(5) offsite afforestation or reforestation using transplanted or nursery stock that is at least 1.5 inches in diameter measured at 4.5 feet above the ground;
(6) offsite afforestation or reforestation using whip and seedling stock;
(7) natural regeneration onsite; or
(8) natural regeneration offsite.
(b) Location. All afforestation or reforestation shall occur in an area of the County that is at least 10,000 square feet and at least 35 feet wide. If practical, afforestation or reforestation shall occur in the watershed in which the development is located.
(c) Native species. Tree species used for afforestation or reforestation shall be native to the County and selected from a list of approved species established by the County Forester.
(d) Credit for street trees, offsite area, easements. For projects located in an area designated by the County pursuant to the Natural Resources Article, § 5-1607(b)(2), of the State Code, the Office of Planning and Zoning shall give credit towards afforestation or reforestation for:
(1) street trees required by the Design Manual, based on the mature canopy coverage of the street trees; and
(2) a transfer to the County of a fee simple or easement interest in an offsite existing developable forest that is not otherwise protected, with the credit not to exceed 50% of the area of forest cover protected.
(e) Credit for certain landscaping. The Office of Planning and Zoning shall give credit towards afforestation or reforestation for landscaped screening and buffer areas in accordance with an approved landscape plan prepared under §§ 17-6-201 et seq. if done in an area that covers at least 2,500 square feet and is at least 35 feet wide.
(f) Forest mitigation banks. If reforestation or afforestation requirements cannot reasonably be accomplished onsite or offsite, the Office of Planning and Zoning may allow the use of credits from an approved forest mitigation bank. Forest mitigation banks shall be located as required by the Natural Resources Article, § 5-1610.1, of the State Code, and shall meet the requirements set forth at COMAR, 08.19.03.01, Articles X-1 and X-2 of the Model Forest Conservation Ordinance. A forest mitigation bank may not be used unless approved in advance by the Office of Planning and Zoning.
(Bill No. 3-05; Bill No. 77-05; Bill No. 59-10; Bill No. 93-12)