(A) After techniques for retaining existing forest on the site have been exhausted, the preferred sequence for afforestation and reforestation, as determined by the Department, is as follows:
(1) Selective clearing and supplemental planting on site;
(2) Onsite afforestation or reforestation, if economically feasible, using transplanted or nursery stock that is greater than one and one-half inches diameter measured at four and one-half feet above the ground;
(3) Onsite afforestation or reforestation, using whip and seedling stock;
(4) Landscaping of areas under an approved landscaping plan which establishes a forest that is at least 35 feet wide and covering 2,500 square feet or more of area;
(5) Offsite afforestation or reforestation, using transplanted or nursery stock that is greater than one and one-half inches diameter measured at four and one-half feet above the ground;
(6) Offsite afforestation or reforestation, using whip and seedling stock;
(7) Natural regeneration on site; and
(8) Natural regeneration offsite.
(B) A sequence other than the one described in division (A) above of this section may be used for a specific project, if necessary, to achieve the objectives of the county land use plan or county land use policies, or to take advantage of opportunities to consolidate forest conservation efforts.
(C) The following are considered a priority for afforestation and reforestation to:
(1) Establish or enhance forest buffers adjacent to intermittent and perennial streams to widths of at least 50 feet;
(2) Establish or enhance nonforested areas on 100-year floodplains, when appropriate;
(3) Establish or increase existing forested corridors to connect existing forests within or adjacent to the site and where practical, forested corridors should be a minimum of 300 feet in width to facilitate wildlife movement;
(4) Establish or enhance forest buffers adjacent to critical habitats where appropriate;
(5) Establish plantings to stabilize slopes of 25% or greater and slopes of 15% or greater with a soil K value greater than 0.35 including the slopes of ravines or other natural depressions;
(6) Establish buffers adjacent to areas of differing land use when appropriate, or adjacent to highways or utility rights-of-way;
(7) Establish forest areas adjacent to existing forests to increase the overall area of contiguous forest cover, when appropriate; and
(8) Use native plant materials for afforestation or reforestation, when appropriate.
(D) A person required to conduct afforestation or reforestation under this section shall accomplish it within one year or two growing seasons, whichever is a greater time period, following development project completion.
(Ord. 92-6, passed 12-21-1992)