Timber Waiver Policy

Press Release - March 19, 2008

In response to a number of recommendations from the Tahoe Basin Fire Commission, the Lahontan Water Board is beginning the process to update the Timber Waiver Policy. The Water Board is accepting preliminary comments through April 30, 2008, including suggestions and ideas to improve the Timber Waiver process. The Water Board will be considering changes to increase the types of projects requiring no Water Board review. Once the revised Waiver is drafted, the Water Board will seek additional public comments. Please submit your comments to Douglas Cushman.

On February 14, 2007, the Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board (Water Board) adopted Resolution No. R6T-2007-0008 ("Resolution"), including Attachment A ("Waiver") and a Monitoring and Reporting Program. These documents, available below in electronic format, are the timber waiver policy of the Water Board. All timber harvest and vegetation management activities conducted within the Lahontan Region that could affect the quality of the waters of the State must comply with this new policy. Land owners and federal or state land managers must apply for and receive either a "waiver" or "waste discharge requirements" (i.e., a permit) from the Water Board before conducting timber harvest or vegetation management activities as defined in this policy.

All timber harvest activities conducted under a CDF-accepted Notice of Exemption or Notice of Emergency, or a CDF-approved Timber Harvesting Plan (THP), Nonindustrial Timber Management Plan (NTMP), Program Timber Harvesting Plan (PTHP), etc., must also apply for a waiver or individual permit from the Water Board. The policy also applies to other timber management activities, such as non-commercial fuel reduction or the application of silvicultural herbicides.The activities covered and the procedures for obtaining a waiver are contained in the Waiver.

Application forms are listed below for the specific waiver categories.

An inspection form is also provided for meeting the monitoring and reporting requirements.

Questions about this policy may be directed to any of the following staff persons:

• George Cella at (530) 542-5426
• Douglas Cushman at (530) 542-5417
• Andrea Stanley at (530) 542-5406
  

Available Documents

Timber Waiver:

• Resolution R6T-2007-0008
• Attachment A - Timber Waiver

Timber Waiver Monitoring & Reporting Program:

• Waiver Attachment 2 - Monitoring and Reporting Program
• Inspection Form
  

Timber Waiver Applications and Forms:

• Waiver Application and Certification Form for Category 1 Projects
• Waiver Application and Certification Form for Category 2-4 Projects
• Waiver Application and Certification Form for Category 5 Projects (USFS Only)
• Notice of Waiver Termination Form
• Notice of Waiver Renewal Form

California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for the adoption of Timber Waiver:

• Negative Declaration (2003)
• Notice of Determination (2003)

Other Documents

• Accomplishments Related to Fuels Reduction Efforts in the Lake Tahoe Basin - June 2007
• Memorandum of Understanding Between the Lahontan Water Board, and the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (2003).
• Management Agency Agreement between the State Water Resources Control Board and the U.S. Forest Service (1981).
• Memorandum of Understanding between the Lahontan Water Board and the U.S. Forest Service, Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (2003)
• Waiver of Waste Discharge Requirements for Specific Types of Projects Conducted on Lands Administered by LTBMU (2003).
  
  
  
  

( updated 5/16/08 )