County approves clearing changes

Mountain View County council has approved changes to the land use bylaw regarding tree clearing.

The move came by way of motion at the recent regularly scheduled council meeting.

The changes include new definitions for selective logging and tree clearing/clear-cutting.

Previously tree clearing was considered an exempt use in agricultural and agricultural 2 districts under the land use bylaw when not contained within an environmentally significant area (ESA).

When within an ESA boundary, the use was discretionary and requires a development permit.

The amendments define selective logging as cutting, storage, sorting and grading of primary forest materials for commercial use of the logs or fibre and include associated reforestation and reclamation activities. The use does not include uses considered within the definition of mineral resource extraction.

Selective logging is now considered a discretionary use in agricultural and agricultural 2 districts when proposed with ESA level 1 and hazard land excluding floodway and flood fringe.

Tree clearing and clear-cutting are defined as cutting down and/or the removal of trees other than for selective logging. It is considered as a discretionary use in all zoning districts when within ESA levels 1, 2, 3 and 4 and hazard lands excluding floodway and flood fringe.

When a development permit application for selective logging is made, the applicant shall submit the following:

• A harvest plan to be prepared in accordance with the Alberta Timber Harvest Planning and Operating Ground Rules, and the plan is to be reviewed and signed by an Alberta Registered Professional Forester.
• A location plan showing all hydrographic and topographic features, roads, buildings and residences within a half mile of the subject property.
• Haul roads to be used, and methods of dust control.
• A reclamation program and proposed end use for the subject property.