<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".01-7" citation="COMAR 27.01.09.01-7" title_num="27" subtitle_num="01" chapter_num="09" heading="Tree Clearing and Timber Harvesting.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>In accordance with all of the following requirements, the buffer shall be managed to achieve or enhance the functions stated in Regulation .01 of this chapter:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Except as authorized under §A(2) of this regulation, a person may not cut or clear trees within the buffer; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>The commercial harvesting of trees may be authorized if:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>The commercial harvesting is by:</text>
        <paragraph num="(i)">
          <text>Selection cutting; or</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(ii)">
          <text>The clearcutting of loblolly pine or tulip poplar;</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>The cutting or clearing is at least 50 feet:</text>
        <paragraph num="(i)">
          <text>Landward from the mean high water line of tidal waters;</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(ii)">
          <text>From the landward boundary of a tidal wetland; and</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(iii)">
          <text>From the edge of each bank of a tributary stream;</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>The cutting does not occur in the habitat protection areas described in COMAR 27.01.09.02.—05; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(d)">
        <text>The cutting is conducted in conformance with the requirements of COMAR 27.01.05 and in conformance with a buffer management plan prepared by a registered, professional forester and approved by the Department of Natural Resources.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>The buffer management plan shall be required for all commercial harvests within the buffer, regardless of the size of the area to be cut, and shall contain the following minimum requirements:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Disturbance to stream banks and shorelines shall be avoided;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>The area disturbed or cut shall be replanted or allowed to regenerate in a manner that assures the availability of cover and breeding sites for wildlife, and reestablishes the wildlife corridor function of the buffer; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>The cutting does not involve the creation of logging roads and skid trails within the buffer.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>Commercial harvesting of trees, by any method, may be authorized up to the edge of each bank of an intermittent stream if the cutting is conducted in conformance with the requirements of §A(2)(c) of this regulation.</text>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>