Innovative Responses to the Forest Practices Permitting Process

Abstract

Partial Abstract:

Several suggestions for easing the burden on small landowners are included and described in this paper. The first suggestion described is to extend the period of the permit from its current two years to five years. A second option is to increase the application exemption from those who cut less than 5,000 to those who cut less than 20,000 board feet per year. A third option is for the DNR to work with landowners to develop a long term (up to 15 years) management plan submitted in conjunction with their Forest Practices Application. The last option discussed would require the DNR to continue to increase its level of service provided to small landowners by assuming the responsibility of completing the FPA/N.