10-25-1993 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Subp. 7c» Intensive Vegetation Clearinci: This definition isneeded to replace and modify the repealed definition of "Clearcutting”. The definition is reasonable since the complete removal of shoreland trees and shrubs in the manner described has a high potential for creating significant non~ point source pollution problems, which can reduce the long term economic value of shorelands. Examples of these problems are damage to shoreland fish and wildlife habitat via a reduction of the nutrient recycling, stormwater runoff filtering and soil protecting properties of vegetation. Vegetation also acts to visually screen shoreland development which maintains the natural values of shorelands. Subp. 4 rsee Repealerl Clearcuttinq;_ This definition is being repealed because a new definition, "Intensive Vegetation Clearing" is being substituted for "Clearcutting". The repeal of this definition is reasonable because the word 'clearcutting' is a term used to describe a technical forest management practice. Private and County forest resource managers had indicated a need for the shoreland regulations to contain a different word and definition to describe and regulate the removal of shoreland vegetation, especially in non-forest management areas, since the regulations address a significant acreage of shoreland that is not being used for industrial or commercial forest management purposes. Item A is necessary to exclude agriculture and forestry from these provisions since the area is managed in subsequent subparts. In subitem 1, it is necessary to prohibit vegetation clearing within the bluff and shore impact zones and on steep slopes to protect the vegetation and soil resources of these areas. The existence of vegetation in these areas is important to reduce the erosive effects of falling precipitation on the soil. Vegetation can also reduce the velocities or disperse the flow of surface water runoff, which is important since high velocity or concentrated surface water runoff can readily erode soils. Vegetation in these areas will also consume and utilize nutrients that may be in runoff waters or in the soil profile which could degrade the shoreland water quality if not consumed. Additionally, vegetation root systems in these areas will assist in binding the soil column to prevent or reduce the likelihood of bank and slope failure, which further protects the fish and wildlife habitat values associated with shoreland areas. The existence of vegetation in these areas also acts to screen shoreland development activities which