Procedures

1d. Before cutting or clearing of any forest land, the constructing agency must submit a request for review to the appropriate Regional Forest Service office (see p. 6, Regional offices) while the highway project is in initial design stage. Request must include:

-- "Reforestation Site Review" form (DNR/RCS 399), (top half to be completed by construction agency prior to submitting)

Reforestation Site Review form (PDF, kb)
Reforestation Site Review form (ZIP)

-- Site Plan(s) illustrating: project location, existing forest land locations/limits, proposed cutting area and acreage, and proposed reforestation/afforestation area (location and acreage).

2d. Within 20 working days of receipt of ld information, DNR - Forest Service will review both the request form, plans and the site. A written evaluation then will be returned to the constructing agency starting any/all observations and comments.

3d. DNR- Forest Service will determine extent of forest land cleared and damage to residual forest upon completion of all construction. Excess clearing and residual tree damage will be assessed by Forest Service personnel and included in the total acreage for replacement.

4d. Reforestation/Afforestation planting must be completed within one year (or two growing seasons) of construction completion date, and will be reviewed twice by DNR Forest Service who will determine if planting is successful (i.e. minimum stocking levels met); if not, a reinforcement planting may be required to bring stocking to acceptable levels.