(a) The director shall have 30 days from the date that the initial inspection is completed (10 of these days shall follow the date of final interagency review) or, if the director determines that the inspection need not be made, 15 days from the date of filing, as specified in Section 4604, or a longer period mutually agreed upon by the director and the person submitting the timber harvesting plan, to review the plan and take public comments. After the final review and public comment period has ended, the director shall have up to 15 working days, or a longer period mutually agreed upon by the director and the person submitting the plan, to review the public input, to consider recommendations and mitigation measures of other agencies, to respond in writing to the issues raised, and to determine if the plan is in conformance with the rules and regulations of the board and with this chapter.
(b) If the director determines that the timber harvesting plan is not in conformance with the rules and regulations of the board or with this chapter, the director shall return the plan, stating his or her reasons in writing, and advising the person submitting the plan of the person’s right to a hearing before the board, and timber operations may not commence.
(c) A person to whom a timber harvesting plan is returned may, within 10 days from the date of receipt of the plan, request of the board a public hearing before the board. The board shall schedule a public hearing to review the plan to determine if the plan is in conformance with the rules and regulations of the board and with this chapter. Timber operations shall await board approval of the plan. Board action shall occur within 30 days from the date of the filing of the appeal, or a longer period mutually agreed upon by the board and the person filing the appeal.
(d) If the timber harvesting plan is not approved on appeal to the board, the plan may be found to be in conformance by the director within 10 days from the date of the board action, provided that the plan is brought into full conformance with the rules and regulations of the board and with this chapter. If the director does not act within 25 days or a longer period mutually agreed upon by the director and the person submitting the plan, timber operations may commence pursuant to the plan, and all provisions of the plan shall be followed as provided in this chapter.
(e) Upon the request of a responsible agency, the director shall consult with that agency, pursuant to this chapter, but the director, or his or her designee within the department, shall have the final authority to determine whether a timber harvesting plan is in conformance with the rules and regulations of the board and with this chapter for purposes of approval by the department.
(Amended by Stats. 2003, Ch. 900, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2004.)