ORS 527.678 Wildlife food plots; rules

As used in this section:

“Forest tree species” has the meaning given that term in ORS 527.620.

“Small forestland” means forestland as defined in ORS 527.620 that:

Has an owner that owns or holds common ownership interest in at least 10 acres of Oregon forestland but less than 5,000 acres of Oregon forestland; and

Constitutes all forestland within a single tax lot and all forestland within contiguous parcels owned or held in common ownership by the owner.

“Wildlife food plot” means a small forestland area that, instead of being used for growing and harvesting a forest tree species, is planted in vegetation capable of substantially contributing to wildlife nutrition.

The owner of a small forestland that is subject to reforestation requirements under ORS 527.610 to 527.770 may, notwithstanding any contrary provision of the reforestation requirements for the forestland, establish wildlife food plots within the boundaries of the small forestland. The combined size of the wildlife food plots described in this subsection may not exceed:

2.5 percent of the small forestland, if the small forestland is 500 acres or less in size;

2.0 percent of the small forestland, if the small forestland is more than 500 acres but not more than 1,000 acres in size; or

1.0 percent of the small forestland, if the small forestland is more than 1,000 acres in size.

The State Board of Forestry shall adopt rules for carrying out this section. The board shall consult with the State Department of Fish and Wildlife to identify vegetation capable of substantially contributing to wildlife nutrition.

The establishment of a wildlife food plot as provided by board rules is a forest practice providing for the overall maintenance of forestland resources as described in ORS 527.710 and supersedes any contrary reforestation requirement under ORS 527.610 to 527.770 for the wildlife food plot.

Notwithstanding ORS 527.670 (1), the establishment or relocation of a wildlife food plot, and the reforestation of a location that ceases to be a wildlife food plot, are forest operations requiring notice to the State Forester under ORS 527.670.