Forestry/Woodcutting
Forestry/Woodcutting
Title 12
Natural Resources
Chapter 12.01 Timber Cutting
12.01.01 Regulated-Purpose
The Port Gamble S'Klallam Business Commitee finds that the timber on the reservation is a vital and valuable Tribal resource which must be protected and preserved for the benefit of the Tribe and its members. The Port Gamble S'Klallam Business Commitee finds that the valuable resource is threated by the indiscriminate and irresponsible cutting and sale of timber by members and non-members. The purpose of this chapter is to control these destructive practices.
[HIST: Source-Formerly, the Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribal Woodcutting Ordinance" passed 10/1/81, this chapter was renumbered and slight changes in wording made to facilitate codification.]
12.01.02 Definitions
For the purpose of this chapter,
a. "Timber cutting" is defined as the cutting of standing or downed timber for any purpose.
b. "Sale" means the exchange of anything of value including but not limited to cash, goods or services.
c."Wood" and "Timber" include live trees, downed trees and firewood.
12.01.03 Who May Cut Timber
Only members of the Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe or persons with written authorization from the Tribe may cut standing or downed timber within the boundaries of the Port Gamble S'Klallam Reservation.
[HIST: Source-"Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribal Woodcutting Ordinance" passed 10/1/81.]
12.01.04 Cutting Limited to Designated Areas
Timber cutting is permitted only in areas designated for that purpose by the Port Gamble S'Klallam Business Committee.
[HIST: Source-"Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribal Woodcutting Ordinance" passed 10/1/81.]
12.01.05 Sale of Timber or Wood Prohibited
The sale of timber or wood cut from reservation land by any person or entity other than the Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe is prohibited unless the person or entity has a tribally approved contract to do so.
[HIST: Source-"Port Gamble S'Klallam Woodcutting Ordinance" passed 10/1/81.]
Cross References-Section 5.01.04 (Theft,) Section 5.01.10 (injury to public property.)
12.01.06 Permit Required to Take Timber or Wood Off Reservation
No person may remove timber or wood from the Port Gamble S'Klallam reservation unless he or she has obtained a permit from the Tribe to do so. Permits may be obtained at the Port Gamble S'Klallam Community Center. No fee shall be charged for the permit.
[HIST: Source-"Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribal Woodcutting Ordinance" passed 10/1/81.]
12.01.07 Permit Restrictions
Only members of the Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe and non-members under contract with the Tribe may be issued to remove timber or wood from the reservation. Each permit shall be valid only for the length of time indicated on the permit. Only the amount of timber or wood specified on the permit may be removed from the reservation under that permit. Permits shall be subject to other terms and conditions as the Port Gamble S'Klallam Business Committee may from time to time require.
[HIST: Source-"Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribal Woodcutting Ordinance" passed 10/1/81.]
12.01.08 Forfeiture of Timber or Wood Removed Without Permit
Any timber or wood removed or attempted to be removed from the reservation without a valid permit shall be seized and shall be forfeited to the Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe. No property rights shall exist in any timber or wood which is possessed in violation of this code. Forfeiture proceedings under this section shall be governed by the civil proceedings for forfeiture of property under the Port Gamble S'Klallam Low and Order Code.
[HIST: Source-"Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribal Woodcutting Ordinance" passed 10/1/81.]
[Cross References-Chapter 3.10 Civil Forfeiture Proceedings. Criminal penalties at section 5.02.02 Vandalism/Unauthorized Use]
Designated Areas have been mapped out for Tribal Members Only to retrieve their own firewood. All must follow the area guidelines.
GUIDELINES FOR ALDER/MAPLE CUTTING AREA:
1. Cut only in the designated areas shown on the map.
2. Cut only every other tree, it is important to leave some trees as they shade out brush which significatly reduces the cost of road maintenance.
3. Do not damage other trees when removing alder/maple.
4. Remove tops and limbs from road after cutting.
5. Minimize rutting and compacting the soil when removing wood from a harvest area.
GUIDELINES FOR DOUGLAS FIR CUTTING AREA:
1. Cut only in the designated area as shown on map.
2. Cut only the trees marked in yellow paint
3. Remove tops and limbs from road after cutting.
4. Minimize rutting and compacting soil when removing wood from a harvest area.