PB Staff Notes SP 64-2018 Hartman_11 27 18
Town of Queensbury Planning Board
Community Development Department Staff Notes
November 27, 2018
Site Plan 64-2018 DAMON HARTMAN/PRENTIS-CARLISLE
West Mountain Rd. / RR3A Rural Residential 3 Acres & LC10A Land Conservation 10
Acres
Ward 3
SEQR Unlisted
Material Review: site plan application, timber harvest plan and narrative
Parcel History: n/a
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Requested Action
Planning Board review and approval for a timber harvest plan for three parcels.
Resolutions
1. SEQR
2. PB Decision
Project Description
Applicant proposes a timber harvest plan for three parcels. Project includes a selective harvest with main access
and header to be located on parcel 300.-1-20.2. Skid trails have been identified with 50 ft. buffer from stream
corridor and only one stream crossing. Harvest is to be no greater than 15% of property. Pursuant to Chapter
179-6-010 of the Zoning Ordinance, timber harvest shall be subject to Planning Board review and approval.
Staff Comments
Location-The entrance road to the harvest area is located north of 725 West Mountain Rd.
Arrangement- The applicant has indicated there are 3 parcels involved with two of the parcels noting steep
slopes (300.-1-21, 300.-1-22) to west portion of the lot not to be harvested.
Site Design- The applicant has indicated the trees to be harvested are greater than 6 inches and
approximately 50-60 % of this grouping is to be harvested. This would be roughly 7 to 8 trees per acre –for
parcel 300.-1-20.2 at 33.24 ac that would be about 266 trees. A smaller area of parcels 300.-1-21, 300.-1-22
roughly 50 ac or an estimated 400 trees.
Building – the site is vacant and at this time to remain vacant
Site plan overall-The site is a wooded area with existing trails throughout the site. Some of the trails are to
be used for the skid trails.
Grading and drainage plan and Sediment and erosion control: The applicant has reached out to the Warren
County Soil and Water Conservation district and has indicated in the timber harvest plan they will install
best management practices as outline in the Warren County Soil and Water Letter ( included in submission)
Harvest plan – The submission includes a schedule of management activities where 2018 is noted as
harvest, 2019-2030 no treatment to occur, then 2031 the site would be reevaluated for harvest. Upon review
of the harvest plan between Staff and Soil and Water Conservation District Staff the activity meets #14 of
the Frequently Asked Questions for SPDES and Stormwater Discharge as an Exempt activity.
o Excerpt…. “In order to successfully demonstrate "silviculture", a landowner should present a forest
management plan, prepared by a resource management professional (forester), that shows sound
forestry intent, goals, forethought, addresses the condition of the residual stand and makes
provisions for future forest regeneration; or they should at least be able to discuss their plans with
respect to the future of the property staying in forest use. By providing such acceptable evidence of
intent to practice silviculture, or “sustainable forestry”, the landowner then simply needs to
adequately protect water and soil resources, as required under Article 15, through use of accepted
timber harvesting “Best Management Practices” (BMP’s) , and is not required to prepare a Soil
Erosion and Sediment Control Plan or obtain coverage under GP-02-01. Landowners may refer to
the “New York State Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality” field guide, available
from DEC Forestry offices, for advice and guidance on selection and installation of appropriate
BMP’s for silvicultural operations.”
Pursuant to Section 179-9-050 the Planning Board may grant waivers on its own initiative or at the written
request of an applicant. The application form identified as “Requirements” outlines the items to appear on the
site plan or included as attachments. At the time of application the applicant has either requested waivers,
indicated the item not applicable or has not addressed the item/ left check box blank. This includes the follow
items listed under Requirements of the applicant’s application: g. site lighting, h. signage, j. stormwater, k.
topography, l. landscaping, n traffic, o. commercial alterations/ construction details, p floor plans, q. soil logs, r.
construction/demolition disposal s. snow removal.
Summary
The applicant has completed a site plan review application for a timber harvest project. The project covers
portions of 3 parcels and includes skidder trails, stream crossing, and removal of 50-60% of trees greater than
six inches.
Meeting History: PB: 10/16/18 tabled;
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