Proposed bill would require timber harvest notices and records

Landowners or their authorized agents would file a notice of intent to cut with the town and send a copy to the state forestry division. The notice rules would cover commercial timber harvesting in New Hampshire. The landowner, agent, forester, and harvester named on the notice would all sign it. The notice rules would not cover small residential or roadside removals under 2 acres, or timber cut solely for the landowner's personal use. The notice would have to be filed before a commercial harvest.

The bill would define a scale slip as a written or printed record of specified wood and delivery details. The defined forest products include logs, pulpwood, veneer, chips, and fuelwood, but exclude Christmas trees, maple syrup, nursery products, wreaths, boughs, and cones. The record would include wood type and amount, measurement details, delivery company, landowner or representative, lot and address, and the person who measured the wood. The bill would take effect January 1, 2027.

A proposed clearcut over 75 connected acres would require a harvest plan prepared by a licensed forester. This would apply to proposed clearcuts exceeding 75 connected acres. The plan would address forest regrowth and erosion control. The state forestry division could require a site review before approval. The plan would be required for the proposed harvest; a site review could happen before the plan is approved.

A person certified in erosion and sediment control could file a simplified notice for a harvest of 10 acres or less. This option would apply to harvests of 10 acres or less and people certified in erosion and sediment control. The certified person would have to be directly responsible for erosion control at the site. The bill provides no funding or positions to create or run the certification program; the fiscal note says implementation would require funding and authorized positions. The bill would take effect January 1, 2027, but the certification program may depend on later funding and authorization.