Wednesday, August 8, 2001
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Wednesday, August 8, 2001 |
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New rules for timbering headed for commission By DAVE
HAMRICK
Controversial proposed rules requiring 25-foot buffers surrounding timber harvesting operations in Fayette are on the County Commission's agenda this week. The commission will consider the new rules at its meeting Thursday at 7 p.m. at the County Administrative Complex. Land owners and representatives of the timbering industry have argued against the idea of buffers, saying not being able to harvest what could amount to numerous acres of timber constitutes a taking of property, but the county Planning and Zoning Commission decided that the impact on surrounding property owners must be considered as well, and voted to recommend the buffers to the County Commission. "Clearly, a treed community improves the property values in that area," former P&Z Chairman Fred Bowen said during recent work session discussions. "Whether it's 50 feet or 25 feet, I feel we have to provide some protection from what clearly is an eyesore. Fayette County is not a farming county, so I think we have to balance all this." Up to half of the trees in the buffer could be removed by thinning under the proposed ordinance, a provision that commissioners said negates the argument that the buffer constitutes a "taking." The proposed law also would require that a minimum number of trees be preserved in the area that is clear-cut, and requires graveled entrances to the timbering sites to prevent mud on the roads. Cleanup would be required once a timbering operation is finished. Commissioners did bend to one request from Scott Jones of the Georgia Forestry Association, a lobbying group. The commission increased the time limit during which a land owner must begin timbering after receiving a permit, from one year to two. Too many ducks have to be gotten into a row to get underway in just a year, Jones said. Before approving the proposed ordinance, planning commissioners also added language defining "undeveloped property." During previous discussions, the group decided to allow waiver of the buffers if the adjoining property is undeveloped. Also on the commission's agenda Thursday will be a discussion of court defense for indigent residents in Fayette. Commissioners also will consider awarding a bid for improvements to Weeman Field in the soccer complex. The work would be done by Tifton Turf for $8,885.
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