Stephens Co. Considers Changes To Timber Harvesting Ordinance

Stephens County Commissioners are considering changes to the county’s Timber Harvesting Ordinance.

Tuesday, the county commission held a first reading and public hearing on the proposed changes.

According to Stephens County Attorney Brian Ranck, the proposed changes to the county ordinance would just bring it in line with state law.

He said those proposed changes include changes to the bonding requirement for timber harvesters and changes to the required notice.

However, one person, Henry Moore, spoke about concerns he has with the ordinance.

“I found out I was going to have to do at least 10 to 12 acre tracts to get anybody’s interest to even look at it,” said Moore. “Primarily, due to some of the other things that went on and this bonding issue, it puts a big burden on trying to do selective cutting on property where you do not want to cut the whole thing.”

Ranck said the changes being proposed, however, are actually designed to make things easier on timber harvesters, not more difficult.

“These changes actually make it easier on the harvester,” said Ranck. “The fine for violating the ordinance was reduced if my recollection is correct on that. The permit fee that the county was assessing has been eliminated. It is requiring one bond through the whole year.”

Ranck said previously, separate bonds were required for each project.

Stephens County Commissioners took no action on the proposed changes.

They will have a second reading and take a vote at a future meeting.