Timber Harvesting Changes Approved

Stephens County approves changes to its timber harvesting ordinance.

On Tuesday, county commissioners approved the proposed amendments to the timber harvesting ordinance following a second reading and public hearing.

Nobody spoke either for or against the changes to the timber harvesting ordinance at Tuesday’s meeting.

According to Stephens County Attorney Brian Ranck, no changes were made to the ordinance amendments from what was proposed to the commission at its last meeting.

Ranck said the changes are simply designed to make it so the county ordinance lines up with state law.

“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 approved the changes unanimously.