Bill > HB2714

This bill proposes several changes to the requirements for sediment control during commercial timber harvesting operations in West Virginia. The key provisions include: 1. Increasing the threshold for the timbering operations license requirement from an aggregate stumpage value of $15,528 to a total gross sales value of less than $52,000 for the exemption holder. 2. Requiring loggers to notify the Director of the Division of Forestry at least three days before the start of timbering operations. 3. Increasing the training requirements for certified loggers, requiring them to complete four hours of training per year for a cumulative total of eight hours every two years prior to recertification. 4. Providing for appeals of orders issued by the Director, including separate appeal processes for suspension/revocation orders and other types of orders. 5. Increasing the criminal penalties for violations, with a fine of $250-$500 for the first offense and $500-$1,000 or up to six months in jail for subsequent offenses. 6. Authorizing additional Division of Forestry personnel, beyond foresters and forest technicians, to issue citations for violations witnessed during inspections.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=2714&year=2019&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill