A wild-crop harvesting Organic System Plan (OSP) includes:
- A full map of the area(s) to be harvested defining boundaries, borders, adequate buffer zones, point and non-point sources of contaminants and prohibited materials, and wild crops to be harvested.
- Documentation that no prohibited materials have been applied to or have contaminated the land or aquatic area within the last three years.
- A description of the natural environment of the harvest area (e.g. scrub steppe, oak-chaparral woodland, deciduous hardwood forest).
The Timber Harvesting Plan (THP) is the environmental review documents submitted by landowners to CAL FIRE outlining what timber he or she wants to harvest, how it will be harvested, and the steps that will be taken to prevent damage to the environment. THPs are prepared by Registered Professional Foresters (RPFs) who are licensed to prepare these comprehensive, detailed plans. THPs can range from about 100 pages to more than 500 pages.
CAL FIRE does not have the authority to deny a THP that is in compliance with state and federal rules and laws, simply because the logging plan is unpopular with the public. The Department reviews and approves between 500 to 1400 THPs each year. A THP that does not comply with all forestry and environmental regulations is returned to the RPF. It is only approved after the RPF and landowner agree to make the changes necessary to ensure compliance with all laws. CAL FIRE follows-up on approved THPs with site inspections and can shut down operations, cite or fine RPFs, Licensed Timber Operators (LTOs), and landowners if illegal operations are found.
