(c)__For the purposes of this subparagraph, "other natural vegetation" is defined as retaining existing vegetation under 3 feet in height and other ground cover and retaining at least 5 saplings less than 2 inches in diameter at 4 1/2 feet above ground level for each 25-foot by 50- foot rectangular area.__If 5 saplings do not exist, the landowner or lessee may not remove any woody stems less than 2 inches in diameter until 5 saplings have been recruited into the plot;

(3) In addition to the requirements of subparagraph (2), no more than 40% of the total volume of trees 4 4.0 inches or more in diameter, measured 4 1/2 feet above ground level, is selectively cut in any 10-year period;

(4) In order to protect water quality and wildlife habitat, existing vegetation under 3 feet in height and other ground cover is not removed except for construction of a footpath as provided in subparagraph (1);

(5) Tree branches are not pruned except on the bottom 1/3 of the tree as long as tree vitality will not be adversely affected; and

(6) In order to maintain a buffer strip of vegetation, when the removal of storm-damaged, diseased, unsafe or dead trees results in the creation of cleared openings in excess of 250 square feet, these openings are replanted with native tree species unless there is existing new tree growth.

Cleared openings legally in existence on September 1, 2002 may be maintained but may not be enlarged.

Cleared openings legally in existence on September 1, 2002 may be maintained but may not be enlarged.

This subsection applies to an area with vegetation composed primarily of shrubs, trees or other woody vegetation without regard to whether the area was previously cut or cleared;