Assembly hears AB 86 to clarify 'logging' vs. 'cutting' language after Tahoe concerns
Loading...
Summary
AB 86, presented by Assemblymember Ken Gray with the State Forester, seeks to remove ambiguous 'cutting' language and add a definition for 'cutting operation' to avoid unintentionally requiring permits for homeowners doing defensible‑space work while preserving commercial permitting and TRPA oversight in the Tahoe Basin.
Assemblymember Ken Gray introduced Assembly Bill 86 to the Assembly Natural Resources Committee on Feb. 10, asking the committee to amend statute to clarify the scope of logging permits and to add a specific definition for "cutting operation." The bill presentation was accompanied by Casey Casey, State Forester Fire Warden, who said the change is primarily cleanup to address an unintended consequence of a 2017 change to the statutory definition of "logging."
What the bill would do: Casey said AB 86 removes “cutting practices” from a statutory logging definition so that routine homeowner fuel‑reduction activities—limbing lower branches and removing small material for defensible space—are not captured by the commercial logging regulatory regime. The division proposed adding a definition of “cutting operation” that mirrors but differs from the logging definition; the division’s staff explained the key distinction is whether material is being loaded onto trucks for commercial removal.
Committee discussion and clarification: Deputy Administrator Ryan Shane told the committee, "The key there is loading onto trucks," saying the 2017 definition change focused regulation on removal of whole logs shipped offsite for commercial processing. Casey and Ryan said the bill does not intend to remove TRPA (Tahoe Regional Planning Agency) or other applicable local/regional oversight in the Tahoe Basin; rather, it aims to eliminate duplicative or confusing references and make permit language sharper across the rest of the state.
Assemblymembers pressed for placement and statutory detail. Assemblymember DeLong asked whether the definition would be inserted into NRS 528; committee witnesses confirmed the definition would be added to the statute's definitions section. Assemblymember Karas sought clarification about the difference between a commercial cutting operation and logging; Casey and Ryan emphasized the distinction involves the scale and the act of putting logs onto trucks for commercial transport rather than small‑scale landowner fuel reduction.
Testimony: There were no members of the public present or calling in to testify for, against, or neutral on AB 86 during the hearing; Assemblymember Gray closed with brief remarks and the committee moved on.
Ending: The hearing concluded without a recorded vote; committee members indicated they may consider suggested clarifications and statutory placement in follow‑up work.
