The Point System (For Shoreland Zone Cutting)
In this segment, I would like to focus on tree cutting/pruning in the shoreland zone, particularly the area that lies within 100 feet of a lake or stream. In this area, we use the "point system" to help us determine what, if any, cutting is allowed. We start by gridding the shorefront off into 25' X 50' sections (or 25' X 25' in some towns) and then we measure and map the existing trees. The measurement is made at 4 1/2 feet above the ground (Diameter at Breast Height or DBH). Each tree is given a point designation, based on it's size (the larger the…