(2) Nothing in ORS 527.740 to 527.750 is intended to apply to cutting of trees that is for growth enhancement treatments, as defined by the State Forester, such as thinning or precommercial thinning.

(3) The State Board of Forestry may modify or waive the limitations and requirements of ORS 527.676, 527.740, 527.750 and 527.755 for the purposes of a bona fide research project conducted by:

(a) A federal agency;

(b) Agencies of the executive department, as defined in ORS 174.112;

(c) An educational institution; or

(d) A private landowner.

(4) The State Board of Forestry may agree as a term of a stewardship agreement entered into under ORS 541.973 to modify or waive the limitations and requirements of ORS 527.676, 527.740, 527.750 and 527.755.

(5) The State Board of Forestry may modify or waive the limitations and requirements of ORS 527.676, 527.740, 527.750 and 527.755 for the purpose of an operation for the planting, growing, managing or harvesting of hardwood timber, including but not limited to hybrid cottonwood, if:

(a) The timber is grown on land that has been prepared by intensive cultivation methods and is cleared of competing vegetation for at least three years after planting;

(b) The timber is harvested on a rotation cycle of more than 12 years and less than 20 years after planting; and

(c) The timber is subject to intensive agricultural practices, including but not limited to fertilization, cultivation, irrigation, insect control and disease control. [1991 c.919 §3; 1993 c.657 §5; 1995 s.s. c.3 §39r; 1996 c.9 §20; 2008 c.11 §1]