More changes

to Fayette County's tree protection ordinance may be coming.

Among new restrictions

being considered are tougher restrictions on timbering operations.

Buffers around

the perimeter of property being timbered, and rules stating that a certain

number of trees must be left standing, even in the center of a clear-cut

parcel, are among the provisions.

If the changes

are approved, timbering companies also will be required to gravel the

entrance to any timbering site, to prevent trucks from tracking mud onto

roads. And if they do track mud, they'll have to clean it up.

County engineers

presented the proposed changes to the county Planning Commission last

week, and commission members suggested some modifications, which will

be worked into the document for further consideration at the commission's

next work session, Feb. 15.

If the Planning

Commission approves a set of changes, its recommendation will go to the

county Board of Commissioners for final action.