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Because of safety concerns, encroachment is prohibited into the bluff impact zone. The proposed rule <br />is a modification of Minn. R. 6120.3300, subp. 3.J (2015), adapted to recognize the more intensive <br />development patterns and the typical placement and size of existing decks and patios on residential lots <br />within the MRCCA. <br />Subpart 7. Private signs. There are a number of businesses that use off -premise advertising signs or <br />directional signs for patrons accessing their business by watercraft. It is widely recognized that these <br />types of signs, if unregulated, may adversely impact scenic views within the MRCCA. Throughout the <br />rulemaking process, stakeholders expressed concerns about signs and billboards in the MRCCA. <br />Stakeholders were particularly concerned that the proposed standards should not weaken existing <br />protections. <br />• Off -premise advertising signs. The standards set forth in Executive Order 79-19 currently <br />provide that signs "must not be visible" from the river. This subpart modifies the Executive <br />Order 79-19 standard by requiring that off -premise signs must meet setback standards and <br />height limits and must not be "readily visible" from the river as defined in proposed Minn. R. <br />6106.0050, subp. 60. This modification was made because many local governments have <br />struggled with determining how the "must not be visible" standard can be met. Some <br />stakeholders have contended "must not be visible" means that the sign should not be visible <br />from anywhere in the corridor at any time of the year. This standard is impossible to meet and is <br />not reasonable in those portions of the MRCCA where there is already intensive development. <br />For this reason the standard was modified to prohibit signs that are "readily visible". This <br />standard ensures that signs are not so visible that they are dominant or readily noticed features <br />of the river vista. <br />• Directional signs for patrons arriving at a business by watercraft. This subpart also recognizes <br />that directional signs for watercraft, such as marina signs, are important for directing river <br />traffic. These signs are, therefore, permitted within the MRCCA but limited in size and lighting to <br />avoid dominating the river view. The standards for wayfinding signs was derived from the state <br />shoreland rules, Minn. R. 6120.3300, subp. 10.0 (2015), and are largely performance -based. <br />6106.0150 Vegetation Management <br />Vegetation in the MRCCA plays an important role in slowing storm water runoff, preventing erosion, <br />filtering nonpoint source pollution, preventing establishment of invasive species, protecting habitat, <br />maintaining stability of bluffs and steep slopes, and maintaining corridor character consistent with each <br />management district. <br />Executive Order 79-19 relied on this principal to protect the important resource values of the MRCCA. <br />Executive Order 79-19 prohibits clearcutting on the slope or face of bluffs and areas within 40 feet <br />landward from blufflines, as well as on islands and public recreation areas. In other sensitive areas, <br />Executive Order 79-19 regulates clearcutting through a variety of performance standards. Clear cutting <br />is a forest management term and is adopted in Executive Order 79-19 to prohibit the removal of an <br />entire stand of trees or shrubs. Under Executive Order 79-19 selective cutting of trees greater than 4 <br />inches in diameter is permitted if continuous cover is maintained. Selective cutting, another forest <br />54 <br />