Random Clearing This work consists of clearing, removing and disposing of all vegetation and debris in areas within the R/W as specified, except such objects as are designated by the Engineer to remain or to be removed in accordance with the Plans or other sections of the Specifications. Vegetation and debris includes: trees, shrubs, vines, logs, limbs, mulch piles and all other debris associated with random clearing. Random clearing may be done by any method provided that the ground disturbance is minimal and no damage is done to property, structures, trees, or shrubbery to be retained, in or outside the R/W boundaries. Remove all trees, brush, stumps and roots projecting through or appearing on the surface of the ground by cutting or grinding flush with the surrounding ground surface. No grubbing operations are allowed. The Engineer will designate any trees, shrubs, plants, and other objects within the clearing limits specified that are to remain and be preserved. Preserve all concrete ditches and flumes, drainage structures and headwalls, sound barriers, utility lines and poles, fences, signs, R/W markers and other permanent R/W structures. The Engineer may specify that additional damaged, diseased, or deformed trees outside of the clearing limits be removed. Logging operations for marketable timber is permissible when performing random clearing only in such a manner as not to interfere with the safety of the traveling public or personnel involved with the work. Trees outside the limits of clearing shall have all tree branches that extend within the limits of clearing area removed back to the branch bark ridge at the tree trunk to a height of at least thirty (30) feet from grade level at the edge of the limits of clearing. However, branches shall NEVER be removed in a manner to create an unbalanced canopy, where one side has many more branches than the other, nor shall all the branches be removed on one side of any tree. No more than 25% of the total leaf bearing crown shall be removed from any tree. No more than 25% of the branches on any one side of a tree shall be removed. This may require selected trees outside the limits of clearing to be removed.
