(iv)__A tree with a diameter at 4 1/2 feet above ground level of 12.0 or more inches has a point value of 8.

A landowner or lessee may not for any purpose, including the purpose of prohibiting the growth and recruitment of young trees into the class of trees that have a diameter at 4 1/2 feet above ground level of 2.0 inches, aggressively eliminate all woody vegetation that exceeds 3 feet in height.

(b) In applying this point system:

(i) The 25-foot by 25-foot square 50-foot rectangular plots must be established where the landowner or lessee proposes clearing within the required buffer;

(ii) Each successive plot must be adjacent to, but may not overlap, a previous plot;

(iii) Any plot not containing the required points may have no vegetation removed except as otherwise allowed by this subsection; and

(iv) Any plot containing the required points may have vegetation removed down to the minimum points required or as otherwise allowed by this subsection;

(3) In addition to the requirements of subparagraph (2), no more than 40% of the total volume of trees 4 4.0 inches or more in diameter, measured 4 1/2 feet above ground level, is selectively cut in any 10-year period;

(4) In order to protect water quality and wildlife habitat, existing vegetation under 3 feet in height and other ground cover is are not removed except for construction establishment of a footpath as provided in subparagraph (1);

(5) Tree branches are not pruned except on the bottom 1/3 of the tree as long as tree vitality will not be adversely affected; and