(a) For the purposes of this subparagraph, a "well-distributed stand of trees and other natural vegetation" is defined as maintaining a rating score of 8 16 or more points in a 25-foot by 25- foot square 50-foot rectangular area as determined by the following rating system.

(i) A tree with a diameter at 4 1/2 feet above ground level of 2 to 4 2.0 to less than 4.0 inches has a point value of one.

(ii) A tree with a diameter at 4 1/2 feet above ground level of more than 4 inches and up to and including 12 4.0 inches to less than 8.0 inches has a point value of 2.

(iii) A tree with a diameter at 4 1/2 feet above ground level of more than 12 8.0 inches to less than 12.0 inches has a point value of 4.

(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.

(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; and