Specifically, as a Level A
criterion, the 15 percent
native vegetation cover
criterion is not required until the sixth year after initial certification, perhaps longer if other Level A
criteria make up the 50 percent that are needed by that time.
Although there is mention of the minimum 40 % canopy cover and 12
native tree species per hectare in the
criterion, it states that farms can meet those parameters OR have 15 %
native vegetation cover.