Best Management Practices for Forestry

Best Management Practices for Forestry

“… are voluntary guidelines to help maintain and protect the

physical, chemical, and biological integrity of waters of

the state.”

“… are voluntary guidelines to help maintain and protect the

physical, chemical, and biological integrity of waters of

the state.”

Lab 7: Forestry BMPs

BMPs are Designed to reduce and/or prevent

NPS Pollution.

BMPs are Designed to reduce and/or prevent

NPS Pollution.Sediment (loose soil particles)

Organic materials (tree tops and limbs)

Temperature (caused by the removal of shade)

Trash

Pesticides and Nutrients (herbicides & fertilizers)

Sediment (loose soil particles)

Organic materials (tree tops and limbs)

Temperature (caused by the removal of shade)

Trash

Pesticides and Nutrients (herbicides & fertilizers)

ResponsibilityResponsibility

LandownersForest resource managersTimber purchasersLoggersVendors

LandownersForest resource managersTimber purchasersLoggersVendors

“… all those involved in the authorization, planning and implementation of forestry operations.”

“… all those involved in the authorization, planning and implementation of forestry operations.”

1. Streamside Management Zones

1. Streamside Management Zones

SMZs are used to:•Reduce channel and floodplain erosion•Control deposition of pollutants into surface waters•Maintain biological integrity of aquatic ecosystems•Retain the capability of the forest floor to filter out pollutants from upland runoff

Other names for Streamside Management Zones (SMZs):Other names for Streamside Management Zones (SMZs):

• Buffer Zones• Wildlife Corridors• Riparian Zones• Leave Strips

• Buffer Zones• Wildlife Corridors• Riparian Zones• Leave Strips

1. Streamside Management Zones1. Streamside Management Zones

Things to Consider:Things to Consider:

•Width should vary (min. 35 feet)•Protect from destabilization•Maintain shade and organic recruitment•Maintain forest floor•Control: logging debris, mech. operations, pesticides, fertilizers, trash

•Width should vary (min. 35 feet)•Protect from destabilization•Maintain shade and organic recruitment•Maintain forest floor•Control: logging debris, mech. operations, pesticides, fertilizers, trash

1. Streamside Management Zones1. Streamside Management Zones

SMZ IllustrationSMZ Illustration

Harvesting in a SMZ should be done so as to protect the forest floor & understory vegetation from damage.

Harvesting in a SMZ should be done so as to protect the forest floor & understory vegetation from damage.

2. Stream Crossings2. Stream Crossings

• Avoid crossing streams if possible• Use the fewest number as possible• Locate and construct with least

damage• Install at right angles to stream• Remove temporary crossings• Stabilize and maintain permanent

crossings

• Avoid crossing streams if possible• Use the fewest number as possible• Locate and construct with least

damage• Install at right angles to stream• Remove temporary crossings• Stabilize and maintain permanent

crossings

Log CrossingsLog Crossings

2. Stream Crossings2. Stream Crossings

CulvertsCulverts

Make fill over a culvert the high spot in the crossing.

Make fill over a culvert the high spot in the crossing.

Use adequate

size

Use adequate

size

2. Stream Crossings2. Stream Crossings

Bridges create the least disruption to stream flowBridges create the least

disruption to stream flow

2. Stream Crossings2. Stream Crossings

3. Forest Roads3. Forest Roads

• Proper planning and location is key

• Avoid problem areas• Minimize soil exposure• Stabilize exposed soil• Close temporary roads• Maintain permanent

roads• DRAINAGE,

DRAINAGE

• Proper planning and location is key

• Avoid problem areas• Minimize soil exposure• Stabilize exposed soil• Close temporary roads• Maintain permanent

roads• DRAINAGE,

DRAINAGEEx: Crowned road

Water bars should be installed based upon gradeWater bars should be installed based upon grade

• 5% slope = 135’

• 10% slope = 80’

• 20% slope = 45’

• 5% slope = 135’

• 10% slope = 80’

• 20% slope = 45’

3. Forest Roads3. Forest Roads

Surface flow

4. Timber Harvesting4. Timber Harvesting

• Develop a harvesting plan

• Location of landings

• Felling direction• Proper skid trails• Harvesting system• Trash disposal

• Develop a harvesting plan

• Location of landings

• Felling direction• Proper skid trails• Harvesting system• Trash disposal

Things to Consider:

Selecting the right harvesting system is critical Selecting the right harvesting system is critical

4. Timber Harvesting4. Timber Harvesting

Selecting the type of harvesting

4. Timber Harvesting4. Timber Harvesting

Lab 7: Forestry BMPs Activities

• Foresters begin by estimating amount of timber

Activity 1:To do this measure tree height and dbh (diameter at breast height)

• Next logging plot must be assessed for presence of streams and downslope impacts.

Activity 2 : Plot logging area using GMPs