Best Management Practices for Forest Road Construction and ...

Streamside ManagementProper streamside management is one of the most importantpractices you can consider to help maintain water quality. Careis needed during road construction and harvesting to protectstreams and streambanks from erosion. Streamside vegetationand land buffers protect streambanks and stream channels fromerosion, cool stream water by providing shade, and help to filtersediment and nutrients from disturbed areas.Strips of land left between streams and disturbed areas arecommonly known as streamside management zones (SMZs)(Figure 1). Management practices may be modified in an SMZ,depending on the landowner’s objectives. Follow these guidelineswhen operating near streams:• Establish and operate within the SMZs in accordance withthe landowner’s forest management plan.• Leave a minimum of 50 feet between roads and streams.• Before logging, mark a SMZ between streams and harvestedareas or roads. Width of SMZ will depend on local conditions.*A minimum width of 50 feet on each side of the stream is agood rule of thumb.• Keep skidders away from streambanks.• Under wet conditions, keep heavy equipment out of SMZ.Use a cable skidder if available.• Do not skid across streams.• Remove tops or large limbs from stream channels.* Widths should be adjusted for slope and other site conditions.Consult with the agencies listed in the back of thisdocument.3