Great Lakes, Great Times, Great Outdoors

www.michigan.gov/dnr

SUSTAINABLE SOIL AND 

WATER QUALITY PRACTICES ON 

FOREST LAND

MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

AND

MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

IC4011 (Rev. 02/24/2009) 
MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES MISSION STATEMENT

"The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and 

enjoyment of the State's natural resources for current and future generations." 

NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION STATEMENT

The Natural Resources Commission, as the governing body for the Michigan Department of Natural 

Resources, provides a strategic framework for the DNR to effectively manage your resources. The NRC 

holds monthly, public meetings throughout Michigan, working closely with its constituencies in 

establishing and improving natural resources management policy. 

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources provides equal opportunities for employment and access 

to Michigan's natural resources. Both State and Federal laws prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, 

color, national origin, religion, disability, age, sex, height, weight or marital status under the U.S. Civil 

Rights Acts of 1964 as amended, 1976 MI PA 453, 1976 MI PA 220, Title V of the Rehabilitation Act of 

1973 as amended, and the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended. If you believe that you 

have been discriminated against in any program, activity, or facility, or if you desire additional information, 

please write: Human Resources, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, PO Box 30028, Lansing MI 

48909-7528, or Michigan Department of Civil Rights, Cadillac Place, 3054 West Grand Blvd, Suite 3-600, 

Detroit, MI 48202, or Division of Federal Assistance, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 4401 North Fairfax 

Drive, Mail Stop MBSP-4020, Arlington, VA 22203. 

For information or assistance on this publication, contact Forest, Mineral & Fire Management, Michigan

Department of Natural Resources, P.O. Box 30452, Lansing, MI 48909-7952. This publication is available

in alternative formats upon request.

MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY MISSION STATEMENT

The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality protects and enhances Michigan’s environment and 

public health.

The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) will not discriminate against any individual or 

group on the basis of race, sex, religion, age, national origin, color, marital status, disability or political 

beliefs. Questions or concerns should be directed to the MDEQ Office of Personnel Services, PO Box 

30473, Lansing, MI 48909.

IC4011 (Rev. 02/24/2009) 
Jennifer M. Granholm 

Governor 

Steven E. Chester 

Director, Michigan Department of Environmental Quality 

Rebecca A. Humphries 

Director, Michigan Department of Natural Resources 

Michigan Department of Environmental Quality 

www.michigan.gov/deq

Michigan Department of Natural Resources 

www.michigan.gov/dnr

IC4011 (Rev. 02/24/2009) 
1 

IC4011 (Rev. 02/24/2009) 

FOREWORD 

Dear Reader and User: 

This manual describes the specifications and techniques to properly apply voluntary “Best Management 

Practices” (BMPs). It also provides information regarding environmental laws and regulations that may

apply when forest management activities occur. 

This is the first substantial revision of the Water Quality Practices on Forest Land, also known as 

Michigan’s Forestry Best Management Practices (BMP) Manual. The original was published in 1994. It 

has been reprinted with minor changes to adjust for governmental reorganization and re-codification of

environmental and natural resource protection laws. This version supercedes all previous versions. 

A key influence in revising the original manual has been the development of forest certification standards. 

These standards emphasize sustainable forestry principles and practices which include protection of 

water and soil resources. In the United States, there are two primary forest certification systems: The 

Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) and the set of standards developed by the Forest Stewardship 

Council (FSC). 

The scope and use of the term “Best Management Practices” has been expanded in this manual. The 

manual describes BMPs in the context of those practices that not only protect surface water quality, but 

soil quality too. Two new sections have been added: 1) Forest wetland protection practices to use when 

constructing roads, and 2) guidance to address rutting. The term “buffer strip” has been changed to 

“Riparian Management Zone” (RMZ). This term provides a more accurate description regarding the 

activities allowed in the forested area adjacent to a stream or other water body. Forest management 

activities within an RMZ are allowed, as long as extra precaution is used and the integrity and function of 

the RMZ is maintained during and after forest management activities (i.e. logging). The manual has also 

incorporated information on designated trout streams, vernal pools, and bogs to provide information about 

such areas. However, the focus remains on water and soil quality rather than wildlife or other broader 

ecological concerns. For the latter types of information, for example on species of greatest conservation 

need, see the DNR Wildlife Action Plan on the DNR Website, www.michigan.gov/dnr. 

Please note that the BMPs described in previous editions are incorporated into this manual. The 

specifications have not been changed nor have the statutes governing them. 

From a legal standpoint, the use of these BMPs is voluntary. However, properly applying these practices 

enables the responsible party or parties to meet pertinent environmental protection regulations. 

Voluntarily applying these practices will, under most weather conditions, prevent sediment or other 

nonpoint sources of pollution from going into a stream or other open water body. 

This manual provides recommended guidance and specifications. It does not cover all situations, as 

conditions vary from site to site. These practices may be modified for specific site conditions in line with 

protecting soil and site productivity, and water quality resources. 

In addition to DNR and DEQ staff, we wish to thank The Nature Conservancy, Michigan Association of 

Timbermen, the Forest Management Advisory Committee, and the Michigan Forest Products Council for 

their collaborative, helpful reviews and comments. 

 
2 

IC4011 (Rev. 02/24/2009) 

Table of Contents 

1. INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................................................................4

2. LAWS AND PERMITS..............................................................................................................................5

Stream Crossings ......................................................................................................................................5

Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Regulations ...............................................................................6

Wetlands and Floodplains .........................................................................................................................7

Other Laws Affecting Forest Management................................................................................................7

3. FUELS, LUBRICANTS AND SPILLS ......................................................................................................9

Spill Prevention Best Management Practices ...........................................................................................9

Spills ........................................................................................................................................................10

4. TIMBER HARVEST PLANNING ............................................................................................................10

Pre-Harvest Planning ..............................................................................................................................10

5. RIPARIAN MANAGEMENT ZONES (RMZs).........................................................................................13

Forest Management Activities within the Riparian Management Zone...................................................13

Site Specific Factors to Consider ............................................................................................................14

Riparian Management Zone Water Quality Function Factors.................................................................14

Riparian Management Zone Widths........................................................................................................16

Designated Trout Streams and Management Within the Riparian Management Zone ..........................17

Management for Shade Intolerant Species within the RMZ....................................................................18

Natural River Regulations........................................................................................................................19

Wild and Scenic Rivers............................................................................................................................20

Vernal Pools, Seeps, and Intermittent Streams ......................................................................................20

Fens and Bogs ........................................................................................................................................21

6. FOREST ROADS....................................................................................................................................21

Planning and Forest Road Placement.....................................................................................................21

Reducing Water Volume and Velocity on the Forest Road System........................................................23

Road Grades ...........................................................................................................................................23

BMP Construction Specifications for Protection of Water Quality...........................................................23

Winter Roads...........................................................................................................................................26

Road Management Measures on Active Sales for Permanent and Temporary Roads ..........................26

Road Closure and Retirement.................................................................................................................27

7. WATER DIVERSION DEVICES .............................................................................................................28

Earth Berm Water Bars ...........................................................................................................................28

Conveyor Belt Water Bars.......................................................................................................................29

Temporary Water Bars Made from Slash or Logs...................................................................................30

Broad-Based Dips ...................................................................................................................................31

Diversion Ditches.....................................................................................................................................33

Cross Drainage Culverts for Upland Landscapes ...................................................................................34

8. STREAM CROSSINGS ..........................................................................................................................35

Portable Bridges ......................................................................................................................................36

Crossing Streams Using Culverts ...........................................................................................................37

Culvert Installation and Placement..........................................................................................................37

Methods for Estimating the Diameter of a Stream Crossing Culvert.......................................................39

Guidance Regarding the Application of the MESBOA Method ...............................................................41

9. RUTTING ................................................................................................................................................42

10. LANDINGS ...........................................................................................................................................45

11. SKIDDING.............................................................................................................................................45

12. WETLAND BMPS AND FOREST ROADS ..........................................................................................47

Forest Road Construction in Forested Wetlands ....................................................................................48

BMP Specifications for Forest Road Construction on Organic Wetland Soils ........................................49

Specifications for Roads Constructed on Mineral Soils or a Thin Organic Layer ...................................50

13. FOREST ROADS-CONTROLLING SEDIMENT MOVEMENT AND TRANSPORT DURING RAIN 

EVENTS......................................................................................................................................................52

14. SITE PREPARATION, REFORESTATION AND FOREST PROTECTION.........................................54

Mechanical Preparations.........................................................................................................................54
3 

IC4011 (Rev. 02/24/2009) 

Prescribed Burning ..................................................................................................................................55

Chemical Treatment ................................................................................................................................55

Reforestation ...........................................................................................................................................56

Use of Pesticides.....................................................................................................................................56

Wildfire Damage Control and Reclamation .............................................................................................57

APPENDIX A - GLOSSARY.......................................................................................................................58

APPENDIX B - WORKING WITHIN THE LAWS GOVERNING NONPOINT SOURCE POLLUTION......63

APPENDIX C - LIST OF APPLICABLE LAWS IN MICHIGAN .................................................................64

APPENDIX D - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS REGARDING STREAM CROSSING 

REGULATIONS AND PERMITS ................................................................................................................67

APPENDIX E – VEGETATIVE EROSION CONTROL GUIDANCE FOR NATURAL RESOURCE 

MANAGEMENT ..........................................................................................................................................68

APPENDIX F – NATURAL RIVER BUFFERS...........................................................................................75

APPENDIX G - DESIGNATED NATURAL RIVERS AND TRIBUTARIES..................................................76

REFERENCES............................................................................................................................................79

Table of Figures 

Figure 1. Pre-Harvest Site and BMP Plan Map ..........................................................................................12

Figure 2. Example of a Riparian Management Zone ..................................................................................13

Figure 3. An Example of a Knuckleboom Harvester...................................................................................16

Figure 4. BMP Construction Road Techniques Based on Slope and Soils. ...............................................25

Figure 5. Proper Installation of a Silt Fence................................................................................................28

Figure 6. Earth Berm Water Bar Construction. ...........................................................................................29

Figure 7. A Conveyor Belt Water Bar..........................................................................................................30

Figure 8. Illustration of a Water Bar Made of Slash. ...................................................................................31

Figure 9. Broad-based Dip..........................................................................................................................32

Figure 10. Diversion Ditch...........................................................................................................................34

Figure 11. Upland Cross-Drainage Culvert.................................................................................................35

Figure 12. Example of a Wooden Portable Bridge. ....................................................................................36

Figure 13. Example of a Portable Folding Metal Bridge. ............................................................................37

Figure 14. Culvert Installation Without Change in Stream Bottom Elevation. ............................................38

Figure 15. Illustrations and Instructions for Installation of a Stream Crossing Culvert. ..............................38

Figure 16. Illustration of Proper Use of Riprap & Geotextile Around Inlet of Stream Crossing Culverts....39

Figure 17. Hasty Method for Calculating Culvert Size ................................................................................40

Figure 18. Measuring Bankfull Width..........................................................................................................41

Figure 19. Forest Road Rutting Damage....................................................................................................42

Figure 20. Wheeled Harvester/Processor with Bogey Tracks. ...................................................................46

Figure 21. Example of Ephemeral Draw.....................................................................................................47

Figure 22. Proper Culvert Installation and Use on a Wetland Road...........................................................50

Figure 23. Porous Road Design Using Large Stone...................................................................................50

Figure 24. Illustration of Use and Placement of Culverts and Ditches for Wetland Roads. .......................51

Figure 25. Cross-section of Culvert Location for Wetland Road.................................................................51

Figure 26. An Example of a 36-inch Diameter Cross Drain Culvert ...........................................................52

Figure 27. Cross Sectional Views of a Check Dam. ...................................................................................53

Figure 28. Check Dam Spacing. .................................................................................................................53

List of Tables 

Table 1. Minimum Riparian Management Zone Width Adjusted for Slope.................................................17

Table 2. Soil Erosion Susceptibility.............................................................................................................17

Table 3. Water Bar & Cross Drain Spacing Intervals..................................................................................29

Table 4. Spacing for Broad-Based Dips & Diversion Ditches.....................................................................33

Table 5. Culvert End Area & Diameter........................................................................................................40

Table 6. Soil Protection Precautions (for rutting) ........................................................................................44
4 

IC4011 (Rev. 02/24/2009) 

1. INTRODUCTION 

Michigan is bordered by four of the Great Lakes, which are the largest group of freshwater lakes 

on earth, containing 20 percent of the world's freshwater. Forty thousand (40,000) of the 95,000 

square miles of Great Lakes are contained within Michigan’s boundaries. In addition, 

Michigan's land mass includes 11,000 inland lakes and 36,000 miles of rivers and streams. 

Clean water is one of our greatest natural assets. 

Management practices on forest lands, by all owners, will determine if the forests remain 

healthy and productive. Healthy, stable and productive forests are closely associated with the 

highest quality of surface and ground water. Integrating the water and soil protection practices 

described in this manual can prevent erosion, sedimentation and soil compaction, an essential 

part of maintaining a healthy forest and healthy watersheds. Other uses and activities can also 

have long-term impacts on ground water. 

The 19 million acres of forested land in Michigan are a great natural resource asset. The 

sustainable management of Michigan’s forests serves to protect the health of Michigan’s waters 

and communities. These forests, about one-half of the State's land area, are owned by many 

people. The largest owner group contains approximately 385,000 individuals whose private 

holdings range from small woodlots to tracts of several thousand acres. Fifty-three percent 

(53%) of Michigan's forested acres are held by this group. The next largest ownership group is 

public forest lands (20% owned by the State, and 15% by the Federal government). The forest 

products industry and timber investment firms own the remaining 12% of forest land. 

In forestry operations, poor management practices can degrade surface water and groundwater 

quality by introducing the following major pollutants: sediment (mineral and organic), nutrients, 

chemicals, heat and debris. Forest landowners and their agents and contractors are 

responsible for any damage to streams, lakes, and wetlands resulting from any aspect of a 

logging or other forest management operation. Environmental degradation is covered by 

existing laws in Michigan. Violation of those statutes or failure to secure the necessary permits 

can result in financial penalties to the landowner. The landowner or their designated agent must 

obtain a permit to cross a stream, construct a road that disturbs more than one acre of soil, or 

engage in an earth change within 500 feet of water body. Regular inspection of all roads, 

bridges, culverts, and preventive actions taken to prevent erosion and the movement of 

sediment into surface waters, are part of a high quality and sustainable forest 

management operation. 

The purpose of this manual is to assist the forest landowner and persons who do forest 

management work on the ground. It provides specific guidance on how to protect water quality, 

critical habitat, and aquatic resources, while conducting timber harvesting or other forest 

management activities. It was revised with assistance from staff in the Michigan Department of 

Natural Resources (DNR) and the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). It 

takes language extensively from the original 1994 DNR publication, “Water Quality Management 

Practices on Forest Land”. Many of the graphics are courtesy of the Wisconsin Department of 

Natural Resources’ (WDNR) BMP Field Manual. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 

(EPA) document entitled “National Management Measures to Control Nonpoint Source Pollution 

from Forestry” was also a source of information in developing this manual. This manual 

provides information and guidance on how to plan, design and implement a system of Best 

Management Practices that will protect water and soil quality while harvesting timber or 

engaging other forest management treatments. 

In 1987, the federal Clean Water Act of 1972, was amended to address nonpoint source 

pollution. The Environmental Protection Agency developed new legislation that would require 

every state to develop sets of “Best management Practices for all major land use activities, such 

as Agriculture, Forestry, Turf Management, Golf courses, etc. Unlike the regulations regarding 
5 

IC4011 (Rev. 02/24/2009) 

point source discharges to surface waters, the amended Act, commonly referred to as Section 

319, stated that the use and application of the specifications and guidance stated in the variety 

of BMPs manuals would be voluntary and not regulated by the states or EPA or any other 

federal agency. However, these specifications and guidance, such as those stated in this 

manual, were developed based on federal research activities on how to address the pollution of 

America’s surface waters by nonpoint source pollutants, such as sediment, fertilizers, and 

pesticides. In Michigan, the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality is the primary 

agency, working under both state and federal regulations, to ensure protection of Michigan’s 

surface waters and it has determined that proper use and application of the BMPs in this 

manual will accrue vastly improved water quality across the state. 

The guidance described in this manual can be adjusted to the conditions of the site at the time 

logging or other forest management activities are carried out. The goal is to provide guidance 

that protects water and soil quality, while allowing for the efficient removal and transport of 

forest products, as well as allowing for post-harvest treatments such as prescribed burning or 

site preparation/regeneration practices. 

If you see questionable forestry practices, you may report them to the Michigan Sustainable 

Forestry Initiative (SFI) Implementation Committee which maintains an "Inconsistent Practices 

Hotline" at 800-474-1718. If you see forest practices that are threatening water quality, you may 

report them to the DEQ Pollution Emergency Alerting System (PEAS) at 800-292-4706 (within 

Michigan) or 517-373-7660 (outside of Michigan). 

To ensure clarity between legal requirements and voluntary soil and water protection practices 

and guidance described in this manual, the following has been used: 

Legal requirements are denoted by the symbol “ ”. 

2. LAWS AND PERMITS 

In addition to the BMPs and other types of management practices described in this manual, 

loggers, land managers and landowners should be aware of existing regulations relating to 

forest management and water quality protection. Most of these laws and regulations are listed 

in Appendix C, List of Applicable Laws in Michigan. This chapter summarizes certain permits 

related to water quality. For more information, please contact your local DEQ office. To contact 

your local DEQ office, please visit the DEQ online at www.michigan.gov/deq and select DEQ 

locations. You may also call the DEQ Environmental Assistance Center toll-free at 800-662-

9278. 

Stream Crossings

When constructing a new or upgrading an existing stream crossing, there are three specific 

statutes of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, 1994 PA 451, as amended 

(NREPA), that always apply. These are: Part 31, Water Resources Protection; Part 91, Soil 

Erosion and Sedimentation Control; and Part 301, Inland Lakes and Streams. For each part, 

there are a legal set of rules and regulations that apply. In certain cases, Part 303, Wetlands 

Protection and Part 305, Natural Rivers, may also apply, if a stream crossing occurs in a 

wetland environment or on a stream within the watershed boundary of a legally designated 

Natural River system. 

To be in compliance with Parts 31, 301 and 303, the responsible party must complete the 

DEQ/United States Army Corps of Engineering (USACE) "Joint Permit Application" (JPA) 
6 

IC4011 (Rev. 02/24/2009) 

package. The JPA covers permit requirements pursuant to State and Federal rules and 

regulations for construction activities where the land meets the water and including streams and 

wetlands. These types of areas are often referred to as the land/water interface. 

The JPA is available electronically for on-line submittal through the Michigan Timely Application 

and Permit Service (MITAPS). Visit: www.michigan.gov/jointpermit for more information about 

MITAPS, to download or view the JPA. 

If you have questions regarding completing the JPA, contact your local DEQ office. A DEQ 

office location map and staff contact information can be viewed at www.michigan.gov/deq. 

Please note that a Part 91 permit, Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control (see below) is usually 

required before constructing any roads or landings. Landowners or their designated 

representative should also note that a permit from the DNR, under Part 305, Natural Rivers, 

may also be required, if conducting forest management activities within one of the16 

designated Natural River systems. 

 Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Regulations 

Part 91, Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control (SESC), of the Natural Resources and 

Environmental Protection Act, PA 451, 1994, as amended (NREPA), has the primary intent of 

protecting the waters of the State from the deposition of sediment and wind erosion as the result 

of earth change activities during construction. Specifically, a Part 91 permit is required for those 

activities involving earth changes that are one or more acres in size or within 500 feet of a lake 

or stream. 

When enacted, Part 91 was considered legislation that was primarily applied to regulate 

construction activities to protect the waters of the State. Section 9115 (1) states a person 

engaged in the logging industry is not required to obtain a permit under this part. However, all 

earth changes associated with the activities listed in this section shall conform to the same 

standards as if they required a permit under this part. Generally, landings will not be an issue 

as their size can often be kept to under an acre. However, access roads and landings outside 

the logging or harvest area in excess of an acre or that are within 500 feet of a lake or stream 

require a permit. 

Part 91 permit applications are obtained by contacting your local county enforcing agency 

(CEA). Such agencies may include the county drain commissioner’s office, county building 

department, or county conservation district office. In some counties, there are multiple 

municipal enforcing agencies (MEA) that can issue Part 91 permits. To locate the appropriate 

CEA or MEA for the county you are interested in through the internet, visit: 

http://www.deq.state.mi.us/sesca. 
7 

IC4011 (Rev. 02/24/2009) 

A public agency that has been designated by DEQ as an Authorized Public Agency (APA) does 

not need to obtain a Part 91 permit for earth change activities from a CEA or MEA but must 

comply with Part 91, follow approved procedures and maintain an APA status with training and 

other requirements. DNR, Michigan Department of Transportation and numerous county road 

commissions are Authorized Public Agencies.. 

 Wetlands and Floodplains

Per Part 303, Wetlands Protection, of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, 

1994 PA 451, as amended (NREPA), specified silvicultural and timber harvesting activities are 

exempt from obtaining a wetlands permit. Construction or maintenance of forest roads, or 

temporary roads for moving forestry equipment, is exempt, providing the roads are constructed 

and maintained in a manner to assure that any adverse effect on the wetland will be otherwise 

minimized. However, grading or "land balancing" in wetlands associated with a forestry 

operation requires a permit because it is dredging and filling. It should also be noted that a 

permit is required for tree clearing if the purpose of the activity is to subject the land to a use to

which it was not previously subject (i.e., preparation for development). In sum, typical forestry 

operations in wetlands including standard cultivation activities and even plantations are exempt, 

but the exemption does not permit land alterations to convert wetlands.

Any construction, fill or alteration of a floodplain of a river, stream, or drain which has a drainage

area greater than or equal to 2 square miles, will require a State floodplain permit under Part 31, 

Water Resources Protection, of the Environmental Protection Act, 1994 PA 451, as amended 

(NREPA). With respect to forest management, such projects include placement of fill for road 

construction, or installing a culvert or bridge. The applicant uses the JPA package (described in 

the previous stream crossings section) to obtain a floodplain permit. 

 Other Laws Affecting Forest Management 

Michigan’s forests are not only valued for their production of wood products, but also because 

they contain vital cultural and archaeological resources. They also provide critical habitat for 

rare, threatened and endangered plants and animals. 

With respect to cultural and archaeological resource protection, Michigan’s Natural Resources 

and Environmental Protection Act, 1994 PA 451, as amended (NREPA), contains legislation 

that reserves for the State the exclusive right and privilege of exploring, surveying, excavating 

and regulating through its authorized officers, agents and employees, all aboriginal records and 

other antiquities, including mounds, earthworks, forts, burial and village sites, mines or other 

relics, and abandoned property of historical or recreational value found upon or within any of the 

lands owned by or under control of the State. 

An archaeological site is a place where remnants of mankind's past are sealed in the soil. The 

scientific and historic value of a well-preserved archaeological site is far greater than the value 

of the artifacts found there. The exact location of artifacts in the ground, their spatial 

relationships to other artifacts, to soil composition, to bits of charcoal, bone or chemically distinct 

areas of soil are all clues that archaeologists can translate into a more complete picture of the 

past. Archaeological sites also preserve items that are fragile and can be easily recognized 

only by a specialist. These include tiny fragments of burned plant remains, pollen, charcoal 

suitable for radiocarbon dating, deteriorated bits of pottery or leather, and the traces left in the 

soil by hearth fires, refuse pits or privies. 
8 

IC4011 (Rev. 02/24/2009) 

Proper management of archaeological sites is guided by one overriding principle: avoid 

disturbing the soil. The following guidance cover some common situations that land managers 

should keep in mind: 

1. Grading or bulldozing of the site should be avoided whenever possible. 

2. Pulling stumps, planting trees, laying utility lines and other activities requiring 

excavation of soil should be avoided. 

3. Activities that will involve only the surface of the site, such as lawn seeding or laying 

woodchip trails, are acceptable. 

4. Erosion control measures, if done carefully, will benefit the site, as long as soil 

disturbance is minimized. 

5. In the case of historic foundation walls and similar structures, careful trimming of 

saplings and other vegetation growing within them will aid preservation of the site. In 

such cases, the roots should be left in place because attempts to remove them can 

damage fragile masonry. 

6. Vandalism is a common cause of damage to sites. Sites in isolated locations should 

not be marked in any way. Unless a site is under responsible, direct care, anonymity is 

the best protection. In such cases, the site's exact location should be known only to the 

land manager or others directly responsible for the site. Sites in public view that can be 

checked regularly can be marked and interpreted for the public. In these cases, the 

combination of public inspection and public awareness minimizes the chances of 

serious damage to the site. An example of an isolated location is a forest accessible 

only by a two-track road. 

Sand Dunes Protection and Management, Part 353 of the Natural Resources and 

Environmental Protection Act, 1994 PA 451, as amended (NREPA) regulates use in ‘critical 

sand dune’ areas including developmental, silvicultural and recreational activities. Information 

on the location of critical dune areas as well as the permitting agencies (DEQ or a local unit of 

government) can be found the DEQ website, www.michigan.gov/deqland. 

In Michigan, threatened and endangered species are protected on both public and private lands. 

Endangered Species Protection, Part 365 of the Natural Resources and Environmental 

Protection Act, 1994 PA 451, as amended (NREPA) states an individual may not harm or take 

threatened and endangered species. When it is uncertain if a threatened or endangered 

species occupies the area to be harvested, or timber harvest impacts are unclear, the 

landowner or other responsible party should contact the DNR and request an environmental 

review. Removing uncertainty may reduce impacts and clarify appropriate operational 

procedures. The process can be initiated in two ways: 1) The DNR Wildlife staff receives a 

written request for review of a proposed project; or 2) a proposed project site can be reviewed 

on the Endangered Species Assessment website, www.mcgi.state.mi.us/esa/. In both cases, 

the location of the proposed project is compared with Michigan Natural Features Inventory 

(MNFI) data for known locations of endangered or threatened species and other natural features 

(special concern species, exemplary natural communities, and geologic features). If a 

threatened or endangered species will be taken or harmed, an Endangered Species Permit, 

issued by the DNR, is required. 

Those using the Endangered Species Assessment website can perform their own preliminary 

review and request a formal review (if necessary) directly on the website. Others can request 

an environmental review by sending a written request with the following information: 

• Brief description of the proposed project 

• Brief description of the location (town, range, section, county) 

• What is there now (buildings, type of vegetation, recent disturbance) 

• Map of location clearly marked with major roads for reference 
9 

IC4011 (Rev. 02/24/2009) 

A written response to a formal review request may take approximately 3 to 4 weeks. 

Reviews are processed in the order they are received. The DNR cannot give out location 

data or conduct reviews over the phone; all requests must be received in writing. 

There is no charge for this service. Mail requests to: 

ENDANGERED SPECIES SPECIALIST 

WILDLIFE DIVISION 

MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES 

PO BOX 30444 

LANSING MI 48909-7944 

PHONE: 517-373-1263; FAX: 517-373-6705 

3. FUELS, LUBRICANTS AND SPILLS 

Chemical releases in Michigan are potentially reportable under one or more of twenty-six 

different State and Federal regulations. Determining which regulations apply to a specific 

release can be an overwhelming task. The "Release Notification Requirements in Michigan" 

table, compiled by the DEQ Environmental Science and Services Division, is designed to help 

owners and operators of facilities in Michigan, including vehicles and farms, determine their 

potential notification and reporting requirements, in the event of a chemical release. Check your 

permits, licenses, registrations, pollution prevention plans, and local ordinances for additional 

release reporting requirements. Visit the DEQ website at www.michigan.gov/deq and type 

“spill/release reporting” in the Search field. 

The remote locations that are typical of most forestry operations result in many on-site 

maintenance activities. The equipment operator must constantly guard against spills of fuels, 

lubricants or other toxic materials. Proper equipment maintenance, including routine checks of 

hoses and fittings, is the key to protecting surface water and ground water resources from the 

impacts of fuel and lubricant spills and leaks. 

Common sense, care, proper planning, and the anticipation of problems that may occur can 

eliminate or reduce potential water quality problems arising from spills. 

Spill Prevention Best Management Practices 

The following BMPs/precautions should be adopted for all activities requiring equipment 

operations: 

• A contingency plan for accidental spills should be developed for every operation. This 

may be a generic plan with customized conditions for particular sites or jobs. Also, at 

least one spill kit, as recommended by DEQ, should be available on every job site. 

• Provide receptacles in maintenance areas or in vehicles for collecting solid wastes such 

as empty grease tubes, oil filters and other trash. The materials collected in these 

receptacles must be disposed of properly, at an approved solid waste site. Empty oil 

barrels should be recycled or properly disposed of as solid waste at an approved land 

fill. 

• Locate fueling areas away from water bodies and drainage structures and at locations 

where a potential spill can be contained and properly treated. This will minimize the 

chance of surface water or groundwater contamination. Where a spill does contaminate 
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IC4011 (Rev. 02/24/2009) 

soil, the contaminated material must be removed from the site and deposited at a facility 

licensed for that purpose. 

• Designate a specified area for draining lubricants from equipment during routine 

maintenance. The area should allow all waste lubricants to be collected and stored until 

transported off-site for recycling, reuse, or disposal at an approved site. Maintenance 

activity should not occur while equipment is located in water bodies, flood plains or 

wetlands. 

• Provide maintenance vehicles with the equipment necessary to collect and store 

lubricants drained during repair activities. Breakdowns could require lubricants to be 

drained from equipment at locations away from the designated collection area. 

 Spills 

When spills of fuels or lubricants do occur, if the spill is large, an emergency situation may exist. 

An operator or any member of a logging crew must be prepared to take action to keep the spill 

from spreading and entering the water courses on the site. Any emergency spill should be 

reported to the Pollution Emergency Alerting System (PEAS) at (800) 292-4706. Additional 

contacts may be necessary or desirable, depending on the location and spill situation. It is 

recommended that each logging site have a completed Spill Response Plan that is available to 

all members of the crew. 

4. TIMBER HARVEST PLANNING 

Timber harvesting includes felling, forwarding, sorting, loading and hauling of timber products. 

Harvest operations require haul roads, log landings and skid trails to be developed and 

maintained. Timber harvesting, and other silvicultural treatments such as tree planting, soil 

scarification, and herbicide application, are vital and integral parts of management of forest 

resources. The treatments contribute to a healthy and vigorous forest. These practices 

perpetuate the land use which has the greatest potential for protecting surface water quality. 

Pre-Harvest Planning 

Pre-harvest planning may help minimize potential soil and water quality problems. Pre-harvest 

planning is the collection of information about the area to be harvested and the use of this 

information to determine the best time and method to harvest while protecting water and site 

quality. The planning includes deciding where current and new roads and skid trails are 

located. Consideration should be given to water quality protection measures and appropriate 

BMPs. Large forest operations tend to use checklists and timber sale proposal specifications 

which address these. 

Pre-harvest planning helps the logger or forest resource professional in developing a timber 

sale contract that protects water quality, as well as soil and site productivity. This may include a 

map (may not be drawn to a specific scale) identifying such concerns as: 

• Property boundaries 

• Streams and drainage areas 

• Soils 

• Slope 
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IC4011 (Rev. 02/24/2009) 

• Approximation of proposed main haul road and skid trail locations 

• Potential log landings 

• Stream crossings 

• Riparian management zone designations 

• Vernal pools or open water wetlands 

Figure 1 is an example of a harvest site map with BMPs mapped out accordingly. Note that this 

is an example only. The use of topographical maps may be of use in forested areas having 

variable and sloping terrain. 

A narrative may also be part of the planning in which road and trail specifications, along with 

amount and size of machinery for harvest and removal of timber products, are identified. Timing 

of harvest and timber sale contract conditions may be included as well. 
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IC4011 (Rev. 02/24/2009) 

Figure 1. Pre-Harvest Site and BMP Plan Map 
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IC4011 (Rev. 02/24/2009) 

5. RIPARIAN MANAGEMENT ZONES (RMZs) 

Riparian Management Zones (RMZs) are sometimes called buffer strips, filter strips, or 

streamside management areas or zones (see Figure 2). An RMZ occurs on both sides of 

perennial or intermittent streams and around the perimeter of bodies of open water (e.g. open 

water wetlands or lakes) where extra precaution is used in carrying out forest management 

practices including timber harvesting activities. 

Figure 2. Example of a Riparian Management Zone 

One of the purposes of a management zone is for water quality protection to provide an area of 

vegetation to interrupt water flow and to trap and filter out suspended sediments, nutrients, 

chemicals, and other polluting agents before they reach the body of water. An RMZ also 

provides shade to small streams, thus reducing thermal pollution. 

The part of the zone nearest the stream bank can also provide an important contribution to the 

aquatic food chain. As trees die within the RMZ, all or portions of them may fall over into the 

adjacent stream. This dead material provides aquatic habitat known as large woody structure 

(LWS). Naturally occurring LWS in lakes and streams provides essential areas of shaded cover 

for fish, amphibians and aquatic insects and can provide important isolated platforms for reptiles 

and small mammals. In developing a management plan for the RMZ, consider leaving some 

late successional trees (both coniferous and deciduous) within the RMZ that have the potential 

to provide LWS to a lake or stream. 

Forest Management Activities within the Riparian Management Zone 

Michigan’s BMPs do allow for forest management activities within the RMZ. These include 

equipment operation and timber harvesting. The key is ensuring the water quality protection 

function of the RMZ is maintained (see Section “RMZ Water Quality Function Factors”) 

throughout and after the harvesting operation. 

The RMZs should be maintained along all perennial and intermittent streams, lakes or ponds 

where nearby management activities result in surface/soil disturbance, earth changes and 

where erosion and sediment transport occur during rain events. An example of this is a newly 

constructed forest road where the base consists entirely of compacted soil and the road begins 

eroding after a rain event. 
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The RMZs are critical to watersheds, wildlife, fish, trees, and people for many different reasons. 

Adequate vegetation in a RMZ helps filter and trap pollutants such as sediment, excess 

nutrients, and other contaminants before they reach surface waters. Excessive disturbance of 

the forest floor within the RMZ minimizes its ability to prevent nonpoint source pollutants from 

reaching a stream or other water body. In fact, such disturbance might lead to the transport of 

sediment directly from the RMZ to the water body adjacent to it. 

Site Specific Factors to Consider 

Landowners considering forest practices in or near a RMZ must plan carefully to assure that the 

water quality functions of the RMZ are maintained. Those unsure of the water quality impacts of 

a planned activity should either seek the advice and assistance of foresters or other natural 

resource professionals familiar with RMZ functions, or leave the RMZ undisturbed. The 

following are site-specific factors to consider prior to harvesting or conducting other 

management activities in the RMZ: 

• Water body characteristics. 

 DNR designated trout stream 

• Greater than 50 feet in width (typical beaver dam building activity 

not a concern on these streams). 

• Less than 50 feet in width (typical beaver dam building activity is a 

concern on these streams and aspen regeneration within 300 feet 

of the stream may be a concern). 

• Legally Designated Natural River (There are specific rules and regulations for each 

designated Natural River system). 

• Slope 

• Soils 

• Aesthetics 

• Existing vegetation 

• Shade requirements to maintain water temperature 

• Time of year activity is scheduled to occur 

• Availability of large woody structure for the adjacent water body 

• Recent precipitation 

• Extent of soil saturation 

Riparian Management Zone Water Quality Function Factors 

The water quality function of RMZs can be maintained by using the following specifications: 

• When setting up a timber sale, make sure the forester or logger establishes a minimum 

RMZ. Michigan's standard RMZ minimum width is 100 feet or 30 meters measured from 

the top of the bank of the lake or stream or the ordinary high water mark. The RMZ width 

should be increased as slope percentages increase above ten percent (see Table 1). 

• Zone width may have to be increased along State designated "Natural Rivers" and 

federally designated "Wild and Scenic Rivers" as designated in their management plans. 

• Minimize disturbance of the forest floor in the RMZ (a recommended goal is to have less 

than 10% of the soil disturbed). 

• Harvesting/cutting specifications should be modified to retain a sufficient number of trees 

(60-80 basal area is often used as a benchmark) to maintain shading of streams and to 
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IC4011 (Rev. 02/24/2009) 

leave a relatively stable and undisturbed forest floor (less than 10 percent bare soil 

exposure). 

• Trees growing along the stream bank should not be cut. 

• Do not leave felled trees, limbs or tops in streams and open water wetlands; spread 

them on the ground, unless corrective action would create more damage to the site or 

stream. This biomass is considered a source of “unnatural” organic debris that impacts 

aquatic habitat, for example, by lowering levels of dissolved oxygen required to maintain 

healthy coldwater fisheries. 

• Limbs and tops from trees that are cut within the RMZ should be left on the ground in the 

RMZ. 

• Felled trees, limbs and tops harvested outside the RMZ should not be placed within the 

RMZ. 

• Locate haul roads outside of RMZs. Where a road must cross a stream, it should do so 

at right angles. A permit from DEQ to construct a stream crossing is required. 

• Locate equipment storage and maintenance sites and landings outside all RMZs. 

• Harvesting activities in the RMZ should minimize scarification and soil compaction. 

Skidding or dragging logs in the RMZ should be avoided. Skidders should not be 

operated in RMZs when soils are saturated, as the soil easily compacts and runoff is not 

easily absorbed by the soils in the RMZ. If cutting must occur in the RMZ, every effort 

should be used to remove timber from the zone with techniques such as tracked 

equipment with knuckleboom cranes (see Figure 3) to ensure equipment is not 

negatively impacting the RMZ’s soil base. Even if the soil is not scarified, compaction 

will decrease the ability of the soil to absorb runoff. 

• All roads, cuts and fills in the RMZ must be stabilized. Use appropriate seeding and 

mulching procedures (see Appendix E). Energy dissipaters (e.g. rock ranging from 3-12 

inches in diameter) should be installed at inlets and outlets of cross-drainage culverts 

located underneath roads approaching a stream. 

• Drainage structures such as culverts, diversion ditches, conveyor belt water bars, and 

broad-based dips should be installed according to BMP specifications (see section 7) 

prior to roads and primary skid trails entering the boundary of a RMZ.
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IC4011 (Rev. 02/24/2009) 

Figure 3. An Example of a Knuckleboom Harvester. 

(Note the boom allows for removal of timber from a RMZ with little soil disturbance.) 

Riparian Management Zone Widths 

Michigan's standard RMZ minimum width is 100 feet or 30 meters measured from the top of the 

bank or the ordinary high water mark of a lake or each side of a stream. This is the zone in 

which extra precaution should be used in harvesting timber or for other forest management 

activities. It is generally the minimum distance needed to protect water and aquatic habitat 

quality when conducting forest management activities adjacent to a water body, especially if the 

activity provides a source of sediment (e.g. a dirt-based forest road). A wide range of riparian 

management zone widths (from less than 50 feet to over 500 feet) has been proposed in water 

quality research. If management objectives include protecting wildlife habitat or controlling 

beaver activity on smaller streams, widths larger than 100 feet may be appropriate. Activity 

within the RMZ is acceptable where there is little chance of significant soil disturbance, no 

chance of water sedimentation, and only select trees are being removed. 

Table 1 illustrates the minimum recommended widths for RMZs based on slope. Note that 

these widths are for overland sheet flows only. Nonpoint source pollutants transported via 

concentrated flows into a RMZ will usually require additional measures such as using nonwoven 

geotextile fabric overlain by riprap or large sized rock, ranging from 3-12 inches in diameter, for 

a width of 3 feet and a length of 5 feet (Michigan Department of Transportation, 2003). 

When measuring for a proper width of a RMZ, take into account the natural variablility of the 

landscape and widen the RMZ accordingly. Slope can be estimated ocularly or calculated by 

several methods, including using a string and line level or through the services of a professional 

surveyor. Remember that it takes years for deposited sediment to be cleansed from a stream, 

so the landowner or the land manager should err on the side of caution when establishing the 

width of a RMZ. 
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IC4011 (Rev. 02/24/2009) 

Table 1. Minimum Riparian Management Zone Width Adjusted for Slope. 

Slope of Land Above 

Water Body or Stream (%) 

Minimum Width of 

Riparian Management 

Zone (Feet) 

0-10 100 

10-20 115 

20-30 135 

30-40 155 

40-50 175 

50 + Timber removal is not advised 

due to the high potential for 

erosion and sediment transport. 

The RMZ width shown in Table 1 may need to be increased where domestic water supply could 

be impacted.

In addition to slope influencing sedimentation, different soils or soil textures have differing 

amounts of susceptibility to erosion. Table 2 displays the susceptibility of different soil textures 

at the soil surface to erosion. When developing an effective RMZ, consider the soils near the 

lake or stream.

Table 2. Soil Erosion Susceptibility. 

(Re-printed courtesy of the Minnesota Forest Resources Council.) 

Designated Trout Streams and Management Within the Riparian Management 

Zone 

Certain streams are designated by the DNR as “Trout Streams”. For these designated streams, 

the DNR has the authority to require only lures or baits for fishing and may prescribe the size 

and number of fish that may be taken (Per Act 451, MCL Section 324.48701). The DNR 

Director’s Order FO-210 lists all designated trout streams, and is available upon request (43 

pages) from the DNR Fisheries Division (517-373-1280), or online at www.michigan.gov/dnr. 

Excess erosion of sand sediment into streams is broadly regarded as a serious threat to the 

viability of trout streams. Research has demonstrated that relatively small increases in sand 

erosion into streams can greatly reduce spawning habitat and habitat for the food supply (e.g. 

caddis fly or mayfly larva). When topography is relatively flat, sediment can stay in a stream for 

several decades. A functional RMZ should be maintained to prevent sediment from reaching 

trout streams. 

Surface Soil Texture 

Susceptibility to 

Erosion 

(1=highest)

Silt, silt loam, loam, very fine 

sandy loam 1 

Sandy clay loam, silty clay loam, 

clay loam 2 

Clay, silty clay, sandy clay, very 

fine loamy sand 3 

Sandy loams, loamy sands, 

sands 4 
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IC4011 (Rev. 02/24/2009) 

The Sustainable Soil and Water Quality Practices on Forest Land recommends generally using 

the DNR designated trout streams as a guide for additional protection with respect to RMZs. 

Trout are sensitive to changes in habitat requirements and require a clean gravel bed, along 

with large woody structure and cool water temperatures to sustain their population. Because of 

these narrow population sustaining requirements, forest management activities may be different 

in a trout stream RMZ than what is “typical” practice for a non-designated trout stream RMZ. 

This may be tempered by considerations of other factors, such as management for species of 

greatest conservation need as identified in the DNR’s Wildlife Action Plan. 

Designated Trout Stream Width and RMZ Management

In the section “Site Specific Factors to Consider”, a distinction is made between DNRdesignated trout streams greater or less than 50 feet in width. The reason for this distinction is 

that beaver do not generally build beaver dams on streams greater than 50 feet in width. In 

contrast, designated trout streams smaller than 50 feet in width have a higher occurrence of 

beaver dam construction when a beaver population’s food and construction supply (e.g. aspen) 

is within 300 feet of the stream. Beaver dams are considered a serious source of damage to 

these trout streams. Beaver dams will increase stream temperatures and prevent free passage 

of trout and anadromous fish species. Consequently, the dammed up stream will not support a 

viable population of trout or other coldwater fish species. 

If the objective is to minimize beaver impacts on designated trout streams smaller than 50 feet 

in width, forest managers or landowners are encouraged to consider widening the RMZ beyond 

the standard 100 feet and manage this RMZ to discourage aspen regeneration within it. By 

widening the RMZ to 300 feet, beaver habitat will be reduced and related stream impacts can be 

minimimized, but this needs to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis as other site conditions 

and values may come in to play; for example, riparian zones are key habitats for terrestrial 

species of concern such as woodcock. Possible management options within an RMZ that favor 

trout and associated coldwater aquatic habitat are: 1) leaving large super-canopy trees within 50 

feet of the stream bank as a source of shade and large woody structure (wood that is four 

inches or greater in diameter), 2) managing to promote the health and vigor of longer-lived 

coniferous (e.g. white pine and hemlock) and deciduous (e.g. sugar maple) species, and 3) only 

harvesting trees that are 50 feet away from the stream and that can be transported out of the 

RMZ without disturbing the soil (see Figure 3 as an example of a piece of harvesting equipment 

that might be employed). 

For designated trout streams greater than 50 feet in width, implement the RMZ widths (e.g. 

starting with a minimum width of 100 feet) as stated in table 1 and design an RMZ management 

plan which considers site specific factors as well as water quality (pages 13, 14 and 15). 

Management for Shade Intolerant Species within the RMZ 

In general, landowners, loggers and land managers should consider if the amount of timber 

harvest removal is compatible with the ecology of the stream (e.g. warmwater or coldwater), and 

if the DNR has the adjacent stream listed as a designated trout stream. For streams that are 

not designated for trout, landowners may consider that managing for shade intolerant species, 

such as aspen, within an RMZ may be desirable to meet wildlife management goals. 

Warmwater rivers or streams may be appropriate for this type of management. With the help of 

a forester, creative silvicultural and harvesting methods can be employed to allow for multiple 

goals. While large scale clearcuts should be avoided in the RMZ, it is possible to regenerate 

species like aspen using other harvesting methods. For example, small clearcuts 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 acre 

in size, spaced appropriately throughout the RMZ, may be an option. Cuts like these mimic 

natural disturbances such as blowdowns. 
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IC4011 (Rev. 02/24/2009) 

Another example is to leave a higher residual basal area (BA) in the RMZ than what would 

occur outside the RMZ. In contrast to traditional clearcuts outside of the RMZ, leaving 20 to 25 

BA would still provide enough sunlight to promote regeneration of aspen or other shade 

intolerant species. Also consider leaving a higher basal area (e.g. 60-80 BA) or clusters of 

mature longer-lived trees within 25 to 50 feet of the stream bank for shade, soil and bank 

stabilization and a source of large woody structure. Refer to Appendix A-Glossary for the 

definition of basal area. 

Natural River Regulations 

There are currently 16 legally designated Natural River Systems in Michigan. Part 305, Natural 

Rivers, of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, 1994 PA 451, as amended 

(NREPA), provides the DNR with the legal authority for managing these river systems and 

regulating all land management or construction activities occurring on these river systems. Note 

that in all the management plans, the term “vegetative buffer strip” is used instead of the term 

Riparian Management Zone. However, for the purposes of this document, the term “RMZ” will 

be used to avoid confusing the reader. 

All forest management activities within a legally designated Natural River RMZ are 

regulated. A permit is required before any activities can take place. A Natural River 

management plan has been developed for each designated river. Each plan includes use and 

development standards for private and public lands. The State is required to manage its lands 

and programs in accordance with the approved Natural River plan. Each state designated 

Natural River has it own standards regarding RMZs (buffer widths) for both private and public 

ownerships (see Appendices F and G). 

The minimum RMZ for each Natural River is codified in its approved plan and promulgated 

rules. In general, the RMZ requirements are wider for public lands than private lands. For 

example, the Au Sable Natural River Management Plan has a 150-foot RMZ for both 

mainstreams and tributaries. On private lands, the management plan has a minimum 75-foot 

RMZ on the mainstream and 50-foot RMZ on tributaries. 

In general, as the Natural Rivers designation program progressed through the years, more and 

more research indicated that wider RMZs were better for the health of the stream. On public 

lands, RMZs may range from 50 feet (the Flat River in the southern lower peninsula) to 200 feet 

wide (on the Fox River) on each side of the river or tributary. Private land RMZs also vary, but 

are statutorily limited to a width of no more than 100 feet on each side of the river. Dead, 

diseased, unsafe and fallen trees, as well as noxious plants, can be removed within the RMZ. 

For more detailed information and the listing and location of all 16 Natural Rivers, visit the DNR 

Natural Rivers website at www.michigan.gov/dnrnaturalrivers. 

In addition, all public agencies must comply with the Rules for Utilities and Publicly Provided 

Facilities, adopted as mandated by Part 305. These rules include standards related to 

road/stream crossings, erosion control, management of vegetation in utility corridors and others. 

Natural River plans typically include standards related to public access site development, 

campgrounds, land and stream alteration, motorized vehicle use and vegetative buffer 

requirements. Thirteen of the 16 rivers also have State zoning rules based on the plans that 

contain private land development standards for residential development and limited commercial 

activity such as campgrounds, canoe liveries and rental cabins. Most rivers also have local 

zoning ordinances in effect based on Natural River plans. 
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IC4011 (Rev. 02/24/2009) 

The RMZs are maintained to provide fisheries and wildlife habitat, filter runoff, provide shade to 

maintain cool water temperatures, prevent streambank erosion and sedimentation of the Natural 

River system, screen new developments, and maintain the aesthetic qualities of the Natural 

River system. Under a permit issued by the DNR, trees and shrubs may be selectively pruned 

or thinned for timber harvest, habitat improvement or to maintain public utility facilities. 

Clearcutting is not usually permitted within the RMZ. 

Other development standards for public land are designed to maintain the natural character of 

the river corridor, limit the impacts of recreational use and help prevent resource damage. New 

campgrounds have development standards such as setbacks for campsites and associated 

structures. New access site standards may restrict sites to “walk-in” only and include setbacks 

for parking areas. Within 400 feet of the river, motorized vehicle use is usually restricted to 

designated public roads and access roads to permitted areas. Land alteration is prohibited in 

areas of high groundwater. 

 Wild and Scenic Rivers 

The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, (Pub. L. 90-542 as amended; 16 U.S.C. 1271-1287) is 

legislation enacted by Congress and establishes federal protection for designated free-flowing 

rivers throughout the country. They are designated as “Wild and Scenic Rivers.” This 

designation regulates the management and control of development on these river systems. 

In Michigan, there are 16 Wild and Scenic River systems. The management and regulations for 

these river systems occur strictly within the administrative boundaries of Michigan’s three 

National Forests. Each component of the Wild and Scenic rivers system is administered to 

protect and enhance a variety of values, and certain uses of a designated river are limited. 

Emphasis is given to protecting its aesthetic, scenic, historic, archaeological, and scientific 

features and values. 

For more information, such as the listing and location of those river systems within Michigan, 

visit the website: http://www.nps.gov/ncrc/portals/rivers/index.htm. 

Vernal Pools, Seeps, and Intermittent Streams

Vernal pools are small (usually less than an acre), temporary bodies of water in depressions 

that lack perennial inlet or outlet streams and have no permanent fish populations. They appear 

after snow melt and gradually dry up as the summer progresses. During the wettest seasons of 

the year, vernal pools are small bodies of water, while in dry seasons they may only be 

recognizable as an isolated depression on the forest floor. This unique forest feature provides 

habitat for a variety of aquatic invertebrates, a breeding and feeding site for many amphibians 

and reptiles, an attractive feeding and resting spot for songbirds, a source of food and water for 

many mammals, and unique microhabitats for plants. 

Some animals will live their entire life cycle in a vernal pool. Fairy shrimp and clam shrimp are 

suited to a watery environment that varies widely in temperature and dries up annually. They 

produce thick shelled eggs that survive in the dried up pool until the next spring’s thaw when 

they hatch in the newly hydrated pool. Therefore, when harvesting occurs, there should be no 

disturbance to the vernal pool depression. All equipment, trees and tops should be kept out of 

this area. Within 100 feet or at least one tree length of the pool, it is especially important to 

avoid deep ruts which can interfere with the movement of salamanders to and from the pools. 

Equipment should generally only be used when the soil is in a dry or frozen condition to keep 

rutting to a minimum in this area. Timber harvesting can occur in the area, but the canopy 

closure should not be reduced to less than 70% to minimize the affect of sun and wind. 
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IC4011 (Rev. 02/24/2009) 

A seep, also called a spring seep or just a spring, is a permanent or intermittent discharge of 

water that emerges from the ground and flows across the soil surface without defined bed and 

banks. The limits of the seep are demarked by the extent of surface water, water-stained 

leaves, or other signs of hydrology. Avoid soil and leaf litter disturbance within the known area 

of the surface water. Limit harvest activity to dry or frozen conditions, when possible. 

Intermittent streams have definable beds and banks, but water does not flow through the 

channel all of the time. Crossing an intermittent stream requires a permit. In contrast, 

ephemeral streams only occasionally have water flowing and do not typically have defined beds 

and banks. Use of motorized equipment should be limited near the streams and forest floor 

disturbance should be minimized. Avoid these areas when laying out skid trails and remove 

felled tree tops. It is strongly encouraged that skid trails, roads, site-preparation, and other soildisturbing activities be minimized in the ephemeral streams to avoid erosion and sedimentation 

of stormwater runoff that will flow downstream into streams or other water bodies. 

Fens and Bogs 

Fens are wetlands that receive much of their water and nutrients from groundwater rich calcium 

and magnesium carbonates. They accumulate peat and have relatively high pH and nutrient 

levels. As a result, fens support a high diversity of grasses, wildflowers, and insects. The high 

water table, in combination with periodic disturbances such as beavers and seasonal fire, 

discourages growth of trees and shrubs within fens. 

In contrast to fens, bogs are acidic, nutrient poor wetlands that receive most or all of their water 

from precipitation. They often contain rare, threatened or endangered plants or animals. They 

also do not tend to contain much in the way of commercially desirable trees. 

Harvest activity immediately adjacent to fens or bogs may encounter weak soils that are highly 

susceptible to rutting. When timber harvesting occurs near fens or bogs, ground disturbance 

within the wetland area should be avoided. To prevent sedimentation or excessive nutrient 

delivery into a fen or bog, timber harvests should be avoided along slopes immediately above 

and leading into a fen or bog. 

6. FOREST ROADS 

 

Forest roads are that part of a forest land road system, either temporary or permanent, 

designed and maintained for the transportation of timber products and often maintained and 

used for access for resource protection and recreation activities. They are usually minimum 

standard roads, i.e., single lane with turnouts, surfaced with locally available materials or just 

the underlying bare soil that is compacted and graded after the vegetative cover is removed. 

Commercially processed gravel underlain by geotextile is good for use in critical erosion areas. 

Properly laid, constructed and maintained forest roads provide safe operations over longer 

periods at desirable vehicle speed. Operating and maintenance costs, as well as sedimentation 

runoff, are reduced because of proper construction (this includes installation of BMPs), 

placement and regular maintenance. 

Planning and Forest Road Placement 

Use of Soil Surveys 
22 

IC4011 (Rev. 02/24/2009) 

When constructing new forest roads or upgrading old ones, knowing the soil types that exist 

where the road(s) will be placed can be essential to knowing how to construct the road itself to 

minimize soil erosion. Most of the counties in Michigan have completed soil surveys. 

Contact the local Conservation District, Natural Resource Conservation Service, or the County 

Extension Office for information about obtaining or using a soil survey. The description of a 

particular soil covers the nature and limitations of the soils, erosion hazard, rock outcrops, 

construction, and engineering properties of each soil series. Please note that these surveys are 

general guides and actual soil conditions should be checked in the field. 

Other Factors in Road Placement 

Reconnaissance of the property generally should be done before constructing a road or roads. 

This consists of looking at the property with a road plan in mind and developing an idea of 

where roads should or should not be built. Consider the following points during road 

reconnaissance: 

• Remember to acquire a Part 91 permit, if outside of the sale boundary. 

• Terminal Points – Where is the system going to start and end? Where is the best 

access from public roads? Where are the landings going to be? 

• Grades – Roads designed with a slope of 10% or less are usually the easiest to 

maintain. If any segments exceed 10%, they should not exceed 300 feet. 

• Topography – Roads on moderate side hills are easiest to build and drain. 

• Obstacles – Note springs, seeps, wetlands, poor drainage areas, ledges, and rocky 

areas. Design the road system to go around them. If one is encountered after work 

has begun, move the road away from it. 

• Distance from streams – The goal is to avoid placing a road within the RMZ, unless it 

is for the purposes of crossing a stream. 

• Stream crossings – Cross at a 90 degree angle, if possible; if not, follow the stream 

contour. Approach the stream at as gentle a slope as possible. Keep the number of 

crossings to a minimum. 

• Avoid placing roads in valleys, if possible. 

• Old roads – Consider using existing or abandoned roads or trails to lessen soil 

disturbance. However, if they are located in areas where road drainage is difficult or 

the potential for erosion or rutting is high, it is better to construct a new road to the 

construction specifications stated in this manual. 

• Size and duration of a timber sale and the anticipated season of harvest. 

• The location and potential impact on flood plains and wetlands. 

When planning forest roads to the harvest area, sketch the tentative location of the roads, 

landings, major skid trails, and the approximate RMZs on the plan map. An enlarged 

topographical map of where forest harvesting is to occur may be helpful. 
23 

IC4011 (Rev. 02/24/2009) 

Planning on paper helps to pinpoint potential problems, to develop alternative routes, and to 

consider what erosion and sedimentation control measures are necessary. Have RMZs 

identified prior to road placement to prevent locating roads or major skid trails in these sensitive 

areas. 

Reducing Water Volume and Velocity on the Forest Road System 

The first priority for constructing a road system is to keep the road surface as free of water as 

possible. Surface water running over exposed soil builds up momentum, as the slope and 

distance increase. The running water picks up soil particles then transports them down hill, 

causing soil erosion. Road drainage is the single most important factor in keeping the road 

passable and in minimizing erosion and sedimentation. 

Various structures for water control and erosion control are discussed in the section, Water 

Control Devices and Forest Roads. Construct roads on side hills for good cross-drainage, while 

avoiding seeps, springs, and swampy areas. If a stream, spring, or seep cannot be avoided, 

plan to use proper water control structures (see pages 26-30). 

The landowner and the person planning the road system should walk the proposed route of the 

road system and decide on matters affecting the owner's objectives and construction costs, 

while striving to preserve water quality and wetlands. 

Road Grades 

A road grade of 2% to 10% is desirable. A hand level should be used to avoid problem areas 

and maintain the desired grade of the road. Grade and slope are expressed as the amount of 

vertical rise, divided by the horizontal distance traveled, multiplied by 100. Check the grade 

frequently with the hand level. A single stretch that is too steep or a flat area that will not drain

may result in road erosion. Where the terrain is relatively flat, the person laying out the road 

should strive to maintain a minimum 2% slope to maintain adequate drainage of runoff. Also, 

roads in low topography areas should be crowned (as shown in Figure 4), to allow for water to 

drain off the road, to lessen the chance of rutting and ponding. 

Where absolutely necessary, grades of 15% to 20% may be used for short distances, (i.e., less 

than 300 feet). Where a steep grade is necessary, at least 300 feet of road above and below 

should be less than 10% grade, to reduce the amount and velocity of water on the steep area. 

On those portions of the road with such steep grades, special surfacing such as 3 inches of 

gravel may be necessary to avoid erosion and rutting. 

BMP Construction Specifications for Protection of Water Quality 

According to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates (EPA, 1999), over 90% of the 

sediment entering forested streams comes from the forest road system. Therefore, the entire 

road system should be designed to the best standards possible before any road construction 

begins. This process may take more time, but the road system will be more efficient, less 

costly, and easier to maintain, and ensure minimum negative impact on water quality. 

Study the area, noting the lay of the land. Pay particular attention to steep slopes, flat areas, 

streams, spring seeps, boulders, rock outcrops, and other potential obstacles. Roads built on 

south-facing slopes tend to stay drier than those on north-facing slopes. Be sure to look at 

these problem areas during the walk-through of the area. 
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IC4011 (Rev. 02/24/2009) 

• The key to constructing a good “pro-water quality” road system is to have the entire road 

system follow the contour of the land and keep road grades consistently between 2% to 

10%. 

• Construct roads to break or change grade frequently. This will result in less erosion than 

roads that have long, straight continuous gradients. 

• Gradients up to 20% are permissible for distances up to 300 feet. 

• On soils with severe erosion hazard (see Table 2), grade should be 8% or less. Grades 

up to 12% are acceptable, if the length of this section is less than 150 feet. 

• Water diversion by cross drainage culverts (interception of surface water on the road, up 

slope from the top of steep slopes) is often needed to keep excess water off the steeper 

grades. 

• Cross all water courses as close to a right angle to the stream as possible. Size 

structures so that stream flow is not impeded, and in keeping with good drainage 

practices. 

• Roads approaching stream crossings should have reduced gradients to disperse surface 

water at least 50 feet from the watercourse. 

• Roads should be located (with the exception of stream crossings) a minimum distance of 

100 feet from a lake or stream. Stabilize stream bank approaches with rock or gravel. 

• Outslope (see Figure 4) the entire width of the road where road gradients will permit. 

• As a safety precaution, inslope the road toward the bank on sharp turns, road gradients 

of 15% or greater, and on clay and/or slippery soils (see Figure 4). 

• Where roads are insloped (see Figure 4), cross drain runoff 25 feet up-grade of any 

short stretches of road where gradients exceed 10%.

• Avoid locating roads on level ground, along ravine bottoms, or on a flood plain where 

drainage away from the roadway is difficult to establish. 

• In areas having little or no slope, road drainage is often a problem. Crown these 

sections of road (see Figure 4) to get the water off and away from the roadway. 

• During wet conditions, apply a layer of geotextile fabric covered with 3 inch crushed rock 

or coarse aggregate at a depth of at least 3 inches (6 inches is optimal), at least 50 feet 

before reaching the highway. 

• Provide a minimum essential width of 12 to 14 feet for a single track road. Increase 

width as necessary at curves and turnouts. Note that logging trucks used for 

transporting wood chips may need road widths greater than 14 feet to operate safely and 

properly. Consider if trimming along the road is necessary and appropriate. 

• Road-bank cuts should be sloped and seeded to prevent erosion as necessary. 

• Ensure good road drainage with properly constructed and spaced turnouts, broad-based 

dips, and cross-drainage culverts. Construct turnouts so waterflows are dispersed and 

will not cut channels across buffer zones. 
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IC4011 (Rev. 02/24/2009) 

• Install riprap or rock having a range of 3 to 12 inches in diameter, with a minimum length 

of 3 feet (MDOT, 2003) at the outlets of cross-drainage culverts to slow the velocity and 

diminish the erosive force of these channelized flows. Channelized flows coming from 

cross draings are known to have enough output velocity and volume to transport 

sediment across an entire RMZ. Hence, the need for energy dissipating rock at a 

culvert outlet. 

.

Figure 4. BMP Construction Road Techniques Based on Slope and Soils. 

 (Re-printed courtesy of the United States Forest Service) 
26 

IC4011 (Rev. 02/24/2009) 

Winter Roads

Winter roads are often used during the harvesting of forested wetland areas. They provide 

access during frozen ground conditions for timber harvesting and other timber management 

activities. Properly constructed, winter roads are recognized as an important component of 

forest management. 

• Consider using culverts or bridges to cross definite drainages where winter roads are to 

be used for several years. Note: a DEQ permit is required for crossing streams and 

most drainage areas. 

• Ice bridges can provide acceptable temporary access across streams during winter. Ice 

bridges are made by pushing and packing snow into streams and applying water to 

freeze the snow. Their use is limited to winter under continuous freezing conditions. A 

permit from DEQ is necessary before an ice bridge crossing can be built. Generally, ice 

bridges are best used for streams with low flow rates, thick ice, or dry channels during 

winter. Ice bridges might not be appropriate on large water bodies or areas prone to 

high spring flows. PVC bundles may be an alternative to facilitate water flow; make sure 

to anchor one corner of the bundle. 

• Place winter roads on level terrain where practical. 

• Based on the conditions of your DEQ permit, you may have to remove any culverts and 

bridges placed in the stream or other drainage way before spring thaw. 

Road Management Measures on Active Sales for Permanent and Temporary 

Roads 

• Avoid using roads for timber hauling or heavy traffic during wet or thaw periods on roads 

not designed and constructed for these conditions. 

• Evaluate the future need for a road and close roads that will not be needed. Leave 

closed roads and drainage channels in a stable condition to withstand storms. 

• Remove all drainage crossings such as cross-drainage culverts from temporary roads. 

• Following completion of harvesting, close and stabilize temporary spur roads and 

seasonal roads to control and direct water away from the roadway. Remove all 

temporary stream crossings including any fill material. 

• Inspect roads at regular intervals to determine the need for structural maintenance. 

Perform maintenance when conditions warrant, including cleaning and replacement of 

deteriorated structures and erosion and sedimentation control structures. This may 

include re-grading and seeding and mulching of roads no longer required for access. In 

certain cases, stabilize slopes or road fills where necessary to maintain structural 

integrity of the road. 

• Perform maintenance activities such as dust abatement, so that chemical contaminants 

or pollutants are not introduced into surface waters, to the extent practical. 

• Properly maintain permanent stream crossings and associated fills and approaches to 

reduce the likelihood that: (a) the stream overflow will divert onto roads, and (b) fill 

erosion will occur, if the drainage structures become obstructed. 
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IC4011 (Rev. 02/24/2009) 

• After significant rain events, look for possible problems and schedule corrective work as 

needed. 

• Keep roadway and water control structures free of windfalls, logging debris and other 

obstructions. 

• Ensure the free flow of water in the road drainage system, especially during logging 

operations. 

• For permanent roads used during logging operations, periodically grade the road surface 

to reshape it so that it sheds water. Water should be able to freely flow off the road after 

grading. 

• Fill in ruts and holes when they develop, as necessary 

Road Closure and Retirement

To protect soil and water resources, access roads should be closed to vehicular traffic, unless 

the forest landowner has other management objectives. This can be done on a seasonal or 

semi-permanent basis. The reduction of traffic and associated maintenance work will mean a 

significant reduction in cost, as well as reduction in the source of erosion and sedimentation 

impacts on the water resource. 

When several years between major treatment activities are anticipated, roads should be retired 

and closed. This involves using temporary soil stabilization materials and revegetating the road 

(see Appendix E for information regarding the proper methods to stabilize and revegetate roads 

and other areas having bare soil). Any road(s) no longer required for forest operation use or 

access should be closed and retired. If the newly or upgraded roads resulted in disturbing one 

or more acres of soil, or built within 500 feet of a water body, Part 91 requirements are in effect. 

These mandate that the road be revegetated, regardless of slope or erosive potential. 

For those portions having a grade greater than 10%, periodic inspection, especially after rain 

events, is necessary to ensure erosion is not occurring. The following actions are 

recommended to retire a section of road: 

• Smooth and shape all road and landing surfaces to aid in draining water off the surface 

of the road or landing. 

• If cross drainage culverts are removed, replace them with water bars (see Figures 6 or 

7). If properly-sized culverts are covered by more than 2 feet of fill and inlets and outlets 

are effectively stabilized, leave them in place, if it is less costly than removing them. 

However, cross drainage culverts left in place will require an established and committed 

inspection and maintenance schedule to prevent culvert blockage. 

• Remove all temporary stream crossings, as required by law. 

• Use native seed mixtures wherever possible (refer to Appendix E for specific directions) 

for erosion control and revegetating retired roads and landings. 

• Whenever temporary soil stabilization methods are required to protect recently applied 

grass seed, install silt fence (see Figure 5), as required. 

• The use of brush, slash or wood chips mulch over grass seed may be used, as long as it 

ensures that the site is permanently revegetated. 
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IC4011 (Rev. 02/24/2009) 

• Block the entrance of the closed road using metal structures, large boulders or large tree 

stumps. 

Figure 5. Proper Installation of a Silt Fence. 

 

7. WATER DIVERSION DEVICES 

Earth Berm Water Bars 

Earth-berm water bars are narrow, earthen ridges built across roads or trails. They divert water 

off and away from roads or trails into vegetated areas before it causes erosion. When properly 

built, they prevent exposed soil from moving, protecting the area until grass vegetation is firmly 

established. Earth-berm water bars are recommended when forest management operations 

have ceased and the road is closed to further traffic. 

• Earth Berm Water Bar Installation Guidance. 

• The first water bar should be placed at the top of the slope. 

• Where multiple water bars are required, properly space water bars according to Table 3. 

• As shown in Figure 6, the water bar should be placed at an angle of 30 to 45 degrees, 

relative to the road, to allow for runoff to drain from the inlet, through the trench, and into 

the adjacent forest floor or vegetation. 

• Dig a trench, 12 to 18 inches below the surface of the road or trail, and extend it beyond 

both sides of the road or trail to prevent runoff from bypassing the water bar. 

• The uphill end of the water bar should extend beyond the side ditch of the road and into 

an earth-berm to fully intercept any ditch flows. 

• The outflow end of the water bar is to be fully open and extended far enough beyond the 

edge of the road or trail to safely disperse runoff water onto the undisturbed forest floor. 

• After construction, seed and mulch the entire surface of the water bar to prevent erosion. 

• Earth berms and water bars are not meant to be used for active skid trails.
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IC4011 (Rev. 02/24/2009) 

Figure 6. Earth Berm Water Bar Construction. 

(Re-printed courtesy of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources) 

Table 3. Water Bar & Cross Drain Spacing Intervals.

Road Grade 

(percent) 

Spacing 

(feet) 

2 250 

5 135 

10 80 

15 60 

20 45 

30 35 

Conveyor Belt Water Bars 

On active roads or trails, conveyor belts, old snowmobile treads, and similar material (see 

Figure 7) can be used instead of soil to build water bars. The material is buried on edge in the 

traffic surface. It bends over to let wheeled vehicles easily pass, but diverts water off of the 

road. These structures work best on forest roads used by automobile traffic or trails designated 

for use by off-road vehicles, such as motorcycles and quadrunners. 

They are not a good option on active skid trails where the butt of a log or log is skidded on the 

ground and passes over the conveyer belt portion of the water bar. Moving tracked equipment 

over these devices is also harmful to the integrity of the belt portion of the water bar. In both 

cases, these actions break down the belt material and destroy the ability of this type of water 

bar to divert water off the road or trail. 
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IC4011 (Rev. 02/24/2009) 

When Building Conveyor Belt Water Bars Follow These Instructions: 

• Dig a trench at a 30 to 45-degree down slope angle to the road or skid trail. The face of 

the cut should be on the uphill side. 

• Place the conveyor belt against the face of the cut. Leave at least 6 inches of belt above 

the surface of the road. Refill the trench and compact the soil. For best results, nail 

boards (e.g. 2-inch by 8-inch) to both sides of the base of the belt to keep it straight and 

to hold it in the ground. 

• Remove berms or other obstructions from the lower end of the water bar to allow water 

to move off the road. Water should flow into a stable vegetated area, away from open 

water. 

• Space conveyor belt water bars as you would earth-berm water bars (see Table 3). 

• Old snowmobile treads and other similar material can be used in place of conveyor belts. 

Figure 7. A Conveyor Belt Water Bar. 

(Reprinted courtesy of the University of Minnesota Extension Service) 

Temporary Water Bars Made from Slash or Logs 

Logs or logging debris (slash) consisting of branches, broken tops, and brush can be 

used to create temporary water bars (See Figure 8). Operators build logging debris 

water bars across traffic surfaces to divert water into vegetated areas. This reduces 

erosion and helps maintain the road. Water bars made from logging debris are not as 

effective as those previously discussed, since water can filter through. Still, they can be 

used in many applications. They work best in low traffic areas with low slopes (e.g., 

slopes are less than 5%). 

Log and slash water bars are best placed where use of more substantial water diversion 

options is limited; for example, on roads and trails with limited traffic or little slope, or 

when forest operations are shut down for a short time. They also can be used when the 

soil is frozen or when shallow, rocky soils -- such as those found in parts of the Western 

Upper Peninsula -- make it difficult to install earth-berm or conveyor belt water bars. 
31 

IC4011 (Rev. 02/24/2009) 

Figure 8. Illustration of a Water Bar Made of Slash. 

(Reprinted courtesy of the University of Minnesota Extension Service) 

The Following are Instructions for Installing a Slash Water Bar: 

• Place the log or slash at a 30 to 45-degree down slope angle to the road or skid trail. 

For slash, build a mat at least 3 feet wide. 

• Make sure water bars are high enough to prevent water from running over them. 

• Pack slash down using a truck, dozer, or other heavy vehicle. Keep slash in continuous 

contact with the soil across the road. Fill gaps with soil or more slash. Water should not 

be able to run through the slash. 

• Bind logs together or stake them down to help hold them in place when traffic passes 

over them. 

• Remove berms or other obstructions from the lower end of the water bar to allow water 

to move off the road. Water should flow into a stable vegetated area, away from open 

water. 

• Space log and slash water bars at least as close as you would earth-berm water bars. 

Broad-Based Dips

A broad-based dip is a surface drainage structure specifically designed to drain water from a 

permanent use road, while allowing vehicles to maintain normal travel speeds (see Figure 9). It 

provides cross drainage on haul roads to prevent buildup of excessive surface runoff and 

subsequent erosion. Broad-based dips can be used on roads and heavily used skid trails 

having a gradient of 12% or less. 

Broad-based dips may be substituted for other surface water cross drain practices such as pipe 

or box culverts. This practice is not to be used for cross draining spring seeps or intermittent or 

permanent streams. A key factor to remember when installing a dip is that the roadbed now 

consists of two planes rather than one unbroken plane. One plane is the 15 foot to 20 foot 

reverse grade toward the uphill grade and outlet. The second plane is the long grade from the 

top of a hump or start of a down grade and ends at the outlet of the dip. Neither the dip nor the 

hump should have a sharp angular break, but should be rounded, allowing a smooth flow of 

traffic. Only the dip itself should be out sloped since the dip provides sufficient break in grade to

turn the water. 
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IC4011 (Rev. 02/24/2009) 

Figure 9. Broad-based Dip. 

(Figure courtesy of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources) 

Specifications for Broad-Based Dip Installation:

• Installation takes place following basic roadbed construction. 

• A 20 foot long, 3% reverse grade is constructed into the existing roadbed by cutting from 

upgrade of the dip location and using cut material to build up the mound for the reverse 

grade. 

• Space broad-based dips as shown in Table 4. 

• The most effective locations for these are at the beginning of curves in roads. 

Depending on the soils and amount of and type of traffic, the dip and reverse grade section may 

require applying a layer, 3-6 inches in depth, of 3-inch crushed stone to avoid rutting and/or the 

breaking down of the dips and the reverse grade section (Figure 9). Another option is to apply 

geotextile fabric along the length of the dip and reverse grade sections, and apply coarse 

aggregate or gravel at a minimum depth of 3 inches (6 inches depth is optimal). 
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IC4011 (Rev. 02/24/2009) 

Table 4. Spacing for Broad-Based Dips & Diversion Ditches. 

Road Grade (%) Spacing 

2 300 

3 235 

4 200 

5 180 

6 165 

7 155 

8 150 

9 145 

10 140 

12 100 

Diversion Ditches 

A diversion ditch (see Figure 10), sometimes called a "water turnout", serves to divert water 

away from the roadway and the side ditches. Its key use is to install prior to a forest road 

intersecting a stream. Install the diversion ditches according to table 4. This will ensure that 

water flowing off the road surface will be diverted into vegetation. Consequently, sediment 

deposition into the stream at the stream crossing is minimized. When a road must be placed 

where there is little or no slope, a diversion ditch into a collecting basin may be the only way to 

move water away from the base of the road bed. 

Specifications for Diversion Ditches: 

• The diversion ditch must intersect the side ditch line at the same depth and be sloped 1 

to 3 degrees. 

• Diversion ditches should not be located in a wetland without a DEQ permit. 

• On sloping roads, the diversion ditch should be placed on the down slope of the road. 

• Runoff water is to be spread, retained, or filtered at the outlet of the ditch. 

• A diversion ditch should be cleaned periodically to prevent sediment buildup that may 

clog the ditch and thereby direct sediment into the stream. 

• Space diversion ditches according to the table used for Broad-Based Dips (Table 4). 

• As shown in Figure 10, construct an earth-berm that follows the entire length of the 

diversion ditch to ensure runoff stays away from the stream. Also apply seed and mulch 

to the berm so that it does not become a source of sediment. 

• Clean after grading to remove graded material from the beginning of diversions and level 

out the sides of roads (or, in other words, eliminate “country curbs”). 
34 

IC4011 (Rev. 02/24/2009) 

Figure 10. Diversion Ditch. 

(Re-printed courtesy of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources) 

Cross Drainage Culverts for Upland Landscapes

The primary purpose of cross drainage culverts in upland environments is to drain water from a 

ditch on one side of a road to the other side of the road and into grassy vegetation or energy 

dissipaters (e.g. 3 to 12 inches rock underlain by geotextile). 

BMP Specifications for Installing an Upland Cross Drainage Culvert (see Figure 11):

• Culvert length should be long enough so both ends extend 1 foot beyond side slope (this 

is in contrast to culverts used for stream crossings which require that the culvert ends 

extend a minimum of 2 feet beyond the side slope). 

• If multiple cross drainage culverts are needed, alternate their downslope direction (e.g., 

if one has the top, inflow end on the left side of the road, the next one should have its 

top, inflow end on the right side of the road)." 

• Culverts should be installed with a 2% slope to reduce the possibility of clogging with 

leaf litter or other debris. 

• Align the culvert by placing it on a downgrade angle in which the diameter of the culvert 

is equal to cross sectional area of the side ditch. 

• Erosion control materials for both the inflows and outflows of culverts minimize 

undercutting at the culvert inlet or erosion occurring down slope of the outlet. This 

protection can be in the form of geotextile fabric overlain by rock large enough not to 

wash away or move during a significant rain event (ranging from 3-12 inches in 

diameter). This is particularly important for the inflow side. 

• Select the size of culvert according to the size of the road and the general amount of 

surface area that is being drained by the ditch. Currently, 12 inches is the minimum 

recommended size for cross-drainage culverts on forest access roads in most 

Midwestern states. However, there is a trend towards using 18 inches as the minimum 

diameter. The reasons for this include: 1) a decreased need for maintenance and clean 
35 

IC4011 (Rev. 02/24/2009) 

out, 2) a decreased frequency of culvert blockage from debris and sediment deposition, 

and 3) the decreased possibility of road washouts. In sum, for permanently or frequently 

used forest access roads, using an 18-inch culvert or larger will often prove to be the 

most cost-effective choice. 

Figure 11. Upland Cross-Drainage Culvert. 

 (Re-printed courtesy of Wisconsin DNR) 

8. STREAM CROSSINGS 

As described in section “2. Laws and Permits”, installing a new or upgrading an existing stream 

crossing requires a permit from DEQ prior to installation. This is through the DEQ/US Army 

Corps of Engineers (USACE) joint permit application process. 

It is best to work with local DEQ staff when developing plans for stream crossings from the 

outset. This will result in less time and effort for the landowner or their designated agent during 

the permit application and review process. Information regarding this application is available at 

www.michigan.gov/jointpermit. Permit requirements apply to intermittent streams (flows only 

occur during certain times of the year, particularly spring during snowmelt), as well as 

permanently flowing streams. Streams have an area with a defined streambed and bank and 

visible evidence of a continued flow or continued occurrence of water. While dry for much of the 

year, intermittent streams are important during frequent rains in the spring. Because of these 

frequent rain events, intermittent streams provide essential habitat for trout and other fish during 

spawning runs. Therefore, protect them as carefully as you would a permanent flowing stream. 
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IC4011 (Rev. 02/24/2009) 

It is against DEQ regulations to transport felled logs or heavy machinery through even the 

smallest, shallowest dry streambed. Instead, there are two placement techniques for stream 

crossings that work best, depending on the circumstances -- a pipe culvert installation, or a 

portable bridge. 

Portable Bridges

Portable bridges, often referred to as temporary bridges, are the preferred method when a 

stream crossing is required to skid or transport timber products and the stream crossing will be 

temporary in nature (defined by DEQ as a permitted crossing in place less than 2 years). 

These bridges can be constructed out of laminated, pressure treated wood (see Figure 12) or 

can be prefabricated folding metal structures (see Figure 13). 

These bridges are generally designed to support skidders and forwarders, but may also be 

constructed sturdy enough to support tandem axle haul trucks, as they transport wood products 

from the landing to the mill. 

Studies conducted by the U.S. Forest Service and University of Auburn on the Talledega 

National Forest showed that installing a portable bridge resulted in 98% less sediment entering 

the stream, compared to installing a culvert. 

The key advantages over culverts are: 

• Minimize stream siltation 

• Meet or exceed most BMP standards 

• Keep wood and other debris out of waterways 

• Reusable 

• Minimize erosion 

• Keep streams clear of debris after installation 

• Provide unimpeded fish passage 

• No impacts on the stream bottom 

Figure 12. Example of a Wooden Portable Bridge. 

 (Re-printed courtesy of the University of Minnesota Extension Service.) 
37 

IC4011 (Rev. 02/24/2009) 

Figure 13. Example of a Portable Folding Metal Bridge. 

Crossing Streams Using Culverts 

Culverts are another option for crossing streams. However, use of culverts instead of portable 

bridges increases the amount of sediment deposition during installation and removal, as well as 

increasing the likelihood of impeding fish passage. They are made from corrugated metal pipe 

or other suitable material (e.g. hard plastic) and placed under a haul road or major skid road to 

transmit flows from permanent streams and small intermittent streams. Culvert installation and 

placement requires that the persons responsible for installation and removal take extra care and 

attention to reduce sediment deposition to the stream as much as possible. It is important to 

work with local DEQ staff on how to meet permit requirements. 

Culvert Installation and Placement

When installation of a portable bridge is not an option, the culvert can be installed using the 

following BMP specifications: 

• Install culverts so that there is no change in the stream bottom elevation. This will allow 

for unimpeded fish migration (see Figure 14). 

• Place barriers or rock from the upstream culvert end to the stream banks to direct flow 

into the culvert. 

• Place barriers or rock at the downstream culvert end to the stream banks. 

• Firmly compact fill materials around culverts, particularly around the bottom half. Fill 

material should be a minimum of 1 foot over the pipe, at a depth specified by the culvert 

manufacturer, or one-half the diameter of the culvert (see Figure 15). 

• Use riprap around the inlet and outlet of the culvert, as well as geotextile underneath the 

riprap to prevent stream flows from eroding and undercutting the culvert (see Figure 16). 

• Pipe length should be long enough so both ends extend 2 feet beyond side slope (cross 

drainage culverts require only 1 foot beyond side slope). 
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IC4011 (Rev. 02/24/2009) 

• The pipe diameter is matched to expected high water flows. 

Figure 14. Culvert Installation Without Change in Stream Bottom Elevation. 

 (Reprinted courtesy of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources) 

Figure 15. Illustrations and Instructions for Installation of a Stream Crossing Culvert. 

 (Reprinted courtesy of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources) 
39 

IC4011 (Rev. 02/24/2009) 

Figure 16. Illustration of Proper Use of Riprap & Geotextile Around Inlet of Stream Crossing 

Culverts. 

(Edited and re-printed courtesy of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources) 

Methods for Estimating the Diameter of a Stream Crossing Culvert 

Two alternative methods may be employed for estimating the appropriate size of a stream 

crossing culvert: the traditional “Hasty Method” or the newer “MESBOA” method. Both are 

described below. The basic principle is that matching the culvert diameter to the width of the 

stream will maximize the longevity of the culvert, prevent erosion, scouring, pooling, and 

impaired fish passage. 

Using the Hasty Method for Estimating the Diameter of a Stream Crossing Culvert 

The “Hasty Method” is a method most frequently employed as it is a field expedient method of 

estimating the appropriate diameter of a culvert for a particular stream crossing. This method of 

calculating culvert size includes a safety factor of 100%. Figure 17 is an illustration of how to 

calculate the pipe diameter from measurements taken in the field. Table 5. shows the 

conversion of the calculated end area in square feet to the equivalent diameter. 
40 

IC4011 (Rev. 02/24/2009) 

Figure 17. Hasty Method for Calculating Culvert Size 

Table 5. Culvert End Area & Diameter 

End Area 

(Square Ft.) 

Diameter 

(Inches) 

1.80 18 

3.10 24 

4.90 30 

7.10 36 

9.60 42 

12.60 48 

15.90 54 

19.60 60 

23.80 66 

28.30 72 

33.20 78 

38.50 84 

44.20 90 

The MESBOA Method for Installing Stream Crossing Culverts 

The MESBOA method, first developed in Minnesota, was a joint effort between the U.S. Forest 

Service and Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to develop a method that properly 

sizes, orients and installs culverts based primarily on the stream's physical characteristics. The 

“MESBOA” is an acronym comprised of the first letter of each of the six steps. The DEQ 

considers this method as the best method to use when sizing and installing stream crossing 
41 

IC4011 (Rev. 02/24/2009) 

culverts. It was developed to ensure unimpeded fish passage and minimizing the risk of a 

culvert being washed out during a significant storm event. 

The Six Steps in the Sizing and Placement of Culverts 

The following are general instructions to apply when using the MESBOA method to determine 

the appropriate size, length, width and number of culverts needed for a given stream crossing: 

1. Match culvert width to bankfull stream width (see Figure 18). 

2. Extend culvert length through the side slope toe of the road. 

3. Set culvert slope the same as stream slope (failure to set culverts on the same 

slope as the stream is the primary reason that many culverts impede fish 

passage). 

4. Bury the culvert 4 to 12 inches into the stream bottom. For culverts 2 to 6 feet in 

diameter, dig 10 to 18 inches below the stream bottom. 

5. Offset multiple culverts. 

6. Align the culvert with the stream channel. 

Figure 18. Measuring Bankfull Width.

Guidance Regarding the Application of the MESBOA Method Based on Stream 

Channel Width and Culvert Diameter 

The following is guidance to aid forest managers or loggers as what measurements are needed 

based on bankfull width of the channel being crossed, stream depth, and the slope of the 

stream bottom. As the size of both the culvert and channel width increase, so too does the 

likelihood of having to obtain the services of a professional surveyor and civil engineer, to 

ensure the culvert is properly sized and installed. 

The following guides the efforts or resources that may be required based on culvert diameter 

and channel width using the MESBOA approach: 
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IC4011 (Rev. 02/24/2009) 

• Culverts are 2 to 3 feet in diameter and channel is 2 to 6 feet wide. 

 Need only bankfull width and reasonable estimate of stream bottom slope and 

burying depth. 

• Culverts are 3 to 6 feet in diameter and channel is up to 12 feet wide. 

 Need bankfull width, and accurate longitudinal profile of the stream to have exact 

slope of the stream and culvert elevation at both the inlet and outlet. Will require the 

use of level survey equipment. 

• Culverts are greater than 6 feet in diameter or wide arch design and channel is greater 

than 12 feet wide. 

 Need bankfull width, longitudinal profile, and 1-3 cross sections. Use computerized 

culvert design programs to confirm that all measurements accurately dictate culvert 

design and installation parameters. Generally applied when stream crossing design 

requires the involvement of a registered professional civil engineer. 

9. RUTTING AND RELATED ISSUES 

Rutting occurs when soil strength is not sufficient to support the applied load from vehicle traffic 

(see Figure 19; Table 2 on page 17 has more on soil susceptibility to erosion). Rutting affects 

aesthetics, biology, hydrology, site productivity and vehicle safety. In general, rutting can cause 

soil compaction and loss of forest productivity. Where channelized flow to an open water body 

occurs, rutting can result in contributing sediment into an open water body. While not always a 

water quality issue, excessive rutting is certainly a sign that ongoing forest operations need to 

be modified to prevent further damage to soil and forest resources. 

Figure 19. Forest Road Rutting Damage 

Table 6 (below) provides guidance on excessive rutting in different areas of a harvest operation, 

immediate actions to be taken and restoration requirements. The rutting guidance should be 

applied in relation to the specific area being harvested. Consideration should be given to soils, 

hydrology, forest type, slope, and other site factors. For example, on certain sites, it may be 

necessary to change or halt operations before the standards stated are exceeded. Conversely, 

deep ruts may not be a problem in a landing which will be smoothed and revegetated after a 

harvest. In addition, excessive rutting in wetlands may require a DEQ permit. To avoid the 

need for a permit, methods should be employed to avoid and minimize rutting in wetland areas. 

Anytime rutting causes sedimentation in a stream, lake or open water wetland, the activity 

causing the rutting must stop and immediate actions taken to prevent further sediment 

deposition. Rutting in roads or landings that does not cause sedimentation should be 

monitored. If ruts begin to exceed the specifications, measures should be taken to prevent 

further rutting. If further rutting cannot be prevented, the operations should cease until 

conditions change or until the rutting can be repaired. Off road rutting in the woods may occur 
43 

IC4011 (Rev. 02/24/2009) 

on skid trails. Heavily used trails, also called main skid trails, may have more rutting than “one 

time only’” trails or secondary trails. Consideration should be given to the overall impact of the 

skid trails across the landscape. 

It would be difficult to define guidance related to the total length and depth of skid trails across a

forested stand, but in general the amount of skid trails should be minimized. Major skid trails 

will have more rutting than secondary skid trails. If secondary skid trails begin to resemble 

major skid trails, then rutting may be too severe, even though the rutting guidance has been 

followed. Excessive rutting may occur even though any individual length of skid trail is within 

the standards. Professional judgment should be used to identify excessive rutting across a 

forested stand. 

Surface water runoff from rain events can also lead to ruts in a logging road. The ruts collect 

runoff and increase the potential for ruts to deepen and further road erosion. Roads having 

slopes greater than 5% are especially vulnerable to the creation and deepening of ruts from rain 

events. Installing the proper water diversion devices, such as diversion ditches or broad-based 

dips at the appropriate intervals will periodically interrupt and divert stormwater runoff and 

decrease the volume and velocity of storm water runoff as it moves down slope. This reduces 

the potential for rutting. Proper grading, crowning of roads and shaping of roads per soil and 

slope conditions (see Figure 4) can also reduce the potential for rutting. Heavily sloped roads 

(those with slopes greater than 10%) can become rutted very easily, so the driver/operator must 

use extra care when driving these roads with heavy loads or under wet conditions. 

Finally, the land manager must make sure that all man-made/inorganic materials (e.g. silt fence, 

tire mats, geotextile fabric) that were used for either rutting, erosion or sedimentation control, 

are removed from the site shortly after these materials are no longer needed (e.g. grassy 

vegetation has established). In particular, a silt fence left in place long after its use has past can 

serve as a barrier to the travel of herptofauna (e.g. turtles, snakes, lizards, salamanders and 

frogs) and small mammals. 
44 

IC4011 (Rev. 02/24/2009) 

Table 6. Soil Protection Precautions (for rutting)

Immediate Action 

• If a possible problem arises or threatens to worsen, stop operations. Assess the situation. Can operations be 

moved to another area to minimize problems without creating additional problems or should operations be stopped 

until conditions improve? 

• Can precautionary measures eliminate the problem? For example: 

o Use slash or logs to prevent movement of sediment offsite. 

o Install rock check dams (using rock 3-12 inches in diameter) or water bars at appropriate intervals (water bars 

can be made from old conveyor belts or other rubberized material) . 

o Use slash, tire mats, or PVC pipe linked together with chain or cable and lay over areas susceptible to rutting 

or use other suitable methods to prevent further rutting. 

o Install silt fence at edges of landing or other active areas to prevent movement of sediment off site. 

o In RMZ’s, fill in rutted areas, apply geotextile fabric over rutted and susceptible areas, then apply gravel or 

crushed rock over the fabric at a depth no less than 3 inches (6 inches is optimal). 

Location Precautions may be 

needed if: Maintenance/Restoration Options

Everywhere A gully or rut of any depth is 

channelizing flow to an open 

water body, (i.e. stream, 

lake or wetland). 

Note: the discharge of 

sediment into a surface 

water body is in a violation 

of Part 31, Water Quality 

Protection, NREPA, PA 

451, 1994. Enforcement 

action and daily fines by 

DEQ may result if the 

discharge is not stopped 

Review site conditions and determine if site remediation would cause more 

damage to soil resources and site productivity than leaving ruts as they 

are. 

Repair gullies and ruts. Disc, plow, smooth, where necessary. Seed and 

mulch per recommended procedures (see Appendix E). Check dams and 

water bars should be left in place until grassy vegetation is firmly 

established. 

No restoration is recommended if such action causes more damage to site 

(e.g. disking and plowing may result in unacceptable damage to the root 

systems of the trees affected by the rutting). 

Areas prone to rutting may require frequent inspections. 

Roads • In a riparian management 

zone (RMZ) or wetland 

where a gully or rut is 6 

inches deep and 25 feet 

long. 

• In an upland area (outside 

of RMZ) where a gully or 

rut is 12 inches deep and 

50 feet long. 

Review site conditions and determine if site remediation would cause more 

damage to soil resources and site productivity than leaving ruts as they 

are. Where water quality will not be affected, remediation may not be 

necessary. The type of road and use (temporary, intermittent, continuous 

or heavy use), may determine the level of restoration effort. 

If a rutted road must be used (e.g. for access, to move forest products), 

options for repair include 1) fill in ruts as conditions allow, 2) lay a barrier 

such as geotextile fabric over the length of the rutted portions and apply 

gravel or crushed rock at a depth no less than 3 inches (6 inches is 

optimal). 

 

Smooth, seed and mulch as appropriate, for example after timber harvest 

is completed (Refer to Appendix E for instructions). 

Be aware of vehicle safety concerns on forest roads. Rutting may require 

frequent grading during rainy seasons. 

Landings 

(Should not 

be located in 

an RMZ.) 

Soil moves from the landing 

area. 

When landing is no longer needed, smooth, seed and mulch as 

appropriate (Refer to Appendix E for instructions). 

Silt fence or barriers should be left in place until grassy vegetation is firmly 

established. Remove silt fence or barriers after its purpose is no longer 

required. 

Skid trails and 

harvest areas 

Where a gully or rut is 12 

inches deep and 50 feet 

long. 

No restoration is recommended if such action causes more damage to site 

(e.g. disking and plowing may result in unacceptable damage to the root 

systems of the trees affected by the rutting). 

Remove barriers and materials (tire mats, PVC pipe, etc.) after their use is 

no longer required and their removal does not create additional problems. 
45 

IC4011 (Rev. 02/24/2009) 

10. LANDINGS 

The following BMPs apply to the site location and water management with respect to log 

landings: 

• Locate landings outside the RMZ. 

• Use previously developed landings, unless they are located in RMZs. 

• Avoid locating or using old landings that are located where gullies, seeps, vernal pools 

and other permanently wet areas exist. 

• Locate sites for log landings in advance of road construction. These sites should be 

located in areas that will help minimize skid trail and haul road distances. 

• Where possible, log landings should be constructed on well-drained, gently sloping sites 

of no more than 5%. On areas greater than 5%, additional erosion control measures 

may be necessary.

• Locate residue piles (particularly aspen, whose runoff is a suspected toxin to fish) away 

from drainages where runoff may wash residue into streams, lakes or other open water 

body. 

• Haul roads that terminate at the landing area should be properly drained prior to 

intersecting the log landing. 

• A diversion ditch around the uphill side of landings can intercept the flow of water and 

direct it away from the landing. 

11. SKIDDING 

A skid trail is a single lane trail used for the skidding or transporting of timber products from the 

stump to a landing. After the location of log landings are established and road layout is 

complete, the skid trail network is then laid out. The major considerations for skid trail 

placement are to minimize: damage to residual trees, erosion, sedimentation, and rutting. 

For some forest conditions such as very steep slopes (over 40%), unstable soil conditions and 

critical riparian areas (e.g. areas with vernal pools, unique natural communities, such as dune 

and swale complexes), use timber harvesting techniques and equipment that minimize skidding 

throughout the stand (e.g. cable skidding, harvesters with knuckle boom cranes and bogey 

tracks - see Figure 20). 
46 

IC4011 (Rev. 02/24/2009) 

Figure 20. Wheeled Harvester/Processor with Bogey Tracks. 

The Following are Considerations for the Location and Use of Skid Trails: 

• Gradients of skid trails should not be steeper than 40% (EPA 2005). The goal is to have 

the average skid trail slopes be no more than 15%. 

• Minimize skidding in the RMZ (this helps minimize soil exposure) . 

• When skidding in areas with steep topography, within safe operating conditions, follow 

the contour of the slope. This reduces soil erosion and encourages revegetation. If 

skidding has to be done parallel to the slope, skid uphill, taking care to break the grade 

periodically. Where the grade is broken, install water diversions. 

• Avoid skid trail layouts that concentrate runoff into ephemeral draws (see Figure 21), 

and avoid skidding up or down ephemeral draws. Skidding through these areas will 

result in accelerated soil erosion and sediment movement, as ephemeral draws act to 

channelize water flows. 

• If using a wheeled skidder without high floatation tires, winch logs out of the RMZ or 

directionally fell trees so tops extend out of the RMZ and trees can be skidded without 

operating the skidder in the RMZ. 

• Suspend skidding during wet periods such as spring breakup. 

• Any skid trail that crosses a stream will require permits from DEQ and a bridge or a 

culvert designed to standards acceptable by DEQ prior to DEQ issuing permits for such 

an activity. Logs cannot be skidded through an identifiable stream channel. 
47 

IC4011 (Rev. 02/24/2009) 

• Approaches to a water crossing should be as near to right angles (90 degrees) to the 

stream direction as possible. 

• Climb up slope on a slant or zigzag pattern, breaking the grade and avoiding long steep 

grades on the trail. This will reduce the potential for making gullies. 

• One primary skid trail may concentrate and minimize soil disturbance and compaction 

and damage to the residual stand. However, often using several different skid trails 

instead of only one primary trail disperses the impacts and results in less soil 

disturbance. This may vary by site, time of year, equipment, and other conditions such 

as existing vegetation. 

• Skidding operations should avoid gullies, seeps, vernal pools and other permanently wet 

areas. 

• Upon completion of skidding operations, install water bars, particularly on skid trails on 

sloping and variable topography. If natural vegetation does not quickly establish on 

these trails, apply grass seed and cover with mulch (see Appendix E).

Figure 21. Example of Ephemeral Draw 

12. WETLAND BMPS AND FOREST ROADS 

A wetland is characterized by the presence of water at a frequency and duration sufficient to 

support, and that under normal circumstances does support, wetland vegetation, or aquatic life. 

These features are commonly referred to as bogs, swamps, or marshes. As mentioned above 

in the section on applicable regulations, the following activities are prohibited in wetlands, to 

protect water quality, unless a Part 303 permit has been obtained from the DEQ: 

• Deposit or permit the placing of fill material in a wetland. 

• Dredge, remove, or permit the removal of soil or minerals from a wetland. 

• Construct, operate, or maintain any use or development from a wetland. 

• Drain surface water from a wetland. 

Regulated wetlands are defined in Part 303 and associated administrative rules. 
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IC4011 (Rev. 02/24/2009) 

Forest Road Construction in Forested Wetlands 

Per Part 303, Wetlands Protection, of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, 

1994 PA 451, as amended (NREPA), the activity of constructing forest roads or temporary 

roads for moving forestry equipment in a wetland environment is exempt from obtaining a Part 

303 permit, as long as adverse effects on the wetland are minimized and best management 

practices as listed below are implemented. This guidance is for forestry purposes only. If roads 

are constructed in or through a forested wetland environment for non-forestry purposes or if fill 

material is deposited in a wetland, then a wetlands permit is required. 

The following are general road construction BMPs, that, if applied, will minimize adverse effects 

on the wetland and allow the landowner, forester or logger to be exempt from obtaining a 

wetlands permit: 

• Equipment access to wetlands should be minimized by utilizing knucklebooms or 

cranes or methods such as logging by cables from the adjacent upland where and 

when possible. 

• If the crossing can be accomplished at a time when the wetland is relatively dry, 

construction mats or other temporary crossing methods should be employed. 

Following the operation, the wetland should be returned to its original condition. 

• Conduct timbering operations during winter when the wetland is often frozen and 

passable and will not require the use of fill or other methods that may permanently 

damage the wetland. 

• If there is an existing roadway through a wetland, that roadway should be utilized, 

unless upgrading to minimal standards will cause more wetland damage than 

selecting an alternative route. 

• Wetland crossings should be held to the minimum feasible number, width, and total 

length consistent with the needs only of the forestry operations. 

• Wetland crossings should be designed, constructed and maintained in a manner that 

keeps vegetative disturbance in the wetland to a minimum and prevents the 

disruption of migration or other movement of fish or wildlife within the wetland or 

contiguous water. 

• Where fill is necessary, it should be taken from uplands and should consist of clean 

material. Upon placement, it should be stabilized and maintained to prevent erosion 

into waters or wetlands during and following construction. Depositing fill into a 

wetland requires a permit. 

• Wetland crossings should include placement of culverts and other structures 

necessary to ensure adequate passage of flow under and through the road without 

causing excess drainage to upstream or downstream wetland areas. Drainage 

should be designed to maintain pre-existing hydrology on either side of the road. 

• Wetland crossings may not be located in proximity to public water supply intakes or 

otherwise constructed at a location or in a manner where they would pose a threat to 

health, safety or welfare, or otherwise be in violation of federal, state or local laws. 
49 

IC4011 (Rev. 02/24/2009) 

• Always monitor operating conditions closely, but especially after the occurrence of a 

warm rain or above freezing temperatures at night. Cease operations in wetlands if 

ruts reach 6 inches in depth and are 25 feet long. 

BMP Specifications for Forest Road Construction on Organic Wetland Soils 

The federal publication, “Forested Wetlands: Functions, Use and Best Management Practices”, 

(Forest Service publication number NA-PR-01-95), recommends different road construction 

techniques and BMPs, depending on the nature of the wetland soils in which forest 

management activity is scheduled to occur. One key component is that roads built on organic 

wetlands should provide for cross drainage of water on the surface and in the top 12 inches of 

the soil. 

Construction techniques vary, depending on the type of soil involved (mineral versus organic). 

Where organic soils are involved, the depth of the organic layer also influences these 

techniques. The following practices, which differ based on soil type and thickness, are 

recommended for wetland road construction: 

• For road construction on soils with organic layers close to 16 inches in thickness, 

these are the recommended practices: 

 Place 24 inch diameter culverts with their bottom half in the upper 12 inches of 

the soil to handle subsurface flows and the top 12 inches to handle above ground 

flows every 300 feet or so (see Figure 22). 

• For road construction on soils with organic layers in excess of 4 feet in thickness, 

these are the recommended practices: 

 The road should be constructed across the top of the soil surface by placing fill 

material on top of geotextile fabric, while allowing for cross drainage via the use of 

a 12 inch think layer of porous material such as large stone into the roadbed (see 

Figure 23). This material should be separated from the adjacent fill layers by 

geotextile fabric, and be incorporated into the road fill design so as to lie in the top 

12 inches of the soil to provide continuous cross drainage. Corduroy or pvc 

bundles could be alternatives. 

 Where such porous layers are not used, place culverts at points where they will 

receive the greatest support from the soil below. 

 Construct ditches parallel to the roadbed on both sides to collect surface and 

subsurface water, so as to carry said water through a given culvert. Note that 

these ditches should be located 3 times the depth of the organic layers from the 

edge of the road fill. 
50 

IC4011 (Rev. 02/24/2009) 

Figure 22. Proper Culvert Installation and Use on a Wetland Road. 

(Re-printed courtesy of the United States Forest Service) 

Figure 23. Porous Road Design Using Large Stone. 

(Re-printed courtesy of the United States Forest Service)

• For road construction on soils with organic layers between 16 inches and 4 feet in 

thickness, these are the recommended practices: 

 Place fill directly on the peat surface and allow the fill to compress or displace the 

peat until equilibrium is reached. In this technique, culverts are used instead of 

porous layers to move flows through road fill material. 

 Place all culverts at the lowest elevation on the road centerline with additional 

culverts installed as needed to provide adequate cross drainage. 

 Construct all ditches parallel to the road centerline and along the toe of the fill to 

collect surface and subsurface water flows, carrying said flows through the 

culvert(s), redistributing the flows to the other side of the road. 

Specifications for Roads Constructed on Mineral Soils or a Thin Organic Layer 

When roads are being constructed on mineral soils or on soils with surface organic layers less 

than 16 inches in thickness, the following are the recommended practices: 

• Roads through mineral soil wetlands can be constructed using normal road construction 

techniques. 
51 

IC4011 (Rev. 02/24/2009) 

• Apply geotextile fabric first before adding fill to increase bearing strength of the road and 

to preserve the bearing strength of fill material so as to prevent mixture with fine soil 

particles. 

• In mineral soil wetlands, a culvert should be placed at the lowest elevation on the road 

centerline with additional culverts as needed to provide adequate cross drainage (see 

Figure 22 and 24).

• Shallow ditches parallel to the road centerline should be constructed along the toe of the 

fill to collect surface and subsurface water flows, carrying flows through the culvert(s) to 

the other side of the road and into a vegetated area (see Figure 24). Any ditches must 

be of depth and width only to allow cross drainage and support the stability of the road. 

Deeper or excessive ditching will require a permit from the DEQ. 

Figure 24. Illustration of Use and Placement of Culverts and Ditches for Wetland Roads. 

Figure 25. Cross-section of Culvert Location for Wetland Road. 
52 

IC4011 (Rev. 02/24/2009) 

Figure 26. An Example of a 36-inch Diameter Cross Drain Culvert 

Used for a Road Constructed in a Wetland Area. 

 

13. FOREST ROADS - CONTROLLING SEDIMENT MOVEMENT AND 

TRANSPORT DURING RAIN EVENTS 

During rain events, excessive water flows can erode a forest road, causing sediment to be 

eventually transported into a stream or other water body. Described below are various devices 

that can help mitigate erosion and sediment movement. These devices work by interrupting the 

flow of water and sediment, causing the sediment to be deposited, trapped or filtered out before 

reaching an open water body. Following a routine maintenance schedule which takes into 

account rain events is key to the proper functioning of these devices. Generally, this is the 

responsibility of the logger during an active timber sale and the landowner's responsibility before 

and after such sales. 

Described below are examples of such control devices: 

• Erosion Barriers – Pre-seeded erosion control products at the toe slope of a road and 

at the outlets of culverts, diversion ditches, water bars, or broad-based dips, or the use 

of rock or large stone (an average diameter of 6 inches) placed on the toe of road and 

outlet of the diversion structures should be the first choices. Although it’s cheap and 

handy, laying down slash is not very good in reducing the velocity and erosive impacts of 

concentrated flows during significant rainfall events. 

• Silt Fence – A geotextile fabric, when installed properly, has the capability of retaining 

most suspended materials, (e.g. sediment) and releasing the filtered runoff through the 

fabric. Do not use in permanent flowing streams or in any location with concentrated 

flows. See Figure 5 for an illustration of how to properly install a silt fence. It is most 

commonly installed at or beyond the toe of a slope to trap sediment coming from 

overland sheet flows during a storm event. Silt fence must be installed along the same 

elevation contours across the slope to prevent runoff from flowing around the fence. For 
53 

IC4011 (Rev. 02/24/2009) 

long slopes or large areas, silt fence should be installed parallel to each other in a series 

with an average spacing of 200 feet and drain no more than one-half acre per 100 feet of 

fence. 

• Armoring/Energy Dissipation – This term refers to rock installed at the outlet of 

diversion devices and drainage culverts to prevent erosion from occurring at the outlet. 

The rock must be large enough (ranging from 3 to 12 inches in diameter) to stay in place 

at the outlet during times of strong concentrated flows. The length of the riprap should 

be at least 5 feet long and 3 feet wide, to ensure concentrated flows have an adequate 

space to slow down and filter into the soil or vegetation. 

• Check Dams - Check dams (see Figure 27), generally constructed of rock, may be 

necessary to reduce the velocity of flow in roadside ditches or other concentrated flow 

areas. Check dams can reduce the potential for erosion and protect vegetation in the 

early stages of growth by reducing water flow to non-erosive velocities. See Figure 28 

for proper spacing of check dams. For rock based check dams, construct the check 

dam using rock having a range of sizes from 3-12 inches in diameter (average 6 inches). 

The key is that the rock stays in place to withstand strong concentrated runoff flows. 

Figure 27. Cross Sectional Views of a Check Dam. 

Figure 28. Check Dam Spacing. 
54 

IC4011 (Rev. 02/24/2009) 

14. SITE PREPARATION, REFORESTATION AND FOREST 

PROTECTION 

The long-term management of forest land includes a commitment to a sustainable forested 

landscape. It is necessary for management plans that include timber harvesting to also include 

consideration of site preparation work and regeneration efforts. Site preparation can include 

mechanical means, prescribed burning, and chemical treatments. Reforestation can occur 

naturally or be established using mechanical seeding and planting techniques. 

For all forested land where timber products are harvested, the landowner should consider 

regenerating stands by either natural or mechanical means. Site preparation refers to methods 

that establish desired tree species, control undesirable competing vegetation, reduce organic 

debris and logging residue and reduce wildfire risks. 

Pay special attention to avoid any unnecessary surface disturbances, especially in areas of 

steep slopes or in areas subject to periodic flooding, such as spring break up flooding. 

Mechanical Preparations

The following are recommended specifications for various mechanical means: 

• General Considerations: 

 Use mechanical site preparation techniques which cause the least disturbance to 

the site and still achieve the owner's objective. 

 Recognize adequate RMZs. 

 To minimize erosive impacts, mechanical treatment should be oriented along the 

contours of the site. 

 Evaluate site for saturated soil conditions. Avoid operations during periods of 

saturated soil conditions that may cause rutting or accelerated soil erosion. 

• Shearing and Raking: 

 Avoid dumping or concentrating residues from shearing and raking operations in 

flood plains or wetland areas. These residues should be deposited in stable 

areas so they do not interfere with drainage or cause erosion. 

 Locate windrows and piles to minimize interference with natural drainage patterns. 

 Locate windrows outside the RMZs. 

 Give preference to locating windrows along contours to mitigate the effects of 

overland flow. 

 Minimize incorporation of soil material into windrows and piles. Two examples of 

preferred practices are: a) shearing and raking under frozen soil conditions, and 

b) light raking which would only remove slash. 

 Avoid shearing and raking operations on organic soils, except under frozen soil 

conditions. 

• Disking (and other scarification treatments, such as chain drags and land breakers): 

 Limit to slopes of less than 10%, for all highly erodible soils. 

 Follow the land contours with proper consideration given to equipment operator 

safety. 

 Advantageous because it reduces soil compaction and incorporates organic 

matter. 
55 

IC4011 (Rev. 02/24/2009) 

• Patch and Row Scarification: 

 Use patch or row scarification as the preferred mechanical site preparation 

method for artificial regeneration where terrain or soil type necessitate minimum 

soil disturbance. 

 Follow the contours of the land to maintain operator safety. 

• Drum Chopping: 

 Limits soil exposure as residual trees and debris are knocked down. 

 Maximum benefit comes from drum chopping up and down the slope so that blade 

depressions are on the contour, reducing the occurrence of channeled surface 

flow. 

Prescribed Burning

Using fire under controlled conditions can have benefits including: reduction of slash, reduction 

or elimination of undesired and competing vegetation encroachment, and creation of a seed bed 

or surface condition for natural or artificial regeneration of desired tree species. To achieve 

desired conditions and protect water quality, prescribed use of fire must be carefully planned 

and executed under strict weather and fuel conditions. 

• After the prescribed burn is complete and a significant rain event has occurred, inspect 

the fire lines on hilly or steep terrain where a stream or small body of water is close by to 

determine if these fire lines are eroding away and sediment is being transported down to 

a stream or water body. If this is occurring, install earth-berm water bars (probably only 

requiring a shovel) and during inspection, determine if any other areas of bare mineral 

soil (a result of the burn) are eroding into a water body. Inspect the site and determine if 

the bare areas will re-vegetate quickly from the surrounding area or if the soil will require 

the application of grass seed that establishes quickly and require the application of 

mulch (see Appendix E). 

• If the prescribed burn is adjacent to an intermittent or perennial water body, the staff in 

charge should establish an RMZ, if it has not been done so already. The use of fire 

retardant foam at the boundary of the RMZ is permitted. Note that fire retardant foam is 

not toxic to aquatic life. 

Chemical Treatment

Use of chemicals to control vegetation (herbicide), insects (insecticide), small animals 

(rodenticide), and molds and fungus (fungicide) can be an efficient and effective means of site 

preparation. Herbicides have advantages over mechanical means because there is no soil 

disturbance and can be used where steep slopes prevent use of machinery. Herbicides can 

also be used in an existing stand for pre-harvest treatment. Rodenticides and fungicides can be 

applied to seeds or seedlings before or during planting to increase planting survival. However, 

water quality impacts must be a consideration in all use of chemicals to prevent their reaching 

ground water and surface water bodies. 

Potential water quality impact varies widely from one chemical to another and depends primarily 

on the: a) chemical's mobility, b) chemical’s persistence, c) accuracy of the chemical’s 

placement, and d) orientation of site to streams. Water quality can be protected by knowledge 

of the chemical being used and adherence to the manufacturer's specification and directions. 

The label contains information regarding the safety of the applicator, species for which the 

chemical is registered, the pesticide rate or concentration, appropriate weather conditions for 

application, environmental impact and proper container disposal. Material Safety Data Sheets 

providing toxicological data are available from a chemical's manufacturer. 
56 

IC4011 (Rev. 02/24/2009) 

Reforestation 

All of the above-described means of site preparations are designed to meet the objective of 

maintaining a healthy and vigorous forest which aids in maintaining water quality of adjacent 

water bodies. Regeneration of desired tree species and associated plant communities occurs 

through natural process and by seeding and tree planting. 

Use of Pesticides 

Use of chemicals to control forest pests and to eliminate vegetative competition with desired 

tree species may be the most effective and efficient means of accomplishing those 

management functions. If you have any questions about pesticide application, please contact 

the Michigan Department of Agriculture, Pesticide and Plant Pest Management Division at 517-

373-1087, or online at www.michigan.gov/mda. 

The forest manager must be aware of the risk of water contamination and apply the following 

considerations: 

• The basic federal law regulating pesticides and their use is the Federal Insecticide, 

Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). The Michigan Pesticide Control Act further 

regulates use, handling and application of pesticides. Additional laws pertaining to 

pesticide uses, transport and application exist. 

• All pesticides are classified for either "general" or "restricted" use. Restricted pesticides 

may be used only under supervision of certified applicators. Pesticide users need to be 

familiar with the laws and regulations pertaining to certification and proper use of 

pesticides. 

• Follow directions and heed all precautions on the label. Store pesticides in original 

containers in secured areas, out of reach of children and animals, and away from food 

and feed. 

• Apply pesticides so that they do not endanger humans, livestock, crops, beneficial 

insects, fish, and wildlife. Do not apply pesticides when there is danger of drift, when 

honey bees or other pollinating insects are visiting plants, or in ways that may 

contaminate water or leave illegal residues. 

• Avoid prolonged inhalation of pesticide sprays or dusts; wear protective clothing and 

equipment, as specified on the container/label. 

• Do not clean spray equipment or dump excess spray material near ponds, streams, or 

wells. Because it is difficult to remove all traces of herbicides from equipment, do not 

use the same equipment for insecticides or fungicides that you use for herbicides. 

• The use of returnable pesticide containers is recommended. Otherwise, dispose of 

empty pesticide containers promptly, in a landfill licensed to accept toxic materials. 

• Special precautions should be taken around RMZs. 
57 

IC4011 (Rev. 02/24/2009) 

Wildfire Damage Control and Reclamation

When wildfire strikes, the primary purpose is to control and suppress the fire, as quickly as 

possible. However, forest fire suppression measures themselves can add to the problem of 

water quality protection. 

The loss of vegetative cover, destruction of soil holding features such as roots, the creation of a 

carbon layer in place of the organic top layer of soil, and the exposure of bare mineral soil, are 

combinations that make the burned area highly erodible. The effects of suppression efforts and 

equipment operations necessary to control and stop the fire can magnify the erosion problem. 

The following are specifications for reclamation of burned areas. 

• Unless further activity would create problems, bare mineral soil should be actively revegetated, particularly if soil could erode into a nearby stream or other water body. 

• First priority for re-vegetation is all areas of bare soil adjacent to banks of surface water 

bodies so that the RMZ function is re-established. Until site stabilization occurs, the use 

of silt fences or erosion mats or blankets may be necessary. 

• Fire lines should be stabilized and re-vegetated, if soil is being transported to a nearby 

stream or other open water body. Other areas altered by suppression equipment 

operations should be repaired and re-vegetated as necessary. Where fire lines cause 

surface water to channelize and flow directly toward or into a water body, water bars 

should be placed in the fire line, at the spacing indicated in Table 3. 
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IC4011 (Rev. 02/24/2009) 

APPENDIX A - GLOSSARY 

Access Road: A temporary or permanent access route for vehicles into forest land. 

Alignment: The horizontal route or direction of an access road. It is made up of straight line 

tangent sections and curves. 

Angle of Repose: The maximum slope or angle at which a material such as soil or loose rock 

remains stable. 

Barriers: Obstructions to pedestrian, horse, or vehicular traffic. They are intended to restrict 

such traffic to a specific location. 

Basal Area: The area of the cross section of a tree trunk near its base, usually 41⁄2 feet above 

the ground. Basal area is a way to measure how much of a site is occupied by trees. The term 

basal area is often used to describe the collective basal area of trees per acre. 

Berm: A low earth fill constructed in the path of flowing water to divert its direction, or 

constructed to act as a counter-weight beside the road fill to reduce the risk of foundation 

failure. 

Best Management Practices (BMPs): This phrase and acronym are taking on new meanings, 

and the context of its use must be assessed for its meaning. Traditionally, the term referred to a 

practice or combination of practices that were deemed the most effective, practicable (including 

technological, economical and institutional considerations) means of preventing or reducing the 

amount of water pollution generated by nonpoint sources. Specifically, the term was used with 

respect to surface water and practices for complying with the Federal Clean Water Act. “Water 

Quality BMPs” is the phrase often used for this connotation. Increasingly, however, the term 

“BMPs” is used in a broader sense and encompasses subjects beyond surface water quality, 

such as soils, visual management, and other timber management practices. 

Bog: A nutrient-poor peatland community characterized by acidic,saturated peat and the 

prevalence of sphagnum mosses and low shrubs, such as leatherleaf, and insectivorous plants. 

High quality bogs are often occupied by rare plants and animals. 

Borrow Pit: That area from which soil is removed to build up the road bed, sometimes directly 

adjacent and parallel to a road. 

Broad-based Dip: A surface drainage structure specifically designed to drain water from a 

permanent road, while allowing vehicles to maintain normal travel speeds. 

Buffer Strip: An area of land adjacent to a water body which acts to trap and filter out 

suspended sediments, nutrients, and chemicals before reaching surface waters. Harvesting 

and other forest management activities are permitted in the strip, as long as the functional 

integrity of the strip is maintained. Shade from the strip may also reduce thermal pollution of an 

adjacent stream. Referred to in this manual as Riparian Management Zone (RMZ). 

Check Dam: A small dam constructed of rocks and placed in roadside ditches, ruts, gullies or 

other areas of channelized flow. The purpose of check dams is to interrupt the movement of 

channelized flows, decrease the flow velocities, and promote deposition of sediment at regular 

intervals. 

Corduroy: Logs placed over a swamp to reinforce the natural root mat for the purpose of 

minimizing the risk of settlement or foundation failure of a temporary road. 
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IC4011 (Rev. 02/24/2009) 

Culvert: A conduit through which surface water can flow under roads. 

Cut-and-Fill: Process of earth moving by excavating part of an area and using the excavated 

material for adjacent embankments or fill areas. 

Dips: Economical, relatively trouble-free structures for providing effective drainage of wood 

roads. Dips are considerably lower in cost than culverts, so time spent in careful construction is 

well-justified. 

Disking: A site preparation system whereby a heavy cultivating implement with large disks is 

pulled over a site in order to eliminate competing vegetation. 

Diversion Ditch: A channel with a supporting ridge on the lower side constructed across a 

slope for the purpose of intercepting surface runoff. 

Drain: The legal definition of a “drain” or “drainageway” is part of THE DRAIN CODE OF 1956 

(EXCERPT) Act 40 of 1956. Section 280.3: Drain; definition. Subsection 3. It reads as 

follows: The word “drain”, whenever used in this act, shall include the main stream or trunk 

and all tributaries or branches of any creek or river, any watercourse or ditch, either open or 

closed, any covered drain, any sanitary or any combined sanitary and storm sewer or storm 

sewer or conduit composed of tile, brick, concrete, or other material, any structures or 

mechanical devices, that will properly purify the flow of such drains, any pumping equipment 

necessary to assist or relieve the flow of such drains and any levee, dike, barrier, or a 

combination of any or all of same constructed, or proposed to be constructed, for the purpose of 

drainage or for the purification of the flow of such drains, but shall not include any dam and 

flowage rights used in connection therewith which is used for the generation of power by a 

public utility subject to regulation by the public service commission. 

Ephemeral Draw Area: A topographic feature that during rain events or snow melt, acts as a 

small drainage area and channels overland flows into a stream. These features do not have a 

defined bed or bank or a defined continuous channel and have an intact forest floor. In areas 

with terrain, this is a topographic feature that is the lowpoint in which two ridges or mounds of 

earth come together. They are a natural drainage path for surface water runoff and channel 

water flow into first order streams. Skidding up or down these features should be avoided. 

Ephemeral stream: A stream that flows only during and for short periods following precipitation 

and flows in low areas that may or may not have a well-defined channel. 

Energy Dissipaters: Materials or structures, placed at the discharge end of a culvert or ditch, 

which interrupt and spread the flow of water, thus reducing the water's power to cause erosion. 

Rock or heavy slash are examples of energy dissipaters. 

Erosion: The process by which soil particles are detached and transported by water, wind, and 

gravity to some down slope or downstream point. 

Felling: The process of severing trees from stumps. 

Fen: A type of groundwater-fed wetland. It is a peatland community dominated by sedges, 

rushes, and grassesthat occurs on moderately alkaline organic soil and marl. Fens occur where 

cold, calcareous groundwater rich in calcium and magnesium carbonates reaches the surface to 

form perennial springs and seeps. The flow rate and volume of groundwater passing through a 

fen strongly influence vegetation patterning. 

Filter Strip: See riparian management zone. 
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Fireline: A barrier used to stop the spread of fire constructed by removing fuel or rendering fuel 

inflammable by use of water or fire retardants. 

Forest Floor: Organic matter on top of the mineral soil surface in the forest, including litter and 

unincorporated humus. 

Grade: The slope of a road or trail expressed as a percent of change in elevation per unit of 

distance traveled. 

Groundwater: The subsurface water supply in the saturated zone below the level of the water 

table. 

Gully: A form of soil erosion which is a channel in the soil, caused by storm runoff, usually 

more than 6 inches deep and 6 inches wide. 

Harvesting: The felling, loading, and transportation of forest products. 

Integrated Pest Management (IPM): An ecological approach to pest management in which all 

available necessary techniques are consolidated into a unified program so that pest populations 

can be managed in such a manner that economic damage is avoided and adverse side effects 

are minimized. 

Intermittent stream: A stream that flows only during wet periods of the year and flows in a 

continuous well-defined channel with definable beds and banks.

Loading: The act of placing material on a vehicle for further transport. 

Mulching: Providing any loose covering for exposed forest soil, using organic residues, such 

as grass, straw or wood fibers to protect exposed soil and help control erosion. 

Nonpoint Source Pollution: Pollution caused when rain, snowmelt, or wind carry pollutants off 

the land and into lakes, streams, wetlands, and other water bodies. Hydrologic alterations and 

atmospheric deposition are also considered nonpoint source pollutants. 

Nutrients: Mineral elements in the forest ecosystem, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, or 

potassium, that are naturally present or may be added to the forest environment by forest 

practices such as fertilizer or fire-retardant applications. Substances necessary for the growth 

and reproduction of organisms. In water, those substances that promote growth of algae and 

bacteria; chiefly nitrates and phosphates. 

Ordinary High Water Mark: An elevation which marks the boundary of the lake, marsh or 

stream bed. It is the highest level at which the water has remained long enough to leave its 

mark upon the landscape. Generally, it is the point where the natural vegetation changes from 

predominately aquatic to predominately terrestrial.

Pesticides: Chemical compounds or biological agents used for the control of undesirable 

plants, animals, insects or diseases. 

Prescribed Burning: Skillful application of fire to natural fuels that will allow confinement of the 

fire to a predetermined area and at the same time will produce certain planned benefits. 

Rake: A site preparation tool normally mounted on the front of a crawler tractor, used to remove 

trees, stumps, roots and slash from a future planting site. 
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Riparian Management Zone (RMZ): An area of land adjacent to a water body which acts to 

trap and filter out suspended sediments, nutrients, and chemicals before reaching surface 

waters. Harvesting and other forest management activities are permitted in the strip, as long as 

the functional integrity of the strip is maintained. Shade from the RMZ may also reduce thermal 

pollution of an adjacent stream. 

Riprap: A layer of boulders or rock fragments placed over soil to protect it from the erosive 

forces of flowing water. 

Runoff: In forest areas, that portion of precipitation that flows from a drainage area on the land 

surface or in open channels. 

Rut: A depression in the soils of the forest floor or depressions in dirt roads or skid trails made 

from the passage of vehicles or logging equipment. 

Scarification: The process of removing the forest floor or mixing it with the mineral soil by 

mechanical action preparatory to natural or direct seeding or the planting of tree seedlings. 

Sediment: The legal definition of sediment is defined in Part 91, Soil Erosion and 

Sedimentation Control, Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, 1994, Public Act 

451, As Amended, in section 324.9101, Definitions; A to W, subsection 9101, subpart (14). It 

reads as follows: “Sediment” means solid particulate matter, including both mineral and organic 

matter, that is in suspension in water, in being transported, or has been removed from its site of 

origin by the actions of wind, water, or gravity and has been deposited elsewhere. 

Seep (also called a spring seep or spring): A permanent or intermittent discharge of water that 

emerges from the ground and flows across the soil surface without defined bed and banks. The 

limits of the seep are demarked by the extent of surface water, water-stained leaves, or other 

signs of hydrology (e.g. oxidized root channels). 

Severe Erosion Hazard: A rating in the classification of soils indicating the relative risk of soil 

loss in well-managed forest land. A severe rating indicates the need for intensive management, 

or special equipment and methods to prevent excessive soil loss. 

Silt Fence: A fabric made of geotextile and installed to prevent the off-site movement of 

sediment transported by overland flows. 

Site Preparation: A forest activity to remove unwanted vegetation and other material, and to 

cultivate or prepare the soil for reforestation. 

Skidding: The act of moving trees from the site of felling to a loading area or landing. Skidding 

may be accomplished by tractors, horses, or specialized logging equipment. 

Skid Trails: A temporary pathway over forest soil to drag felled trees or logs to a landing. 

Slash: Unwanted, unutilized, and generally unmarketable accumulation of woody material in 

the forest such as limbs, tops, cull logs, and stumps that remain as forest residue after timber 

harvesting. May be useful as material to deposit on skid trails to slow water movement and 

erosion. 

Stream: The legal definition of a stream is defined in Part 301, Inland Lakes and Streams, 

Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, PA 451, 1994, as amended, in Section 

324.30101, Definitions. subsection (h) of Part 301. It reads as follows: “a river or stream or 

creek which may or may not be serving as a drain as defined by the drain code of 1956, PA 40 
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MCL 280.9 to 280.630 or any other body of water that has definite banks, a bed and visible 

evidence of a continued flow or continued occurrence of water.....” 

Trout stream: Any stream or portion of a stream that contains a significant population of any 

species of trout or salmon, as determined by the DNR. The DNR shall designate not more than 

212 miles of trout streams in which only lures or baits as the DNR prescribes may be used in 

fishing, and the DNR may prescribe the size and number of fish that may be taken from those 

trout streams. (Per Act 451, MCL Section 324.48701). 

Turnout: A widened space in a road to allow vehicles to pass one another and which slopes 

away (downhill) from the road. Also, a drainage ditch which drains water away from roads. 

Vernal pool: A small (usually less than an acre), shallow, temporary body of water in a 

depression that lacks a perennial inlet or outlet stream and has no permanent fish population. It 

will appear after snow melt and gradually dry up as the summer progresses. They may be 

vegetated or non-vegetated bodies of water during the wettest seasons of the year, while in dry 

seasons, they may only be recognizable as an isolated depression on the forest floor. They 

provide critical habitat for breeding amphibians and are also important for certain invertebrates 

and plants. Bears coming out of hibernation also rely on vernal pools as a food source during 

the spring. 

Water Bar: A ditch and trench across a trail or road tied into the uphill side for the purpose of 

carrying water runoff into the vegetation, duff, ditch, or dispersion area so that water runoff does 

not gain the volume and velocity which causes soil movement and erosion. Properly installed 

man-made materials, such as conveyor belts, may also be used as water bars. 

Water Pollution: Any introduction of foreign material into water or other impingement upon 

water which produces undesirable changes in the physical, biological, or chemical 

characteristics of that water. 

Watershed: The surrounding land area that drains into a lake, river or river system. 

Waters of the State: Any surface or underground waters, except those surface waters which 

are not confined, but are spread and diffused over the land. This includes all lakes, ponds, 

wetlands, rivers, streams, ditches, springs, and waters from underground aquifers, regardless of 

their size or location. 

Wetlands: Geographic areas characteristically supporting wetlands vegetation or aquatic life 

and commonly referred to as a bog, swamp, or marsh. Surface water is usually present all or 

some part of the year; however, wetlands may also be delineated by the type of soils and 

vegetation contained therein. 

Wildfire: Uncontrolled fires occurring in forest land, brushland, and grassland. 

Windrow: Slash, residue and debris raked together into piles or rows. 
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APPENDIX B - WORKING WITHIN THE LAWS GOVERNING NONPOINT SOURCE 

POLLUTION

Forestry BMPs are practical and cost effective methods that are specifically designed to help 

protect the State’s aquatic resources by minimizing the effect of nonpoint source (NPS) pollution 

caused by human activities on the landscape. The NPS pollution is one of the leading causes 

of water pollution and aquatic ecosystem degradation in the nation. 

The NPS pollution comes from a wide variety of diffuse sources including atmospheric 

deposition, agriculture, urban storm water runoff, mine drainage, land development, road 

building and numerous other land use activities. In the forested landscape, rainfall or snowmelt 

runoff moving over and through the ground can carry natural and man-made pollutants toward 

water sources eventually depositing them into lakes, rivers, wetlands, coastal waters, or 

underground aquifers. Examples of these pollutants include excess fertilizers and pesticides 

from silvicultural activities and sediment runoff from harvest sites, skid trails, road building, 

bridge or culvert installation and other land altering activities. 

There are a number of state and federal statutes that relate to Michigan aquatic resource 

protection including the protection of ponds, inland lakes, the Great Lakes and intermittent and 

perennial streams. In Michigan, Part 31 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Act, 1994 

PA 451, as amended (NREPA), addresses direct or indirect discharges that impact water 

quality, wildlife, fish, aquatic life and plants. Appendix C highlights Part 31 and other specific 

laws regulating forestry activities and related infrastructure installation and maintenance 

(bridges, culverts, roads). 

Permits are required in a number of situations such as crossing streams and wetlands or 

building haul roads. These state and/or local permits help ensure proper engineering design 

and environmental protection. If you have questions regarding specific permit requirements, 

please contact the DEQ Environmental Assistance Center at 800-662-9278, or the local district 

DEQ Service Center (Note that a storm water permit is not required for mobile logging 

operations). 

Failure to secure the necessary permits while engaged in logging, road building, and/or crossing 

streams activities is against the law. Violations could lead to enforcement actions and the 

possibility of fines of up to $25,000 per day. 
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APPENDIX C - LIST OF APPLICABLE LAWS IN MICHIGAN 

Part 17, Michigan Environmental Protection Act, of the Natural Resources and 

Environmental Protection Act, 1994 PA 451, as amended (NREPA). 

This Act provides for the protection of air, water, and other natural resources, and the public 

trust associated with those resources. It provides the right to any person to bring an action 

against another person, agency, corporation, and political subdivision for conduct that may 

pollute, impair or destroy air, water, or other natural resources. 

Part 31, (Section 3108) Water Resource Protection (Floodplain Regulatory Authority), of 

the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, 1994 PA 451, as amended 

(NREPA).

A Part 31 permit (Section 3108) is required for any occupation, construction, filling, or grade 

change within the 100-year floodplain of a river, stream, drain, or lake. Bridges and culverts are 

considered an occupation of the floodplain, as are activities that involve storage of materials in 

the floodplain. A 100-year flood has a 1% chance of occurring or being exceeded in any given 

year. These activities are regulated by a permit system with the purpose of ensuring that the 

channels and floodways are kept clear and uninhabited and that structures placed outside the 

floodway are properly protected from flood damage. The floodway includes the stream channel 

and that portion of the floodplain that is required to convey the flow of floodwater. Structures 

that are placed outside of the floodway portion of the floodplain must be properly protected from 

flood damage. This can be accomplished by elevating structures above the 100-year floodplain 

elevation or by designing the structures to be water tight without human intervention. 

Part 31, (Section 3109) Water Resource Protection (Discharge into state waters), of the 

Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, 1994 PA 451, as amended 

(NREPA).

Section 3109 of Part 31 is the statute used in the State of Michigan to address direct or indirect 

discharges of a substance that is or may become injurious to any of the following: a) public 

health, safety, or welfare, b) waters used for domestic, commercial, industrial, recreational or 

other uses, c) value and utility of riparian lands, d) livestock, wild animals, birds, fish aquatic life, 

or plants or to their growth and propagation, and the value of fish or game. Pursuant to the Part 

31 statute, specific rules have been promulgated to address pollutants or substances such as 

excess sediment that can become injurious to waters of the State and aquatic life and its 

productivity. 

Part 91, Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control (SESC), of the Natural Resources and 

Environmental Protection Act, 1994 PA 451, as amended (NREPA). 

The purpose of Part 91 is to prevent soil erosion and to protect the waters of the State from 

sedimentation. A permit is required for any earth change that disturbs one or more acres of 

land OR that is within 500 feet of a lake or stream. Plowing and tilling for crop production and 

integral activities associated with logging and mining do not require permits. Access roads 

leading to or from a logging area, and ancillary and support activities associated with logging 

and mining, are subject to permits. A SESC permit is obtained by contacting your local county 

or municipal enforcing agency, CEA or MEA. For more information on the SESC program, 

please visit www.mi.gov/deqland and select “Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control.” 

Whether a permit is required or not, the landowner is responsible for preventing off-site 

sedimentation. Activities that result in sedimentation to the waters of the State are a violation 

of Part 91 and are subject to enforcement actions by either the County Enforcing Agency or the 

State of Michigan. The counties are primarily responsible for issuing Part 91 permits. Prior to 

obtaining a permit, the landowner, or his/her designated agent, must submit an application and 

comprehensive soil erosion and sedimentation control plan to the appropriate county agency. 
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Part 301, Inland Lakes and Streams, of the Natural Resources and Environmental 

Protection Act, 1994 PA 451, as amended (NREPA). 

The intent of the Inland Lake and Stream Protection Program is to protect the integrity of the 

land/water interface, the correlative rights of other riparian owners, and public trust in the inland 

waters of the State. Crossing a permanent or intermittent stream while skidding forest products 

or transporting them to the mill requires a Part 301 permit. 

Road and pedestrian crossings, as well as utility crossings, that disturb land below the ordinary 

high water mark, are examples of common projects that require a Part 301 permit. A storm 

water outfall, with or without stream bank or streambed protection (riprap), stream relocations 

and enclosures are also examples of projects requiring a permit. 

Part 303, Wetlands Protection, of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection 

Act, 1994 PA 451, as amended (NREPA). 

Part 303 defines a wetland as "land characterized by the presence of water at a frequency and 

duration sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances does support, wetland 

vegetation, or aquatic life, and is commonly referred to as a bog, swamp, or marsh." 

The following construction activities are prohibited in wetlands, unless a Part 303 permit has 

been obtained from the DEQ: 

• Deposit or permit the placing of fill material in a wetland. 

• Dredge, remove, or permit the removal of soil or minerals from a wetland. 

• Construct, operate, or maintain any use or development from a wetland. 

• Drain surface water from a wetland. 

Regulated wetlands are defined in Part 303 and associated administrative rules. However, 

silvicultural and timber harvesting activities, such as the building of roads for wood transport, are 

exempt from obtaining a Part 303 permit, as long as adverse effects on the wetland are 

minimized and the roads are built solely for logging or forestry purposes. 

Part 305, Natural Rivers Act, of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, 

1994 PA 451, as amended (NREPA). 

This statute regulates all development and land uses, including timber harvesting and stream 

crossings, on both public and private lands, that are within 400 feet of a designated stream. 

Part 305 requires DNR approval of plans for the location and construction of any utility or 

publicly provided facility, including roads, bridges and culverts, within a designated Natural River 

Area. Each designated river system is managed according to a long-range management plan. 

This plan outlines the specific manner in which lands and water are to be managed to protect 

the unique river values of a designated Natural River system. Both mainstream and tributaries 

are regulated under Part 305. 

Part 323, Shorelands Protection and Management, of the Natural Resources and 

Environmental Protection Act, 1994 PA 451, as amended (NREPA). 

This program provides for the designation and proper management of environmental areas, 

high-risk erosion areas and flood risk areas along the Great Lakes shoreline. These areas 

include coastal wetlands and the adjacent uplands that provide habitat and nursery for fish and 

wildlife. A Part 323 permit is required for certain activities in a designated environmental area. 
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IC4011 (Rev. 02/24/2009) 

Part 353, Sand Dunes Protection and Management, of the Natural Resources and 

Environmental Protection Act, 1994 PA 451, as amended (NREPA). 

The designated critical dune areas along the Great Lakes shoreline are areas where the most 

unique and fragile sand dunes are found. This program minimizes the impact of development 

on these critical dune areas. A permit is required for all proposed new uses in designated 

critical dune areas mapped in the "Atlas of Critical Dune Areas", prepared by the DEQ. 

Part 365, Endangered Species Protection, of the Natural Resources and Environmental 

Protection Act, 1994 PA 451, as amended (NREPA). 

This statute protects threatened and endangered species from being taken or harmed during 

project development activities, unless a permit is issued by the DNR. Where threatened and 

endangered species are thought to exist, the landowner or responsible party is required to 

request an environmental review by the DNR to determine whether or not threatened or 

endangered species may be impacted by planned activities. 

Part 515, Forest Protection and Forest Fires Act, of the Natural Resources and 

Environmental Protection Act, 1994 PA 451, as amended (NREPA). 

This establishes the machinery to protect the forest from fires. It applies to all forest land; 

timbered, potential timber producing, cutover or burned timber land or grasslands, not including 

farmland. It requires a permit for burning on or adjacent to forestland, except for domestic 

purposes, and when the ground is snow covered. 

National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) – Michigan Environmental 

Protection Act, of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, 1994 PA 451, 

as amended (NREPA). 

A NPDES permit is required for fixed forestry activities such as permanent log storage areas 

maintained by paper mills or saw mills. Discharge to a storm sewer does not go to a municipal 

treatment facility, and is considered a direct discharge. Discharge to a municipal treatment

facility may require a permit from the municipality under the Industrial Pretreatment Program. 

Act 676 of 2002, Right to Forest Act. 

An Act to provide for circumstances under which certain forestry operations shall not be found to 

be a public or private nuisance; to provide for certain forestry management practices; to provide 

for certain powers and duties for certain state agencies and departments; and to provide 

remedies. 
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IC4011 (Rev. 02/24/2009) 

 e to the official Michigan.gov web site. T his site uses adapti ve technol ogy. Instr ucti ons are provi ded withi n the Accessibility Policy. Ski p N avigati on

APPENDIX D - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS REGARDING STREAM 

CROSSING REGULATIONS AND PERMITS 

APPLICABLE LAWS: Part 301, Inland Lakes and Streams, Part 91, Soil Erosion and 

Sedimentation Control, and Part 31, Water Resources Protection, of the Natural Resources and 

Environmental Protection Act, 1994 PA 451, as amended (NREPA). 

Definition of a stream: Has a defined bed, bank and some occurrence of water flow at 

sometime during the year. 

Who is in charge of enforcing this law? The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality 

(DEQ). 

When do I need to apply for a permit? Any time you plan to engage in an activity that may 

involve putting material or structures in or over a stream or stream bank. 

Typical logging/forestry situations requiring a Part 301, Part 91, and Part 31 permits include: 

1. Moving equipment or logs across a stream at any time during a logging or forest 

management operation. 

2. Installation of a culvert or temporary bridge. 

3. Modification or improvement of an existing culvert or bridge. 

4. Activity that may result in deposition of material in a stream or that may affect natural 

stream flows. 

5. Activity that occurs below the ordinary high water mark of the stream (e.g. the top of the 

stream bank). 

6. Use of “ice bridges” that involve placing fill, snow or slash in the stream bed area. 

Where do I go to apply for a permit? Contact your local DEQ office. A map showing the

location of local DEQ offices throughout the State is available www.michigan.gov/deq, under 

“DEQ Locations” at the bottom of the website. 

How much does this permit cost? The majority of stream crossings used for logging/forestry 

will have a permit cost of $50. If the drainage area of the stream is more than two square miles, 

the permit cost is $100. Installation of a newly created permanent stream crossing may have a 

permit cost of $500. 

How much will it cost to install a stream crossing? Costs may vary from several hundred to 

several thousand dollars, depending on what infrastructure is required and how much labor is 

involved in meeting DEQ permit requirements. 

What is the preferred method of crossing a stream? The use of portable wooden or steel 

bridges is the preferred method, as proper installation involves the least amount of impact on 

the stream, as well as unimpeded fish passage. 

What about the use of rocks or logs to cross the stream? The DEQ will not issue a permit 

for the use of such materials to construct a stream crossing. Rare exceptions may be made, but 

only after careful review and consideration by DEQ permitting staff. 

What can I do to shorten the time it takes to get a permit? Contact your local DEQ office 

and work with the appropriate person closely throughout the permitting process. Providing clear 

and accurate photos of the stream crossing site and meeting with permitting staff on site may 

also help speed up the permitting process. 

How can I find out more information regarding stream crossing permits: Please contact 

your local DEQ office or visit the DEQ/USACE Joint Permit Application website: 

http://www.michigan.gov/jointpermit, and select “Joint Permit Application” in the middle of the 

website. This website provides an extensive amount of information regarding the permit 

requirements for construction activities where the land and the water meet. 
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IC4011 (Rev. 02/24/2009) 

APPENDIX E – VEGETATIVE EROSION CONTROL GUIDANCE FOR NATURAL 

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT 

Introduction 

The purpose of this document is to provide information to facilitate the successful and timely reestablishment of vegetation following earth change activities. In most situations, vegetation is 

the best means of controlling wind or water erosion and preventing sediment transport and offsite sedimentation. 

This document focuses on methods for the quick establishment of vegetative ground cover and 

establishing permanent native vegetative ground cover. It also discusses what environmental 

regulations apply regarding establishing vegetative cover for erosion control. 

With respect to erosion control, the key legislation (and its administrative rules) that applies here 

is Part 91, Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control (SESC), of the Natural Resources and 

Environmental Protection Act, 1994 PA 451, as amended (NREPA). As discussed in the 

manual, “Sustainable Soil and Water Quality Practices on Forest Land”, Part 91 applies 

whenever there is an “earth change” (e.g. removal of the vegetative cover and soil disturbance 

by a bulldozer) that is one or more acres in size or within 500 feet of a water body. Refer to the 

manual’s section 2, “Laws and Permits” and “Appendix C – List of Applicable Laws in Michigan”, 

for more information regarding Part 91 and its requirements. 

Natural revegetation of areas in which the vegetative ground cover has been removed rarely 

occurs with the rapidity or vigor required to prevent erosion. Consequently, methods that 

quickly re-establish vegetative ground cover are required. Seeding using grass species is the 

most commonly used and most effective means of re-establishing vegetation. 

For erosion control, many governmental agencies and landowners have relied heavily on using 

certain non-native and invasive plant grass species. However, increasingly, it is being 

recognized that these species can cause ecological damage. Alternatives are being sought to 

control erosion using grass species native to the region and state. An additional consideration 

is to use native plant species seed of a locally adapted genotype (seed from local populations of 

native species), as locally adapted genotypes often have better long-term growth. 

Definitions That Apply To This Document 

Native plants are naturally occurring species that existed in Michigan prior to European 

settlement. 

Native plant genotypes are represented by genetic strains that have evolved in Michigan and 

are assumed to be adapted to Michigan's conditions.

Non-native species are species that were not naturally occurring in Michigan prior to European 

settlement. Some of these plants have had little impact on native species, others have had 

direct negative impacts on native species. 

Invasive non-native plants are species that have had direct negative impact on the State's 

natural resources. These plants are very aggressive and out-compete native plants. Examples 

include autumn olive and purple loosestrife. 
69 

IC4011 (Rev. 02/24/2009) 

Native and Introduced Species 

Within the natural resource management field, as well as the general public, there is increasing 

concern regarding current and potential future damage to native ecosystems due to the 

establishment and spread of certain non-native plant species (e.g., garlic mustard, purple 

loosestrife, crownvetch). These non-native species are referred to as “invasive”, as they disrupt 

native ecosystems that maintain or conserve native plant and animal biodiversity.

Many non-native grasses and other plant species introduced in the past and promoted for 

erosion control have proved to be less beneficial for their intended purpose than native species. 

Some of these introduced species have become invasive or noxious. However, many nonnative plant species, such as those used for erosion control, are economical and readily 

available relative to native plant species. 

Native species can be expensive and only available from a limited number of suppliers. Despite 

these factors, forest land managers and others are realizing long-term ecological and economic 

benefits by re-establishing locally adapted genotypes of native vegetation for erosion control 

and other restoration efforts. 

In Michigan, the DNR and federal land management agencies emphasize or, in some cases, 

require the use of native species vegetation, and, if available, locally adapted genotypes on the 

lands they manage. The DNR encourages the use of native seed or native vegetation on 

private lands as well. 

 

To meet legal requirements and prevent soil from eroding into a water body, certain introduced 

species may be used, especially if quick establishment of vegetative cover is needed. However, 

this document only recommends those non-native species that are not considered to be 

invasive, which are most likely to promote the natural succession of the site to native ground 

cover or are not likely to interfere with the native seed applied at a later date. 

 

Planning and Site Assessment 

Proper planning and site assessment is essential to ensure erosion control and establishment of 

native ground cover. The selection of plant species to use and establishment procedures 

should match the plant’s adaptations to local site conditions, including: 

• available sunlight 

• slope 

• topography 

• local climate 

• soil drainage class 

• soil texture 

• proximity to environmentally-sensitive areas or natural plant communities 

• soil fertility 

• soil pH 

To ensure proper establishment, a soil test may need to be taken at the site and soil 

amendments (e.g., fertilizer and lime) may need to be applied. In many cases, soil 

amendments will not be necessary when using suitable native plants. Managers should plan to 

stockpile the topsoil that was removed from the site during road and landing construction, to 

later use when topsoil is needed for the re-establishment of vegetative ground cover. 
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IC4011 (Rev. 02/24/2009) 

Site Preparation 

The purpose of site preparation is to have good contact between soil and seed to achieve 

acceptable levels of germination. For temporary roads, landings and primary skid trails, site 

preparation generally occurs after harvest operations have been completed. Where 

disturbed/bare soil sites are small and soil compaction is minimal, it may be suitable to use a 

hand rake to prepare the seedbed (e.g., secondary skid trails in a RMZ on dry, upland or nonsaturated soils). 

Topsoil Use 

It is essential for successful and quick revegetation to have a suitable depth of firm, but friable 

topsoil. Part 91 erosion control guidelines state that disturbed sites have a minimum of 3 to 4 

inches of firm, but friable topsoil. However, these same guidelines allow for professional 

judgment and knowledge as to what depth of native topsoil will work as a suitable seedbed. 

Stockpiled topsoil that was removed from the site during road or landing construction should be 

re-applied when the constructed roads and landings are no longer required for operational or 

other forest management purposes (e.g. access to replant tree seedlings after a clearcut has 

occurred). 

On sloped areas, prior to re-application of topsoil, roughen the subsoil to prevent a shear or 

smooth surface and slippage of the topsoil. Typically, surface roughening is accomplished by 

running tracked equipment (e.g. bulldozer) up and down the sloped area. If more topsoil is 

required to provide suitable seedbed germination, acquire topsoil from a source native to the 

area. Use topsoil that is not contaminated with non-native, weedy and invasive species. 

Part 91 administrative rules state that a person shall complete permanent soil erosion control 

measures for all disturbed land areas within 5 calendar days after final grading or the final earth 

change has been completed. However, when seedbed preparation and/or seeding must be 

delayed due to weather, climate, seasonal conditions or certain resource management issues 

(pertinent to the site), then appropriate temporary erosion control (e.g. mulch) and 

sedimentation control measures (e.g. silt fence) shall be installed and maintained until seedbed 

preparation and seeding can commence. 

Seeding and Erosion Control– Native and “Safe” Non-Native Species Use 

Seed may be applied by hand, mechanical spreader, seed drill, or by hydro-seeding. Some 

native species must be applied with a drill. 

Two objectives should be considered when seeding: 

1) What is required to meet Part 91 requirements (quick establishment of vegetative cover 

and minimal erosion and sedimentation). 

2) Long-term establishment of native vegetation. 

To meet both of these objectives usually requires, at a minimum, the application of grass seed 

that is fast growing and provides fairly quick erosion control. As with other BMPs, there are a 

number of options based on the conditions of the site and when the seed is applied. 

Seeding Recommendations 

Seed Rates 

All seeding rates, such as those stated in Table 8, are in pounds of "pure live seed" (PLS). In 

the case of certain native species, this can be significantly more than the weight of bulk seed. 
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IC4011 (Rev. 02/24/2009) 

When accounting for the amount of PLS, one will need to purchase and use more bulk seed 

than the weight per acre recommendations given for a particular seed species. Use the 

following formula to derive the required weight of bulk seed from the PLS rate. Germination, 

hard seed (a characteristic of legume seeds), and purity percentages are found on the 

information label attached to all commercially purchased seed. 

Pounds (lbs) of Bulk Seed = 

(purity * hard seed*) (germinatio *)n

lbs PLS

+

*express % purity, hard seed, and germination in hundredths; i.e. 97% = 0.97 

For example, a seed label indicates Canada Wild Rye that has a germination rate of 90%, no 

hard seed content, and a purity of 97%. The “Cool Season” seed mix from Table 2 requires 4 

pounds of Canada Wild Rye PLS/acre. Compute the bulk seed rate as follows: 

 lbs of bulk Canada Wild Rye seed = 

97.0( 90.0()0 )

4

+

 = 

0.873

4

 lbs of bulk Canada Wild Rye seed = 4.6 (which is the equivalent of 4 lbs of PLS) 

Table 1 provides a list of native and non-native ground cover species (grasses and forbs) to 

consider for erosion control. Table 7 provides, by plant species, the soil texture, soil moisture, 

and sunlight requirements for successful germination and establishment. The comments 

portion contains information as to whether a species is native or non-native, perennial or annual, 

and (for grasses only), if it is considered a warm season or cool season grass. 

Key for Information in Tables 7 and 8

SOIL MOISTURE LIGHT REGION 

S - Sand D - Dry S - Full Sun UP-Upper Peninsula 

L - Loam M - Moist P – Partial Shade NLP-Northern Lower Peninsula 

C - Clay W - Wet Sh – Shade SLP -Southern Lower Peninsula 

M - Muck SW - Statewide 
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IC4011 (Rev. 02/24/2009) 

Table 7. Native & Non-Native Plant Species To Use For Erosion Control In Forest Land 

SPECIES NAMES 

Common (Latin) SOIL MOISTURE LIGHT REGION Comments 

Grasses: 

American beach grass 

(Ampophila breviligulata) 

S D S SW Native perennial, 

dune stabilization – 

use plugs, not seed 

Annual rye 

 (Lolium multiflorum) 

S-L-C D-M-W S, P, Sh SW Non-native annual, 

temporary cover 

Big bluestem 

 (Andropogan gerardii) 

S-L-C D-M-W S SW Native perennial, 

warm season grass* 

Creeping red fescue 

 (Festuca rubra) 

S-L-C D-M-W S , P SW Non-native perennial 

Indian grass 

 (Sorghastrum nutans)

S-L-C D-M-W S-P NLP, SLP Native perennial, 

warm season grass* 

June grass 

 (Koelaria micrantha) 

S-L-C D-M S, P SW Native perennial, cool 

season grass** 

Little bluestem 

 (Schizachyrium 

scoparius) 

S-L D-M S, P SW Native perennial, 

warm season grass*, 

dune stabilization 

Oats 

(Avena sativa) 

S-L-C D-M S, P SW Non-native annual, 

temporary cover 

Redtop 

 (Agrostis gigantea) 

L, C, M M-W S SW Non-native perennial, 

cool season grass** 

Switchgrass 

 (Panicum virgatum) 

S-L-C D-W S SW Native perennial, 

warm season grass* 

Wild-rye, Canada 

 (Elymus canadensis) 

S-L D-M-W S, P, Sh SW Native perennial, cool 

season grass** 

Wild-rye, Virginia 

 (Elymus virginicus) 

L-C M-W S, P, Sh SW Native perennial, cool 

season grass** 

 

Forbs (Wildflowers) 

Legumes: 

Alsike Clover 

 (Trifolium hybridum) 

L-M D-M-W S, P SW Non-native, 

perennial, good for 

forest roads in 

northern hardwoods 

Lupine 

 (Lupinus perennis) 

S-L D-M S - P SLP + 

Newaygo Co. 

Native perennial, 

butterfly host, nectar 

source 

Medium Red Clover 

(Trifolium pratense) 

S-L-C D-M-W S, P SW Non-native, perennial 

legume, good for 

forest roads in 

northern hardwoods 

Round-headed bush 

clover 

 (Lespedeza capitata) 

S-L D-M S SLP + 

Newaygo Co. 

Native perennial 

legume, wildlife food 

White Dutch Clover 

 (Trifolium repens) 

L-C-M D-M-W S, P SW Non-native, perennial 

legume, good for 

forest roads in 

northern hardwoods 

 

Other Wildflowers: 

Black-eyed Susan 

 (Rudbeckia hirta) 

L-C D-M S-P SW Showy native 

perennial, yellow 
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IC4011 (Rev. 02/24/2009) 

SPECIES NAMES 

Common (Latin) SOIL MOISTURE LIGHT REGION Comments 

Butterflyweed 

 (Asclepias tuberosa) 

S-L D-M S SW Showy native 

perennial, orange 

Common milkweed 

 (Asclepias syriaca) 

S-L D-M S-P SW Native perennial, 

pink, butterfly food 

Horsemint 

 (Monarda punctata) 

S-L D-M S SW Native perennial, 

white/pink 

Lance-leaved coreopsis 

(Coreopsis lanceolata) 

S-L-C D-M S.P SW Showy native 

perennial, yellow 

Starry false solomon-seal

 (Smilacina stellata) 

S D-M S-P SW Native perennial, 

dune stabilization, 

white 

Wild Bergamot 

 (Monarda fistulosa) 

S-L-C D-M S SW Showy native 

perennial, pink 

* Warm season grasses = most of their growing occurs during the warm summer months, July, Aug, Sept. 

** Cool season grasses= most of their growing occurs in cool, spring months, May, June 

Table 8. Two Examples of Seed Mixtures Using Native Plants 

Mix type Common Name 

Rate. 

lbs/acre 

Canada Wild-rye 4 

Cool Season Wild Virginia-rye 5 

Annual rye 5 

Big Bluestem 4 

Warm Season Indian grass 3 

Switchgrass 1 

Note: For the Upper Peninsula, substitute Little Bluestem for 

Indian Grass

Other Items to Consider When Planting Native Species in a Forested Setting: 

While Part 91 erosion control guidelines can contain helpful information, they were developed 

with the primary purpose of establishing grass cover on construction sites after final grading has 

been completed. The next paragraph provides a few additional considerations specifically 

designed for natural resource management purposes. For more specific technical information 

as to the proper timing, soils and general methods to ensure long-term establishment of a native 

plant seeding, contact the firm from which you purchased the seed. 

As with introduced grasses, native grass/wildflower seed germination success requires good 

seed contact with soil. Depending on the site conditions, prepare the soil as needed and either 

handsow or use a prairie drill such as the Tye drill, Truax drill, or the John Deere Rangeland 

drill. If handsowing, it is advisable to mix the seed with a contact mulch such as wetted sand or 

vermiculite. If handsowed, rake or drag the seed in so that it is lightly covered with soil. Roll the 

site with a roller or drive over it to firm seed into the soil. Do not roll the site, if the soil is wet so 

as to avoid soil compaction. Hydro-seeding is generally not recommended for wildflower and 

prairie grass seeding, as it does not ensure firm seed-to-soil contact. 
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IC4011 (Rev. 02/24/2009) 

Mulch Use after Seed Application

In some cases, applying the detritus from the forest floor may be considered, if erosion is not an 

immediate threat, the site is not near a water body, and conditions are right for seed within the 

detritus to establish. 

In most situations, it will be appropriate to apply a light covering of clean, weed-free straw with 

some moisture content, as this will increase germination rates. This is particularly helpful on dry 

sandy soils and heavy clay soils. Straw should just cover the soil surface, but not bury it. Some 

soil should be visible through the straw. Chopping and blowing the straw onto the area is the 

best method, as chopped straw is less susceptible to being blown away by the wind. On steep 

slopes, hold the straw in place by using biodegradable stakes and mesh over the straw. Never 

use field hay, as it invariably contains innumerable weed seeds. 

Conclusion 

These guidelines are just that, guidelines as of early 2007. Introduced plant species used for 

erosion control and site stabilization have been researched and used for a long time. 

Conversely, the amount of information available regarding the use of native plant species for 

erosion control and site stabilization is far less, especially with respect to what will work for the 

various ecological regions of a given state, such as Michigan. Hence, it is essential that users 

of these guidelines keep abreast of vegetation erosion guideline updates. Use professional 

judgment and past experience as to what will prevent erosion, meet Part 91 requirements, and 

result in the establishment of native vegetation genotypes adapted to the local site conditions. 

The DNR and DEQ recognize that the use of native species is more expensive than using 

introduced species and are more difficult to obtain. However, native species with local region 

genotypes are the species best adapted to the site conditions and survival for the long-term, 

without harm to the environment or Michigan’s biodiversity conservation efforts. 

A number of Michigan firms which produce seed native to Michigan have formed an association 

called the Michigan Native Plant Producers Association. Their website is: 

http://www.mnppa.org/. Another source for information is the Michigan Wildflower Association. 

Their website is: http://www.wildflowersmich.org/. Another related site is the Michigan 

Association Conservation District’s website on native plants. This website is: 

http://www.macd.org/nativeplants/nphome.html. Many county conservation districts sell native 

plants, as well as provide general and technical information regarding the uses and benefits of 

various native plant species. 

.
75 

APPENDIX F – NATURAL RIVER BUFFERS

River Public Lands Private Lands (1) Counties 

Mainstream Tributary Mainstream Tributary

Upper Peninsula  Fox 200 200 100 100 Alger, Luce, Schoolcraft  Two Hearted 100 100 100 100 Luce Northern Lower  Au Sable 150 150 75 50 Crawford, Oscoda, Otsego, Roscommon, M

Iosco, Alcona 

 Betsie 100 100 50 50 Benzie, Manistee  Boardman 100 100 75/50 50 Grand Traverse, Kalkaska  Jordan 100 100 100 25 Antrim, Charlevoix  Pere Marquette 150 150 75 50 Lake, Mason, Oceana, Muskegon  Pigeon 200 150 100 75 Otsego, Cheboygan  Pine 175* 100 - 155** 100 50 Wexford, Osceola, Lake, Manistee  Upper Manistee 175* 100 - 155** 75 75 Antrim, Otsego, Crawford, Kalkaska, MissauSouthern Lower  Flat 50 50 25 25 Montcalm, Ionia, Kent  Huron 100 100 50 50 Livingston, Washtenaw  Kalamazoo 150 150 50 50 Allegan  Rifle 150 100 75 50 Ogemaw, Arenac  Rogue 100 100 50 25 Kent  White 100 100 50 50 Newaygo, Oceana, Muskegon 

 Note: All distances listed above are measured in feet from the ordinary high watermark.  (1) When working on private lands along Natural Rivers, a Natural River permit is required when cutting within the buffer. * Buffer includes the entire face of a bluff where the toe of the bluff is within 175 feet of the river's edge and lands within 50 feet of the cr

** Buffer width increases depending on steepness of slope.  Contact the Department of Natural Resources, Natural Rivers Program for additional buffer information at 517-373-1280.
76 

IC4011 (Rev. 02/24/2009) 

APPENDIX G - DESIGNATED NATURAL RIVERS AND TRIBUTARIES 

UPPER PENINSULA

FOX RIVER 

Mainstream: Alger and Schoolcraft Counties 

Tributaries:

Alger County: Casey Creek, West Branch Fox River 

Schoolcraft County: Camp Seven Creek, Clear Creek, Cold Creek, East Branch Fox River, Hudson Creek, Little Fox 

River, Spring Creek, Spring Ponds, West Branch, Fox River 

Luce County: Bev Creek, Deer Creek, East Branch Fox River, Spring Creek 

TWO HEARTED RIVER 

Mainstream: Luce County 

Tributaries: 

Luce County: Dawson Creek, East Branch Two Hearted River, North Branch Two Hearted River, South Branch Two 

Hearted River, West Branch Two Hearted River 

NORTHERN LOWER PENINSULA

AU SABLE RIVER 

Mainstream: Upstream of Loud Dam - Alcona, Crawford, Iosco, and Oscoda Counties 

Tributaries: 

Alcona County: Blockhouse Creek 

Crawford County: Big Creek (including East Branch, Middle Branch and West Branch), Bradford Creek, East Branch Au 

Sable River, Kolka Creek, North Branch Au Sable River, South Branch Au Sable River 

 

Montmorency County: Middle Branch Big Creek 

Oscoda County: Beaver Creek, Big Creek, Big Creek Township (including East Branch and West Branch), Blockhouse 

Creek, Comins Creek, East Branch Big Creek, Greenwood Township, Glennie Creek, Loud Creek, Middle Branch Big 

Creek, Greenwood Township, Nine Mile Creek, Perry Creek, Sohn Creek, Wolf Creek 

Otsego County: Chub Creek, Kolka Creek, North Branch Au Sable River, Turtle Creek, West Branch Big Creek 

Roscommon County: Beaver Creek, Douglas Creek, East Creek, Hudson Creek, Robinson Creek, South Branch Au 

Sable River, South Creek, Thayer Creek 

BETSIE RIVER 

Mainstream: Benzie and Manistee Counties 

Tributaries:

Benzie County: Little Betsie River, Dair Creek 

BOARDMAN RIVER 

Mainstream: Grand Traverse County 

Tributaries: 

Grand Traverse County: Bancroft Creek, Beitner Creek, Carpenter Creek, East Creek, Jackson Creek, Jaxson Creek, 

North Branch Boardman River, Parker Creek, South Branch Boardman River, Swainston Creek, Twenty Two Creek 

Kalkaska County: Crofton Creek, Failing Creek, North Branch Boardman River, South Branch Boardman River, Taylor 

Creek 
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IC4011 (Rev. 02/24/2009) 

JORDAN RIVER 

Mainstream: Antrim and Charlevoix Counties 

Tributaries: All tributaries entering the mainstream upstream (south) of Rogers Bridge, Charlevoix County, T32N, R7W, 

Section 26/35 

PERE MARQUETTE RIVER 

Mainstream: Lake and Mason counties 

Tributaries:

Lake County: Baldwin River, Blood Creek, Bray Creek, Cole Creek (including North Branch and South Branch), Danaher 

Creek, Kinney Creek, Leverentz Creek, Little South Branch Pere Marquette River, Middle Branch Pere Marquette River, 

Sandborn Creek, Sweetwater Creek 

Mason County: Big South Branch Pere Marquette River, Carr Creek, Swan Creek, Weldon Creek, 

Newaygo County: Big South Branch Pere Marquette River, Cedar Creek, Little South Branch Pere Marquette River, 

McDuffee Creek, Pease Creek 

Oceana County: Big South Branch Pere Marquette River, Ruby Creek 

PIGEON RIVER 

Mainstream: Otsego and Cheboygan Counties 

Tributaries: All tributaries in both counties upstream (south) of M-68, Cheboygan County 

PINE RIVER 

Mainstream: Osceola, Lake, Wexford and Manistee Counties 

Tributaries:

Wexford County: North Branch of the Pine River, Spalding Creek, Fairchild Creek, Poplar Creek, Dowling Creek, Hoxey 

Creek, Unnamed stream with sources in sections 27 and 34, South Branch Twp., Yates Creek 

Osceola County: North Branch of the Pine River, Sixteen Creek, Fairchild Creek, Unnamed stream with source at dam in 

section 8 of Burdell Twp., East Branch of the Pine River, Rose Lake outlet, Emery Lake outlet, Edgetts Creek, Diamond 

Lake outlets, Unnamed stream with source in section 20, Sherman Twp., Sprague Creek, Beaver Creek, Little Beaver 

Creek, Coe Creek, Dyer Creek 

Lake County: Unnamed stream with source in section 14, Ellsworth Twp., Coe Creek, Sellars Creek, Unnamed stream 

with source in section 20, Dover Twp., Unnamed stream with source in section 19, Dover Twp., Unnamed stream with 

source in section 24, Newkirk Twp., Silver Creek including all perennial tributaries, Unnamed stream with source in 

section 13, Newkirk Twp., Unnamed stream with source in section 11, Newkirk Twp., Unnamed stream with source in 

section 7, Dover Twp., Unnamed stream with source in section 1, Newkirk Twp., Poplar Creek 

RIFLE RIVER 

Mainstream: Arenac and Ogemaw Counties 

Tributaries:

Arenac County: Fritz Creek, Mansfield Creek 

Ogemaw County: Dedrich Creek, Eddy Creek, Gamble Creek, Houghton Creek, Klacking Creek, Little Klacking Creek, 

Mansfield Creek, Mayhue Creek, Oyster Creek, Prior Creek, Silver Creek, Vaughn Creek, West Branch Rifle River, 

Wilkins Creek 

UPPER MANISTEE RIVER 

Mainstream: Antrim, Otsego, Crawford, Kalkaska and Missaukee Counties 

Tributaries:

Antrim County: All headwater streams 

Otsego County: Frenchman’s Creek 

Crawford County: Lost Lake Outlet, Unnamed stream, section 30, Frederic Twp. (T28N, R4W), Goose Creek, Portage 

Creek, including all perennial tributaries 
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IC4011 (Rev. 02/24/2009) 

Kalkaska County: Unnamed stream with source in section 13, Blue Lake Twp., Goose Creek, Portage Creek (including 

all perennial tributaries), Clear Creek, Black Creek (including all perennial tributaries), Dempsey Creek, Big Devil Creek, 

Big Cannon Creek, North Branch of the Manistee River (including all perennial tributaries), Willow Creek, Pierson Creek, 

Maple Creek, Little Cannon Creek, Silver Creek, Waterhole Creek (including all tributaries), Babcock Creek, Filer Creek, 

Nelson Creek, Spring Creek, Bourne Creek, Ham Creek, Haynes Creek, Fisher Creek 

Missaukee County: Silver Creek, Filer Creek, Ham Creek, Gravy Creek, Hopkins Creek, Fisher Creek 

 SOUTHERN LOWER PENINSULA

FLAT RIVER 

Mainstream: Ionia, Kent and Montcalm Counties 

Tributaries:

Ionia County: Dickerson Creek 

Kent County: Clear Creek, Coopers Creek, Wabasis Creek 

Montcalm County: Coopers Creek, Dickerson Creek, Wabasis Creek, West Branch Flat River 

HURON RIVER 

Mainstream: Livingston and Washtenaw Counties 

Tributaries:

Livingston County: Davis Creek 

Washtenaw County: Arms Creek, Mill Creek 

LOWER KALAMAZOO RIVER 

Mainstream: Allegan County 

Tributaries:

Allegan County: Bear Creek, Mann Creek, Rabbit River, Sand Creek, Swan Creek 

ROGUE RIVER 

Mainstream: Kent County 

Tributaries:

Kent County: Barkley Creek, Cedar Creek, Duke Creek, Rum Creek, Shaw Creek, Spring Creek, Stegman Creek 

WHITE RIVER 

Mainstream: Muskegon, Newaygo and Oceana Counties 

Tributaries:

Muskegon County: Carlton Creek, Carleton (Lanford) Creek, Cleveland Creek, Sand Creek, Silver Creek, Skeels Creek 

Newaygo County: East Branch Heald Creek, Five Mile Creek, Flinton Creek, Martin Creek, Mena Creek, Mullen Creek, 

Wrights Creek 

Oceana County: Braton Creek, Carlton Creek, Cobmoosa (Osborn) Creek, Cushman Creek, Knutson Creek, Mud Creek, 

Newman Creek, North Branch White River, Robinson Creek, Sand Creek 
79 

IC4011 (Rev. 02/24/2009) 

REFERENCES 

Blinn, Charlie, et. al., Temporary Stream and Wetland Crossing Options for Forest 

Management, General Technical Report NC-202, 1998. 

Michigan Department of Transportation. 2003 Specification Standards for Construction. 

National Management Measures to Control Nonpoint Source Pollution from Forestry, EPA-841-

B-05-001, Environmental Protection Agency, 2005. 

Nonpoint Source Pollution: The Nation's Largest Water Quality Problem, Pointer No. 1., 

EPA841-F-96-004A, Environmental Protection Agency. 

Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Manual, Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, 

2003. 

Sustaining Minnesota Forest Resources: Voluntary Site-Level Forest Management Guidelines 

for Landowners, Loggers and Resource Managers, Minnesota Forest Resources Council, 2005. 

Water Quality Management Practices on Forest Land, Michigan Department of Natural 

Resources and Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, 1994. 

Welsch, David, et.al., Forested Wetlands: Functions, Benefits and Use of Best Management 

Practices, NA-PR-01-05, 1995. 

Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality. Publication number FR093, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, 1995.