National Best Management 

Practices for Water Quality 

Management on National 

Forest System Lands

Volume 1: 

National Core BMP Technical Guide

United States 

Department of 

Agriculture

Forest Service

FS-990a

April 2012
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To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, 

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opportunity provider and employer.

Front cover photo: Taylor Fork Creek, Gallatin National Forest, near Big Sky, MT, by David Scovell, engineer, 

Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest. Photo taken in August 2005 in the Madison Range, 

just west of Yellowstone National Park.
Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide iii

Acknowledgments

This document is the culmination of an effort that has spanned 

many years. Countless numbers of Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, resource personnel at all levels of the 

agency, including National Forest System, State and Private 

Forestry, and Research and Development, have participated 

to make the vision of a National Best Management Practices 

(BMP) Program a reality. Thank you to all those who provided 

guidance as part of the steering committee, those who participated in the teams that drafted the initial version of the BMPs, 

those who developed the BMP monitoring protocols, and the 

many people across the agency who reviewed drafts of this 

document and provided comments.Particular thanks goes to 

Joan Carlson of the Rocky Mountain Regional Office for her 

dedication to the development and completion of this document.

Thank you also to our partners—the Association of Clean Water 

Administrators (formerly the Association of State and Inter-State 

Water Pollution Control Administrators), the Intertribal Timber 

Council, the National Association of State Foresters, the National 

Congress of American Indians, and the U.S. Environmental 

Protection Agency—who reviewed the document and provided 

helpful comments.

Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide v

Preface

This technical guide is the first volume of guidance for the 

Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, National 

Best Management Practices (BMP) Program. The National 

BMP Program was developed to improve agency performance and accountability in managing water quality consistent with the Federal Clean Water Act (CWA) and State 

water quality programs. Current Forest Service policy directs 

compliance with required CWA permits and State regulations 

and requires the use of BMPs to control nonpoint source 

pollution to meet applicable water quality standards and other 

CWA requirements.

The Forest Service has a long history of working with States 

and other partners to carry out BMP programs, including agreements with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 

and many States to use and monitor BMPs. Each Forest Service 

region has a BMP guidance document consistent with its respective State BMP programs. Most national forests and grasslands 

monitor and report on BMPs. The regional or forest BMP programs, however, are not standardized to allow efficient crossregional application, evaluation, or reporting. The National 

BMP Program, which includes the National Core BMPs detailed in this guide, will enable the agency to readily document 

compliance with the nonpoint source management strategy at 

national or regional scales. The National BMP Program is modeled after a successful 20-year-old regional BMP program in the 

Forest Service Pacific Southwest Region (Region 5).

A standardized National BMP Program is needed as an effective tool for the agency to accomplish the following:

• Improve water quality to restore impaired waters—National 

Forest System (NFS) lands in the United States contain 

3,126 CWA 303(d) listed waterbodies; nearly every Forest 

Service administrative unit (96 percent) has at least one impaired waterbody within its boundaries. BMPs identified in 

Total Maximum Daily Load restoration plans will improve 

water quality conditions in impaired waters.

• Improve relationships with EPA, States, and the public—Improved Forest Service BMP program performance and accountability will better demonstrate compliance with CWA permit 

requirements and State nonpoint source programs and build 

trust between the agency and our partners and stakeholders.

• Improve the agency’s ability to demonstrate results in watershed management—The Forest Service has made a commitment to implement several accountability tools, including 

a National BMP Program, to document improvements in 

watershed condition as a result of management and restoration actions.

• Improve the agency’s ability to use adaptive management 

in land management plan implementation—The National 

BMP Program will provide a consistent, credible, and affordable agencywide BMP monitoring program with coordinated data collection; monitoring information that can be 

aggregated at any scale; a database accessible to all Forest 

Service users; and reports that will be shared with EPA, 

States, and other partners. This type of monitoring program 

provides a continuous feedback loop for a successful adaptive management process.

• Improve National Environmental Policy Act analyses and 

compliance with other Federal laws—Improved accountability for water quality management will lead to improved 

National Environmental Policy Act analysis and documentation and better demonstration of compliance with other 

Federal laws, such as Endangered Species Act habitat protections for aquatic threatened and endangered species. The 

agency’s ability to respond successfully to water-qualityrelated appeals and lawsuits will be improved, and management flexibility in decisionmaking will be maintained.

The National BMP Program will provide consistency among 

Forest Service administrative units to efficiently administer the 

program and demonstrate improvements in performance and 

accountability at multiple scales. The National BMP Program 

consists of four main components: (1) a set of National Core 

BMPs, (2) a set of standardized monitoring protocols to evaluate implementation and effectiveness of those BMPs, (3) a data 

management and reporting structure, and (4) corresponding 

national direction.

The National Core BMPs integrate individual State and Forest 

Service regional BMPs under one umbrella to facilitate an 

agencywide BMP monitoring program. The national core set 

provides general, nonprescriptive BMPs for the broad range of 

activities that occur on NFS lands. Nearly every BMP in the 

national core set already exists in current regulations, guidance, or procedures. Adopting a standard national core set of 

BMPs may change what some national forests and grasslands 

refer to as their BMPs, but it will not change the substance 

of site-specific BMP prescriptions. Those prescriptions will 

continue to be based on State BMPs, regional Forest Service 

guidance, land management plan standards and guidelines, 
vi Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide

BMP monitoring information, and professional judgment. 

Standardization will improve consistency, ensure that Forest Service resource professionals use best available science 

to develop site-specific BMP prescriptions, and, ultimately, 

improve water quality on and downstream of NFS lands.

The national BMP monitoring protocols will be used to supplement existing national forest or grassland BMP monitoring programs for those units that already have programs and provide a 

foundation for those units that do not. Each national forest and 

grassland will complete a small number of national BMP monitoring evaluations each year for each of the national core BMPs

implemented on the unit. This information will be aggregated 

over time to provide national- and regional-scale evaluations 

of BMP performance. Identified deficiencies in either BMP 

implementation or effectiveness will be used to adjust land and 

resource management activities and the BMPs to improve water 

quality protection.

In summary, the Forest Service National BMP Program is the 

agency’s nonpoint source pollution control program for achieving and documenting water resource protection. The National 

BMP Program demonstrates the agency’s commitment to land 

stewardship and protection of water quality consistent with the 

CWA, State regulations, and other requirements. The National 

BMP Program is not intended in any way to circumvent or interfere with State and tribal CWA programs, rather it is intended 

to support and assist the States and tribes in their efforts to 

ensure compliance on NFS lands. The ultimate goal is to restore 

and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of 

the Nation’s waters located within or near the national forests 

and grasslands.
Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide vii

List of Abbreviations

AMP—Allotment Management Plan

AMZ—Aquatic Management Zone

AOI—Annual Operating Instructions

BAER—Burned Area Emergency Response

BLM—Bureau of Land Management

BMP—Best Management Practice

CFR—Code of Federal Regulations

COE—U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

CWA—Clean Water Act

CWE—cumulative watershed effects

DSR—Damage Survey Report

EPA—U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

ERFO—emergency relief for federally owned roads

FERC—Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

FY—fiscal year

FSH—Forest Service Handbook

FSM—Forest Service Manual

IDT—interdisciplinary team

IMT—incident management team

MVUM—Motor Vehicle Use Map

NEPA—National Environmental Policy Act

NFS—National Forest System

NPDES—National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System

NRCS—Natural Resources Conservation Service

RMOs—Road Management Objectives

ROS—Recreation Opportunity Spectrum

SPCC—Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasures

TMDL—total maximum daily load

USDA—U.S. Department of Agriculture

USGS—U.S. Geological Survey

Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide ix

Contents

Acknowledgments...................................................................iii 

Preface...................................................................................... v

List of Abbreviations..............................................................vii

Part 1. Introduction .................................................................. 1

National BMP Program Purpose and Objectives ................ 1

Scope of Technical Guide.................................................... 2

Part 2. Managing Water Quality on National Forest 

System Lands........................................................................... 5

Federal Clean Water Act...................................................... 5

State Nonpoint Source Management Programs................... 6

Forest Service Policy for Water Quality Management........ 7

Plan to Project: Forest Service BMP Process...................... 8

Summary ........................................................................... 10

Part 3. National Core Best Management Practices................ 11

General Planning Activities............................................... 13

Plan-1. Forest and Grassland Planning......................... 13

Plan-2. Project Planning and Analysis.......................... 14

Plan-3 Aquatic Management Zone Planning ................ 17

Resources for General Planning Activities................... 18

Aquatic Ecosystems Management Activities.................... 19

AqEco-1. Aquatic Ecosystem Improvement and 

Restoration Planning..................................................... 19

AqEco-2. Operations in Aquatic Ecosystems............... 21

AqEco-3. Ponds and Wetlands...................................... 23

AqEco-4. Stream Channels and Shorelines.................. 26

Resources for Aquatic Ecosystems Management 

Activities....................................................................... 28

Chemical Use Management Activities.............................. 30

Chem-1. Chemical Use Planning.................................. 30

Chem-2. Follow Label Directions ................................ 32

Chem-3. Chemical Use Near Waterbodies ................... 32

Chem-4. Chemical Use in Waterbodies........................ 34

Chem-5. Chemical Handling and Disposal................... 35

Chem-6. Chemical Application Monitoring and 

Evaluation ..................................................................... 36

Resources for Chemical Use Management Activities... 37

Facilities and Nonrecreation Special Uses Management 

Activities ........................................................................... 39

Fac-1. Facilities and Nonrecreation Special Uses 

Planning ........................................................................ 40

Fac-2. Facility Construction and Stormwater Control.. 41

Fac-3. Potable Water Supply Systems.......................... 43

Fac-4. Sanitation Systems............................................. 44

Fac-5. Solid Waste Management .................................. 45

Fac-6. Hazardous Materials.......................................... 45

Fac-7. Vehicle and Equipment Wash Water.................. 46

Fac-8. Nonrecreation Special Use Authorizations........ 47

Fac-9. Pipelines, Transmission Facilities, and 

Rights-of-Way............................................................... 48

Fac-10. Facility Site Reclamation................................. 49

Resources for Facilities and Nonrecreation 

Special Uses Management Activities............................ 51

Wildland Fire Management Activities............................... 52

Fire-1. Wildland Fire Management Planning ............... 52

Fire-2. Use of Prescribed Fire....................................... 54

Fire-3. Wildland Fire Control and Suppression............ 57

Fire-4. Wildland Fire Suppression Damage 

Rehabilitation................................................................ 58

Resources for Wildland Fire Management Activities... 59

Minerals Management Activities....................................... 61

Min-1. Minerals Planning............................................. 62

Min-2. Minerals Exploration ........................................ 65

Min-3. Minerals Production.......................................... 66

Min-4. Placer Mining.................................................... 69

Min-5. Mineral Materials Resource Sites..................... 70

Min-6. Ore Stockpiles, Mine Waste Storage and 

Disposal, Reserve Pits, and Settling Ponds................... 72

Min-7. Produced Water................................................. 75

Min-8. Minerals Site Reclamation................................ 76

Resources for Minerals Management Activities........... 78

Rangeland Management Activities.................................... 81

Range-1. Rangeland Management Planning................. 81

Range-2. Rangeland Permit Administration ................. 83

Range-3. Rangeland Improvements.............................. 84

Resources for Rangeland Management Activities........ 85
x Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide

Recreation Management Activities ................................... 87

Rec-1. Recreation Planning .......................................... 88

Rec-2. Developed Recreation Sites .............................. 89

Rec-3. Dispersed Use Recreation ................................. 90

Rec-4. Motorized and Nonmotorized Trails................. 91

Rec-5. Motorized Vehicle Use Areas............................ 93

Rec-6. Pack and Riding Stock Use Areas..................... 94

Rec-7. Over-Snow Vehicle Use .................................... 96

Rec-8. Watercraft Launches.......................................... 97

Rec-9. Recreation Special Use Authorizations............. 98

Rec-10. Ski Runs and Lifts........................................... 99

Rec-11. Ski Area Snowmaking ................................... 100

Rec-12. Ski Area Facilities ......................................... 101

Resources for Recreation Management Activities...... 102

Road Management Activities .......................................... 104

Road-1. Travel Management Planning and Analysis.. 105

Road-2. Road Location and Design............................ 107

Road-3. Road Construction and Reconstruction......... 110

Road-4. Road Operations and Maintenance ............... 111

Road-5. Temporary Roads.......................................... 114

Road-6. Road Storage and Decommissioning ............ 115

Road-7. Stream Crossings........................................... 117

Road-8. Snow Removal and Storage .......................... 120

Road-9. Parking and Staging Areas............................ 122

Road-10. Equipment Refueling and Servicing ........... 123

Road-11. Road Storm-Damage Surveys..................... 124

Resources for Road Management Activities............... 126

Mechanical Vegetation Management Activities.............. 128

Veg-1. Vegetation Management Planning................... 128

Veg-2. Erosion Prevention and Control ...................... 131

Veg-3. Aquatic Management Zones............................ 132

Veg-4. Ground-Based Skidding and Yarding 

Operations................................................................... 134

Veg-5. Cable and Aerial Yarding Operations.............. 135

Veg-6. Landings.......................................................... 136

Veg-7. Winter Logging ............................................... 137

Veg-8. Mechanical Site Treatment.............................. 138

Resources for Mechanical Vegetation Management 

Activities..................................................................... 139

Water Uses Management Activities................................. 141

WatUses-1. Water Uses Planning................................ 142

WatUses-2. Water Wells for Production and 

Monitoring .................................................................. 143

WatUses-3. Administrative Water Developments....... 144

WatUses-4. Water Diversions and Conveyances........ 147

WatUses-5. Dams and Impoundments........................ 149

WatUses-6. Dam Removal.......................................... 151

Resources for Water Uses Management Activities..... 153

Glossary ............................................................................... 155

References............................................................................. 161

APPENDIX A. Forest Service Regional Best Management 

Practices Guidance Documents............................................ 163

APPENDIX B. Selected State Forestry BMP Documents... 164
Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide 1

High-quality water is one of the most important natural 

resources coming from the national forests and grasslands. 

National Forest System (NFS) lands, which represent about 

8 percent of the land area of the contiguous United States, 

contribute 18 percent of the Nation’s water supply (Brown et 

al. 2008; Sedell et al. 2000). About 124 million people rely 

on NFS lands as the primary source of their drinking water 

(USDA Forest Service 2008a). In addition to drinking water 

and other municipal needs, water on NFS lands is important to 

sustaining populations of fish and wildlife, providing various recreation opportunities, and providing supplies to meet 

agricultural and industrial needs across the country.

The national forests and grasslands were established to protect 

the land, secure favorable conditions of water flows, and provide a sustainable supply of goods and services (the Organic 

Administration Act of 1897). NFS lands are managed using a 

multiple-use approach with the goal of sustaining healthy terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems while addressing the need for 

resources, commodities, and services for the American people 

(USDA Forest Service 2008a). With a growing population and 

a finite fresh water resource, providing high-quality fresh water 

supplies is more critical than ever to the social and economic 

well-being of the United States.

Forests and grasslands generally produce high-quality water, 

especially when the ecosystems are healthy and functioning 

properly. Water quality is influenced by the pattern, magnitude, 

intensity, and location of land use and management activities. 

Some land uses can protect or restore water quality, while others 

may degrade or pose risks to clean water. Excess sediment (turbidity and bedload), nutrients, temperature, hazardous chemicals, and their resulting effects on water chemistry and aquatic 

habitats, are the most significant water quality issues resulting 

from land uses and management activities on NFS lands.

Preventing negative water quality impacts is more efficient and 

effective than attempting to restore the damage. To ensure water 

quality is protected, the Forest Service, an agency of the U.S. 

Department of Agriculture (USDA), has developed procedures, 

methods, and controls, consistent with Federal and State requirements, to address potential pollutants and pollution at their 

source. Implementation and monitoring of these Best Management Practices (BMPs) is the fundamental basis of the Forest 

Service water quality management program to protect, restore, 

or mitigate water quality impacts from activities on NFS lands.

National BMP Program Purpose and 

Objectives

The purpose of the National BMP Program is to provide a 

standard set of core BMPs and a consistent means to track and 

document the use and effectiveness of BMPs on NFS lands 

across the country. The objectives of the National BMP Program are as follows:

1. To establish uniform direction for BMP implementation to 

control nonpoint source pollution on all NFS lands to avoid, 

minimize, or mitigate adverse effects to soil, water quality, 

and riparian resources that will meet the intent of the Federal 

and State water quality laws and regulations, Executive orders, and USDA and Forest Service directives.

2. To establish a consistent process to monitor and evaluate 

Forest Service efforts to implement BMPs and the effectiveness of those BMPs at protecting water quality at national, 

regional, and forest scales.

3. To establish a consistent and creditable process to document 

and report agency BMP implementation and effectiveness.

The National BMP Program has four components: a national 

core set of BMPs, a procedural guide for monitoring BMP 

implementation and effectiveness, a data management system, 

Part 1. Introduction

Aquatic Management Zone (AMZ)

An AMZ is an administratively designated zone adjacent to 

stream channels and other waterbodies. Special management controls aimed at maintaining and improving water 

quality or other water- and riparian-dependent values, 

including groundwater-dependent ecosystems, should be 

applied in the delineated AMZ. The width of the AMZ is 

determined based on site-specific factors and local requirements. AMZ delineation may encompass the floodplain and 

riparian areas when present. AMZ designation can have 

synergistic benefits to other resources, such as maintaining and improving aquatic and riparian area-dependent 

resources, visual and aesthetic quality, wildlife habitat, and 

recreation opportunities. 

A variety of names for the AMZ concept are used in the 

States and Forest Service regions: Water Influence Zone 

(WIZ), Rocky Mountain Region 2 (R2); Stream Environment 

Zones, Pacific Southwest Region (R5); Riparian Conservation Areas, R5; Riparian Reserves, R5 and Pacific Northwest 

Region (R6); Riparian Habitat Conservation Areas, R5 and 

R6; Streamside Management Unit (SMU), R6; Riparian Corridor, Southern Region (R8); Riparian Management Corridor 

(RMC), Eastern Region (R9); and Riparian Management 

Area, Alaska Region (R10). For purposes of the National 

Core BMPs, these areas will be referred to as AMZs.
2 Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide

and corresponding national direction. This technical guide contains the national core set of BMPs to be used in the National 

BMP Program. The national BMP monitoring protocols will be 

contained in Volume 2 of this technical guide (FS-990b), which 

is currently being prepared.

Scope of Technical Guide

This technical guide provides information for implementing the 

National Core BMP portion of the Forest Service National BMP 

Program. The National Core BMPs were compiled from Forest 

Service manuals, handbooks, contract and permit provisions, 

and policy statements, as well as State or other organizations’ 

BMP documents. The National Core BMPs are not intended to 

supersede or replace existing regional, State, forest, or grassland 

BMPs. Rather, the National Core BMPs provide a foundation 

for water quality protection on NFS lands and facilitate national 

BMP monitoring.

The National Core BMPs encompass the wide range of activities on NFS lands across the Nation. The primary intent of the 

National Core BMPs is to carry out one of the Clean Water 

Act (CWA) purposes to maintain the chemical, physical, and 

biological integrity of the Nation’s waters. To that end, the 

National Core BMPs are focused on water pollution control. 

The National Core BMPs also address soil, aquatic, and riparian 

resources, but only to the extent that they contribute to maintenance of chemical, physical, and biological water quality.

The National Core BMPs in this technical guide are deliberately 

general and nonprescriptive. Because this document is national 

in scope, it cannot address all possible practices or practices 

specific to local or regional soils, climate, vegetation types, or 

State-specific requirements. The National Core BMPs require 

the development of site-specific BMP prescriptions based on 

local site conditions and requirements to achieve compliance 

with established State, tribal, or national water quality goals. It 

is expected that State requirements and BMP programs, Forest 

Service regional guidance, and the land management plan will 

provide the criteria for site-specific BMP prescriptions. The 

National Core BMPs provide direction on “what to do” and 

the local direction will provide direction on “how to do it.” 

Table 1 contains two examples comparing the National Core 

BMP direction with Forest Service regional direction and State 

BMPs. Forest Service regions may supplement the National 

Core BMPs with additional practices or practices that are more 

specific to meet regional needs.
Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide 3

National Core BMP Region 2 WCP1 Region 5 BMP2 Montana BMP3 Wisconsin BMP4

BMP Plan-3 Aquatic 

Management Zone 

(AMZ) Planning

• Determine width of 

AMZ for waterbodies 

in the project area that 

may be affected by the 

proposed activities.

• Evaluate the condition 

of riparian habitat and 

estimated response 

to the activity to determine need for and 

width of AMZ.

• Use stream class and 

type, channel condition, aspect, slope, 

and soils to determine 

appropriate AMZ 

width.

Water Influence Zone 

(WIZ)

• The WIZ includes the 

geomorphic floodplain, 

riparian ecosystem, 

and inner gorge.

• The minimum horizontal width is 100 feet 

or the mean height 

of mature dominant 

late-seral vegetation, 

whichever is most.

Practice 1-8 Streamside 

Management Zone 

(SMZ) Designation

• Identify the SMZ 

requirements during 

environmental documentation process. 

Each forest’s land and 

resource management plan identifies 

specific measures to 

protect these zones. 

At a minimum, forest 

requirements must be 

identified and implemented.

Width of SMZ-Marking 

Boundary

• The SMZ width is a 

50-foot slope distance 

on each side of 

streams, lakes, and 

other bodies of water 

measured from the 

ordinary high water 

mark. In all cases, except on Class 1 and 

2 stream segments 

and lakes where the 

slope of the SMZ is 

greater than 35 percent, the SMZ width is 

100 feet.

Riparian Management 

Zone (RMZ)

• The RMZ for lakes, 

designated trout 

streams, and streams 

3 feet wide or wider is 

a strip of land running 

along the shoreline 

of lakes and on each 

side of a stream. It 

begins at the ordinary 

high water mark and 

extends a minimum of 

100 feet landward.

• The RMZ for streams 

less than 3 feet wide is 

a strip of land on each 

side of a stream, beginning at the ordinary 

high water mark and 

extending a minimum 

of 35 feet.

BMP Veg-4 GroundBased Skidding and 

Yarding Operations

• Use ground-based 

yarding systems only 

where physical site 

characteristics are suitable to avoid, minimize, 

or mitigate adverse 

effects to soil and water 

quality.

• Use local direction or 

requirements for slope, 

erosion potential, mass 

wasting potential, and 

other soil or site properties to determine areas 

suitable for groundbased yarding systems.

WCP Management 

Measure 9 

• Limit roads and other 

disturbed sites to the 

minimum feasible number, width, and total 

length consistent with 

the purpose of specific 

operations, local topography, and climate.

• Avoid new roads or 

heavy equipment use 

on unstable or highly 

erodible soils.

• Avoid ground skidding 

on sustained slopes 

steeper than 40 percent and on moderate 

to severely burned 

sustained slopes 

greater than 

30 percent. 

Practice 1-9 Determining Tractor Loggable 

Ground

• Avoid tractor logging 

where the predicted 

post-logging erosion 

hazard cannot be 

reduced to either “low” 

or “moderate.”

Timber Harvesting

• Use the logging system that best fits the 

topography, soil types, 

and season while minimizing soil disturbance 

and economically 

accomplishing 

silvicultural objectives.

• Topography considerations for 

“cut-to-length 

harvesting”—limited 

to terrain less than 40 

percent slope.

Timber Harvesting

• Avoid operating equipment where excessive 

soil compaction and 

rutting may cause 

erosion that affects 

water quality. The use 

of low ground pressure 

equipment may allow 

logging to continue.

• Where possible, keep 

skid trail grades less 

than 15 percent. 

Grades greater than 

15 percent should not 

exceed 300 feet in 

length.

Table 1.—Examples of how Forest Service regional direction and State BMPs fit within the National Core BMP framework

1

 Rocky Mountain Region (Region 2) Watershed Conservation Practices (WCP), Forest Service Handbook 2509.25 (2006).

2 Pacific Southwest Region (Region 5) Water Quality Management for National Forest System Lands in California—Best Management Practices (USDA Forest 

Service 2000).

3

 Water Quality Best Management Practices for Montana Forests. (Logan 2001).

4

 Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality (Holaday and Wagner 2010).
4 Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide
Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide 5

Part 2. Managing Water Quality on National Forest System Lands

Federal Clean Water Act

The Federal Clean Water Act (CWA) (33 U.S.C. § 1251 et 

seq.) is the foundation for surface water quality protection in 

the United States. The objective of the CWA, as articulated in 

section 101, is to restore and maintain the chemical, physical, 

and biological integrity of the Nation’s waters. This law uses a 

variety of regulatory and nonregulatory tools to control direct 

pollutant discharges from point sources and manage polluted 

runoff from nonpoint sources to waters of the United States.

In the CWA, Congress gave States and tribes the option for taking primary responsibility for water pollution control. (States 

will be used in the rest of this report to signify both States and 

those tribes that have received approval from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for treatment as a State under 

the CWA.) As a result, most States and many tribes have taken 

on that responsibility and, therefore, water quality standards, 

procedures, rules, and regulations differ from one State to another. The Forest Service, as an agency of the Federal Government, is required to comply with all Federal, State, and local 

requirements for water pollution control in the same manner 

and to the same extent as any nongovernmental entity (CWA 

section 313).

Water Quality Standards

Water quality standards translate the broad goals of the CWA 

into specific objectives for an individual waterbody. Each State 

designates uses to be protected for each jurisdictional waterbody within its boundaries. State water quality standards must 

provide for the protection and propagation of fish, shellfish, 

and wildlife and for recreation in and on the water, unless 

those uses have been shown to be unattainable. States must 

also adopt water quality criteria to protect such designated 

uses. In addition, each State must adopt an antidegradation 

policy. This policy is designed to prevent deterioration of 

existing levels of water quality, and must, in part, maintain 

existing uses and the level of water quality necessary to protect 

such uses. States review their water quality standards periodically and, at a minimum, every 3 years. The EPA reviews and 

approves State water quality standards to ensure consistency 

with CWA requirements.

States are required to identify all waters that do not meet water 

quality standards even after mandatory pollution controls are 

in place. These waterbodies are considered to be impaired and 

are placed on the States’ biennial 303(d) list. A Total Maximum 

Daily Load (TMDL) must be developed by the State for all 

waterbodies on its approved 303(d) list. The TMDL represents 

the maximum amount of a pollutant that can enter a waterbody 

without exceeding the water quality standards. The TMDL 

amount is distributed among all the pollutant sources (point 

sources, nonpoint sources, and natural background levels) contributing to that particular waterbody. A margin of safety factor 

is also considered. A TMDL analysis must clearly identify the 

links between the waterbody use impairment, the causes of the 

impairment, and the pollutant load reductions needed to meet 

the applicable water quality standards. EPA reviews and approves TMDLs and must complete the TMDL if it disapproves 

the State-developed TMDL. TMDLs are used as planning 

tools by States to develop specific methods or controls used to 

meet water quality standards in the impaired waterbody. The 

point source components of a TMDL are implemented through 

existing enforceable Federal programs (e.g., National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System [NPDES]). Nonpoint source 

controls (e.g., Best Management Practices [BMPs]) required by 

a TMDL can be implemented through a voluntary approach or 

some State and local regulations or other authorities. A specific 

TMDL implementation plan is not required by the CWA; 

however, some States require a TMDL implementation plan or 

watershed restoration plan.

Point Source Pollution Control

Point source pollution is regulated through a permitting program as outlined in CWA sections 401, 402, and 404. Section 

401 provides an opportunity for States to ensure that a permit 

or license issued by the Federal Government meets applicable 

State water quality requirements. Federal agencies may not issue permits for activities that “may result in any discharge into 

navigable waters” until the agency obtains certification from 

the State that the authorized activity will comply with water 

quality standards. Each State has its own rules and procedures 

for 401 Certification. Certification generally applies to point 

source discharges where a 402 or 404 permit is issued by the 

EPA or the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) and for 

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission licenses. Certification may also be required for some Forest Service special 

use authorizations and mining plan of operations where there 

would be a point source discharge. Section 401 is a “condition precedent;” that is, 401 Certification must be obtained 

and proof provided to the Federal agency before the permit or 

license can be issued.
6 Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide

The NPDES program is described in CWA section 402. 

NPDES permits, or the State equivalent, regulate point source 

discharges. A point source discharge is defined as any addition 

of a pollutant to waters of the United States from a point source 

(e.g., a discrete conveyance such as pipes or manmade ditches). 

Aside from stormwater discharge permits, in general, few 

types of Forest Service administrative activities would require 

a NPDES permit. The project proponent is responsible for obtaining permit coverage. Section 402 is “condition subsequent” 

(i.e., the Forest Service can approve the activity before the 402 

permit being obtained).

Stormwater discharges occur when runoff generated by rain or 

snowmelt events flows over land or impervious surfaces and 

is discharged to waters of the United States through discrete 

conveyances such as ditches or channels. Stormwater runoff 

does not percolate into the ground and may pick up and transport debris, chemicals, sediment, or other pollutants as it flows 

over the land or impervious surfaces. These pollutants could 

adversely affect water quality if the runoff is not treated before 

it is discharged into a surface waterbody. Stormwater discharge 

permits are required for certain categories of industrial activities and construction activities. The “operator,” defined as the 

one who has operational control over the construction plans 

and specifications and has day-to-day operational control over 

activities at the site, is the party that should obtain stormwater 

permit coverage. The contractor or permittee and the Forest 

Service may be required to obtain permit coverage if either or 

both are considered the operator. Permits for industrial or construction activities or other temporary disturbances generally 

require BMPs as a primary method of controlling and containing stormwater runoff to protect water quality.

CWA section 404 regulates the discharge of dredge or fill 

materials into waters of the United States. EPA and the COE 

jointly administer the 404 program. Unless a State has assumed 

404 permitting authority, the COE is responsible for issuing 404 

permits. Typical Forest Service activities that could require a 

404 permit include stream crossings, stream restoration, habitat 

improvements, activities in wetlands, and spring developments. 

Certain silviculture activities are exempt from 404 permits (CWA

§404[f][1][A], 33 CFR 323.4[a] [1] and 40 CFR 232.3[c][1]). 

Forest roads, as defined by COE guidance, are exempt from 

needing 404 permits as long as the BMPs detailed in the regulations are used to ensure that flow and circulation patterns and 

chemical and biological characteristics of the waters of the 

United States are not impaired (CWA § 404[f][1][E], 33 CFR 

323.4[a] [6] and 40 CFR 232.3[c] [6][i-xv]). General 404 permits (nationwide or regional) have been established for many 

categories of activities. If a proposed activity cannot be covered 

by a general 404 permit, an individual 404 permit is required. 

The project proponent or permittee is responsible for obtaining the 404 permit. Like section 402, section 404 is “condition 

subsequent,” so the activity, either a Forest Service project or a 

third-party activity proposed on National Forest System (NFS) 

lands, can be approved by the Forest Service before the 404 

permit coverage is obtained. The project cannot be implemented 

until permit coverage is acquired.

Nonpoint Source Pollution Control

The CWA does not regulate nonpoint source pollution. Instead, 

sections 208 and 319 require States to develop a process to 

identify, if appropriate, agricultural, silvicultural, and other 

categories of nonpoint sources of pollution and to set forth 

procedures and methods, including land use requirements, to 

control to the extent practicable such sources. Each State has a 

Nonpoint Source Management Program and Plan that directs 

how the State will control nonpoint source pollution. The Nonpoint Source Management Plan describes the process, including 

intergovernmental coordination and public participation, for 

identifying BMPs to control identified nonpoint sources and to 

reduce the level of pollution from such sources. States often use 

these same sets of BMPs as the best approach to control point 

source discharges, such as stormwater discharges.

After BMPs have been approved by a State, the BMPs may 

become the primary mechanism for meeting water quality standards from nonpoint source pollution sources in that 

State. Proper installation, operation, and maintenance of State 

approved BMPs are presumed to meet a landowner or manager’s obligation for compliance with applicable water quality 

standards. If subsequent evaluation indicates that approved and 

properly installed BMPs are not achieving water quality standards, the State should take steps to revise the BMPs, evaluate 

and, if appropriate, revise water quality standards (designated 

uses and water quality criteria), or both. Through the iterative 

process of monitoring and adjusting BMPs and water quality 

standards, it is anticipated and expected that BMPs will lead to 

attainment of water quality standards (EPA 1987).

State Nonpoint Source Management 

Programs

Each State develops a set of BMPs as part of its Nonpoint 

Source Management Program. In many States, use of BMPs 

is voluntary; that is, it is encouraged but not required by 

regulation. Other States have a regulatory framework for 

nonpoint sources, either through their water quality laws and 

regulations or forest practices laws and regulations, where use

of BMPs is required.
Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide 7

All national forests and grasslands have adopted BMPs 

consistent with or approved by State nonpoint source management programs. In some States, the Forest Service uses the 

State BMPs as written, in addition to land management plan 

direction. In some Forest Service regions, the Forest Service 

has established BMPs, and the States have agreed that those 

practices conform to State requirements. In a few instances, 

Forest Service BMPs have gone through a formal public review 

process, Forest Service BMPs have been approved by the State 

and EPA, and the Governor of the State has designated the Forest Service as the water quality management agency for NFS 

lands within the State. In many States, the Forest Service has 

entered into an agreement that outlines how the Forest Service 

will implement that particular State’s Nonpoint Source Management Plan on NFS lands (see table 2).

on basic soil and water quality and productivity. The objectives 

of monitoring are to secure data sufficient to assist line officers 

and resource managers in evaluating the effects of management 

activities on the soil and water resources and to support changes

in management activities to protect soil and water quality.

FSM 2532 provides policy and direction specific to water 

quality management on NFS lands. The objective of water 

quality management on NFS lands is to protect and, where 

needed, improve the physical, chemical, biological, and 

aesthetic quality of the water resource consistent with the purposes of the national forests and national water quality goals.

BMPs are to be promoted and applied to all management activities as the method for control of nonpoint sources of water

pollution to achieve established State or national water quality 

goals. BMPs applied should be based on site-specific conditions and political, social, economic, and technical feasibility. 

Application of the National BMP Program should constitute 

compliance with water quality standards. Monitoring methods that reflect nonpoint source conditions should be used to 

measure effectiveness of those BMPs.

Forest Service Nonpoint Source Strategy

The Forest Service strategy for control of nonpoint source 

pollution is to apply appropriate BMPs using adaptive management principles. This strategy involves applying approved 

BMPs, monitoring the implementation and effectiveness of the 

BMPs, and using the monitoring results to inform and improve 

management activities. This process is illustrated in figure 1 

and outlined in the following list.

1. Approved BMPs are applied to all management activities 

to control nonpoint sources of water pollution and are used 

for compliance with established State or national water 

quality goals.

a. Site-specific BMP prescriptions, consistent with the 

National Core BMPs, are developed using regional or 

State BMPs and land management plan direction.

b. BMP prescriptions are properly installed and 

maintained to minimize impacts of current management 

activities to protect and maintain water quality.

2. BMP implementation and effectiveness are monitored using 

National Core BMP monitoring protocols and reporting 

systems.

a. Field evaluations are used to monitor BMP 

implementation to determine whether appropriate 

site-specific BMP prescriptions were planned and 

implemented as intended.

Forest Service Policy for Water Quality 

Management

Forest Service Manual (FSM) Direction

Forest Service policy for watershed management is contained 

in FSM 2500. Watershed management activities on national 

forests and grasslands are to be implemented in accordance 

with the general objectives of multiple use and the specific 

objectives in the land management plan. All management activities of other resources are to be designed to minimize shortterm impacts on the soil and water resources and to maintain 

or enhance long-term productivity, water quantity, and water 

quality (FSM 2503).

Forest Service policy for watershed management also includes 

monitoring to assess the degree to which planning, management operation, and maintenance of renewable resources meet 

established goals and standards (FSM 2525). Soil and water 

resource monitoring is to be designed and implemented to 

evaluate effects of each forest management activity or program 

MAA MOA MOU LOC

AL (1990) AK (1992) AZ (2008) NV (2009) AR (1990)

CA (1981) WA (2000) GA (1991) OR (2002) FL (1990)

MS (1990) ID (2008) SC (1990) MS (1990)

KY (1990) SD (2009) OK (1991)

LA (1993) TN (1997) VA (1990)

MI (2011) TX (1991)

MT (2008) UT (2009)

NC (1992) WV 2010

NM (2011) WY (2011)

LOC – Letter of Certification. MAA – Management Agency Agreement. 

MOA – Memorandum of Agreement. MOU – Memorandum of Understanding.

Table 2.—Forest Service water quality agreements with States 

as of November 2011
8 Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide

b. Field evaluations of appropriate parameters or 

surrogates are used to monitor BMP effectiveness 

to determine if the applied practices met the desired 

objective(s).

c. BMP monitoring data is managed in the established 

corporate data system and analyzed at national, 

regional, and forest or grassland levels.

3. BMP monitoring results are used to inform and improve 

management activities.

a. The results of BMP monitoring and best available 

science are used, in collaboration with Federal, State, 

and local agencies and partners as appropriate, to 

improve administrative procedures and BMP practices 

and applications.

b. Corrective actions are initiated where implementation 

monitoring indicates that BMPs have been 

implemented, but effectiveness monitoring indicates 

that BMP objectives were not met.

c. Changes in water quality designated uses and standards 

are recommended as necessary, in coordination with the 

appropriate agency.

4. Monitoring results and findings are documented and shared 

with appropriate Federal, State, and local agencies.

Plan to Project: Forest Service BMP Process

The Forest Service BMP Process consists of the following steps 

to incorporate BMPs into project planning and on-the-ground 

implementation to ensure water quality is protected.

BMP Selection and Design

Water quality goals and objectives are established in the land 

management plan (see BMP Plan-1 Forest and Grassland 

Planning). These goals are specific to each individual national 

forest or grassland and are intended to meet or exceed applicable legal requirements including the CWA and State water 

quality regulations. A land management plan may also specify 

BMPs as standards and guidelines to be used to meet those 

goals and objectives.

Figure 1. Forest Service Nonpoint Source Strategy

STEP 1a

STEP 1b

STEP 2

Yes

No

STEP 3

Select BMP—site-specific BMP 

prescriptions for water quality 

protection.

Apply and maintain 

BMPs during project 

implementation.

Monitor and evaluate 

BMP using national BMP 

monitoring protocols.

Decision

Are BMPs implemented appropriately 

and are they effective?

Refine for Next Application

• Improve practice and method of 

application

 • Improve administrative procedures

 • Refine water quality standards

 • Take corrective action or mitigate

 • Adjust mitigation measures
Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide 9

BMP Monitoring and Adjustment

Implementation and effectiveness of applied BMPs are monitored to inform and improve future management activities. 

BMP implementation monitoring asks the question: “Did we do 

what we said we were going to do?” BMP effectiveness monitoring evaluates whether the BMPs were effective in meeting 

management objectives and protecting designated uses.

Programmatic BMP Monitoring in 

The Pacific Southwest Region

Best Management Practices Evaluation Program

The Forest Service Pacific Southwest Region has a Management Agency Agreement with the State of California 

requiring the Forest Service to incorporate BMPs into 

land and resource management activities and to monitor 

their implementation and effectiveness. Since 1992, the 

region has been monitoring BMPs using its BMP Evaluation 

Program. The Forest Service evaluates BMP implementation and effectiveness at randomly selected sites using 

29 different monitoring protocols. Every year, the region 

assigns each national forest system unit a certain number 

of evaluations to complete. From fiscal year (FY) 2003 to FY 

2007, the Forest Service completed 2,861 onsite evaluations; an average of 572 per year. The Forest Service rated 

BMPs as implemented on 86 percent of those evaluations 

and effective on 89 percent. Overall, 93 percent of the BMPs 

that were rated as implemented were also judged effective.

This monitoring has shown that BMPs are effective at 

protecting water quality when they are properly implemented. From this monitoring, the Pacific Southwest Region 

has concluded that the greatest opportunity for improving 

water quality is to improve implementation of the BMPs, 

particularly for recreation activities and mining. The region 

has planned steps to improve BMP implementation and 

effectiveness including BMP implementation checklists for 

projects, reviews of national forest staffing levels, and 

revision of BMPs that have relatively low effectiveness when 

implemented properly (USDA Forest Service 2009a).

The project planning process starts when a project or resource 

management activity is proposed. A project may be initiated 

by the Forest Service to implement some aspect of the land 

management plan, or may be proposed by an outside party that 

wants to occupy or use NFS lands for a specific purpose, such 

as for mining, a commercial recreation development, or a utility facility. When a project is initiated, the responsible official, 

usually the local district ranger or forest supervisor, appoints 

an interdisciplinary team (IDT) to complete the appropriate 

environmental analysis as required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to inform the decision on the project 

or activity.

In the project planning and environmental analysis process, the

IDT selects appropriate or required BMPs to be used to achieve 

land management plan water quality goals and objectives (see 

BMP Plan-2 Project Planning and Analysis). BMPs are selected 

to fit local conditions, resource values, and designated uses of

water. Site-specific BMP prescriptions are developed based on 

the proposed activity, water quality objectives, soils, topography, geology, vegetation, climate, and other site-specific factors 

and are designed to avoid, minimize, or mitigate potential adverse impacts to soil, water quality, and riparian resources. State 

BMPs, regional Forest Service guidance, land management plan 

standards and guidelines, monitoring results, and professional 

judgment are all used to develop site-specific BMP prescriptions. During the planning process, CWA or other State-required 

permits or certifications are also identified. The site-specific 

BMP prescriptions and other permit requirements are described 

and disclosed in the NEPA analysis document or project file. 

The responsible official considers the information provided 

by the IDT and makes a decision on which site-specific BMP 

prescriptions will be applied to the project.

BMP Application

The site-specific BMP prescriptions are translated into contract 

provisions, special use authorization requirements, project plan 

specifications, and other similar documents. This ensures that 

the operator or person responsible for applying the BMPs is 

required to do so. Implementation of projects or other management activities are supervised by Forest Service personnel to 

ensure the site-specific BMP prescriptions are implemented 

according to the contract, permit, or plan. During project or 

activity implementation, site-specific BMP prescriptions are 

adjusted as needed to better fit current site conditions. As part 

of project, contract, or permit administration, project or activity 

inspections are completed as needed to identify BMP deficiencies or maintenance needs. BMP application is documented in 

the appropriate project-related documents.

The Forest Service Nonpoint Source Strategy uses “programmatic monitoring” to evaluate BMP implementation and effectiveness; that is, aside from project administration described above, 

BMPs are not monitored on every project or activity that occurs

on NFS lands. Projects to monitor or specific monitoring sites 

are selected in a manner that results in objective and representative data on BMP implementation and effectiveness. Often, a 

random or systematic random selection procedure is used to 

choose monitoring locations across a forest or grassland where 

specific activities or BMPs are targeted. In some cases, a national 

forest or ranger district will choose a small number of projects to 

review using an IDT process. BMP monitoring results are summarized in land management plan monitoring reports.
10 Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide

Programmatic BMP monitoring is used for a variety of purposes. The adequacy of specific BMPs or management activities 

at protecting water quality can be evaluated. These results can 

be used to inform future environmental analysis of similar projects under similar conditions. For example, programmatic BMP 

monitoring on the Flathead and Kootenai National Forests in 

Montana has found that, since 1988, BMPs were effective 99.3 

percent of the time when properly applied on glacial till soils 

(USDA Forest Service 2009b).

Programmatic BMP monitoring can assess administrative 

processes for selecting and applying appropriate BMPs over 

time or geographic area. After several years of BMP monitoring on silviculture activities, the Black Hills National Forest in 

South Dakota and Wyoming found that BMPs were generally 

being implemented and, when implemented, were effective in 

the timber sale units that were inspected. The BMP monitoring 

identified some issues with road drainage, however. As a result, 

the forest engineering and watershed staff together developed 

recommendations to improve their BMPs for road drainage 

(USDA Forest Service 2010a). In another example, the North 

Carolina National Forests compared BMP implementation and 

effectiveness on timber sales as monitored from 1992 to 2000 

to BMP monitoring results in 2009 and 2010 (USDA Forest

Service 2010b). Overall BMP implementation improved from 

68 percent in the earlier monitoring period to 92 percent in 

2009 and 2010. BMP effectiveness also improved from 73 

percent in 1992 to 2000 to 93 percent in 2009 and 2010.

In addition to BMP monitoring by the Forest Service, many 

States monitor BMP implementation and effectiveness on timber sale projects on NFS lands. These State audits are generally 

completed every 3 to 5 years, or annually in some States. The 

audit teams are comprised of State employees, Forest Service 

and other Federal agency employees, representatives from the 

timber industry, and landowners. Selected timber sale projects 

on private and State lands are audited along with projects on 

NFS lands. In general, BMP implementation and effectiveness 

on NFS lands as rated by these State audit teams compares 

favorably with, and often exceeds, the BMP performance on 

private or State lands.

Summary

The Forest Service policy for control of nonpoint sources of 

pollution is to use BMPs, monitor the implementation and effectiveness of those BMPs, and adjust management practices 

using monitoring results. An administrative unit IDT identifies 

the appropriate BMPs for a project during the planning process 

and develops site-specific BMP prescriptions based on site conditions, State BMPs, and other local guidance or requirements.

The responsible official considers the information provided 

by the IDT and makes a decision on which site-specific BMP 

prescriptions will be applied to the project. Unit staff monitor 

BMPs and summarize monitoring data at the forest or grassland 

level in either project documentation or the land management 

plan monitoring reports.

The National BMP Program provides core BMPs and BMP 

monitoring protocols for all activities on NFS lands. In the past, 

most of the BMP monitoring has focused on timber harvest 

sites and associated roads. The National BMP Program expands 

that to include all activities by providing consistent monitoring 

protocols for recreation, livestock grazing, fire and fuels, and 

minerals, in addition to vegetation management and roads. The 

National BMP Program will also have an associated data management system that will facilitate documentation and reporting of BMP monitoring results at national forest or grassland, 

regional, or national scales.

2010 2008 2006

BMP Implementation 96% 96% 93%

BMP Effectiveness 98% 96% 95%

Streamside Management 

Zone (SMZ) 

Implementation

94% 99% 100%

SMZ Effectiveness 95% 99% 100%

Montana’s Forestry BMP Audits 

The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, Forestry Division, has evaluated forest practices for 

BMP implementation and effectiveness every 2 years since 

1990 (Ziesak 2010). The Forestry Division has evaluated 

timber harvest sites on Federal, State, and private lands. 

Over all ownerships, BMP implementation has improved 

from 78 percent rated as “meets or exceeds criteria” in 

1990 to 97 percent in 2010. Similarly, BMP effectiveness 

has also improved, from 80 percent rated as providing 

“adequate protection” in 1990 to 98 percent in 2010. BMP 

implementation and effectiveness on timber harvest sites 

on NFS lands has been consistently rated high over the 

past few audit cycles. 
Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide 11

Part 3. National Core Best Management Practices

This part describes the Forest Service National Core Best Management Practices (BMPs). The 

National Core BMPs are intended for use on National Forest System (NFS) lands as part of the 

Forest Service strategy for water quality management. The National Core BMPs are grouped into 

the following resource categories:

• Plan General Planning Activities

• AqEco Aquatic Ecosystems Management Activities

• Chem Chemical Use Management Activities

• Fac Facilities and Nonrecreation Special Uses Management Activities

• Fire Wildland Fire Management Activities

• Min Minerals Management Activities

• Range Rangeland Management Activities

• Rec Recreation Management Activities

• Road Road Management Activities

• Veg Mechanical Vegetation Management Activities

• WatUses Water Uses Management Activities

With the exception of the General Planning Activities being listed first, the sequence in which 

these resource categories are presented has no intended significance. Planning is important to 

managing potential management activity impacts to achieve water quality goals and objectives 

and, therefore, is listed first.

Each BMP is organized according to the following format:

Title Includes the sequential number of the BMP within the resource category and title of 

the BMP.

Reference Identifies the Forest Service Manual or Handbook direction pertinent to the BMP.

Objective Describes the desired results or attainment of the BMP as it relates to maintaining 

chemical, physical, and biological water quality.

Explanation Provides background information to provide context for the BMP. Describes criteria or 

standards used when applicable.

Practices Lists recommended methods to achieve the BMP objectives.

The National Core BMPs are deliberately general and nonprescriptive. Although some impacts 

may be thought of as characteristic of a management activity, the actual potential for a land use or 

management activity to impact water quality depends on:

1. The physical, biologic, meteorological, and hydrologic environment where the activity takes 

place (e.g., topography, physiography, precipitation, stream type, channel density, soil type, and 

vegetative cover).

2. The type of activity imposed on a given environment (recreation, mineral exploration, and 

vegetation management) and the proximity of the activity area to surface waters.

3. The magnitude, intensity, duration, and timing of the activity (grazing system used, types of 

silvicultural practices used, constant use as opposed to seasonal use, recurrent application, or 

one-time application).
12 Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide

4. The State designated beneficial uses of the water in proximity to the management activity and 

their relative sensitivity to the potential impacts associated with the activity.

These four factors vary throughout the lands administered by the Forest Service. It follows then, 

that the extent and kind of potential water quality impacts from activities on NFS lands are variable, as are the most appropriate mitigation and pollution control measures. No solution, prescription, method, or technique is best for all circumstances.

The National Core BMPs cannot include all possible practices or techniques to address the range 

of conditions and situations on all NFS lands. Each BMP in this document has a list of recommended practices that should be used, as appropriate or when required, to meet the objective 

of the BMP. Not all recommended practices will be applicable in all settings, and there may 

be other practices not listed in the BMP that would work as well, or better, to meet the BMP 

objective in a given situation. The specific practices or methods to be applied to a particular 

project should be determined based on site evaluation, past experience, monitoring results, new 

techniques based on new research literature, and other requirements. State BMPs, Forest Service 

regional guidance, land management plans, BMP monitoring information, and professional 

judgment should be used to develop site-specific BMP prescriptions.

For example, BMP Road-4 (Road Operations and Maintenance) dictates that roads should be correctly maintained to drain and disperse water runoff to minimize the erosive effects of concentrated

water flow. Some methods for draining a road are to outslope the road prism, install dips, and lead 

out ditches or inslope the road to a ditch line and install culverts. It is during the onsite evaluation 

of a specific road project that the appropriate method or combination of methods to drain the road 

correctly is identified. The practice is, thereby, custom fit to the physical and biological environment of the project area.

After the site-specific BMP prescription is developed, it must then be included in the appropriate 

National Environmental Policy Act decision document and project contract or operation plan. For 

example, if roadwork is part of a timber harvest project, the timber sale contract is used to implement the methods for road drainage. For a hard rock mine operation, the roadwork BMP prescriptions would be included in the mining plan of operation. Roadwork BMP prescriptions would be 

implemented via a ski area’s operation and maintenance plan for roads within a ski resort.

The National Core BMPs are grouped by resource category for ease of organization. The applicable 

BMPs should be used for an activity regardless of which resource grouping the BMP is listed in. 

For example, BMPs for Mechanical Vegetation Management Activities should be used, as appropriate, for tree removal activities in developed campgrounds. Likewise, Road Management Activity 

BMPs apply whether the road is for timber harvesting, mining, recreation access, or some other 

purpose. The specific implementing document and responsible individual will differ by resource 

area (e.g., recreation development plan and recreation staff officer for a recreation project, and a 

timber sale contract and timber sale administrator for a timber sale), but the responsibility to maintain and improve water quality is shared by all and not necessarily vested with a given resource 

functional area.

At the end of each resource category is a listing of additional BMP resources, including publications and Web sites, applicable to the subject resource category. The resources listed are not all 

inclusive; other technical resources should be consulted as needed and required.
Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide 13

Planning is an important Best Management Practice (BMP) for water quality management. In the 

planning process, potential impacts to water quality, and impacts to other resources like soils or 

riparian areas that may affect water quality, can be identified. In addition, requirements from laws 

or regulations, the land management plan, State BMPs, or other documents can be incorporated 

into the project design. This information can be used to shape the proposed action, develop alternatives to the proposed action, and determine appropriate site-specific BMP prescriptions to avoid, 

minimize, or mitigate impacts to meet water quality objectives.

Three National Core BMPs are in the General Planning Activities category. These planning BMPs 

are to be used during Forest Service planning processes for projects and activities on National Forest 

System (NFS) lands. BMP Plan-1 (Forest and Grassland Planning) contains guidance on what to 

include in a land management plan to provide direction for management of water quality within a plan 

area. BMP Plan-2 (Project Planning and Analysis) contains planning practices common to most Forest 

Service resource management activities. BMP Plan-2 should be used for all Forest Service activities 

and authorizations that could affect water quality. BMP Plan-3 (Aquatic Management Zone Planning) 

contains planning practices common to management of Aquatic Management Zones (AMZ).

In addition, each resource category section in this technical guide includes a planning BMP specific to the management activities addressed in that section. The activity-planning BMPs provide 

additional practices specific to those management activities.

States will be used in the rest of this resource category to signify both States and those tribes that 

have received approval from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for treatment as a 

State under the Clean Water Act (CWA).

General Planning Activities

General Planning BMPs

Plan-1 Forest and Grassland Planning

Plan-2 Project Planning and Analysis

Plan-3 Aquatic Management Zone Planning

Plan-1. Forest and Grassland Planning

Forest Service Manual (FSM) 1900, FSM 1920, Forest Service Handbook (FSH) 1909.12, and 

FSM 2511.

Use the land management planning and decisionmaking processes to incorporate direction for water quality management consistent with laws, regulation, and policy into land management plans.

The overall goal of managing NFS lands is to sustain the multiple uses of renewable resources in 

perpetuity while maintaining the long-term productivity of the land. Federal laws, such as the National Forest Management Act and the CWA, provide additional goals to protect or maintain and 

improve or restore the quality of soil and water on NFS lands. These goals are codified as policy in 

the Forest Service manuals and handbooks.

Forest Service planning is an integrated process composed of discrete parts—the strategic plan, 

land management plans, and project and activity plans. The Forest Service Strategic Plan identifies 

Manual or Handbook 

Reference 

Objective

Explanation
14 Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide

long-term strategic priorities and is the basis for integrated delivery of the agency’s mission. The 

land management plan blends national and regional priorities from the strategic plan with local 

forest or grassland capability and needs. The land management plan establishes desired conditions to be achieved through management of NFS lands in the planning area to best meet the needs 

of the American people. The land management plan provides desired conditions, objectives, and 

guidance for site-specific project and activity decisions. Project-level plans describe on-the-ground 

projects and activities designed to achieve long-term objectives and desired conditions described 

in the land management plan while reflecting current local needs and issues.

The land management plan provides integrated direction for the management, protection, and use 

of all resources in the planning area under the principles of multiple use and sustained yield. In the 

land management plan, issues, concerns, and opportunities related to soil and water resources are 

resolved; desired conditions, goals, and objectives for soil, water, and riparian resources are established; and standards and guidelines for management of soil, water quality, and riparian resources 

are provided.

• Establish desired conditions, goals, and objectives for soil, water quality, and riparian resources 

that contribute to the overall sustainability of social, economic, and ecological systems in the 

plan area consistent with established State or national water quality goals for the plan area.

q Consider the water quantity, quality, location, and timing of flows needed to provide 

water supplies for municipal, agricultural, commercial, and industrial uses; hydropower 

generation; water recreation, transportation, and spiritual uses; aesthetic appreciation; and 

tourism to contribute to social and economic sustainability.

q Consider the water quantity, quality, location, and timing of flows needed to provide 

the ecological conditions to support diversity of native and desired nonnative plants and 

animal species in the plan area to contribute to ecological sustainability.

• Include plan objectives to maintain or, where appropriate, improve or restore watershed 

conditions to achieve desired conditions of soil, water quality, and riparian resources.

• Consider watershed characteristics, current and expected environmental conditions (including 

climate change), and potential effects of land uses when determining suitability of NFS lands 

within the planning area for various uses.

• Include standards and guidelines to maintain and, where appropriate, improve over time the 

quality of soil, water resources, and riparian areas when implementing site-specific projects and 

activities.

• Include monitoring questions and associated performance measures to address watershed 

condition and water quality goals and objectives.

Plan-2. Project Planning and Analysis

FSM 1950, FSH 1909.15, and FSM 2524.

Use the project planning, environmental analysis, and decisionmaking processes to incorporate 

water quality management BMPs into project design and implementation.

The project planning, environmental analysis, and decisionmaking process is the framework for 

incorporating water quality management BMPs into project design and implementation. The 

process should identify likely direct, indirect, or cumulative impacts from the proposed project or 

Practices

Manual or Handbook 

Reference

Objective

Explanation
Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide 15

Practices

management activities on soils, water quality, and riparian resources in the project area. Project 

documents (plans, contracts, permits, etc.) should include site-specific BMP prescriptions to 

meet water quality objectives as directed by the environmental analysis. Project planning should 

ensure that activities are consistent with land management plan direction; State BMPs, floodplain, 

wetland, coastal zone; and other requirements including CWA 401 certification, CWA 402 permits, 

and CWA 404 permits; wilderness or wild and scenic river designations; and other Federal, State, 

and local rules and regulations.

• Include watershed specialists (hydrologist, soil scientist, geologist, and fish biologist) and 

other trained and qualified individuals on the interdisciplinary team for project planning, 

environmental analysis, and decisionmaking to evaluate onsite watershed characteristics and the 

potential environmental consequences of the proposed activity(s).

• Determine water quality management objectives for the project area.

q Identify water quality management desired conditions and objectives from the land 

management plan.

q Identify and evaluate the condition of water features in the project area (e.g., streams, 

lakes, ponds, reservoirs, wetlands, riparian areas, springs, groundwater-dependent 

ecosystems, recharge areas, and floodplains).

q Identify State-designated beneficial uses of waterbodies and the water quality parameters 

that are critical to those uses.

q Identify locations of dams and diversions for municipal or irrigation water supplies, fish 

hatcheries, stockwater, fire protection, or other water uses within the project area.

q Identify any impaired (e.g., 303[d] listed) waterbodies in the project area and associated 

Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) analyses or other restoration plans that may exist.

q Identify threatened, endangered, or sensitive species in or near water, wetlands, and 

riparian areas in the project area and their habitat needs related to water quality.

• Determine potential or likely direct and indirect impacts to chemical, physical, and biological 

water quality, and watershed condition from the proposed activity.

q Always assume hydrological connections exist between groundwater and surface water in 

each watershed, unless it can reasonably be shown none exist in a local situation.

q Consider the impacts of current and expected environmental conditions such as 

atmospheric deposition and climate change in the project area when analyzing effects of 

the proposed activities.

q Evaluate sources of waterbody impairment, including water quantity, streamflows, and 

water quality, and the likelihood that proposed activities would contribute to current or 

future impairment or restoration to achieve desired watershed conditions.

q Identify and delineate unstable areas in the project area.

q Identify soil limitations and productivity impacts of proposed activities.

q Verify preliminary findings by inspecting the sites in the field.

q Develop site-specific BMP prescriptions, design criteria, and mitigation measures to 

achieve water quality management objectives. Consult local, regional, State, or other 

agencies’ required or recommended BMPs that are applicable to the activity.

q Consider enhanced BMPs identified in a TMDL or other watershed restoration plan to 

protect impaired waterbodies within the project area.
16 Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide

q Use site evaluations, professional experience, monitoring results, and land management 

plan standards, guidelines, and other requirements.

q Identify Federal, State, and local permits or requirements needed to implement the project. 

Examples include water quality standards, CWA 401 certification, CWA 402 permits 

(including stormwater permits), CWA 404 permits, and Coastal Zone Management Act 

requirements.

q Plan to limit surface disturbance to the extent practicable while still achieving project 

objectives.

q Designate specific AMZs around water features in the project area (see BMP Plan-3 [AMZ 

Planning]).

q Design activities on or near unstable areas and sensitive soils to minimize managementinduced impacts.

q Use local direction and requirements for prevention and control of terrestrial and aquatic 

invasive species.

• Use suitable tools to analyze the potential for cumulative watershed effects (CWE) to occur 

from the additive impacts of the proposed project and past, present, and reasonably foreseeable 

future activities on NFS and neighboring lands within the project watersheds.

q Consider the natural sensitivity or tolerance of the watershed based on geology, climate, 

and other relevant factors.

q Consider the existing condition of the watershed and water quality as a reflection of past 

land management activities and natural disturbances.

q Estimate the potential for adverse effects to soil, water quality, and riparian resources 

from current and reasonably foreseeable future activities on all lands within the watershed 

relative to existing watershed conditions.

q Use land management plan direction; Federal, State, or local water quality standards; and 

other regulations to determine acceptable limits for CWE.

q Modify the proposed project or activity as necessary by changing project design, location, 

and timing to reduce the potential for CWE to occur.

q Consider including additional mitigation measures to reduce project effects.

q Identify and implement opportunities for restoration activities to speed recovery of watershed condition before initiating additional anthropogenic disturbance in the watershed.

q Coordinate and cooperate with other Federal, State, and private landowners in assessing 

and preventing CWE in multiple ownership watersheds.

• Integrate restoration and rehabilitation needs into the project plan.

q Consider water quality improvement actions identified in a TMDL or other watershed 

restoration plan to restore impaired waterbodies within the project area.

• Identify project-specific monitoring needs.

• Document site-specific BMP prescriptions, design criteria, mitigation measures, and restoration, 

rehabilitation, and monitoring needs in the applicable National Environmental Policy Act 

(NEPA) documents, design plans, contracts, permits, authorizations, and operation and 

maintenance plans.

q Delineate all protected or excluded areas, including, for example, AMZs and waterbodies, 

303(d) listed and TMDL waterbodies, and municipal supply watersheds, on the project map.
Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide 17

Plan-3 Aquatic Management Zone Planning

FSM 2526.

To maintain and improve or restore the condition of land around and adjacent to waterbodies in the 

context of the environment in which they are located, recognizing their unique values and importance to water quality while implementing land and resource management activities.

The land around and adjacent to waterbodies plays an important ecologic role in maintaining 

the structure, function, and processes of the aquatic ecosystem. These areas provide shading, 

soil stabilization, sediment and water filtering, large woody debris recruitment, and habitat for a 

diversity of plants and animals. The quality and quantity of water resources and aquatic habitats 

may be adversely affected by ground-disturbing activities that occur on these areas. Because of 

the importance of these lands, various legal mandates have been established pertaining to management of these areas, including, but not limited to, those associated with floodplains, wetlands, 

water quality, endangered species, wild and scenic rivers, and cultural resources. Protection and 

improvement of soil, water, and vegetation are to be emphasized while managing these areas under 

the principles of multiple use and sustained yield. Riparian-dependent resources are to be given 

preferential consideration when conflicts among land use activities occur.

Designation of a zone encompassing these areas around and adjacent to a waterbody is a common BMP to facilitate management emphasizing aquatic and riparian-dependent resources. These 

management zones are known by several common terms such as streamside management area or 

zone, riparian management area, stream environment zone, and water influence zone. For purposes 

of the National Core BMPs, these areas will be referred to as AMZs.

AMZs are intended to be large enough to protect a waterbody and its associated beneficial uses 

and aquatic and riparian ecosystems. AMZs along streams and rivers may be linear swaths extending a prescribed distance from a bank, though widths are usually adjusted to include features such 

as riparian vegetation and unstable landforms as well as critical floodplain components necessary 

to sustain waterbody integrity and protect beneficial uses. AMZ areas around wetlands, lakes, and 

other nonlinear features may be irregular in shape to encompass sensitive riparian areas and other 

water-dependent features.

Local regulation often stipulates the area and extent of AMZs and may be listed in land management 

plans; biological opinions, evaluations, or assessments; and other regional or State laws, regulations, 

and policies. Virtually all States have BMPs that include AMZs, as do most land management plans.

Develop site-specific BMP prescriptions for the following practices, as appropriate or when 

required, using State BMPs, Forest Service regional guidance, land management plan direction, 

BMP monitoring information, and professional judgment.

• Proactively manage the AMZ to maintain or improve long-term health and sustainability of 

the riparian ecosystem and adjacent waterbody consistent with desired conditions, goals, and 

objectives in the land management plan.

q Balance short-term impacts and benefits with long-term goals and desired future 

conditions, considering ecological structure, function, and processes, when evaluating 

proposed management activities in the AMZ.

• Determine the width of the AMZ for waterbodies in the project area that may be affected by the 

proposed activities:

Manual or Handbook 

Reference

Objective

Explanation

Practices
18 Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide

q Evaluate the condition of aquatic and riparian habitat and beneficial riparian zone functions 

and their estimated response to the proposed activity in determining the need for and width 

of the AMZ.

q Use stream class and type, channel condition, aspect, side slope steepness, precipitation 

and climate characteristics, soil erodibility, slope stability, groundwater features, and 

aquatic and riparian conditions and functions to determine appropriate AMZ widths to 

achieve desired conditions in the AMZ.

q Include riparian vegetation within the designated AMZ and extend the AMZ to include 

steep slopes, highly erodible soils, or other sensitive or unstable areas.

q Establish wider AMZ areas for waters with high resource value and quality.

• Design and implement project activities within the AMZ to:

q Avoid or minimize unacceptable impacts to riparian vegetation, groundwater recharge 

areas, steep slopes, highly erodible soils, or unstable areas.

q Maintain or provide sufficient ground cover to encourage infiltration, avoid or minimize 

erosion, and to filter pollutants.

q Avoid, minimize, or restore detrimental soil compaction.

q Retain trees necessary for shading, bank stabilization, and as a future source of large 

woody debris.

q Retain floodplain function.

q Restore existing disturbed areas that are eroding and contributing sediment to the 

waterbody.

• Mark the boundaries of the AMZ and sensitive areas like riparian areas, wetlands, and unstable 

areas on the ground before land disturbing activities.

Resources for General Planning Activities 

Holcomb, J. 1994. Guide for soil/water/air environmental effects analysis in NEPA documents. 

Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southern Region. 36 p. Available at 

http://fsweb.r8.fs.fed.us/nr/bio_phy_res/water/Literature.shtml. 

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Federal Activities. 1999. Considering ecological 

processes in environmental impact assessments, July 1999. Washington, DC. 90 p. Available at 

http://www.epa.gov/compliance/resources/policies/nepa/index.html.

Committee on Riparian Zone Functioning and Strategies for Management, Water Science and 

Technology Board, National Research Council. 2002. Riparian areas: functions and strategies 

for management. ISBN: 0-309-12784-X. Washington, DC: National Academies Press. 444 p. 

Available at http://www.nap.edu/catalog/10327.html.

Everest, F.H.; Reeves, G.H. 2007. Riparian and aquatic habitats of the Pacific Northwest and 

southeast Alaska: ecology, management history and potential management strategies. Gen. Tech. 

Rep. PNW-GTR-692. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific 

Northwest Research Station. 130 p. Available at http://www.treesearch.fs.fed.us/pubs/27434.

Verry, E.S.; Hornbeck, J.W.; Dolloff, C.A., eds. 2000. Riparian management in forests of the 

continental Eastern United States. ISBN: 9781566705011. Boca Raton, FL: Lewis Publishers CRC 

Press. 432 p.

NEPA

Riparian Management
Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide 19

The purpose of this set of Best Management Practices (BMPs) is to avoid, minimize, or mitigate 

adverse effects to soil, water quality, and riparian resources that may result from construction 

and maintenance activities in flowing and nonflowing aquatic ecosystems. Properly functioning streams, lakes, riparian areas, and wetlands are critical in maintaining water quality, water 

quantity, riparian habitat, aquatic fauna populations and diversity, and downstream beneficial uses. 

Common management activities in waterbodies include constructing ponds and wetlands, restoring 

streambanks or channels, and improving or restoring aquatic habitat.

Four National Core BMPs are in the Aquatic Ecosystems Management Activities category. These 

BMPs are to be used for projects and activities in or near waterbodies on National Forest System 

(NFS) lands. BMP AqEco-1 (Aquatic Ecosystem Improvement and Restoration Planning) is a 

planning BMP for improvement or restoration activities in aquatic ecosystems. BMP AqEco-2 

(Operations in Aquatic Ecosystems) covers practices for working in or near waterbodies. Applicable practices of this BMP should be used whenever working in or near waterbodies, regardless 

of the resource activity; for example, when constructing a stream crossing (BMP Road-7 [Stream 

Crossings]) or mining instream gravel deposits (BMP Min-5 [In-Stream Sand and Gravel Mining]). BMP AqEco-3 (Ponds and Wetlands) is for constructing ponds and wetlands and constructing or maintaining structures in these aquatic ecosystems. BMP AqEco-4 (Stream Channels and 

Shorelines) is for construction and maintenance activities in stream channels and shorelines. Note 

BMP Road-7 (Stream Crossings) provides additional direction specific to road-stream crossings.

States will be used in the rest of this resource category to signify both States and those tribes that 

have received approval from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for treatment as a 

State under the Clean Water Act (CWA).

Aquatic Ecosystems Management Activities

Aquatic Ecosystems BMPs

AqEco-1 Aquatic Ecosystem Improvement and Restoration Planning

AqEco-2 Operations in Aquatic Ecosystems 

AqEco-3 Ponds and Wetlands

AqEco-4 Stream Channels and Shorelines

AqEco-1. Aquatic Ecosystem Improvement and Restoration Planning

Forest Service Manual (FSM) 2020.

Reestablish and retain ecological resilience of aquatic ecosystems and associated resources to 

achieve sustainability and provide a broad range of ecosystem services.

Every waterbody has unique characteristics that should be considered when developing a sitespecific maintenance, improvement, or restoration strategy. Planning is critical to ensure that the 

project is conducted in a timely and cost-efficient manner and that the ecological and water quality 

goals are met. A rigorous approach that uses a combination of best available science and professional experience to inform planning is necessary to enhance the potential for long-term success. 

When planning aquatic ecosystem projects, it is important to understand all the factors that may 

affect the watershed currently and in the future. These factors include water quantity, quality, flow, 

Manual or Handbook 

Reference

Objective

Explanation
20 Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide

or storage capacity; habitat suitability for native plants, fish, and wildlife; climate change; the 

primary uses of the watershed and waterbody by people, domestic animals, and wildlife; and past 

alterations to the waterbody.

Develop site-specific BMP prescriptions for the following practices, as appropriate or when 

required, using State BMPs, Forest Service regional guidance, land management plan direction, 

BMP monitoring information, and professional judgment.

• Use a watershed perspective and available watershed assessments when planning aquatic 

ecosystem improvement or restoration projects.

q Consider how existing water quality and habitat conditions at the project site have been 

affected by past habitat alterations, hydrologic modification, and riparian area changes in 

the watershed.

q Consider how past, current, and future land use patterns may affect the proposed project site.

q Recognize that inhabitants and users at the site (beaver, deer, birds, and people) may 

change the current ecosystem state to suit their needs.

• Use desired future conditions to set project goals and objectives.

q Establish desired future conditions that are consistent with the land management plan’s 

goals and direction.

q Use a reference condition to determine the natural potential water quality and habitat 

conditions of a waterbody.

q Consider the potential for future changes in environmental conditions, such as changes 

in precipitation and runoff type, magnitude and frequency, community composition and 

species distribution, and growing seasons that may result from climate change.

q Consider water quality and other habitat needs for sensitive aquatic or aquatic-dependent 

species in the project area.

• Favor project alternatives that correct the source of the degradation more than alternatives that 

mitigate, or treat symptoms of, the problem.

q Consider the risk and consequences of treatment failure, such as the risk that design 

conditions could be exceeded by natural variability before the treatment measures are 

established, when analyzing alternatives.

q Consider as a first priority treatment measures that are self-sustaining or that reduce 

requirements for future intervention.

• Use natural stabilization processes consistent with stream type and capability where practicable 

rather than structures when restoring damaged streambanks or shorelines.

• Prioritize sites to implement projects in a sequence within the watershed in such a way that they 

will be the most effective to achieve improvement or restoration goals.

Practices
Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide 21

AqEco-2. Operations in Aquatic Ecosystems

None known.

Avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse impacts to water quality when working in aquatic ecosystems.

Common construction or maintenance operations in waterbodies often involve ground disturbance. 

The close proximity to, and contact with, the waterbody increases the potential for introducing 

sediment and other pollutants that can affect water quality. This BMP includes practices for minimizing direct and indirect water quality impacts when working in or adjacent to waterbodies.

Develop site-specific BMP prescriptions for the following practices, as appropriate or when 

required, using State BMPs, Forest Service regional guidance, land management plan direction, 

BMP monitoring information, and professional judgment.

• Use applicable practices of BMP Plan-2 (Project Planning and Analysis) and BMP Plan-3 

(AMZ Planning) when planning operations in aquatic ecosystems.

• Identify the aquatic and aquatic-dependent species that live in the waterbody, Aquatic 

Management Zone (AMZ), or on the floodplain and their life histories to determine protection 

strategies, such as timing of construction, sediment management, species relocation, and 

monitoring during construction.

• Coordinate stream channel, shoreline, lake, pond, and wetland activities with appropriate State 

and Federal agencies.

q Incorporate Clean Water Act (CWA) 404 permit requirements and other Federal, State, and 

local permits or requirements into the project design and plan.

• Use suitable measures to protect the waterbody when preparing the site for construction or 

maintenance activities.

q Clearly delineate the work zone.

q Locate access and staging areas near the project site but outside of work area boundaries, 

AMZs, wetlands, and sensitive soil areas.

q Refuel and service equipment only in designated staging areas (see BMP Road-10 

[Equipment Refueling and Servicing]).

q Develop an erosion and sediment control plan to avoid or minimize downstream impacts 

using measures appropriate to the site and the proposed activity (see BMP Fac-2 [Facility 

Construction and Stormwater Control]).

q Prepare for unexpected failures of erosion control measures.

q Consider needs for solid waste disposal and worksite sanitation.

q Consider using small, low ground pressure equipment, and hand labor where practicable.

q Ensure all equipment operated in or adjacent to the waterbody is clean of aquatic invasive 

species, as well as oil and grease, and is well maintained.

q Use vegetable oil or other biodegradable hydraulic oil for heavy equipment hydraulics 

wherever practicable when operating in or near water.

• Schedule construction or maintenance operations in waterbodies to occur in the least critical 

periods to avoid or minimize adverse effects to sensitive aquatic and aquatic-dependent species 

that live in or near the waterbody.

Manual or Handbook 

Reference

Objective

Explanation

Practices
22 Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide

q Avoid scheduling instream work during the spawning or migration seasons of resident or 

migratory fish and other important life history phases of sensitive species that could be 

affected by the project.

q Avoid scheduling instream work during periods that could be interrupted by high flows.

q Consider the growing season and dormant season for vegetation when scheduling activities 

within or near the waterbody to minimize the period of time that the land would remain 

exposed, thereby reducing erosion risks and length of time when aesthetics are poor.

• Use suitable measures to protect the waterbody when clearing the site.

q Clearly delineate the geographic limits of the area to be cleared.

q Use suitable drainage measures to improve the workability of wet sites.

q Avoid or minimize unacceptable damage to existing vegetation, especially plants that are 

stabilizing the bank of the waterbody.

• Use suitable measures to avoid or minimize impacts to the waterbody when implementing 

construction and maintenance activities.

q Minimize heavy equipment entry into or crossing water as is practicable.

q Conduct operations during dry periods.

q Stage construction operations as needed to limit the extent of disturbed areas without 

installed stabilization measures.

q Promptly install and appropriately maintain erosion control measures.

q Promptly install and appropriately maintain spill prevention and containment measures.

q Promptly rehabilitate or stabilize disturbed areas as needed following construction or 

maintenance activities.

q Stockpile and protect topsoil for reuse in site revegetation.

q Minimize bank and riparian area excavation during construction to the extent practicable.

q Keep excavated materials out of the waterbody.

q Use only clean, suitable materials that are free of toxins and invasive species for fill.

q Properly compact fills to avoid or minimize erosion.

q Balance cuts and fills to minimize disposal needs.

q Remove all project debris from the waterbody in a manner that will cause the least 

disturbance.

q Identify suitable areas offsite or away from waterbodies for disposal sites before beginning 

operations.

q Contour site to disperse runoff, minimize erosion, stabilize slopes, and provide a favorable 

environment for plant growth.

q Use suitable species and establishment techniques to revegetate the site in compliance with 

local direction and requirements per FSM 2070 and FSM 2080 for vegetation ecology and 

prevention and control of invasive species.

• Use suitable measures to divert or partition channelized flow around the site or to dewater the 

site as needed to the extent practicable.

q Remove aquatic organisms from the construction area before dewatering and prevent 

organisms from returning to the site during construction.
Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide 23

q Return clean flows to channel or waterbody downstream of the activity.

q Restore flows to their natural stream course as soon as practicable after construction or 

before seasonal closures.

• Inspect the work site at suitable regular intervals during and after construction or maintenance 

activities to check on quality of the work and materials and identify need for midproject 

corrections.

• Consider short- and long-term maintenance needs and unit capabilities when designing the 

project.

q Develop a strategy for providing emergency maintenance when needed.

• Include implementation and effectiveness monitoring to evaluate success of the project in 

meeting design objectives and avoiding or minimizing unacceptable impacts to water quality.

• Consider long-term management of the site and nearby areas to promote project success.

q Use suitable measures to limit human, vehicle, and livestock access to site as needed to 

allow for recovery of vegetation.

AqEco-3. Ponds and Wetlands

None known.

Design and implement pond and wetlands projects in a manner that increases the potential for success in meeting project objectives and avoids, minimizes, or mitigates adverse effects to soil, water 

quality, and riparian resources.

Ponds and wetlands are developed for a variety of reasons including recreation, water sources, 

stock ponds, gravel extraction, wetland mitigation, and wildlife improvement. The excavation of 

material and construction of berms, dikes, dams, channels, wildlife water sources, and waterfowl 

nesting islands have the potential to introduce sediment and other pollutants into adjacent waterbodies, alter flows, and cause physical damage to the ponds and adjacent stream channels both 

during and after construction. Constructing the projects to withstand potential overflow and flooding is a primary consideration during project planning and design.

Develop site-specific BMP prescriptions for the following practices, as appropriate or when 

required, using State BMPs, Forest Service regional guidance, land management plan direction, 

BMP monitoring information, and professional judgment.

• Use applicable practices of BMP AqEco-2 (Operations in Aquatic Ecosystems) when working 

in or near waterbodies.

• Obtain and manage water rights.

• Clearly define goals and objectives in the project plan appropriate to the site for desired 

hydrology, wetland plant community associations, intended purpose, and function of the pond 

or wetland and expected values.

• Select sites based on an analysis of landscape structure and associated ecological functions and 

values.

q Construct ponds and wetlands on sites that have easy construction access where practicable.

q Construct wetlands in landscape positions and soil types capable of supporting desired 

wetland functions and values.

Manual or Handbook 

Reference

Objective

Explanation

Practices
24 Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide

q Construct ponds outside of active floodplain to minimize overflow of groundwater-fed 

ponds into adjacent streams and avoid or minimize erosion of pond embankments by 

floods, unless location in the floodplain is integral to achieving project objectives.

q Construct ponds with surface water supply off-channel rather than placing a dam across a 

stream.

q Construct ponds and wetlands on sites with soils suitable to hold water with minimal 

seepage loss and that provide a stable foundation for any needed embankments.

q Construct ponds and wetlands in locations where polluted surface water runoff or 

groundwater discharge do not reach the pond.

q Consider the consequences of dam or embankment failure and resulting damage from 

sudden release of water on potentially affected areas.

• Ensure that the natural water supply for the pond or wetland is sufficient to meet the needs of 

the intended use and that it will maintain the desired water levels and water quality.

q Design the wetland to create hydrologic conditions (including the timing of inflow and 

outflow, duration, and frequency of water level fluctuations) that provide the desired 

wetland functions and values.

q Avoid or minimize drawdown effects in a stream source by limiting timing and rate of 

water withdrawal to allow sufficient downstream water flow to maintain desired conditions 

in the source stream (see BMP WatUses-1 [Water Uses Planning]).

• Design the wetland project to create a biologically and hydrologically functional system.

q Design for function, not form.

q Keep the design simple and avoid over engineering.

q Design the project for minimal maintenance needs.

q Use natural energies, such as gravity flow, in the design.

q Avoid use of hard engineering structures or the use of supplemental watering to support 

system hydrology.

q Plan to allow wetland system time to develop after construction activities are complete.

• Design the pond or wetland to be of sufficient size and depth appropriate for the intended use 

and to optimize hydrologic regimes and wetland plant community development.

q Size the pond or wetland appropriately for the contributing drainage area such that a 

desired water level can be maintained during drought conditions and that excess runoff 

during large storms can be reasonably accommodated without constructing large overflow 

structures.

q Size the pond or wetland to an adequate depth to store sufficient amounts of water for the 

intended use and offset probable evaporation and seepage losses.

q Integrate design with the natural topography of the site to minimize site disturbance.

q Design the pond or wetland to have an irregular shape to reduce wind and wave impacts, 

disperse water flows, maximize retention times, and better mimic natural systems.

q Create microtopography and macrotopography in wetlands to mimic natural conditions and 

achieve hydrologic and vegetative diversity.

q Avoid creating large areas of shallow water to minimize excessive evaporation losses and 

growth of noxious aquatic plants.
Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide 25

q Avoid steep-sloped shorelines in areas with potential substrate instability problems to 

reduce erosion and sedimentation.

• Include water control structures to manage water levels as necessary.

q Design spillway or outlet to maintain desired water level under normal inflows from 

snowmelt, groundwater flow, and precipitation.

q Design discharge capacity using a suitable hydrologic analysis of the drainage area to be 

sufficient to safely pass the flow resulting from the design storm event.

q Size the spillway to release floodwaters in a volume and velocity that do not erode the 

spillway, the area beyond the outlet, or the downstream channel.

q Consider the need for suitable measures to drain the pond or wetland.

q Return overflow back to the original source to the extent practicable.

q Use suitable measures to maintain desired downstream temperatures, dissolved oxygen 

levels, and aquatic habitats when water is released from the pond or impoundment.

• Use materials appropriate for the purpose of the pond and site.

q Select materials for a dam or embankment that will provide sufficient strength and, when 

properly compacted, will be tight enough to avoid or minimize excessive or harmful 

percolation of water through the dam or embankment.

q Design the side slopes appropriately for the material being used to ensure stability of the 

dam or embankment.

• Use wetland vegetation species and establishment methods suitable to the project site and 

objectives, consistent with local direction and requirements per FSM 2070 and FSM 2080 for 

vegetation ecology and prevention and control of invasive species.

q Consider the timing of planting to achieve maximum survival, proposed benefit of each 

plant species, methods of planting, proposed use of mulch, potential soil amendment 

(organic material or fertilizer), and potential supplemental watering to help establish the 

plant community.

• Properly maintain dams, embankments, and spillways to avoid or minimize soil erosion and 

leakage problems.

q Use suitable measures to avoid or minimize erosion of dams and shores due to wind and 

wave action.

q Design sufficient freeboard to avoid or minimize overtopping by wave action or other 

causes.

q Stabilize or armor spillways for ponds with continuous flow releases or overflow during 

heavy rainfall events.

• Manage uplands and surrounding areas to avoid or minimize unacceptable impacts to water 

quality in the pond or wetland.
26 Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide

AqEco-4. Stream Channels and Shorelines

None known.

Design and implement stream channel and lake shoreline projects in a manner that increases the 

potential for success in meeting project objectives and avoids, minimizes, or mitigates adverse effects to soil, water quality, and riparian resources.

Instream projects are often conducted for a variety of purposes, including improving fish and wildlife habitat, stabilizing streambanks, reconnecting the stream channel to the historic floodplain, and 

removing or replacing culverts. Lakeshores may be degraded by storm events; constant wave action 

from boats; onshore uses, including recreation, mining, vegetation management, and development; 

water diversions; freezing and thawing; floating ice; drought; or a fluctuating water table. A shoreline problem is often isolated and may require only a simple patch repair. Methods to stabilize or 

restore lakeshores differ from streambank measures because of wave action and littoral transport.

Two basic categories of stabilization and protection measures exist: those that work by reducing 

the force of water against a streambank or shoreline and those that increase their resistance to 

erosive forces. Appropriate selection and application of stream channel and shoreline protection 

measures depend on specific project objectives and site conditions.

Develop site-specific BMP prescriptions for the following practices, as appropriate or when 

required, using State BMPs, Forest Service regional guidance, land management plan direction, 

BMP monitoring information, and professional judgment.

All Activities

• Use applicable practices of BMP AqEco-2 (Operations in Aquatic Ecosystems) when working 

in or near waterbodies.

Stream Channels

• Determine stream type and classification using suitable accepted protocols.

• Determine need to control channel grade to avoid or minimize erosion of channel bed and banks 

before selecting measures for bank stabilization or protection.

q Incorporate grade control measures into project design as needed.

• Determine design flows based on the value or safety of area to be protected, repair cost, and the 

sensitivity and value of the ecological system involved.

q Obtain peak flow, low flow, channel forming flow, and flow duration estimates.

q Use these estimates to determine the best time to implement the project, as well as to select 

design flows.

• Determine design velocities appropriate to the site.

q Limit maximum velocity to the velocity that is nonscouring on the least resistant streambed 

and bank material.

q Consider needs to transport bedload through the reach when determining minimum 

velocities.

q Maintain the depth-area-velocity relationship of the upstream channel through the project 

reach.

q Consider the effects of design velocities on desired aquatic organism habitat and passage.

Manual or Handbook 

Reference

Objective

Explanation

Practices
Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide 27

• Avoid changing channel alignment unless the change is to reconstruct the channel to a stable 

meander geometry consistent with stream type.

• Design instream and streambank stabilization and protection measures suitable to channel 

alignment (straight reach versus curves).

q Consider the effects of ice and freeze and thaw cycles on streambank erosion processes.

q Consider the effects that structures may have on downstream structures and stream 

morphology, including streambanks, in the maintenance of a natural streambed.

• Design channels with natural stream pattern and geometry and with stable beds and banks; 

provide habitat complexity where reconstruction of stream channels is necessary.

q Consider sediment load (bedload and suspended load) and bed material size to determine 

desired sediment transport rate when designing channels.

q Avoid relocating natural stream channels.

q Return flow to natural channels, where practicable.

• Include suitable measures to protect against erosion around the edges of stabilization structures.

q Design revetments and similar structures to include sufficient freeboard to avoid or 

minimize overtopping at curves or other points where high-flow velocity can cause waves.

q Use suitable measures to avoid or minimize water forces undermining the toe of the 

structure.

q Tie structures into stable anchorage points, such as bridge abutments, rock outcrops, or 

well-vegetated stable sections, to avoid or minimize erosion around the ends.

• Add or remove rocks, wood, or other material in streams only if such action maintains or 

improves stream condition, provides for safety and stability at bridges and culverts, is needed to 

avoid or minimize excessive erosion of streambanks, or reduces flooding hazard.

q Leave rocks and portions of wood that are embedded in beds or banks to avoid or minimize 

channel scour and maintain natural habitat complexity.

• Choose vegetation appropriate to the site to provide streambank stabilization and protection 

adequate to achieve project objectives.

q Use vegetation species and establishment methods suitable to the project site and 

objectives, consistent with local direction and requirements per FSM 2070 and FSM 2080 

for vegetation ecology and prevention and control of invasive species.

Shorelines

• Use mean high- and low-water levels to determine the design water surface.

q Consider the effects of fluctuating water levels, freeze or thaw cycles, and floating ice on 

erosion processes at the site.

• Design stabilization and protection measures suitable to the site.

q Determine the shoreline slope configuration above and below the waterline.

q Consider the effects of offshore depth, dynamic wave height, and wave action on shoreline 

erosion processes.

q Determine the nature of the bank soil material to aid in estimating erosion rates.

q Consider foundation material at the site when selecting structural measures.
28 Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide

q Use vegetation species and establishment methods suitable to the project site and 

objectives and consistent with local direction and requirements per FSM 2070 and FSM 

2080 for vegetation ecology and prevention and control of invasive species.

• Consider the rate, direction, supply, and seasonal changes in littoral transport when choosing 

the location and design of structural measures.

• Consider the effect structures may have on adjacent shoreline or other nearby structures.

q Adequately anchor end sections to existing stabilization measures or terminate in stable areas.

Resources for Aquatic Ecosystems Management Activities

Meitl, J.; Maguire, T., eds. 2003. Compendium of best management practices to control polluted 

runoff: A source book. Boise, ID: Idaho Department of Environmental Quality. Available at http://

www.deq.State.id.us/water/data_reports/surface_water/nps/reports.cfm#bmps.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Office of Water. 2005. National management 

measures to protect and restore wetlands and riparian areas for the abatement of nonpoint source 

pollution. EPA-841-B-05-003. Washington, DC. Available at http://www.epa.gov/owow/nps/

wetmeasures/.

Eubanks, C.E.; Meadows, D. 2002. A soil bioengineering guide for streambank and lakeshore 

stabilization. FS-683P. San Dimas, CA: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Forest Service, 

Technology and Development Program. 188 p. Available at http://www.fs.fed.us/publications/soilbio-guide/.

Deal, C.; Edwards, J.; Pellman, N.; Tuttle, R. 1997. Ponds—Planning, design and construction. 

Agriculture Handbook 590. Washington, DC: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service 

(NRCS). 85 p. Available at http://www.in.nrcs.gov/pdf%20files/PONDS.PDF.

USDA NRCS. 1996. Chapter 16 streambank and shoreline protection. Engineering Field 

Handbook Part 650. Washington, DC. Available at http://directives.sc.egov.usda.gov/.

Bernard, J.; Fripp, J.F.; Robinson, K.R., eds. 2007. Part 654 stream restoration design national 

engineering handbook (210-VI-NEH). Washington DC: USDA NRCS.

Federal Interagency Stream Restoration Working Group (FISRWG). 1998. Stream corridor 

restoration: Principles, processes, and practices. GPO Item No. 0120-A; SuDocs No. A 57.6/2:EN 

3/PT.653. ISBN-0-934213-59-3. Available at http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detailfull/

national/water/quality/?&cid=stelprdb1043448. 

Izaak Walton League of America. 2006. A handbook for stream enhancement and stewardship, 

2nd ed. ISBN 0-939923-98-X. Blacksburg, VA: McDonald and Woodward and Gaithersburg, MD: 

The Izaak Walton League of America. 178 p. Available at http://www.mwpubco.com/conservation.

htm.

USDA NRCS. National conservation practice standards—322 channel bank vegetation, 584 

channel stabilization, 410 grade stabilization structure, 580 streambank and shoreline protection, 

395 stream habitat improvement and management. Washington, DC. Available at http://www.nrcs.

usda.gov/technical/standards/nhcp.html. 

USDA NRCS. National design construction and soil management center stream corridor 

restoration. Available at http://www.ndcsmc.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/Stream/index.html#Materials.

General

Bioengineering

Pond Construction

Shoreline Stabilization

Stream Restoration
Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide 29

EPA, Office of Water. Information and other resources on constructed wetlands are available at 

http://water.epa.gov/type/wetlands/restore/cwetlands.cfm.

Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council, Mitigation Wetlands Team. 2005. Characterization, 

design, construction, and monitoring of mitigation wetlands. WTLND-2. Washington, DC. 

Available at http://www.itrcweb.org.

Olson, R.1999. Constructing wetlands in the Intermountain West: Guidelines for land 

resource managers. Laramie, WY: University of Wyoming. 52 p. Available at http://www.

wyomingextension.org/agpubs/B-1078.pdf.

USDA NRCS. National conservation practice standards—658 wetland creation, 659 wetland 

enhancement, 657 wetland restoration. Washington, DC. Available at http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/

technical/standards/nhcp.html.

Wetlands
30 Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide

Chemical Use Management Activities

The purpose of this set of Best Management Practices (BMPs) is to avoid or minimize unacceptable impacts to water quality conditions that may result from application of chemicals used to 

manage biological and physical resources. Chemical treatments are applied to kill, attract, repel, 

defoliate, stimulate, or retard biologic growth with the intent to mitigate, control, grow, or kill the 

intended biota. They may also be applied to ameliorate, neutralize, or stabilize certain physical 

resources such as soil or water chemistry. Chemical treatments include application of pesticides 

such as insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, nematicides, rodenticides, and piscicides. Chemical 

treatments also include fertilizers, fire retardants (see BMP Fire-3 [Wildland Fire Control and Suppression]), dyes, or other materials used in tracer studies, aggregate additives like salt, magnesium 

chloride, and other substances used for dust abatement, roadbed stabilization, or de-icing of roadways, and other chemical products that can be used to fulfill specific Forest Service management 

objectives.

Six National Core BMPs are in the Chemical Use Management Activities category. These BMPs 

are to be used when chemicals are applied on National Forest System (NFS) lands. BMP Chem1 (Chemical Use Planning) is a planning BMP for chemical applications. BMP Chem-2 (Follow 

Label Directions) specifies following label directions to meet legal requirements for chemical use. 

BMP Chem-3 (Chemical Use near Waterbodies) is for chemical applications on or over upland 

areas where chemicals may drift or runoff into waterbodies. BMP Chem-4 (Chemical Use in 

Waterbodies) is for chemical applications directly into waterbodies. BMP Chem-5 (Chemical Handling and Disposal) provides practices for proper transportation and storage of chemicals, cleaning 

equipment, and chemical containers and disposal of containers. BMP Chem-6 (Chemical Application Monitoring and Evaluation) provides guidance on designing and implementing monitoring 

plans to evaluate chemical applications.

States will be used in the rest of this resource category to signify both States and those tribes that 

have received approval from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for treatment as a 

State under the Clean Water Act (CWA).

Chemical Use BMPs

Chem-1 Chemical Use Planning

Chem-2 Follow Label Directions

Chem-3 Chemical Use Near Waterbodies

Chem-4 Chemical Use in Waterbodies 

Chem-5 Chemical Handling and Disposal

Chem-6 Chemical Application Monitoring and Evaluation

Chem-1. Chemical Use Planning

Forest Service Manual (FSM) 2153; Forest Service Handbook (FSH) 2109.14, chapter 10.

Use the planning process to develop measures to avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects to 

soil, water quality, and riparian resources from chemical use on NFS lands.

Pollution risk from chemical use depends on chemical mobility and persistence, application mode 

and rate, and distance from water. Risk of entry to surface water is highest for broadcast and aerial 

Manual or Handbook 

Reference

Objective

Explanation
Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide 31

treatments and for fine droplets. Risk to groundwater is highest over sandy soils, shallow water 

tables, and groundwater recharge areas. The planning process is the framework for incorporating 

measures to avoid or minimize impacts to soil and water resources into project design and management to reduce the risk of contamination from chemical use.

Develop site-specific BMP prescriptions for the following practices, as appropriate or when 

required, using State BMPs, Forest Service regional guidance, land management plan direction, 

BMP monitoring information, and professional judgment.

• Use applicable practices of BMP Plan-2 (Project Planning and Analysis) and BMP Plan-3 

(Aquatic Management Zone [AMZ] Planning) when planning activities that involve use of 

chemicals.

• Identify municipal supply watersheds; private domestic water supplies; fish hatcheries; and 

threatened, endangered, and sensitive aquatic dependent species and fish populations near or 

downstream of chemical treatment areas.

• Use Integrated Pest Management as the basis for all pesticide-use prescriptions in consultation 

with the unit Pesticide Use Coordinator.

• Select chemical products suitable for use on the target species or that meet project objectives.

q Use chemicals that are registered for the intended uses.

• Consult the Materials Safety Data Sheet and product label for information on use, hazards, and 

safe handling procedures for chemicals products under consideration for use.

• Consider chemical solubility, absorption, breakdown rate properties, and site factors when 

determining which chemical products to use.

q Use chemicals with properties such that soil residual activity will persist only as long as 

needed to achieve treatment objectives.

q Consider soil type, chemical mobility, distance to surface water, and depth to groundwater 

to avoid or minimize surface water and groundwater contamination.

• Use a suitable pressure, nozzle size, and nozzle type combination to minimize off-target drift or 

droplet splatter.

• Use selective treatment methods for target organisms to the extent practicable.

• Specify management direction and appropriate site-specific response measures in project plans 

and safety plans (FSH 2109.14, chapter 60).

• Ensure that planned chemical use projects conform to all applicable local, State, Federal, and 

agency laws, regulations, and policies.

q Obtain necessary permits, including Clean Water Act (CWA) 402 permit coverage.

q Develop spill contingency plans.

q Obtain or provide training and licensing as required by the label and State regulations.

Practices
32 Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide

Chem-2. Follow Label Directions

FSH 2109.14, chapter 50.

Avoid or minimize the risk of soil and surface water or groundwater contamination by complying 

with all label instructions and restrictions required for legal use.

Directions found on the label of each chemical are detailed, specific, and include legal requirements for use. In brief, “...the label is the law...” with respect to chemical use. Not following label 

directions increases the risk of adverse effects to surface water or groundwater as a result of using 

chemicals inappropriate to the site, an inappropriate method of application, and an inappropriate 

application rate (too much or too little) to meet project objectives.

Develop site-specific BMP prescriptions for the following practices, as appropriate or when 

required, using State BMPs, Forest Service regional guidance, land management plan direction, 

BMP monitoring information, and professional judgment.

• Incorporate constraints identified on the label and other legal requirements of application into 

project plans and contracts.

q Be aware that States may have more restrictive requirements than the label instructions.

• Use fully trained individuals equipped with appropriate personal protective equipment to apply 

chemical treatments.

• Obtain State or Federal Pesticide Application Certification for staff supervising or applying 

chemical treatment application if required by law.

• Notify contractor’s field supervisor when violations of label or project requirements have occurred.

• Stop operations that pose a safety hazard or when violations of project requirements have not 

been rectified.

• Report label violations to the appropriate enforcement agency.

• Respond to and report spills and other accidents.

Chem-3. Chemical Use Near Waterbodies

FSH 2109.14 Chapters 10, 50.

Avoid or minimize the risk of chemical delivery to surface water or groundwater when treating 

areas near waterbodies.

Some chemicals used in terrestrial applications are toxic to aquatic flora and fauna, may overly 

enrich aquatic systems, and may pose a human health hazard if drinking water sources are 

contaminated during or after chemical applications. During application, chemicals may drift into 

waterbodies or other nontarget areas. After application, chemicals or chemical residues may enter 

surface water or groundwaters through runoff and leaching. Most State and local water quality 

standards include a general narrative standard that requires surface waters to be free from substances attributable to human-caused discharges in amounts, concentrations, or combinations that 

are toxic to humans, animals, plants, or aquatic life. To help protect surface waters and wetlands 

from contamination, a buffer zone of land and vegetation adjacent to the waterbody may need to 

be designated. Treatment within this zone may differ from that applied to upland areas or the buffer zone may be left untreated if necessary.

Manual or Handbook 

Reference

Objective

Explanation

Practices

Manual or Handbook 

Reference

Objective

Explanation
Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide 33

Develop site-specific BMP prescriptions for the following practices, as appropriate or when 

required, using State BMPs, Forest Service regional guidance, land management plan direction, 

BMP monitoring information, and professional judgment.

• Identify during project planning those perennial and intermittent surface waters, wetlands, 

springs, riparian areas, and groundwater recharge areas that may be impacted by the chemical use.

q Use field observations to verify the extent of these areas identified from aerial 

observations, maps, or geographic information system data, as needed.

• Determine the width of a buffer zone, if needed, based on a review of the project area, 

characteristics of the chemical to be used, and application method.

q Consider the designated uses of water, adjacent land uses, expected rainfall, wind speed 

and direction, terrain, slope, soils, and geology.

q Consider the persistence, mobility, toxicity profile, and bioaccumulation potential of any 

chemical formulation proposed for use.

q Consider the type of equipment, spray pattern, droplet size, application height, and 

experience in similar projects.

• Prescribe chemicals and application methods in the buffer zone suitable to achieve project 

objectives while minimizing risk to water quality.

• Flag or otherwise mark or identify buffer zones as needed.

q Clearly communicate to those applying the chemical what areas are to be avoided or where 

alternative treatments are to be used.

• Locate operation bases on upland areas, outside of wetlands or areas with channel or ditch 

connection to surface water and AMZs.

• Use clean equipment and personnel to collect water needed for mixing.

• Calibrate application equipment to apply chemicals uniformly and in the correct quantities.

• Evaluate weather conditions before beginning spray operations and monitor throughout each 

day to avoid or minimize chemical drift.

q Apply chemicals only under favorable weather conditions as identified in the label 

instructions.

q Avoid applying chemicals before forecasted severe storm events to limit runoff and ensure 

the chemical reaches intended targets.

q Suspend operations if project prescription or weather limitations have been exceeded.

• Apply fertilizers during high nutrient-uptake periods to avoid or minimize leaching and 

translocation.

q Base fertilizer type and application rate on soils and foliar analysis.

q Use slow release fertilizers that deliver fertilizer to plants during extended periods in areas 

with long growing seasons when appropriate to meet project objectives.

• Monitor during chemical applications to determine if chemicals are reaching surface waters (see 

BMP Chem-6 [Chemical Application Monitoring and Evaluation]).

• Implement the chemical spill contingency plan elements within the project safety plan if a spill 

occurs (FSH 2109.14, chapter 60).

Practices
34 Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide

Chem-4. Chemical Use in Waterbodies

FSH 2109.14.

Avoid, minimize, or mitigate unintended adverse effects to water quality from chemical treatments 

applied directly to waterbodies.

Chemicals may be used to improve the growth of aquatic fauna and flora within lakes and streams, 

control invasive or other undesirable aquatic species, restore native biota, or remediate adverse atmospheric deposition. Chemicals may also be used as tracers for time of travel studies, dispersion 

studies, discharge measurement, and calculation of stream re-aeration, as well as for determining 

circulation and stratification within reservoirs, tagging pollutants, or many other applications. 

Several factors affect the type and degree of impacts on aquatic resources, including chemical 

type, concentration, application rate, residence time, and decay rate; waterbody chemistry, volume, 

substrate, turnover, inflow, outflow, hydrograph, geology, geomorphology, designated uses, and 

other limnologic characteristics; and biologic species composition, habitat requirements, food web, 

population dynamics, and desired condition. Chemical treatments to surface waters may also affect 

groundwater through leaching, translocation, or interchange.

Develop site-specific BMP prescriptions for the following practices, as appropriate or when 

required, using State BMPs, Forest Service regional guidance, land management plan direction, 

BMP monitoring information, and professional judgment.

• Coordinate project with State water quality and fish and wildlife agencies as necessary.

• Use chemicals registered for application in aquatic systems.

• Use the minimum concentration of chemicals required to be reasonably certain that treatment 

objectives would be met.

q Consider physical attributes of the waterbody, water flow and turbulence, waterbody 

mixing time, water chemistry, target species, label directions, percentage of active 

ingredient in the formulation to be used, application method, and project objectives to 

determine chemical concentration to use.

q Follow label directions near critical points such as water intakes or, if label is silent on this 

issue, consider using lower concentrations or nontreatment buffers.

q Consider using pretreatment bioassay tests to determine if the recommended concentration 

will be effective to meet treatment objectives.

q Adjust chemical concentration and application methods to account for the effect of thermal 

stratification in lakes or reservoirs to achieve treatment objectives.

q Adjust chemical concentration and application methods in streams and flowing water to 

account for the effect that any barriers, diversion structures, beaver dams, seeps, springs, 

and tributaries may have on chemical dilution and mixing to achieve treatment objectives.

• Avoid applying chemicals in situations where they could enter nontarget waters.

• Determine the need to treat tributaries to standing waterbodies to meet treatment objectives.

q Apply chemical treatment to tributaries before treating the standing waterbody.

• Determine the need for neutralization of chemicals applied directly to water.

q Evaluate the environmental advantages and disadvantages of natural degradation compared 

to the use of neutralizing agents.

Manual or Handbook 

Reference

Objective

Explanation

Practices
Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide 35

q Use neutralization agents when the chemical treatment effects would cause unacceptable 

downstream impacts without intervention.

q For neutralization of flowing water, determine a neutralization zone (e.g., mixing zone) 

based on time of travel below the application point where potential flora or fauna mortality 

can be expected before the chemical is completely neutralized.

• Determine the need for collecting dead flora or fauna.

q Dispose of dead flora or fauna in an approved manner that does not adversely affect water 

quality.

• Monitor water quality and sediments pre- and post-chemical treatment at representative 

locations to evaluate relevant water chemistry and chemical concentrations (see BMP Chem-6 

[Chemical Application Monitoring and Evaluation]).

• Implement the pesticide spill contingency plan elements within the project safety plan if a spill 

occurs (FSH 2109.14, chapter 60).

Chem-5. Chemical Handling and Disposal

FSH 2109.14, chapter 40.

Avoid or minimize water and soil contamination when transporting, storing, preparing and mixing 

chemicals; cleaning application equipment; and cleaning or disposing chemical containers.

Handling chemicals, chemical containers, and equipment can lead to contamination of surface 

water or groundwater if not done carefully. Spills, leaks, or wash water can contaminate soil and 

leach into groundwater. Residue left on containers or equipment can wash off during precipitation 

events and enter surface waters. Preparing and mixing chemicals and cleaning and disposing of 

chemical containers must be done in accordance with Federal, State, and local laws, regulations, 

and directives. Specific procedures are documented in the Forest Service Pesticide Use Management and Coordination Handbook (FSH 2109.14, chapter 40) as well as in State and local laws.

Develop site-specific BMP prescriptions for the following practices, as appropriate or when 

required, using State BMPs, Forest Service regional guidance, land management plan direction, 

BMP monitoring information, and professional judgment.

• Transport and handle chemical containers in a manner that minimizes the potential for leaks 

and spills.

q Inspect containers for leaks or loose caps or plugs before loading.

q Secure containers properly to avoid or minimize shifting in transport.

q Check containers periodically enroute.

q Ensure arrangements for proper storage are in place before transporting chemicals.

• Manage and store chemicals in accordance with all applicable Federal, State, or local 

regulations, including label directions.

q Store chemicals in their original containers with labels intact.

q Locate chemical storage facilities at sites that minimize the possibility of impacts to 

surface water or groundwater in case accidents or fires occur.

q At a minimum, ensure that containment of a complete spill from the largest container 

being stored is possible with the spill-kit materials at the storage site.

Manual or Handbook 

Reference

Objective

Explanation

Practices
36 Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide

q Check containers before storage and periodically during storage to ensure that they are 

properly sealed and not leaking.

• Locate operation bases in appropriate sites where possible spills would not enter surface 

waterbodies or groundwater aquifers.

• Ensure that mixing equipment, containers, and spill kits are in place and adequate for the 

project size and chemicals to be used.

• Follow label directions; applicable Federal, State, and local laws; and Forest Service direction 

for proper preparation and mixing of chemicals and cleaning and disposal of chemical materials 

and equipment.

q When a contractor supplies the pesticide, the contractor is responsible for proper chemical 

preparation and mixing and container cleaning and disposal in accordance with label 

directions and Federal, State, and local laws.

q Apply rinse water from empty chemical containers, mixing apparatus, and equipment clean 

up to the treatment area, not into the ground near streams.

q Provide water from off site for cleaning equipment and application personnel rather than 

using onsite surface waters.

• Inspect application equipment to ensure that chemicals will not leak and the application 

prescription can be achieved.

• Implement the chemical spill contingency plan elements within the project safety plan if a spill 

occurs (FSH 2109.14, chapter 60).

Chem-6. Chemical Application Monitoring and Evaluation

FSM 2150.1; FSH 2109.14, chapter 50.

1. Determine whether chemicals have been applied safely, have been restricted to intended targets, 

and have not resulted in unexpected nontarget effects.

2. Document and provide early warning of possible hazardous conditions resulting from potential 

contamination of water or other nontarget resources or areas by chemicals.

Monitoring of chemical applications is used to evaluate and document chemical application accuracy, amount, and effects on soils and water quality to reduce or eliminate hazards to nontarget biological or physical resources. Monitoring can occur before, during, and after chemical application 

depending on treatment objectives and monitoring questions. Monitoring methods may include any 

of the following: visual observations; vegetation surveys; use of spray cards; dye tracing (fluorometry); and sampling of water, soil, sediment, flora, or fauna to measure chemical presence in or near 

water. Monitoring needs and methods are determined in the project planning process and should 

consider treatment objectives; resource values at risk; chemical properties; potential for offsite 

movement; Federal, State, and local requirements; monitoring costs; and available project funding.

Develop site-specific BMP prescriptions for the following practices, as appropriate or when 

required, using State BMPs, Forest Service regional guidance, land management plan direction, 

BMP monitoring information, and professional judgment.

• Identify the following elements in all water resource monitoring plans and specify the rationale 

for each:

q What are the monitoring questions?

Manual or Handbook 

Reference

Objectives

Explanation

Practices
Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide 37

q Who will be involved and what are their roles and responsibilities?

q What parameters will be monitored and analyzed?

q When and where will monitoring take place?

q What methods will be used for sampling and analyses?

q How will Chain of Custody requirements for sample handling be met? 

q What are the criteria for quality assurance and quality control?

• Consider the following factors when developing monitoring questions:

q The physical or biological resource of concern, including human health.

q Applicable Federal, State, and local laws and regulations.

q Type of chemical.

q Type of application equipment used and method of application.

q Site-related difficulties that affect both application and monitoring.

q Public concerns.

q Potential benefits of the application.

q Availability of analytic methods, detection limits, tools, and laboratories.

q Costs of monitoring and resources available to implement monitoring plan.

• Choose monitoring methods and sample locations suitable to address the monitoring questions.

q Consider the need to take random batch or tank samples for future testing in the event of 

treatment failure or an unexpected adverse effect.

• Monitor sensitive environments during and after chemical applications to detect and evaluate 

unanticipated events.

• Use U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-certified laboratories for chemical sample analysis.

q Use appropriate containers, preservation, and transportation to meet Standard Methods 

requirements.

q Implement proper Chain of Custody procedures for sample handling.

• Evaluate and interpret the results of monitoring in terms of compliance with, and adequacy of, 

treatment objectives and specifications.

Resources for Chemical Use Management Activities 

Finlayson, B.J.; Schnick, R.A.; Cailteux, R.L.; DeMong, L.; and others. 2000. Rotenone use in 

fisheries management. 214 p. Available at http:// www.fisheriessociety.org/rotenone/Rotenone_

Manual.pdf.

Netherland, M.D. 2009. Chapter 11. Chemical control of aquatic weeds, pp. 65-78. In: Gettys, 

L.A.; Haller, W.T.; Bellaud, M., eds. Biology and control of aquatic plants: a best management 

practices handbook. Marietta, GA: Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Foundation. 210 p. Available at 

http://www.aquatics.org/bmp.htm.

Aquatic Pesticides
38 Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide

Kilpatrick, F.A.; Cobb, E.D. 1985. Measurement of discharge using tracers. TWI 03-A16. Reston, 

VA: U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). p. 52. Available at http://

smig.usgs.gov/SMIG/tracer_methods.html.

Kilpatrick, F.A.; Wilson, J.F., Jr. 1989. Measurement of time of travel in streams by dye tracers. 

TWI 03-A9. Reston, VA: U.S. Department of the Interior, USGS. p. 27. Available at http://smig.

usgs.gov/SMIG/tracer_methods.html.

Wilson, J.F. Jr.; Cobb, E.D.; Kilpatrick, F.A. 1986. Fluorometric procedures for dye tracing. TWI 

03-A12. Reston, VA: U.S. Department of the Interior, USGS. p. 34. Available at http://smig.usgs.

gov/SMIG/tracer_methods.html.

Alvarez, D.A. 2010. Guidelines for the use of the semipermeable membrane device (SPMD) and 

the polar organic chemical integrative sampler (POCIS) in environmental monitoring studies. TM 

1–D4. Reston, VA: U.S. Department of the Interior, USGS. 28 p. Available at http://pubs.usgs.

gov/tm/tm1d4/.

MacDonald, L.H.; Smart, A.W.; Wissmar, R.C. 1991. Monitoring guidelines to evaluate effects 

of forestry activities on streams in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. EPA 910/9-91-001. Seattle, 

WA: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and University of Washington. 166 p.

Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds, Water Quality Monitoring Team. 1999. Chapter 13—

Pesticides and toxins protocol. P. 13-1 – 13-10. In: Water quality monitoring: technical guidebook 

version 2.0. Available at http://oregon.gov/OWEB/docs/pubs/wq_mon_guide.pdf.

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Forest Health Protection, Pesticide Management 

and Coordination. Human health and ecological risk assessments. Washington, DC. Available at 

http://www.fs.fed.us/foresthealth/pesticide/risk.shtml.

Holaday, S. and Wagner, C. 2010. Chapter 10—Chemicals. In: Wisconsin’s forestry best 

management practices for water quality: Field manual for loggers, landowners and land managers. 

Pub. FR-093. Madison, WI: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry. 

163 p. Available at http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/forestmanagement/bmp.html.

Michael, J.L. 2004. Best management practices for silvicultural chemicals and the science behind 

them. Water, Air and Soil Pollution: Focus 4: 95–117. Available at http://ncrs.fs.fed.us/fmg/nfmg/

docs/bmp_chemical.pdf.

Newton, M.; Norgren, J.A. 1977. Silvicultural chemicals and protection of water quality. EPA 

910/9-77-036. Seattle, WA: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Available at http://www.epa.

gov/nscep/index.html.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water. 2005. Chapter 3I: Forest chemical 

management. p. 3-99 – 3-106. In: National management measures to control nonpoint source 

pollution from forestry. EPA 841-B-05-001. Washington, DC. Available at http://www.epa.gov/

owow/nps/forestrymgmt/.

Dye Tracers

Monitoring

Risk Assessments

Silvicultural Chemicals
Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide 39

The purpose of this set of Best Management Practices (BMPs) is to avoid, minimize, or mitigate 

adverse effects to soil, water quality, and riparian resources that may result from development, use, 

maintenance, and reclamation of facilities located on National Forest System (NFS) lands. Facilities include buildings, camps, towers, pipelines, stream gauging stations, water storage and conveyance facilities, or other permanent or semipermanent structures and infrastructure associated 

with Forest Service-administered facilities. Forest Service facilities normally encountered on NFS 

lands include fire stations, work centers, permanent field camps, ranger stations, visitor centers, 

public water systems, and sanitation systems. Other facilities on NFS lands may be operated by 

the private sector through easements or special use authorizations. Examples of these third-party 

facilities include work and organizational camps, concession sites, electronic and communication 

sites, public water and sanitation systems, power transmission lines, pipelines, research equipment 

and structures, and access routes to private land in-holdings.

Ten National Core BMPs are in the Facilities and Nonrecreation Special Uses Management Activities category. These BMPs are to be used in all facilities and nonrecreation special use authorizations on NFS lands. BMP Fac-1 (Facilities and Nonrecreation Special Uses Planning) is a planning 

BMP for facilities and nonrecreation special uses projects. BMP Fac-2 (Facility Construction and 

Stormwater Control) provides direction for erosion control and stormwater management during construction activities. This BMP applies to any ground-disturbing activity, regardless of the 

resource category; for example, constructing a campground, operating a mine, or reconstructing a 

road. BMP Fac-3 (Potable Water Supply Systems), BMP Fac-4 (Sanitation Systems), and BMP 

Fac-5 (Solid Waste Management) provide practices for drinking water, human sanitation, and trash 

or garbage disposal at facilities. BMP Fac-6 (Hazardous Materials) covers management of hazardous materials and applies to any activity that involves hazardous materials, not just at facilities. 

BMP Fac-7 (Vehicles and Equipment Wash Water) covers vehicle washing, which usually takes 

place at a facility. BMP Fac-8 (Nonrecreation Special Use Authorizations) and BMP Fac-9 (Pipelines, Transmission Facilities, and Rights-of-Way) provide practices for third-party uses on NFS 

lands that are not related to recreation activities. BMP Fac-10 (Facility Site Reclamation) provides 

direction for reclamation of developed sites that are no longer needed for their developed purposes.

States will be used in the rest of this resource category to signify both States and those tribes that 

have received approval from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for treatment as a 

State under the Clean Water Act (CWA).

Facilities and Nonrecreation Special Uses 

Management Activities

Facilities and Nonrecreation Special Uses BMPs

Fac-1 Facilities and Nonrecreation Special Uses Planning

Fac-2 Facility Construction and Stormwater Control

Fac-3 Potable Water Supply Systems

Fac-4 Sanitation Systems

Fac-5 Solid Waste Management

Fac-6 Hazardous Materials

Fac-7 Vehicle and Equipment Wash Water

Fac-8 Nonrecreation Special Use Authorizations

Fac-9 Pipelines, Transmission Facilities, and Rights-of-Way

Fac-10 Facility Site Reclamation 
40 Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide

Fac-1. Facilities and Nonrecreation Special Uses Planning

Forest Service Handbook (FSH) 7309.11, chapter 20; FSH 7409.11, chapter 10; FSH 2709.11, 

chapter 50.

Use the applicable special use authorization and administrative facilities planning processes to develop measures to avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects to soil, water quality, and riparian 

resources during construction and operation of facilities and nonrecreation special uses activities.

Facilities may be developed on NFS lands by the Forest Service for a variety of administrative and 

recreational purposes. Potential effects of the proposed facility construction and operation on water 

quality should be considered when new sites are created or existing sites are improved and operated. In the planning process, site-specific BMP prescriptions are developed to avoid, minimize, or 

mitigate adverse effects to soil, water quality, and riparian resources.

Facilities developed and operated by others on NFS lands are administered through special use 

authorizations issued by the Forest Service to public or private agencies, a group, or an individual. 

Special use permits must include terms and conditions to protect the environment and otherwise 

comply with the requirements of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 

1752). These environmental protection requirements include the use of appropriate BMPs to control nonpoint source pollution.

State and local governments regulate many activities associated with facility development and 

operation, such as public water supplies, sanitation systems, waste disposal, and control of stormwater discharges. State or local requirements applicable to these activities should be incorporated 

into facility design, construction, and operation plans, and terms and conditions during the planning process.

Develop site-specific BMP prescriptions for the following practices, as appropriate or when 

required, using State BMPs, Forest Service regional guidance, land management plan direction, 

BMP monitoring information, and professional judgment.

• Use applicable practices of BMP Plan-2 (Project Planning and Analysis) and BMP Plan-3 

(Aquatic Management Zone [AMZ] Planning) when planning facilities or nonrecreation special 

use projects.

• Consider the following design criteria in facility planning.

q Locate the facility away from the immediate vicinity of surface waters, AMZs, wetlands, 

sandy soils, shallow water tables, groundwater recharge areas, floodplains, and other 

sensitive areas to the extent practicable.

q Avoid unstable slopes and soils.

q Minimize the disturbance footprint.

q Use and maintain proper erosion and sediment control practices during and immediately after 

construction activities (See BMP Fac-2 [Facility Construction and Stormwater Control]).

q Incorporate suitable stormwater controls in the project design (See BMP Fac-2 [Facility 

Construction and Stormwater Control]).

q Use applicable Road Management BMPs for access roads associated with facility sites.

q Incorporate requirements from applicable Federal, State, and local permits into facility 

construction and operation plans.

Manual or Handbook 

Reference

Objective

Explanation

Practices
Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide 41

• Consider the time necessary to complete facility development activities.

q Develop a contingency plan for implementing appropriate prestorm or winterization BMPs 

before the grading permit expires.

• Determine the design capacity, if applicable, of the site for public or administrative use, 

considering needs for protecting soil, water quality, and riparian resources.

q Ensure that the capacity of the site matches the ability of the site to withstand the use.

• Conform to all applicable Federal, State, and local regulations and permits governing water 

supply, sanitation, and underground injection systems (see BMP Fac-3 [Potable Water Supply 

Systems] and BMP Fac-4 [Sanitation Systems]).

• Determine instream flow needs to minimize damage to scenic and aesthetic values; native plant, 

fish, and wildlife habitat; and to otherwise protect the environment where the operation of the 

facility would modify existing streamflow regimes (See BMP WatUses-1 [Water Uses Planning]).

Fac-2. Facility Construction and Stormwater Control

None known.

Avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects to soil, water quality, and riparian resources by controlling erosion and managing stormwater discharge originating from ground disturbance during 

construction of developed sites.

During construction and operation of facility sites, land may be cleared of existing vegetation and 

ground cover, exposing mineral soil that may be more easily eroded by water, wind, and gravity. 

Changes in land use and impervious surfaces can temporarily or permanently alter stormwater 

runoff that, if left uncontrolled, can affect morphology, stability, and quality of nearby streams 

and other waterbodies. Erosion and stormwater runoff control measures are implemented to retain 

soil in place and to control delivery of suspended sediment and other pollutants to nearby surface 

water. This practice is initiated during the planning phase and applied during project implementation and operation.

This BMP contains practices for managing erosion and stormwater discharge that are generally applicable for any project that involves ground disturbance, including developed recreation, mineral 

exploration and production sites, pipelines, water developments, etc., and should be used for all 

such projects.

Develop site-specific BMP prescriptions for the following practices, as appropriate or when 

required, using State BMPs, Forest Service regional guidance, land management plan direction, 

BMP monitoring information, and professional judgment.

• Obtain Clean Water Act (CWA) 402 stormwater discharge permit coverage from the 

appropriate State agency or the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) when more than 

1 acre of land will be disturbed through construction activities.

• Obtain CWA 404 permit coverage from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers when dredge or fill 

material will be discharged to waters of the United States.

• Establish designated areas for equipment staging, stockpiling materials, and parking to 

minimize the area of ground disturbance (see BMP Road-9 [Parking Sites and Staging Areas] 

and BMP Road-10 [Equipment Refueling and Servicing]).

Manual or Handbook 

Reference

Objective

Explanation

Practices
42 Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide

• Establish and maintain construction area limits to the minimum area necessary for completing 

the project and confine disturbance to within this area.

• Develop and implement an erosion control and sediment plan that covers all disturbed areas, 

including borrow, stockpile, fueling, and staging areas used during construction activities.

• Calculate the expected runoff generated using a suitable design storm to determine necessary 

stormwater drainage capacity.

q Use site conditions and local requirements to determine design storm.

q Include run-on from any contributing areas.

• Refer to State or local construction and stormwater BMP manuals, guidebooks, and trade 

publications for effective techniques to:

q Apply soil protective cover on disturbed areas where natural revegetation is inadequate to 

prevent accelerated erosion during construction or before the next growing season.

q Maintain the natural drainage pattern of the area wherever practicable.

q Control, collect, detain, treat, and disperse stormwater runoff from the site.

q Divert surface runoff around bare areas with appropriate energy dissipation and sediment 

filters.

q Stabilize steep excavated slopes.

• Develop and implement a postconstruction site vegetation plan using suitable species and 

establishment techniques to revegetate the site in compliance with local direction and 

requirements per Forest Service Manual (FSM) 2070 and FSM 2080 for vegetation ecology and 

prevention and control of invasive species.

• Install sediment and stormwater controls before initiating surface-disturbing activities to the 

extent practicable.

• Do not use snow or frozen soil material in facility construction.

• Schedule, to the extent practicable, construction activities to avoid direct soil and water 

disturbance during periods of the year when heavy precipitation and runoff are likely to occur.

q Limit the amount of exposed or disturbed soil at any one time to the minimum necessary to 

complete construction operations.

q Limit operation of equipment when ground conditions could result in excessive rutting, 

soil puddling, or runoff of sediments directly into waterbodies.

• Install suitable stormwater and erosion control measures to stabilize disturbed areas and 

waterways before seasonal shutdown of project operations or when severe or successive storms 

are expected.

• Use low-impact development practices where practicable.

• Maintain erosion and stormwater controls as necessary to ensure proper and effective 

functioning.

q Prepare for unexpected failures of erosion control measures.

q Implement corrective actions without delay when failures are discovered to prevent 

pollutant discharge to nearby waterbodies.

• Routinely inspect construction sites to verify that erosion and stormwater controls are 

implemented and functioning as designed and are appropriately maintained.

• Use suitable measures in compliance with local direction to prevent and control invasive species.
Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide 43

Fac-3. Potable Water Supply Systems

Manual or Handbook Reference: FSM 7420 and FSH 7409.11, chapter 40.

Provide potable water supplies of sufficient quality and quantity to support the use at facilities.

Many facilities provide potable water from a surface water or groundwater source. Water systems 

should supply an adequate volume of acceptably clean water as needed by the facility. A water 

system is comprised of collection, treatment, storage, and distribution facilities. Water systems are 

classified into categories (e.g., public versus nonpublic, community versus noncommunity, and 

transient versus nontransient) based on ownership, size, and permanence of the population served. 

Regulations are based on these different categories. Management requirements and controls to protect drinking water quality and provide potable water are incorporated into each facility’s operation and maintenance plan (FSM 7410).

Develop site-specific BMP prescriptions for the following practices, as appropriate or when 

required, using State BMPs, Forest Service regional guidance, land management plan direction, 

BMP monitoring information, and professional judgment.

• Develop water systems only in places where the water source can be protected.

• Develop groundwater wells and facilities in a manner that reduces the potential of groundwater 

aquifer contamination in accordance with BMP WatUses-2 (Water Wells for Production and 

Monitoring).

• Use applicable practices of BMP WatUses-3 (Administrative Water Developments) and BMP 

WatUses-4 (Water Diversions and Conveyances) to manage surface diversions.

• Operate, monitor, and manage Forest Service-owned (public and nonpublic) drinking water 

systems in accordance with direction in FSM 7420.

q Design, construct, operate, and maintain water systems in a manner that provides for 

physical protection of the water source and system.

q Treat water as necessary to achieve desired water quality.

q Conduct sanitary and condition surveys per required schedules.

q Implement follow-up actions identified in the sanitary and condition surveys.

q Minimize possible contaminating activities within Wellhead Protection Areas and Source 

Water Assessment Areas to protect drinking water sources.

q Conduct required system monitoring and follow-up actions as needed.

• Perform water supply and system disinfection activities in a manner such that disinfectant 

residuals and byproducts will not affect nearby surface water or groundwater.

• Ensure that permit holder-owned and other authorized drinking water systems on NFS lands 

are operated and maintained according to direction in FSM 7423.

Manual or Handbook 

Reference

Objective

Explanation

Practices
44 Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide

Fac-4. Sanitation Systems

FSM 2330; FSM 7430; and FSH 7409.11, chapter 50.

Avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects to soil and water quality from bacteria, nutrients, and 

other pollutants resulting from collection, transmission, treatment, and disposal of sewage and 

wastewater at facilities.

Sanitation systems at facilities vary from a portable toilet to a sophisticated treatment plant. Facilities also may have wastewater systems for showers and washbasins. The type of sanitation system 

at a facility depends on the purpose and capacity of the site, available and needed infrastructure, 

Forest Service policy, and State or local regulations. Bacteria, nutrients, and other contaminants 

from sanitation systems can enter surface water or groundwater if the system is not properly 

designed and operated. Facilities are required to comply with State and local public health and 

sanitation ordinances. Management requirements and controls to minimize the possibility of water 

contamination from wastewater collection, treatment, and disposal are incorporated into each facility’s operation and maintenance plan (FSM 7410).

Develop site-specific BMP prescriptions for the following practices, as appropriate or when 

required, using State BMPs, Forest Service regional guidance, land management plan direction, 

BMP monitoring information, and professional judgment.

• Use qualified personnel to locate, design, inspect, operate, maintain, and manage sanitation 

systems.

• Coordinate all phases of sanitation system management (planning, design, installation, 

inspection, operation, and maintenance) with appropriate State and local agencies to ensure 

compliance with applicable regulations.

• Design and operate waste collection, treatment, and disposal systems appropriate for the type 

and volume of waste generated at the site consistent with direction in FSH 7409.11, chapter 50.

• Follow applicable regulations and guidelines when locating toilets, wastewater disposal, and 

leach fields.

q Use suitable setback distances from water bodies or other sensitive areas when siting 

facilities.

q Use proper field investigations and soil tests to determine suitable soils for onsite treatment 

and disposal systems.

• Prepare and maintain an operation and maintenance plan for all waste treatment or disposal 

facilities (FSM 7410).

q Inspect vaults, septic tanks, and other wastewater systems at regular intervals to ensure that 

capacities are not exceeded and that the system is functioning properly and in compliance 

with applicable State and local regulations.

q Implement follow-up actions identified in the inspections as needed to ensure that the 

system is working properly.

q Include procedures in operation and maintenance plans to contain or avoid releases of 

pollutants in floods or other emergencies.

• Ensure that permit holder-owned and other authorized sanitation systems on NFS lands are 

operated and maintained according to applicable regulations and direction.

Manual or Handbook 

Reference

Objective

Explanation

Practices
Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide 45

q Consider changes or improvements to existing sanitary systems that may be causing water 

quality impacts, such as poorly located pit toilets or drain fields, at opportune times such as 

facility remodeling or change in facility ownership or control.

Fac-5. Solid Waste Management

FSM 2130; FSM 7460; and FSH 7409.11, chapter 80.

Avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects to water quality from trash, nutrients, bacteria, and 

chemicals associated with solid waste management at facilities.

Uncollected garbage and trash at developed facilities can contaminate water by introducing nutrients, bacteria, or chemicals to the water. Trash can be blown about by the wind or carried by runoff 

into waterbodies. In addition, uncollected garbage can attract wildlife, which are looking for an 

easy meal, to the facility.

Develop site-specific BMP prescriptions for the following practices, as appropriate or when 

required, using State BMPs, Forest Service regional guidance, land management plan direction, 

BMP monitoring information, and professional judgment.

• Develop a Solid Waste System consistent with direction in FSM 7460 and FSH 7409.11, 

chapter 80 that defines and describes collection, transportation, storage, and final disposal 

methods for solid waste generated at facilities.

• Use suitable public relations and information tools and enforcement measures to encourage the 

public to use proper solid waste disposal measures.

q Encourage recycling of materials where practicable.

q Encourage the public to “pack it in-pack it out” in areas where practicable.

• Provide receptacles for trash at developed facilities.

q Place trash and recycling receptacles in areas that are convenient to the facility’s users.

q Place trash and recycling receptacles in locations away from waterbodies.

q Provide receptacles that discourage wildlife foraging as suitable for the area (e.g., bears, 

raccoons, birds) and suitably confine materials until collected.

q Collect trash on a routine schedule to prevent the receptacles from overflowing.

• Dispose of collected garbage at properly designed and operated municipal-, county-, or Stateauthorized sanitary landfills or waste recycling sites where groundwater and surface water are 

adequately protected.

• Obtain necessary State or local permits for solid waste disposal sites.

Fac-6. Hazardous Materials

40 CFR 112; FSM 2160; and FSH 2109.14, chapter 60.

Avoid or minimize short- and long-term adverse effects to soil and water resources by preventing 

releases of hazardous materials.

Manual or Handbook 

Reference

Objective

Explanation

Practices

Manual or Handbook 

Reference

Objective
46 Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide

Constructing and operating facilities often involve the storage and use of hazardous materials. Improper storage and use can contaminate nearby soils and surface water or groundwater resources.

Develop site-specific BMP prescriptions for the following practices, as appropriate or when 

required, using State BMPs, Forest Service regional guidance, land management plan direction, 

BMP monitoring information, and professional judgment.

• Ensure that all employees involved in the use, storage, transportation, and disposal of hazardous 

materials receive proper training.

• Limit the acquisition, storage, and use of hazardous, toxic, and extremely hazardous substances 

to only those necessary and consistent with mission requirements.

• Manage the use, storage, discharge, or disposal of pollutants and hazardous or toxic substances 

generated by the facility in compliance with applicable regulations and requirements.

• Monitor underground storage tanks and promptly address leaking tanks in consultation with the 

proper officials at State and Federal regulatory agencies.

• Construct and install new tanks in accordance with Federal, State, and local regulations.

q Ensure that existing tanks meet performance standards for new tanks, meet upgrade 

requirements, or are taken out of service.

• Prepare a certified Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) Plan for each facility 

as required by 40 CFR 112.

q Install or construct the containment features or countermeasures called for in the SPCC 

Plan to ensure that spilled hazardous materials are contained and do not reach groundwater 

or surface water.

q Ensure that cleanup of spills and leaking tanks is completed in compliance with Federal, 

State, and local regulations and requirements.

• Respond to hazardous materials releases or spills using the established site-specific contingency 

plan for incidental releases and the Emergency Response Plan for larger releases.

q Train employees to understand these plans; the materials involved; and their 

responsibilities for safety, notification, containment, and removal.

q Provide adequate communication to all downstream water users, such as municipal 

drinking water providers and fish hatcheries, as necessary.

• Ensure that hazardous spill kits are adequately stocked with necessary supplies and are 

maintained in accessible locations.

Fac-7. Vehicle and Equipment Wash Water

None known.

Avoid or minimize contamination of surface water and groundwater by vehicle or equipment 

wash water that may contain oil, grease, phosphates, soaps, road salts, other chemicals, suspended 

solids, and invasive species.

Washing vehicles and equipment is a common method used to maintain vehicles and minimize 

the spread of noxious and invasive species. Wash water and the resulting residue removed from 

vehicles and equipment may contain oils, chemicals, or sediment harmful to water and aquatic resources if not properly contained and treated. Work centers, ranger stations, fire stations, and other 

Manual or Handbook 

Reference

Objective

Explanation

Explanation 

Practices
Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide 47

facilities may have washing equipment and locations designated for cleaning fleet or contracted 

vehicles and equipment. Temporary wash locations may also be installed during incident management or project work.

Develop site-specific BMP prescriptions for the following practices, as appropriate or when 

required, using State BMPs, Forest Service regional guidance, land management plan direction, 

BMP monitoring information, and professional judgment.

• Use commercial washing facilities that have proper wastewater treatment systems whenever 

possible.

q Maintain a list of appropriate wash stations in the local area and provide the list to local 

offices, permit holders, and contractors.

• Install temporary wash sites only in areas where the water and residue can be adequately 

collected and either filtered on site or conveyed to an appropriate wastewater treatment facility.

q Consider the use of a portable vehicle washer system, such as that designed by the 

Missoula Technology and Development System, to contain and filter the wash water.

q Locate temporary wash sites out of AMZs, wetlands, groundwater recharge areas, 

floodplains, and other environmentally sensitive areas.

q Use suitable measures to treat and infiltrate wash water to comply with applicable surface 

water and groundwater protection regulations.

Fac-8. Nonrecreation Special Use Authorizations

FSM 2720 and FSH 2709.11, chapters 40 and 50.

Avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects to soil, water quality, and riparian resources from 

physical, chemical, and biological pollutants resulting from activities under nonrecreation special 

use authorizations.

This BMP covers all nonrecreation special use activities with the exceptions of pipelines; transmission facilities and other rights-of-ways; and water diversions, storage, and conveyance. BMP Fac-9 

(Pipelines, Transmission Facilities, and Rights-of-Way), BMP WatUses-4 (Water Diversions and 

Conveyances), and BMP WatUses-5 (Dams and Impoundments) are provided for those activities.

The Forest Service role in defining and requiring the use of BMPs occurs during the development 

of the special use authorization and administration of the use. Discussions between the Forest 

Service and the permit holder concerning soil, water quality, and riparian resource impacts and appropriate BMPs to use should occur at the time of permit development or renewal. The special use 

authorization operation and maintenance plan details the conditions that must be met, including 

management requirements and mitigation measures to protect water quality. The permit holder will 

be required to conform to all applicable Federal, State, and local regulations and land management 

plan direction governing water resource protection and sanitation. State or Federal law may require 

that the permit holder obtain a pollution discharge permit or other authorization from a State, regional, or local government entity. Authorized uses often cover a wide range of activities and may 

require that BMPs from several management activity categories be included in the authorization.

Develop site-specific BMP prescriptions for the following practices, as appropriate or when 

required, using State BMPs, Forest Service regional guidance, land management plan direction, 

BMP monitoring information, and professional judgment.

Manual or Handbook 

Reference

Objective

Explanation

Practices

Practices
48 Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide

• Include in the authorization operation and maintenance plan the appropriate BMPs to control 

nonpoint source pollution from ground-disturbing activities, chemical use, and other activities 

that may adversely affect the physical, chemical, or biological integrity of surface water or 

groundwater.

• Update existing special use authorizations and operation and maintenance plans during annual 

renewal, or the next renewal, to be consistent with current requirements.

• Administer authorizations per the direction in FSM 2720 and FSH 2709.11 to ensure that water 

quality related terms and conditions are met.

Fac-9. Pipelines, Transmission Facilities, and Rights-of-Way

FSM 2726 and FSH 2709.11, chapter 50.

Avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects to soil, water quality, and riparian resources during 

the construction and maintenance of pipelines, powerlines, transmission facilities, and other rightsof-way.

Powerlines and pipelines are constructed on NFS land by both public and private agencies under 

either an easement or special use authorization. Impacts to soil and water resources during transmission corridor and pipeline construction and maintenance include those originating from directional drilling, pipeline testing, soil disturbance, and erosion associated with vegetation removal 

and road construction. Other water quality impacts could occur from natural events, inappropriate 

or unauthorized activities, chemical spills, herbicide use, and other maintenance activities.

Measures to avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects to soil, water quality, and riparian 

resources should be incorporated in the authorization terms and conditions, project plans for construction and design, and the right-of-way management plans for ongoing maintenance of vegetation along the corridor.

Develop site-specific BMP prescriptions for the following practices, as appropriate or when 

required, using State BMPs, Forest Service regional guidance, land management plan direction, 

BMP monitoring information, and professional judgment.

• Consider soil and water impacts from factors such as stream head cutting and channel 

expansion, stream crossings, slope stability and steepness, and amount of riparian area, 

floodplain, and wetland acreage to be disturbed when determining corridor location.

q Co-locate pipelines and transmission lines with roads or their rights-of-way where 

practicable.

q Limit corridor disturbance, particularly in or near AMZs, surface waters, shallow 

groundwater, unstable areas, hydric soils, or wetlands.

• Consider service road location and standards, type of construction equipment (wheeled, tracked, 

and helicopter), size and location of footings and guy anchors, and revegetation requirements 

during project design.

q Use applicable BMPs for Mechanical Vegetation Management Activities when using 

mechanical treatments to remove vegetation from the project corridor.

q Use applicable practices of BMP Road-2 (Road Location and Design) for planning access 

roads.

Manual or Handbook 

Reference

Objective

Explanation

Practices
Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide 49

• Use applicable practices of BMP Fac-2 (Facility Construction and Stormwater Control), BMP 

Road-3 (Road Construction and Reconstruction), and BMP Road-7 (Stream Crossings) when 

constructing pipelines, powerlines, and transmission facilities and associated roads.

• Use design and construction measures that sustain long-term wetland or stream function when 

a buried transmission line, pipeline, or tower support must be placed in a wetland or cross a 

stream (see BMP AqEco-2 [Operations in Aquatic Ecosystems]).

q Use suitable measures for pipeline thickness, corrosion prevention, pipeline casing, 

cathodic protection and pipeline valves, and shut-off systems to prevent or minimize spills 

or leaks where pipelines cross waterbodies.

• Require suitable and regular inspections, testing, and leak detection systems to identify and 

mitigate pipeline deformities and leaks.

q Use applicable practices of BMP WatUses-3 (Administrative Water Developments) and 

BMP Min-7 (Produced Water) when obtaining or disposing of water used for hydraulic 

testing of pipelines on NFS lands.

• Ensure that pipelines corridors, transmission lines, facilities, and other rights-of-ways are 

properly maintained to minimize damage to NFS resources in the event of an accident or natural 

disturbance.

q Use applicable practices of BMP Fac-6 (Hazardous Materials), including preparation of 

an adequate Spill and Emergency Response Plan for pipelines carrying toxic or hazardous 

materials.

q Use applicable BMPs for Mechanical Vegetation Management Activities when using 

mechanical treatments to manage vegetation within the corridor.

q Use applicable BMPs for Chemical Use Activities when using chemicals for corridor 

maintenance or pipeline testing.

q Use applicable practices of BMP Road-4 (Road Maintenance and Operations) for 

maintenance of access roads.

• Aggressively address unauthorized uses of the corridor, such as motorized vehicle use, that are 

exposing soils, increasing erosion, or damaging the facilities.

Fac-10. Facility Site Reclamation

FSM 2020.

Reclaim facilities and surrounding disturbed areas to as near to the predisturbed condition as is 

reasonably practicable following closure or completion of operations, or as necessary for mitigation purposes, to avoid, minimize, or mitigate long-term adverse effects to soil, water quality, and 

riparian resources.

Abandoned structures and wastes, particularly hazardous materials, at facility sites may pose a 

safety risk to the public. Lack of ongoing maintenance of facility sites can also threaten surface water and groundwater quality via erosion and chemical leaks as they fall into disrepair. Facility sites 

should be closed and reclaimed after the need for it ends or the recurrent impacts to resources indicate the site cannot be properly managed with available resources. Heavily used recreation sites will 

cause some areas to become denuded and compacted. These disturbed sites may become unstable 

and begin to erode at accelerated rates if not stabilized. Reestablishing stable grades, functional 

Manual or Handbook 

Reference

Objective

Explanation
50 Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide

drainages, some level of site infiltration capacity, and effective ground cover on terrestrial sites and 

stabilizing substrates impacted by water flow or wave action are necessary to rehabilitate disturbed 

areas to avoid or minimize water quality and riparian resource degradation. Disturbances in and 

immediately adjacent to surface waters, riparian areas, and wetlands should be the highest priority 

for reclamation or rehabilitation.

Develop site-specific BMP prescriptions for the following practices, as appropriate or when 

required, using State BMPs, Forest Service regional guidance, land management plan direction, 

BMP monitoring information, and professional judgment.

• Regularly review the need for and use of stockpiles, materials, supplies, and facilities.

• Surplus, repurpose, or recycle unneeded usable materials where practicable.

q Dispose of unneeded materials through the appropriate solid waste handlers.

q Consult the forest pollution prevention coordinator for proper disposal of hazardous 

materials.

• Develop and implement a reclamation plan to rehabilitate and restore, to the extent practicable, 

the natural ecological components, structures, and processes consistent with land management 

plan desired conditions, goals, and objectives at sites where structures or facilities have been 

permanently removed.

q Remove unneeded structures.

q Re-establish original slope contours, surface, and subsurface hydrologic pathways where 

practicable and as opportunities arise.

q Improve infiltration capacity on compacted areas of the site.

q Establish effective ground cover on disturbed sites to avoid or minimize accelerated 

erosion and soil loss.

q Use suitable species and establishment techniques to revegetate the site in compliance with 

local direction and requirements per FSM 2070 and FSM 2080 for vegetation ecology and 

prevention and control of invasive species.

q Stabilize disturbed streambed and banks (see BMP AqEco-4 [Stream Channels and 

Shorelines]).

q Reconstruct or restore stream channels, wetlands, floodplains, and riparian areas to achieve 

desired conditions for aquatic ecosystem composition, structure, function, and processes 

(see BMP AqEco-3 [Ponds and Wetlands] and BMP AqEco-4 [Stream Channels and 

Shorelines]).

• Decommission unneeded roads, trails, and staging areas (see BMP Roads-6 [Road Storage and 

Decommissioning]).

• Consider long-term management of the site and nearby areas to promote project success.

q Use suitable measures to limit human, vehicle, and livestock access to site as needed to 

allow for recovery of vegetation.

Practices
Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide 51

Resources for Facilities and Nonrecreation Special Uses 

Management Activities 

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Office of Water. Information and other resources 

on low impact development are available at http://water.epa.gov/polwaste/green/index.cfm.

Cook, B. 1991. Guidelines for the selection of a toilet facility. 9123-1204. San Dimas, CA: U.S. 

Department of Agriculture (USDA), Forest Service, Technology and Development Program. 22 p. 

Available at http://fsweb.sdtdc.wo.fs.fed.us/pubs/pdfimage/91231204.pdf.

Otis, R.; Kreissl, J.; Frederick, R.; Goo, R.; Casey, P.; Tonning, B; et al. 2002. Onsite wastewater 

treatment systems manual. EPA 625-R-00-008. Washington, DC: EPA, Office of Water and 

Office of Research and Development. 367 p. Available at http://www.epa.gov/owm/septic/pubs/

septic_2002_osdm_all.pdf.

EPA, Office of Water. Website with national menu of stormwater BMPs. Available at http://cfpub.

epa.gov/npdes/stormwater/menuofbmps/index.cfm. 

EPA, Office of Water. Website with stormwater pollution prevention plans for construction 

activities. Available at http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater/swppp.cfm. 

EPA, Region 10. Web site with State stormwater BMP manuals. Available at http://yosemite.epa.

gov/R10/WATER.NSF/0/17090627a929f2a488256bdc007d8dee?OpenDocument. 

Water Environment Research Foundation; American Society of Civil Engineers; EPA; U.S. 

Department of Transportation, Federal Highways Administration; American Public Works 

Association. International stormwater BMP Database. Available at http://www.bmpdatabase.org.

Sinclair, L. 1995. Animal resistant garbage containers. 9523 1205-SDTDC. San Dimas, CA: 

USDA Forest Service, Technology and Development Program. 38 p. Available at http://fsweb.

sdtdc.wo.fs.fed.us/pubs/pdfimage/95231205.pdf. 

Sinclair, L. 1999. Comprehensive waste management. 9923 1206-SDTDC. San Dimas, CA: 

USDA Forest Service, Technology and Development Program. 24 p. Available at http://fsweb.

sdtdc.wo.fs.fed.us/pubs/pdf/99231206.pdf.

Land, B. 2006. Water system operator’s guide. 0623-1802-SDTDC. San Dimas, CA: USDA Forest 

Service, Technology and Development Program. 100 p. Available at http://www.fs.fed.us/eng/

pubs/pdf/waterguide/lo_res/06231802.pdf.

Snodgrass, K. 2007. Water use in Forest Service recreation areas: Guidelines for water 

system designers. 0773-2326-MTDC. Missoula, MT: USDA Forest Service, Technology 

and Development Program. 10 p. Available at http://fsweb.mtdc.wo.fs.fed.us/pubs/htmlpubs/

htm07732326/index.htm.

Low Impact Development

Sanitation

Stormwater

Waste Management

Water Systems
52 Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide

Wildland Fire Management Activities

The purpose of this set of Best Management Practices (BMPs) is to avoid, minimize, or mitigate 

adverse effects to soil, water quality, and riparian resources that may result from wildland fire 

management activities. Common wildland fire management operations include using prescribed 

fire, managing wildfire using a wide range of strategies from monitoring to aggressive control and 

suppression, and rehabilitating fire and suppression damage.

Firefighter and public safety is always the first priority in wildland fire activities. Implementation 

of BMPs to protect soil, water quality, and riparian resources, though important, must not compromise public or firefighter safety in wildland fire situations.

Four National Core BMPs are in the Wildland Fire Management Activities category. These BMPs 

are to be used during all wildfire management activities on National Forest System (NFS) lands. 

BMP Fire-1 (Wildland Fire Management Planning) is a planning BMP for wildland fire management at the land management-plan scale and at the project scale. BMP Fire-2 (Use of Prescribed 

Fire) provides direction for water quality protection during prescribed fire treatments. BMP Fire-3 

(Wildland Fire Control and Suppression) provides guidance for avoiding or minimizing effects to 

soil, water quality, and riparian resources to the extent practicable during wildland fire suppression activities. BMP Fire-4 (Wildland Fire Suppression Damage Rehabilitation) has practices for 

rehabilitating fire lines, fire camps, staging areas, and burned areas.

States will be used in the rest of this resource category to signify both States and those tribes that 

have received approval from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for treatment as a 

State under the Clean Water Act (CWA).

Wildland Fire Management BMPs

Fire-1 Wildland Fire Management Planning

Fire-2 Use of Prescribed Fire

Fire-3 Wildland Fire Control and Suppression

Fire-4 Wildland Fire Suppression Damage Rehabilitation

Fire-1. Wildland Fire Management Planning

Forest Service Manual (FSM) 5120; FSM 5150; and Forest Service Handbook (FSH) 5109.19, 

chapter 50.

Use the fire management planning process to develop measures to avoid, minimize, or mitigate 

adverse effects to soil, water quality, and riparian resources during wildland fire management 

activities.

Wildland fire is an essential ecological process and natural change agent for many vegetation 

communities and habitat types on NFS lands. The role of wildland fire is incorporated into the 

land management planning process through goals and objectives, desired conditions, standards, 

and guidelines in the land management plan. A forest or grasslands’ fire management plan (FMP) 

describes the objectives and constraints to manage prescribed fires and wildfires within the context 

of the land management plan. The FMP is used to assist in developing the response to a wildland 

fire and is supplemented by operational plans.

Manual or Handbook 

Reference

Objective

Explanation
Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide 53

Prescribed fire may be used to achieve a number of resource management objectives. These fires 

may occur across variously sized patches, from small slash piles to very large, landscape-scale 

broadcast burns. Properly planned and executed, these treatments can be very effective at managing natural resources while avoiding or minimizing adverse effects to soil, water quality, and 

riparian resources. A Prescribed Fire Burn Plan describes why the fire is needed, what the fire will 

accomplish, when conditions will permit achievement of desired effects, how specific fire application will occur, and how the progress and results will be monitored and evaluated. Soil and water 

protection objectives and measures should be written into the prescribed fire prescription.

Wildfires caused by natural ignition sources are managed to achieve a full range of land management plan objectives including protection and enhancement of resources. The decision to manage a 

wildfire for enhancement of resource objectives is made when the fire starts based on the objectives and constraints outlined in the land management plan. These fires cannot be planned beyond 

land management plan direction that determines areas where protection will be the only objective 

versus areas where enhancement of other resources may be considered as well. Watershed resource 

considerations may be incorporated into all wildfires, but objectives to manage the fire for beneficial effects may only be applied where authorized by the land management plan.

Develop site-specific BMP prescriptions for the following practices, as appropriate or when 

required, using State BMPs, Forest Service regional guidance, land management plan direction, 

BMP monitoring information, and professional judgment.

Land Management Plans

• Consider the beneficial and adverse effects of wildland fire on water quality and watershed 

condition when developing desired conditions and goals for the plan area.

q Identify areas where the adverse effects of unplanned wildland fire to water quality and 

watershed condition outweigh the benefits.

• Include plan objectives and strategies that allow the use of wildland fire where suitable to 

restore watershed conditions.

• Include design criteria, standards, and guidelines for fire management activities to avoid or 

minimize adverse effects to soil, water quality, and riparian resources (see BMP Fire-2 [Use of 

Prescribed Fire] and BMP Fire-3 [Wildland Fire Control and Suppression]).

• Consider the need to establish a network of permanent water sources in the plan area for fire 

control and suppression (see BMP WatUses-3 [Administrative Water Developments]).

Prescribed Fire Plan

• Use applicable practices of BMP Plan-2 (Project Planning and Analysis) and BMP Plan-3 

(Aquatic Management Zone [AMZ] Planning) when planning prescribed fire treatments.

• Consider prescription elements and ecosystem objectives at the appropriate watershed scale to 

determine the optimum and maximum burn unit size, total burn area, burn intensity, disturbance 

thresholds for local downstream water resources, area or length of water resources to be 

affected, and contingency strategies.

q Consider the extent, severity, and recovery of fire disturbance a watershed has experienced 

in the past to evaluate cumulative effects and re-entry intervals.

• Identify environmental conditions favorable for achieving desired condition or treatment 

objectives of the site while minimizing detrimental mechanical and heat disturbance to soil and 

water considering the following factors.

Practices
54 Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide

q Existing and desired conditions for vegetation and fuel type, composition, structure, 

distribution, and density.

q Short- and long-term site objectives.

q Acceptable fire weather parameters.

q Desirable soil, duff, and fuel moisture levels.

q Existing duff and humus depths.

q Site factors such as slope and soil conditions.

q Expected fire behavior and burn severity based on past burn experience in vegetation types 

in the project area.

q Extent and condition of roads, fuel breaks, and other resource activities and values.

• Develop burn objectives that avoid or minimize creating water-repellent soil conditions to the 

extent practicable considering fuel load, fuel and soil moisture levels, fire residence times, and 

burn intensity.

q Use low-intensity prescribed fire on steep slopes or highly erodible soils when prescribed 

fire is the only practicable means to achieve project objectives in these areas.

• Set target levels for desired ground cover remaining after burning based on slope, soil type, and 

risk of soil and hillslope movement.

• Plan burn areas to use natural or in-place barriers that reduce or limit fire spread, such as roads, 

canals, utility rights-of-way, barren or low fuel hazard areas, streams, lakes, or wetland features, 

where practicable, to minimize the need for fireline construction.

q Identify the type, width, and location of firebreaks or firelines in the prescribed fire plan.

• Use fire initiation techniques, control methods, and access locations for ignition and control 

(holding versus escape conditions) that minimize potential effects to soil, water quality, and 

riparian resources.

• Use prescribed fire in the AMZ only when suitable to achieve long-term AMZ-desired 

conditions and management objectives (see BMP Plan-3 [AMZ Planning]).

Fire-2. Use of Prescribed Fire

FSM 5140.

Avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects of prescribed fire and associated activities on soil, 

water quality, and riparian resources that may result from excessive soil disturbance as well as 

inputs of ash, sediment, nutrients, and debris.

Prescribed fire, while a useful tool to achieve resource management objectives, can affect watershed condition by consuming vegetation, dead woody debris, humus, and duff; removing protective ground cover; contributing to creation of water-repellent soil conditions; damaging physical 

and biological soil quality from excessive heat; and releasing nutrients and metals to runoff into 

nearby streams. A prescribed fire may burn at a range of intensities, leaving a mosaic of burn severities within the fire perimeter. Actions to control and contain the prescribed fire, such as fireline 

construction, can also adversely affect watershed condition by creating a ground disturbance.

Manual or Handbook 

Reference

Objective

Explanation
Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide 55

A Prescribed Fire Burn Plan guides the management of a prescribed fire. This plan contains the 

technical specifications for managing the fire and protecting other resources. Fire managers review 

these plans before fire ignition, briefing field crewmembers on practices and locations prescribed 

to avoid or minimize adverse effects to soil, water quality, and riparian resources.

Develop site-specific BMP prescriptions for the following practices, as appropriate or when 

required, using State BMPs, Forest Service regional guidance, land management plan direction, 

BMP monitoring information, and professional judgment.

• Conduct the prescribed fire in such a manner as to achieve the burn objectives outlined in the 

Prescribed Fire Plan (see BMP Fire-1 [Wildland Fire Management Planning]).

• Locate access and staging areas near the project site but outside of AMZs, wetlands, and 

sensitive soil areas.

q Keep staging areas as small as possible while allowing for safe and efficient operations.

q Store fuel for ignition devices in areas away from surface water bodies and wetlands.

q Install suitable measures to minimize and control concentrated water flow and sediment 

from staging areas.

q Collect and properly dispose of trash and other solid waste.

q Restore and stabilize staging areas after use (see BMP Veg-6 [Landings]).

• Conduct prescribed fires to minimize the residence time on the soil while meeting the burn 

objectives.

q Manage fire intensity to maintain target levels of soil temperature and duff and residual 

vegetative cover within the limits and at locations described in the prescribed fire plan.

• Construct fireline to the minimum size and standard necessary to contain the prescribed fire and 

meet overall project objectives.

q Locate and construct fireline in a manner that minimizes erosion and runoff from 

directly entering waterbodies by considering site slope and soil conditions, and using and 

maintaining suitable water and erosion control measures.

q Consider alternatives to ground-disturbing fireline construction such as using wet lines, 

rock outcrops, or other suitable features for firelines.

q Establish permanent fireline with suitable water and erosion control measures in areas 

where prescribed fire treatments are used on a recurring basis.

q Maintain firebreaks in a manner that minimizes exposed soil to the extent practicable.

q Rehabilitate or otherwise stabilize fireline in areas that pose a risk to water quality.

• Alter prescribed fire prescriptions and control actions in the AMZs as needed to maintain 

ecosystem structure, function, and processes and onsite and downstream water quality.

q Pretreat AMZs and drainage ways to reduce excessive fuel loadings.

q Avoid building firelines in or around riparian areas, wetlands, marshes, bogs, fens, or other 

sensitive water-dependent sites unless needed to protect life, property, or wetlands.

q Construct any essential fireline in the AMZ in a manner that minimizes the amount of area 

and soil disturbed.

q Keep high-intensity fire out of the AMZ unless suitable measures are used to avoid or 

minimize adverse effects to water quality.

Practices
56 Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide

q Avoid or minimize complete removal of the organic layer when burning in riparian areas 

or wetlands to maintain soil productivity, infiltration capacity, and nutrient retention.

q Rehabilitate fireline in the AMZ after prescribed fire treatment is completed.

q Remove debris added to stream channels as a result of the prescribed burning unless debris 

is prescribed to improve fisheries habitat.

• Conduct prescribed fire treatments, including pile burning, for slash disposal in a manner that 

encourages efficient burning to minimize soil impacts while achieving treatment objectives.

q Pile and burn only the slash that is necessary to be disposed of to achieve treatment 

objectives.

q Locate slash piles in areas where the potential for soil effects is lessened (meadows, rock 

outcrops, etc.) and that do not interfere with natural drainage patterns.

q Remove wood products such as firewood or fence posts before piling and burning to 

reduce the amount of slash to be burned.

q Minimize the amount of dirt or other noncombustible material in slash piles to promote 

efficient burning.

q Construct piles in such a manner as to promote efficient burning.

q Avoid burning large stumps and sections of logs in slash piles to reduce the amount of time 

that the pile burns.

q Avoid burning when conditions will cause the fire to burn too hot and damage soil 

conditions.

q Avoid piling and burning for slash removal in AMZs to the extent practicable.

q Minimize effects on soil, water quality, and riparian resources by appropriately planning 

pile size, fuel piece size limits, spacing, and burn prescriptions in compliance with State 

or local laws and regulations if no practical alternatives for slash disposal in the AMZ are 

available.

• Evaluate the completed burn to identify sites that may need stabilization treatments or 

monitoring to minimize soil and site productivity loss and deterioration of water quality both on 

and off the site.

q Provide for rapid revegetation of all denuded areas through natural processes supplemented 

by artificial revegetation where necessary.

q Use suitable measures to promote water retention and infiltration or to augment soil cover 

where necessary.

q Use suitable species and establishment techniques to stabilize the site in compliance with 

local direction and requirements per FSM 2070 and FSM 2080 for vegetation ecology and 

prevention and control of invasive species.

q Clear streams and ditches of debris introduced by fire control equipment during the 

prescribed fire operation.

q Consider long-term management of the site and nearby areas to promote project success.

q Use suitable measures to limit human, vehicle, and livestock access to site as needed to 

allow for recovery of vegetation.
Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide 57

Fire-3. Wildland Fire Control and Suppression

FSM 5130.

Avoid or minimize adverse effects to soil, water quality, and riparian resources during fire control 

and suppression efforts.

Wildland fire control and suppression activities are aimed at stopping and extinguishing the fire 

and often occur without full knowledge of potential effects to soil, water quality, or riparian resources. Suppression activities include constructing fire line and temporary access roads, opening 

closed or access-limited system roads, clearing and grubbing safety zones, falling hazard trees, 

retrieving water and applying it to the fire, performing back-fire operations, and applying aerial 

or ground-based fire retardant. Soil disturbance and loss of ground cover from these activities can 

lead to accelerated erosion and sediment delivery to waterbodies. Certain fire retardant formulations are toxic to aquatic fauna, including fish. Water quality objectives are included in strategic 

and tactical fire management plans, but are secondary to firefighter and public safety during suppression activities. 

Develop site-specific BMP prescriptions for the following practices, as appropriate or when 

required, using State BMPs, Forest Service regional guidance, land management plan direction, 

BMP monitoring information, and professional judgment.

• Assign a watershed resource advisor, or team of watershed resource advisors, to work with 

incident management teams to minimize damage to soil, water quality, and riparian resources 

from fire and fire control and suppression activities.

• Locate Incident Command Post, air resource bases, staging areas, and other fire management 

support areas outside of the AMZ and at a suitable distance from waterbodies to minimize the 

potential for adverse effects to water quality.

q Protect surface and subsurface water resources from nutrients, bacteria, and chemicals 

associated with solid waste and sewage disposal.

q Collect and properly dispose of trash and other solid waste.

q Use applicable practices of BMP Road-10 (Equipment Refueling and Servicing) when 

servicing, refueling, and cleaning vehicles and equipment.

q Install suitable measures to minimize and control concentrated water flow and sediment 

from support areas.

• Use Minimum Impact Suppression Tactics during wildland fire control and suppression 

activities when and where practicable considering the appropriate management response and 

land management plan direction.

• Use preexisting features for safety zones as practicable to avoid unnecessary ground 

disturbance.

• Construct fireline to the minimum size and standard necessary to contain the fire and meet 

overall resource objectives.

q Locate and construct fireline in a manner that minimizes erosion and runoff from 

directly entering waterbodies by considering site slope and soil conditions, and using and 

maintaining suitable water and erosion control measures.

q Avoid building firelines in or around riparian areas, wetlands, marshes, bogs, fens, or other 

sensitive water-dependent sites unless needed to protect life or property.

Manual or Handbook 

Reference

Objective

Explanation

Practices
58 Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide

q Use natural or in-place barriers that reduce or limit fire spread, such as roads, canals, 

utility rights-of-way, barren or low fuel hazard areas, streams, lakes, or wetland features as 

firelines where practicable, to minimize the need for fireline construction.

• Use suitable measures to prevent or minimize runoff, erosion, and sediment delivery to 

waterbodies when using water for fire suppression activities.

• Use suitable measures, consistent with current Forest Service policy, to minimize adverse 

effects to water quality when applying fire retardant or foam.

q Use fire retardant formulations that are least toxic to aquatic flora and fauna and shift to 

less lethal formulations as they become available and affordable.

q Avoid, to the extent practicable, aerial application of fire retardant or foam within a buffer 

area around waterbodies of sufficient size to minimize the potential for entry into the 

waterbody.

• Conduct water drafting at suitable locations and in a manner that avoids or minimizes adverse 

effects to water quality (see BMP WatUses-3 [Administrative Water Developments]).

• Evaluate the need to close or restrict use of surface and shallow groundwater resources 

following fire control activities that may have adversely affected water quality.

Fire-4. Wildland Fire Suppression Damage Rehabilitation

FSM 2523.4.

Rehabilitate watershed features and functions damaged by wildland fire control and suppressionrelated activities to avoid, minimize, or mitigate long-term adverse effects to soil, water quality, 

and riparian resources.

Fire suppression and related activities can damage watershed features and functions by removing 

vegetation, exposing soil, and disrupting flow pathways. Corrective treatments are used to stabilize 

soil, control surface runoff and erosion, reduce flood potential, and stabilize the drainage network 

in areas directly affected by fire suppression and related activities. Fire incident management teams 

(IMTs) are responsible for rehabilitation of fireline, spike camps, roads, and other sites created and 

used to control and suppress the fire, where necessary, to protect resources. Resource advisors may 

assist the IMT in determining the sites in need of treatment as well as suitable corrective actions. 

Areas affected by the fire itself may require additional rehabilitation, including emergency treatments, (e.g., Burned Area Emergency Response [BAER] program) to protect watershed resources. 

These activities may be initiated by the affected management unit immediately following the fire 

or during a period of years after the fire to achieve desired objectives.

Develop site-specific BMP prescriptions for the following practices, as appropriate or when 

required, using State BMPs, Forest Service regional guidance, land management plan direction, 

BMP monitoring information, and professional judgment.

• Conduct emergency stabilization assessments of fire damage that produces hazards to life or 

property as needed in accordance with BAER policy (FSM 2523 and FSH 2509.13).

• Reclaim and stabilize disturbed areas including safety zones, fireline, and base camps that have 

increased erosion potential or drainage patterns altered by fire suppression activities.

q Reshape the ground surface and install suitable drainage features to promote dispersed 

runoff from the site.

Manual or Handbook 

Reference

Objective

Explanation

Practices
Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide 59

q Mitigate soil compaction to improve infiltration and revegetation conditions.

q Use suitable species and establishment techniques to stabilize the site in compliance with 

local direction and requirements per FSM 2070 and FSM 2080 for vegetation ecology and 

prevention and control of invasive species.

• Repair roads, trails, and other facilities damaged by suppression activities that may adversely 

affect water quality and riparian resources.

q Repair damaged road and trail drainage structures and conveyances to a condition where 

they can function as designed (See BMP Road-3 [Road Construction and Reconstruction] 

and BMP Road-4 [Road Operations and Maintenance]).

q Reconstruct roads damaged by mechanized equipment to stabilize the road prism and 

running surface (See BMP Road-3 [Road Construction and Reconstruction]).

q Close or decommission roads opened for access in a condition that reduces the risk of 

adverse effects to hydrologic function and water quality (see BMP Road-6 [Road Storage 

and Decommissioning]).

q Repair and clear debris from water conveyance structures, such as ditches, to reduce the 

potential for failures and subsequent erosion.

• Clear suppression-created debris from critical points in streams channels to reduce the potential 

for flooding or bank erosion.

q Remove debris and sediment from existing drainage structures.

q Remove debris introduced by fire control equipment during fire suppression activities.

q Remove dams used to construct pools for water drafting into engines.

• Evaluate the burned area to identify sites that may need rehabilitation treatments or monitoring to 

minimize soil and site productivity loss and deterioration of water quality both on and off the site.

q Provide for rapid revegetation of critical denuded areas through natural processes 

supplemented by artificial soil surface cover or revegetation where necessary.

q Prioritize needed treatments to rehabilitate AMZ structure, function, and processes before 

treating uplands.

q Use suitable measures in compliance with local direction to prevent and control invasive 

species.

Resources for Wildland Fire Management Activities 

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management. 2011. 

National aerial application of fire retardant 2011 final environmental impact statement and 

associated documents. Washington, DC. Available at http://www.fs.fed.us/fire/retardant/eis_info.

html.

USDA Forest Service; U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, National 

Park Service, and Fish and Wildlife Service. 2000. Guidelines for aerial delivery of retardant or 

foam near waterways. 2 p. Available at http://www.fs.fed.us/fire/retardant/references/US_Forest_

Service_et_al_2000_Guidelines_for_Aerial_Delivery.pdf.

Fire Retardant
60 Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide

National Wildfire Coordinating Group. 2010. Incident response pocket guide. PMS 461, NFES 

1077. 130 p. Available at http://www.nwcg.gov/pms/pubs/nfes1077/nfes1077.pdf.

Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center. Minimum impact suppression tactics guidelines. Tucson, 

AZ. 12 p. Available at http://wildfirelessons.net/documents/GB_MIST_Guidelines.pdf.

Arkansas Forestry Commission. 2002. Arkansas forestry best management practices for water 

quality protection. Little Rock, AR. 60 p. Available at http://forestry.arkansas.gov/Services/

ManageYourForests/Pages/bestManagementPractices.aspx.

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. National conservation practice standards—338 

prescribed burning. Available at http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/standards/nhcp.html. 

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water. 2005. Chapter 3G: Fire management. 

In: National management measures to control nonpoint source pollution from forestry. EPA 

841-B-05-001. Washington, DC. p. 3-89–3-92. Available at http://www.epa.gov/owow/nps/

forestrymgmt/.

Napper, C. 2006. Water-source toolkit. 0625 1806. San Dimas, CA: USDA Forest Service, 

Technology and Development Program. 74 p. Available at http://www.fs.fed.us/eng/pubs/pdf/

WaterToolkit/lo_res.shtml.

Sicking, L.P. 2002. Water ejectors for use in wildland firefighting. 0251 1205P. San Dimas, CA: 

USDA Forest Service, Technology and Development Program. 52 p. Available at http://www.

fs.fed.us/eng/pubs/pdf/02511205.pdf.

Minimum Impact 

Suppression Tactics

Prescribed Fire 

Water Sources
Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide 61

The purpose of this set of Best Management Practices (BMPs) is to avoid, minimize, or mitigate 

adverse effects to soil, water quality, and riparian resources that may result from various mineral 

exploration, development, operation, and reclamation activities. Minerals on National Forest System (NFS) lands fall into four categories described in table 3.

Locatable minerals

(Forest Service Manual [FSM] 

2810)

Metals and rare earth elements such as uranium.

Uncommon varieties of sand, stone, gravel, pumice, pumicite, 

cinders, and clay.

Leasable minerals

(FSM 2820)

Oil and gas, coal, phosphate, potassium, sodium, sulphur, gilsonite, 

oil shale, and geothermal resources.

Hardrock minerals located on acquired lands.

Mineral materials

(FSM 2850) 

Common varieties of sand, stone, gravel, pumice, pumicite, cinders, and clay.

Mineral reservations and 

outstanding rights

(FSM 2830)

Reserved rights—private mineral rights retained in private owner 

conveyance.

Outstanding rights—private mineral rights in deed restrictions for 

some tracts of acquired forest land.

Minerals Management Activities

Table 3.—Categories of minerals on NFS lands.

In general, the Forest Service’s objective for managing mineral and energy resources on NFS 

lands is to encourage and facilitate the orderly exploration, development, and production of these 

resources in an environmentally sound manner integrated with the management of other national 

forest resources. In addition, NFS lands disturbed by mineral activities are to be reclaimed for 

other productive uses (FSM 2802). The extent to which the Forest Service has the authority to 

regulate mineral operations and require measures to avoid, minimize, mitigate, and reclaim surface 

disturbance varies with the mineral commodity in question and status of the land on which it is 

located. In all cases where there appears to be a conflict between applicable law, regulation, and 

suggested BMPs, the law or regulation takes precedence.

Eight National Core BMPs are in the Minerals Management Activities category. These BMPs are to 

be used during all minerals management activities on NFS lands, to the extent allowed by Federal 

and State minerals development laws and regulations. BMP Min-1 (Minerals Planning) is a planning 

BMP for minerals management at the land management plan scale and project scale. Mineral exploration and production activities are similar for many of the minerals managed by the Forest Service. 

Practices for exploration activities are in BMP Min-2 (Minerals Exploration) and practices for 

production activities are in BMP Min-3 (Minerals Production). BMP Min-4 (Placer Mining) provides 

direction for extracting metals from alluvial deposits in or near stream channels. BMP Min-5 (Minerals Materials Resource Sites) provides direction for extracting aggregate materials from waterbodies 

and upland sites. BMP Min-6 (Ore Stockpiles, Mine Waste Storage and Disposal, Reserve Pits, and 

Settling Ponds) covers onsite storage and disposal of solid and liquid mine wastes. BMP Min-7 (Produced Water) provides direction for treatment and disposal of water produced at drilling sites. BMP 

Min-8 (Minerals Site Reclamation) provides direction for reclamation of mines and drilling sites.

States will be used in the rest of this resource category to signify both States and those tribes that 

have received approval from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for treatment as a 

State under the Clean Water Act (CWA).
62 Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide

Min-1. Minerals Planning

FSM 2810, FSM 2820, FSM 2830, and FSM 2850.

Use the minerals planning process to develop measures to avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse 

effects to soil, water quality, and riparian resources during minerals exploration, production, operations, and reclamation activities.

When minerals activities are proposed for NFS lands, the Forest Service conducts or participates 

in an analysis as required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the applicable approval or authorization procedures to comply with laws governing mineral disposal and environmental protection and to ensure consistency with the land management plan. During this analysis 

and approval process, the Forest Service consults and cooperates with other State and Federal 

agencies to identify the environmental impacts that will occur; to develop measures to avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects to soil, water quality, and riparian resources; and to determine 

reclamation needs and formulate appropriate bonding. These measures are implemented through 

the approved plan, contract, or other authorization.

Through the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the U.S. Department of the Interior has the 

primary role in issuing mineral leases and permits and supervising operations for many mineral 

activities. The Forest Service coordinates with the BLM to ensure that land management plan resource management desired conditions, goals, and objectives are achieved; impacts to land surface 

resources are minimized or mitigated; and the affected land is promptly rehabilitated. Through the 

NEPA process the Forest Service and BLM make a determination as to whether an authorization or 

lease will be issued and identify stipulations needed to avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects 

to soil, water quality, and riparian resources.

Develop site-specific BMP prescriptions for the following practices, as appropriate or when 

required, using State BMPs, Forest Service regional guidance, land management plan direction, 

BMP monitoring information, and professional judgment.

All Activities

• Use applicable practices of BMP Plan-2 (Project Planning and Analysis) and BMP Plan-3 

(Aquatic Management Zone [AMZ] Planning) when planning minerals activities.

• Identify potential environmental risks of the proposed minerals activities and include measures 

in project plans to manage risk by removing or eliminating the source of risk, changing the mining plan, or removing the resource at risk from harm’s way.

Minerals Activities BMPs 

Min-1 Minerals Planning

Min-2 Minerals Exploration

Min-3 Minerals Production

Min-4 Placer Mining 

Min-5 Mineral Materials Resource Sites

Min-6 Ore Stockpiles, Mine Waste Storage and Disposal, Reserve Pits, 

and Settling Ponds

Min-7 Produced Water

Min-8 Minerals Site Reclamation

Manual or Handbook 

Reference

Objective

Explanation

Practices
Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide 63

• Inform proponent that a Clean Water Act (CWA) 402 permit may be required if the minerals operation causes a point source or stormwater discharge of any pollutant to waters of the 

United States.

• Inform proponent that a CWA 404 permit may be required if the mining operations will result 

in a discharge of dredge or fill material to waters of the United States.

• Evaluate plan of operations to ensure that reasonable measures, including appropriate BMPs, 

are included to avoid and minimize adverse effects to soil, water quality, and riparian resources 

from the mining activities.

q Require suitable geotechnical or stability analyses to ensure that facilities are constructed 

to acceptable factors of safety using standard engineering practices and considering foundation conditions and material; construction materials and techniques; the seismicity of the 

area; and the water-related resources at risk.

q Require suitable characterization of ore, waste rock, and tailings using accepted protocols 

to identify materials that have the potential to release acidity or other contaminants when 

exposed during mining.

q Require suitable characterization of mine site hydrology commensurate with the potential 

for impacts to surface water and groundwater resources, to include physical and chemical 

characteristics of surface and groundwater systems, as needed, for the range of expected 

seasonal variation in precipitation and potential stormflow events likely to occur at the site 

for the duration of the minerals activities.

q Stipulate suitable requirements, including water treatment as needed, to avoid or minimize 

the development and release of acidic or other contaminants.

q Use applicable practices from the Minerals Management Activities BMPs.

q Evaluate the consumptive use of water in the mining operation and its effect on waterdependent ecosystems.

q Evaluate the potential for direct and indirect impacts to morphology, stability, and function 

of waterbodies, riparian areas, and wetland habitats.

q Identify suitable measures to avoid impacts to waterbodies, riparian areas, and wetland 

habitats through appropriate location, design, operation, and reclamation requirements.

q Identify suitable interim and post-project surface water and groundwater monitoring where 

needed to confirm predictions of impacts, detect adverse changes at the earliest practicable 

time, and develop appropriate changes in operations or recommend closure where needed.

q Request a copy of operator’s CWA 401 Certification from designated Federal, State, or local entity before approving a plan of operations that may result in any discharge into waters 

of the United States.

• As outlined in the Forest Service Training Guide for Reclamation Bond Estimation and Administration for Minerals Plans of Operation, consider the direct and indirect costs of stabilizing, rehabilitating, and reclaiming the area of mineral operations to the appropriate standards for water quality and 

watershed condition as determined from the land management plan, State and Federal laws, regulations, plans, or permits when determining the reclamation bond amount. Include costs for:

q Operation and maintenance of facilities designed to divert, convey, store, or treat water.

q Decontaminating, neutralizing, disposing, treating, or isolating hazardous materials at the 

site to minimize potential for contamination of soil, surface water, and ground water.

q Water treatment needs predicted during planning and discovered during operations to 

achieve applicable water quality standards.
64 Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide

q Earthwork to reclaim roads; waste rock dumps; tailings; backfilling water features (diversions, ditches, and sediment ponds); and construction of diversion channels and drains, 

stream channels, and wetlands.

q Revegetation to stabilize the site and minimize soil erosion.

q Mitigation to restore natural function and value of streams, wetlands, and floodplains.

q Long-term operations, monitoring, and maintenance of mineral production-related facilities 

that must perform as designed to avoid or minimize contamination of surface or groundwater resources, including roads, diversion ditches, dams, and water treatment systems.

q Protection of the reclaimed area until long-term stability, erosion control, and revegetation 

has been established.

 Locatable Minerals

• Evaluate Notice of Intent to Operate proposal to determine if it will likely cause significant disturbance to soil, water quality, and riparian resources.

q Require a plan of operation from the mineral operator, lessee, or purchaser as required by 

law and regulation if proposed activities might cause significant disturbance of surface resources including soil, water quality, or riparian resources.

Minerals Leasing

• Include in the land management plan, or other areawide decision document, direction for surface occupancy. Use lease stipulations to avoid riparian areas, wetlands, and areas subject to 

mass soil movement; to avoid or minimize erosion and sediment production; and to avoid or 

minimize adverse effects to water quality and municipal supply watersheds, if these issues are 

not adequately addressed by provisions in regulations at 36 CFR 228.108.

• Use the applicable practices from the Minerals Activities BMPs for recommendations on postlease approval of operations.

• Require or work with BLM to require appropriate contingency plans to avoid or minimize adverse impacts to surface waters.

• Coordinate with BLM to ensure the reclamation bond required for operations will be sufficient 

to guarantee reclamation work on NFS lands to the appropriate standards for water quality and 

watershed condition as determined from the land management plan, State and Federal laws, 

regulations, plans, or permits.

Mineral Materials

• Include reasonable conditions and applicable practices of BMP Min-3 (Minerals Production) and 

BMP Min-5 (Mineral Materials Resource Sites) in the operating plan to ensure proper protection 

of soil, water quality, and riparian resources and timely reclamation of disturbed areas.

• Consider the direct and indirect costs of stabilizing, rehabilitating, and reclaiming the area of 

mineral materials operations to the appropriate standards for water quality and watershed condition as determined from the land management plan, State and Federal laws, regulations, plans, 

or permits when determining the reclamation bond amount.

Mineral Reservations and Outstanding Mineral Rights

• Evaluate the Operating Plan for Mineral Reservation Operations to ensure that reasonable 

measures, including appropriate BMPs, consistent with the terms of the deed, are included to 
Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide 65

minimize damage to NFS surface resources that could affect soil, water quality, and 

riparian resources and that provide for restoration and reclamation of disturbed lands.

• Evaluate the Operating Plan for Outstanding Mineral Rights to ensure that reasonable measures, 

including appropriate BMPs, are included to control erosion, avoid or minimize water pollution, 

and reclaim the site consistent with land management plan direction for water quality management.

Min-2. Minerals Exploration

FSM 2810, FSM 2820, and FSM 2850.

Avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects to soil, water quality, and riparian resources caused 

by physical and chemical pollutants during minerals exploration activities.

Minerals exploration is the process of determining the location, extent, composition, and quality 

of deposits of minerals and energy resources that can be commercially developed. Exploration 

methods may include remote sensing, geochemical analysis of water, rock and soil samples, geophysical analysis, and ground-disturbing activities including drilling, bulldozing, trenching, and 

excavating shallow pits, exploration shafts, or adits. During construction of drill pads, trenches, 

pits, or shafts, land may be cleared of existing vegetation and ground cover, exposing mineral soil 

that may be more easily eroded by water, wind, and gravity. Underground activities may intercept 

groundwater, exposing these aquifers to potential contaminants.

Develop site-specific BMP prescriptions for the following practices, as appropriate or when 

required, using State BMPs, Forest Service regional guidance, land management plan direction, 

BMP monitoring information, and professional judgment.

• Avoid or minimize long-term impacts to soil, water quality, and riparian resources to the extent 

permitted by the geologic target when selecting locations for exploration activities.

q Avoid waterbodies, sensitive areas, unstable slopes, and highly erosive soils to the extent 

practicable.

• Limit clearing, excavation, and other surface-disturbing activities to the minimum necessary for 

exploration needs.

q Consider using exploration drilling and support vehicles that do not require road construction.

• Design and construct all new roads and drilling pads to a safe and appropriate standard, 

no higher than necessary to accommodate their intended use (see BMP Road-2 [Road Location 

and Design], BMP Road-3 [Road Construction and Maintenance], and BMP Road-4 [Road Operations and Maintenance]).

• Employ suitable design and construction practices to avoid, minimize, or mitigate surface disturbances as well as maintain the reclamation potential of the site.

q Use directional drilling techniques when practicable to avoid or reduce surface disturbance.

q Plan and construct, to the extent practicable, exploration roads to be recontoured when operations are complete.

• Limit the extent of open exploratory areas at one time and restore one site before moving on to 

the next one, to the extent practicable.

• Use applicable practices from BMP Fac-2 (Facility Construction and Stormwater Control) to 

minimize erosion and stormwater discharge from ground disturbance at exploration sites.

Manual or Handbook 

Reference

Objective

Explanation

Practices
66 Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide

• Use applicable practices from BMP Fac-4 (Sanitation Systems) and BMP Fac-5 (Solid Waste 

Management) to avoid contaminating surface water or groundwater from sanitation or solid 

waste facilities.

• Use applicable practices of Chemical Use Management Activities BMPs when chemicals are 

used in exploration activities.

• Use applicable practices of BMP Fac-6 (Hazardous Materials) and BMP Road-10 (Equipment 

Refueling and Servicing) to manage petroleum products and other hazardous materials used in 

exploration activities.

q Require a transportation spill response plan, where applicable, that describes the petroleum 

products or other hazardous materials or chemicals that will be used in the operations, including the routes, amount and frequency of shipments, and containers and vehicles used. 

Describe in this plan the procedures, equipment, and personnel that would be used to respond to a spill.

• Properly manage all exploration-related wastes, including drilling fluids, produced water, and 

potentially acid-generating rock materials, to minimize the risk of groundwater and surface water contamination and to meet State and Federal requirements.

q Use applicable practices of BMP Min-6 (Ore Stockpiles, Mine Waste Storage and Disposal, Reserve Pits, and Settling Ponds) and BMP Min-7 (Produced Water).

• Protect groundwater developments and groundwater-dependent ecosystems from the impacts 

of shock waves when using shot explosions to determine gas reserves or other energy development potential.

• Use applicable practices of BMP Min-8 (Minerals Site Reclamation) to reclaim the project site 

after exploration activities are completed.

Min-3. Minerals Production

FSM 2810, FSM 2820, and FSM 2850.

Avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects to soil, water quality, and riparian resources caused 

by physical and chemical pollutants resulting from mineral development, production, and associated activities.

Minerals production is the process of opening the mineral or oil and gas deposit; extracting the 

mineral resource (beneficiation); and processing the mineral resource to put it in a marketable 

condition. Minerals are extracted through surface mining (open pit or strip mining), underground 

mining (shafts or adits), or wells for fluid materials or solvent extraction. In addition to land 

clearing for mineral extraction, a minerals production site will also require clearing and ground 

disturbance for accessory buildings and facilities for minerals processing, storage, and transportation. Exposed soils may be subject to accelerated erosion if proper erosion controls are not used. 

Hazardous chemicals may be used in the process of extracting and processing minerals. Extraction 

and beneficiation operations associated with mining activities can generate acid mine drainage 

when sulfide rock materials are exposed to air and water. These materials may contaminate surface 

water or groundwater if not handled appropriately.

Manual or Handbook 

Reference

Objective

Explanation
Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide 67

Develop site-specific BMP prescriptions for the following practices, as appropriate or when 

required, using State BMPs, Forest Service regional guidance, land management plan direction, 

BMP monitoring information, and professional judgment.

All Activities

• Avoid or minimize long-term impacts to soil, water quality, and riparian resources to the extent 

permitted by the geologic target when selecting locations for the mining operation, structures, 

roads, and ore and waste facilities.

q Provide adequate buffers and setbacks from waterbodies to avoid or minimize impacts to 

water quality and aquatic ecosystems.

• Employ suitable design and construction measures to avoid, limit, or mitigate surface disturbances as well as maintain the reclamation potential of the site.

• Use applicable practices from BMP Fac-2 (Facility Construction and Stormwater Control) to 

minimize erosion and stormwater discharge from ground disturbance at minerals production 

sites and to keep production sites dry.

• Properly manage mining byproducts and wastes.

q Minimize production of byproducts and wastes to the extent practicable.

q Plan space to properly handle, store, and contain byproducts and wastes.

q Find suitable onsite or offsite uses for mining byproducts.

q Recycle or properly dispose of wastes (e.g., used petroleum products, site garbage, septic 

effluent, decommissioned equipment, and used barrels or containers).

q Minimize handling of byproducts and wastes to the extent practicable.

• Use applicable Road Management Activity BMPs to manage roads and transportation at the 

project site.

• Use applicable practices from BMP Fac-4 (Sanitation Systems) and BMP Fac-5 (Solid Waste 

Management) to avoid contaminating surface water or groundwater from sanitation or solid 

waste facilities.

• Use applicable Chemical Use Management Activities BMPs, BMP Fac-6 (Hazardous Materials), and BMP Road-10 (Equipment Refueling and Servicing) to manage all chemicals, 

reagents, fuels, and other hazardous or toxic materials used for construction, operations, and 

beneficiation to avoid or minimize contaminating surface water or groundwater.

• Use applicable practices from BMP Min-8 (Minerals Site Reclamation) to reclaim the project 

site after minerals production operations are completed.

• Use applicable practices of BMP Min-6 (Ore Stockpiles, Mine Waste Storage and Disposal, 

Reserve Pits, and Settling Ponds) and BMP Min-7 (Produced Water) to protect soil, water quality, and riparian resources in minerals extraction and processing, geothermal energy, and oil and 

gas production activities.

• Require a transportation spill response plan, where applicable, that describes the petroleum products 

or other hazardous materials or chemicals that will be used in the operations, including the routes, 

amount, and frequency of shipments, and the containers and vehicles that are to be used. Describe in 

this plan the procedures, equipment, and personnel that would be used to respond to a spill.

• Make adjustments in the plans, authorizations, and bonds if conditions develop that are outside 

the design criteria and conduct adequate notification, emergency stabilization, or other activities 

to avoid effects before proceeding with additional mining.

Practices
68 Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide

Mining-Related Surface Activities

• Limit clearing, excavation, and other surface-disturbing activities to the minimum necessary for 

mining needs.

q Limit amount of exposed or disturbed soil at any one time to the minimum necessary for 

efficient operations during minerals production activities.

q Clearly delineate the geographic limits of the area to be cleared.

q Install suitable drainage measures to improve the workability of wet sites.

q Avoid or minimize damage to existing vegetation, particularly the vegetation that is stabilizing the bank of a waterbody.

q Stabilize mined areas and surface disturbance activities as soon as practicable before moving and opening up new areas.

• Reduce surface-disturbing activities to the minimum necessary for efficient minerals production 

activities during periods of heavy runoff or saturated soil conditions, to the extent practicable, 

to decrease the potential for soil compaction and erosion.

• Stockpile biologically active topsoil removed during excavation for use in reclamation.

q Store stockpiled topsoil separately from other vegetative slash or soil and rock materials 

and protect from wind and water erosion, unnecessary compaction, and contaminants.

• Conduct operations in such a manner as to avoid or minimize the production and transport of 

fugitive dust from the site.

• Use suitable measures in compliance with local direction to prevent and control invasive species.

Mining-Related Subsurface Activities

• Develop the mine plan to suitably address surface stability and avoid or minimize the unnecessary diversion of runoff or surface waters into the subsurface.

• Use suitable water management and control measures to minimize water inflow, use inflow for 

mineral operations to the extent practicable, and manage inflow to minimize the accumulation 

of contaminants including blasting residuals.

• Manage ventilation systems to minimize deposition of airborne contaminants on the ground 

surface.

Geothermal, Oil, and Gas Activities

• Locate well sites on level locations that will accommodate the intended use to reduce the need 

for vertical cuts and steep fill slopes.

q Use directional drilling techniques when practicable to avoid or reduce surface disturbance.

• Use suitable measures to stabilize fill slopes and minimize potential of slope failures.

• Use suitable measures to provide surface drainage and manage runoff from the work areas used 

for mud tanks, generators, mud storage, and fuel tanks in a manner that avoids or minimizes 

pollutant contamination of surface waters or groundwater.

• Use nontoxic, nonhazardous drilling fluids whenever practicable.

• Construct suitable impervious containment structures with sufficient volume and freeboard to 

avoid or minimize spills or leakages of oil, gas, salt water, toxic liquids, or waste materials from 

reaching surface waters or groundwater.
Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide 69

• Avoid mixing of geothermal fluids with surface water or groundwater where the chemical and 

thermal properties of the geothermal fluids would damage aquatic ecosystems and contaminate 

drinking water supplies.

Mining-Related Instream Activities

• Use applicable practices of BMP AqEco-2 (Operations in Aquatic Ecosystems) when conducting mining in waterbodies.

Min-4. Placer Mining

FSM 2810.

Avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects to soil, water quality, and riparian resources when 

conducting placer mining operations in or near stream channels.

Placer mining involves mining and extracting gold or other heavy metals and minerals primarily from alluvial deposits. These deposits may be in existing streambeds or in ancient, often 

buried, stream deposits. Suction dredge placer mining is the most common in-channel operation 

and removes gold and other minerals from streambed substrates. All floating suction dredges are 

designed to work as a unit to dig, classify, and beneficiate ores and to dispose of waste within the 

stream channel. Placer mining operations can also occur adjacent to stream channels and other 

waterbodies. The essential components of placer mining include removing the overburden, mining 

the placer deposits, and processing the ore to recover the desired mineral. Overburden and placer 

deposits can be excavated by a variety of means ranging from hand tools to heavy equipment. Excavated placer pay gravels are typically processed using a variety of gravity separation techniques 

that yield gold or other heavy metal concentrates. Concentration of gold and other precious metals 

sometimes takes place onsite using mercury amalgamation or other techniques. Waste products 

from placer mining include tailings and process water. Effects to soil, water quality, and riparian 

resources from these operations include direct modification of the waterbody, release of contaminated waters, groundwater disruption, and increased levels of turbidity and sediment.

Develop site-specific BMP prescriptions for the following practices, as appropriate or when 

required, using State BMPs, Forest Service regional guidance, land management plan direction, 

BMP monitoring information, and professional judgment.

All Activities

• Use applicable practices of BMP AqEco-2 (Operations in Aquatic Ecosystems), BMP AqEco-3 

(Ponds and Wetlands), and BMP AqEco-4 (Stream Channels and Shorelines) when working in 

or near aquatic ecosystems to prevent or minimize adverse impacts to water quality.

• Use applicable practices of BMP Min-3 (Mineral Production) for sanitation, solid waste, and 

transport and storage of petroleum products or other hazardous materials.

Suction Dredge Mining

• Conduct dredging and excavation operations in such a manner as to avoid creating dams or diversions, including inadvertent damming caused by tailing placement.

• Conduct dredging and excavation operations only within the existing wetted perimeter (waterline) in the active stream channel and avoid mining or otherwise disturbing streambanks.

Manual or Handbook 

Reference

Objective

Explanation

Practices
70 Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide

• Schedule dredging or excavation to avoid periods and locations where fish are spawning or 

where fish eggs or fry are known to exist at the time dredging occurs.

• Provide adequate passage for fish around and through the mining area.

• Provide space between current and recent dredging and excavation operations to avoid overlapping of water quality and habitat effects from concurrent or successive operations to provide 

areas of unimpacted substrate for fish and other aquatic organisms.

• Conduct dredging and excavation operations in such a manner as to retain large boulders, logs, 

or other natural obstructions in place to preserve large habitat-forming elements.

• Conduct dredging and excavation operations in such a manner as to avoid significant increases 

in downstream turbidity.

Mechanical Placer Mining in Riparian and Floodplain Areas

• Use applicable practices of BMP Min-3 (Minerals Production) in removing overburden to access placer deposits.

• Use applicable practices of BMP Min-6 (Ore Stockpiles, Mine Waste Storage and Disposal, 

Reserve Pits, and Settling Ponds) and BMP Min-7 (Produced Water) to avoid, minimize, or 

mitigate adverse effects to soil, water quality, and riparian resources when processing materials.

• Use suitable measures to avoid or minimize the entrainment of fish when obtaining water from 

a fish-bearing stream for placer mining operations.

Min-5. Mineral Materials Resource Sites

FSM 2850.

Avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects to soil, water quality, and riparian resources when 

developing and using upland mineral materials resource sites or instream sand and gravel deposits.

Mineral materials resource sites include upland and instream sites that are mined to obtain minerals materials such as sand, gravels, cobbles, and boulders. Upland aggregate deposits also include 

finer materials such as sand, silt, clay, and organic debris that can be mobilized during or following desired material extraction operations. The principal pollutant generated at quarries is total 

suspended solids and, therefore, erosion and sediment control should be the major focus during 

all phases of the quarry operation. The size and location of the deposit, as well as the amount and 

duration of need for materials, are commonly the key factors to consider when evaluating and 

designing an appropriate strategy to remove the materials and stabilize the site following mining 

operations.

Deposits of sand and gravel, the unconsolidated granular materials resulting from the natural 

disintegration of rock or stone, are generally found in near-surface alluvial deposits and in subterranean and subaqueous beds. Instream sand and gravel mining operations consist of extracting sand 

and gravel deposits from the stream channel and processing and stockpiling aggregate materials at 

a nearby site on land. Instream extraction is accomplished by dredging underwater deposits; mining 

point bars, lateral bars, and islands that are above the low-water level; mining of temporarily or 

permanently dewatered channels; or by creating instream harvest pits by placement of rock vortex 

weirs. Effects to water quality and aquatic ecosystems from these operations can include direct 

physical modification of the waterbody and hydraulics, reduction in bedload and change in bedload 

transport, release of contaminated waters, groundwater disruption, and increased levels of turbidity.

Manual or Handbook 

Reference

Objective

Explanation
Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide 71

Develop site-specific BMP prescriptions for the following practices, as appropriate or when 

required, using State BMPs, Forest Service regional guidance, land management plan direction, 

BMP monitoring information, and professional judgment.

All Activities

• Allow upland and instream sand and gravel mining where consistent with land management plan 

desired conditions, goals, and objectives for soils, aquatic and riparian habitats, and water quality.

• Use applicable practices of BMP Min-3 (Minerals Production) and BMP Fac-2 (Facility Construction and Stormwater Control) for sanitation, solid waste, and transport and storage of petroleum products or other hazardous materials and to control erosion, manage stormwater, keep 

the site dry, and protect the waterbody when clearing the extraction and processing areas.

• Use applicable practices of BMP Min-6 (Ore Stockpiles, Mine Waste Storage and Disposal, 

Reserve Pits, and Settling Ponds) and BMP Min-7 (Produced Water) to avoid, minimize, or 

mitigate adverse effects to soil, water quality, and riparian resources when processing materials.

Upland Gravel Pits

• Plan operations at the site in advance to minimize disturbance area and more effectively and 

efficiently open and operate the site.

q Limit the area of the facility to the minimum necessary for efficient operations while providing sufficient area for materials processing and stockpiling.

q Phase development where practicable.

q Use suitable measures to avoid, mitigate, or treat metal leaching and formation of acid rock 

drainage.

• Conduct extraction activities in such a manner as to minimize the potential for slope failures, 

limit slope steepness and length, limit disturbed areas to those actively used for extraction, 

retain existing vegetation as long as possible, and allow for progressive reclamation of the site 

where practicable.

Instream Sand and Gravel Mining

• Use applicable practices of BMP AqEco-2 (Operations in Aquatic Ecosystems), BMP AqEco-3 

(Ponds and Wetlands), and BMP AqEco-4 (Stream Channels and Shorelines) when working in 

or near waterbodies to prevent or minimize adverse impacts to water quality.

• Consider channel type and effects of the proposed operation on channel morphology and function when approving instream sand and gravel mining operations.

• Limit access disturbance to designated areas on one streambank to reduce the effort required for 

site reclamation.

q Use suitable measures to protect the streambank at access points to minimize bank erosion.

• Locate the material processing and stockpile site at a suitable distance from the active channel 

to leave a buffer zone along the waterbody to reduce risk of flooding.

q Consider historic channel migration patterns and site elevation when locating mineral processing and stockpile sites.

q Avoid or minimize disturbance to valuable riparian areas; wetlands; and aquatic-dependent 

threatened, endangered, and sensitive species habitat.

• Include suitable measures to protect channel morphology and function when extracting sand 

and gravel deposits.

Practices
72 Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide

q Specify the maximum depth of mining.

q Limit extraction depth to minimize slope changes along the stream, avoid or minimize 

channel and bank erosion, and retain existing natural channel armoring.

q Limit extraction amount to minimize upstream and downstream effects due to changes in 

bedload transport.

q Avoid modifying point bars to the extent where the resultant channel changes cause unacceptable reduced sinuosity or increased stream gradient, velocity, stream power, and bank 

instability.

q Schedule in-channel mining to occur during low-flow periods.

q Avoid or minimize changes to channel shape and reduce effects of mining on aquatic habitats by establishing a low-flow buffer.

q Avoid or minimize streambank erosion and instability during and after mining.

q Avoid or minimize headward erosion of the channel at the upstream end of the instream pit.

• Design and construct diversion channels to handle anticipated flow volumes and to minimize 

upstream and downstream effects of changes in stream grade, width, depth, bed characteristics, 

bank instability, and groundwater inflows when temporarily or permanently dewatering stream 

channels to extract sand and gravel.

q Ensure barrier is able to adequately protect the dewatered mining area from flood flows.

• Conduct excavation operations in such a manner as to avoid significant increases in downstream turbidity.

Min-6. Ore Stockpiles, Mine Waste Storage and Disposal, Reserve 

Pits, and Settling Ponds

FSM 2810, FSM 2820, and FSM 2850.

Avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects to soil, surface water, groundwater, and riparian 

resources from physical and chemical contaminants originating from ore stockpiles, storage and 

disposal of mine waste, and construction and use of reserve pits and settling ponds.

Minerals production and processing generates large amounts of materials including ore stockpiles, 

waste rock, tailings, drilling muds and cuttings, and process water. These materials may contain 

minerals, hazardous chemicals, and other potential pollutants that can have severe impacts on 

water resources.

This practice addresses the management of ore and mine wastes as well as construction and operation of reserve pits, settling ponds, slime ponds, process water ponds, and tailings impoundments. 

Most operations divert surface water and groundwater around a site, collect waters after passing 

through or under a site, or employ a combination of both. When water and waste are diverted, 

implementation focuses on isolating the wastes to contain, settle, control, stabilize, or otherwise 

minimize contamination, whereas practices for flow-through systems focus on methods to collect, 

store, and treat contaminated waters.

Develop site-specific BMP prescriptions for the following practices, as appropriate or when 

required, using State BMPs, Forest Service regional guidance, land management plan direction, 

BMP monitoring information, and professional judgment.

Manual or Handbook 

Reference

Objective

Explanation

Practices
Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide 73

Ore Stockpiles and Mine Waste Facilities

• Locate ore stockpiles and waste facilities on stable, level sites with adequate drainage, away 

from surface water, shallow groundwaters, and poorly drained soils where practicable.

q Establish adequate buffers and setbacks between the facility footprint and waterbodies to 

avoid or minimize adverse effects to water quality and aquatic ecosystems.

• Divert, control, collect, detain, and disperse surface runoff before contact with ore stockpiles 

and mine wastes.

q Use suitable measures to ensure that pollutants are removed from runoff that was in contact 

with ore stockpiles or waste facilities and are not discharged or released into surface waters 

or groundwater.

• Properly characterize ore and waste rock to identify materials that have the potential to release 

acidity or other contaminants when exposed by mining.

• Use suitable measures to minimize development and prevent release of acidity or other contaminants.

q Segregate and isolate potentially problematic materials from air and water.

q Install impermeable caps, liners, and surface water diversions.

q Blend acid-consuming materials, such as limestone, with the waste.

q Require water treatment as needed.

• Limit slope steepness and length to interrupt surface runoff and reduce soil erosion.

• Install suitable support structures, such as retaining walls, in conjunction with a drainage system 

to support facility berms while draining excess water.

• Construct waste facilities in successive lifts where practicable to promote long-term stability 

and post-reclamation land productivity.

• Use suitable measures to stabilize stockpiles not scheduled for immediate processing to avoid 

or minimize wind and water erosion, oxidation of reactive materials, and runoff of toxic waters.

• Monitor containment dams and water and sediment control features to ensure contaminants are 

not reaching streams or other sensitive resources.

Reserve Pits

• Locate reserve pits in stable areas on the drill pad to the extent practicable.

• Locate pits away from natural watercourses, riparian areas, wetlands, floodplains, and areas of 

shallow groundwater wherever practicable.

q Use suitable measures to ensure full containment of drilling fluids where the reserve pit 

must be placed in a sensitive location or in porous material.

• Design the reserve pit to contain all anticipated drilling muds, cuttings, fracture fluids, and precipitation while maintaining a suitable amount of freeboard to avoid or minimize overtopping.

• Use suitable measures to avoid or minimize seepage from the reserve pit contaminating groundwater.

• Remove any visible or measurable layer of oil from the surface of the reserve pit after cessation 

of drilling and completion of operations, and continue to keep the pit free of oil.

• Use suitable measures to avoid or minimize surface waters and groundwater from entering 

open pits.
74 Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide

Tailings, Settling, Process Water, and Slime Ponds

• Use the minimum amount of water necessary for efficient materials processing to reduce the 

volume of water requiring treatment, maximize the capacity of settling ponds, and avoid contaminating nonprocess water.

q Recycle treatment water or used closed loop systems where practicable.

• Use suitable measures to treat, store, and dispose of wastewater from mine inflows and leaching 

and milling operations in a manner that avoids or minimizes adverse effects to soil, water quality, and riparian resources.

• Use suitable measures to ensure that pollutant materials removed from the process water and 

wastewater streams are retained in storage areas and are not discharged or released into surface 

waters or groundwater.

q Design, construct, operate, and maintain water control devices, such as diversion structures 

and berms, and all solids retention structures, such as berms, dikes, pond structures, and 

dams, to function effectively through the life of the project with reduced risk of failure.

q Locate storage ponds and storage areas in places where they will not be washed out by reasonably predictable flooding or return of a relocated stream to its original streambed.

q Place materials removed from settling ponds in locations where liquids from the materials 

cannot flow overland into surface waters.

q Provide for contingencies to avoid or minimize failure and release of untreated wastes and 

wastewater into waters of the United States or waters of the State.

• Design tailings facilities, dams, and berms to acceptable factors of safety using standard geotechnical engineering practices and considering foundation conditions and materials; construction materials and practices; the seismicity of the area; and the human and environmental resources at risk.

• Design ponds to contain all sediment-laden process water as well as surface runoff, seepage, 

and expected precipitation.

q Use suitable measures to ensure that water is kept below the crest of the dam or berm.

q Size the spillway to release overflows in a volume and velocity that does not erode the 

spillway, the area beyond the outlet or the downstream channel.

q Use suitable measures to ensure water meets applicable Federal, State, and local water 

quality standards before discharge to waters of the United States or waters of the State.

• Divert surface water around the impoundment area before construction and, where appropriate, 

construct a drain field below dams and berms to reduce the water levels to maintain structural 

integrity.

• Install monitoring devices to measure water levels and mass movement within tailings or water 

retaining structures where human and environmental resources are at risk.

• Use suitable measures to minimize groundwater seepage into impoundments and avoid or minimize leaching of contaminated waters into the groundwater.

• Construct watertight impoundments for containment of mill process water, cyanide solutions, 

sulfide tailings, or phosphate slimes.

• Use closed-system ponds when water contains potentially hazardous materials such as cyanide 

or other beneficiation chemicals.

q Ensure that solutions containing chemicals used in beneficiation, such as floatation reagents or cyanide, are properly treated or removed from process ponds and disposed of in 

accordance with applicable State and Federal requirements.
Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide 75

• Install and seasonally monitor groundwater quality monitoring wells if a risk of groundwater 

pollution exists (see BMP WatUses-2 [Water Wells for Production and Monitoring]).

• Establish a suitable inspection schedule to ensure that water diversion structures, conveyances, 

and storage facilities are performing as designed and appropriately maintained.

Min-7. Produced Water

FSM 2820.

Avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects to soil, water quality, and riparian resources by appropriately managing water produced during the extraction of minerals, geothermal energy, oil, 

and gas.

Produced water is often a byproduct of oil and gas, geothermal energy, and mineral exploration 

and production due to the dewatering of underground aquifers. Disposal of produced water is a 

critical environmental impact to consider because of the large quantities produced and the potential low quality of the water. Potential impacts of produced water disposal include groundwater 

contamination, increased turbidity, addition of nutrients (primarily nitrogen from blasting residuals), sedimentation, erosion, altered hydrology, loss of aquatic habitat, reduced water quality, and 

loss of soil productivity. The BLM, States, or the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 

regulate disposal of produced water. Where water treatment and disposal is allowed on NFS lands, 

the Forest Service regulates all surface-disturbing activities and determines the conditions that are 

necessary to protect surface resources including soil and water.

Develop site-specific BMP prescriptions for the following practices, as appropriate or when 

required, using State BMPs, Forest Service regional guidance, land management plan direction, 

BMP monitoring information, and professional judgment.

• Prepare a water management plan that is consistent with land management plan desired conditions, goals, and objectives for water quality.

• Contain and limit the amount of produced water by recycling water through the mineral beneficiation process.

• Use produced water for a beneficial use, such as for mineral beneficiation or agriculture, where 

practicable.

• Discharge or otherwise dispose of produced water in compliance with the CWA and Safe 

Drinking Water Act, with appropriate approvals from the State and EPA.

• Re-inject produced water of suitable quality into acceptable underground reservoirs when authorized and appropriate.

• Avoid, minimize, or mitigate surface discharge effects including headcuts, stream crossing 

washouts, impoundments, channel stability, and flooding.

• Use applicable practices of BMP AqEco-3 (Ponds and Wetlands) when constructing ponds or 

impoundments to store produced water on the surface.

Manual or Handbook 

Reference

Objective

Explanation

Practices
76 Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide

Min-8. Minerals Site Reclamation

FSM 2840 and FSM 2522.14.

Reclaim minerals exploration and production sites and surrounding disturbed areas to as near to 

the predisturbed condition as is reasonably practicable after completion of exploration; production; 

or operations to avoid, minimize, or mitigate long-term adverse effects to soil, water quality, and 

riparian resources.

All lands disturbed by minerals exploration and production are required to be reclaimed to a condition consistent with the land management plan and applicable State soil and water quality requirements after all mining activities are completed. This practice will help ensure a systematic approach to reclaiming mineral, geothermal energy, and oil and gas operations. Although reclamation 

is usually thought of as the final step in managing mineral operations, reclamation measures must 

be considered during project planning; included in the approved plan, permit, or other authorization; and implemented during operations, as well as closure, to reduce potential resource impacts 

and facilitate the final reclamation effort.

Reclamation of abandoned mined lands sites poses additional problems to those associated with 

active sites. Typically these historical mineral operations were developed with little if any planning 

or operational controls to reduce environmental impacts. As a result, data about the environmental 

baseline—as well as the project facilities, equipment, and materials that are left onsite—may be 

minimal or absent. This information must be developed during analysis of the site so that restoration efforts are cost effective and achieve the desired results.

Develop site-specific BMP prescriptions for the following practices, as appropriate or when 

required, using State BMPs, Forest Service regional guidance, land management plan direction, 

BMP monitoring information, and professional judgment.

All Activities

• Develop and implement a reclamation plan to rehabilitate and restore, to the extent practicable, 

the natural ecological components, structures, and processes consistent with land management 

plan desired conditions, goals, and objectives at minerals sites.

• Reclaim facilities, activities, and associated surface disturbance as soon as practicable after 

completion of their intended use.

• Establish the optimal timing and scheduling of reclamation operations.

q Reclaim and stabilize facilities, disturbed areas, surface water diversion structures, and 

transport and storage areas before the end of seasonal shutdown so that they will function 

as designed to prevent adverse impacts to surface water from erosion and sedimentation.

• Sample and test the site to identify hazardous materials and associated areas that may be contaminated by petroleum products, reactive materials, or other chemicals.

• Use suitable measures to isolate, neutralize, remove, or treat hazardous or contaminated materials, including chemicals, reactive materials, acidic wastes, fuels, pit fluids, sediment, and human waste, consistent with applicable Federal, State, and local regulations to achieve applicable 

standards.

q Remove or stabilize materials in settling ponds in a manner suitable for the volume, type, 

toxicity, and hazards of the materials.

Manual or Handbook 

Reference

Objective

Explanation

Practices
Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide 77

q Require removal or encapsulation of waste material as necessary to avoid or minimize 

contaminating nearby waterbodies before operator abandons site or reclamation is accepted as final.

• Remove facilities, materials, and equipment (including septic system) from NFS lands.

• Use suitable measures to control or minimize erosion and sedimentation and ensure the stability 

of project components, including water drainage, diversion, conveyance, and storage facilities, as well as surface erosion and landslide control measures. (see BMP Veg-1 [Vegetation 

Management Planning], BMP Veg-2 [Erosion Prevention and Control], BMP Veg-3 [Aquatic 

Management Zones], BMP WatUses-4 [Water Diversions and Conveyances], BMP WatUses-5 

[Dams and Impoundments], and BMP WatUses-6 [Dam Removal]).

• Use suitable measures to divert, convey, and store surface water and groundwater away from 

mine (open pits or adits) and mine waste (tailings, waste rock, ore, and spent ore) facilities to the 

extent practicable to ensure stability and prevent formation of contaminated leachate or drainage.

q Intercept and collect groundwater flows as needed to minimize potential for groundwater 

contamination and to maintain stability of reclaimed areas.

• Install and seasonally monitor groundwater wells in areas where a risk of groundwater pollution 

exists (see BMP WatUses-2 [Water Wells for Production and Monitoring]).

• Properly abandon, plug, and cap all drill holes, cores, and wells per applicable State or Federal 

requirements.

• Stabilize or restore stream channels, wetlands, floodplains, and riparian areas to achieve desired 

conditions for aquatic ecosystem composition, structure, function, and processes and to reestablish or rehabilitate aquatic habitats to the extent practicable (see BMP AqEco-3 [Ponds and 

Wetlands] and BMP AqEco-4 [(Stream Channels and Shorelines]).

• Construct passive or active water treatment facilities as needed.

• Use suitable measures to control aquatic or wetland invasive species.

• Back-fill and recontour disturbed areas, including exploratory trenches, pits, adits, or holes to 

the original contour, where practicable, or to an acceptable post-mining contour that blends with 

the surrounding topography to re-establish surface and subsurface hydrologic pathways to the 

extent practicable.

q Stabilize benches around an open pit when backfilling is not practical.

• Confirm physical stability of project components including design slopes and factors of safety.

• Reconstruct, maintain, or decommission roads, trails, and staging areas consistent with land 

management plan desired conditions, goals, and objectives for the area (see Road Management BMPs).

• Establish effective ground cover on disturbed sites to avoid or minimize accelerated erosion and 

soil loss.

q Use suitable measures to prepare or treat subsoil and overburden to improve infiltration 

capacity on the site.

q Spread topsoil or growth medium and woody material on the disturbed areas.

q Test and use suitable measures to ameliorate topsoil or growth medium as necessary to 

achieve revegetation and ground cover objectives.

q Use suitable measures to prepare the seedbed improve infiltration and roughen surface for 

seed catch.
78 Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide

q Use suitable species and establishment techniques to revegetate the site in compliance with 

local direction and requirements per FSM 2070 and FSM 2080 for vegetation ecology and 

prevention and control of invasive species.

• Perform mitigation required by the Operating Plan to protect water quality and quantity.

• Consider long-term management of the site and nearby areas to promote reclamation success.

q Use suitable measures to limit human, vehicle, and livestock access to site as needed to 

protect reclaimed areas and allow for recovery of vegetation.

q Monitor reclaimed areas for a period sufficient to demonstrate that measures to protect surface water and groundwater are functional and effective over the long term.

q Implement interim operation, monitoring, and maintenance as required to protect reclaimed 

areas using suitable measures like fencing, road closure, or invasive species control until 

long-term stability, erosion control, and revegetation have been successfully established.

• Accept reclamation as complete when all reclamation measures are determined to be functional 

and effective.

• Implement long-term operation, monitoring, and maintenance activities as necessary for facilities, including roads, diversion ditches, dams, water treatment plants, fencing, gates, and 

signs, that must perform as designed for an indefinite period to prevent adverse impacts to 

water resources.

Geothermal Energy, Oil, and Gas Activities

• Reclaim well sites in a timely manner following well completion or plugging to avoid or minimize adverse effects to soil, water quality, and riparian resources.

• Permanently seal abandoned wells using appropriate protective measures in compliance with 

local and State requirements.

• Reclaim reserve pits to a condition that blends with the rest of the reclaimed pad area and restore the pit area to a safe and stable condition.

Resources for Minerals Management Activities 

British Columbia Ministry of Energy and Mines. 2002. Aggregate operators best management 

practices handbook for British Columbia, Volume 1—Introduction and planning and Volume 2—

Best management practices. Victoria, BC. Available at http://142.32.76.167/mining/Aggregate/

BMP/Pages/default.aspx.

Ecology and Environment, Inc. 2006. User’s manual best management practices for gravel pits 

and the protection of surface water quality of Alaska. Anchorage, AK: Alaska Department of 

Environmental Conservation, Division of Water. 43 p. Available at http://www.dec.State.ak.us/

water/wnpspc/pdfs/gravelpitbmp_guidance_final_063006.pdf.

Highland Engineering, Inc. 2009. Water quality best management practices for the aggregate 

mining industry. Duluth, GA: Georgia Construction Aggregate Association. 80 p. Available at 

http://gcaa.org/gcaaweb/bmpmanual.pdf.

Colorado Department of Natural Resources. Best practices in abandoned mine land reclamation: 

the remediation of past mining activities. Denver, CO: Colorado Department of Natural Resources, 

Division of Minerals & Geology. 42 p. Available at http://mining.state.co.us/pdfFiles/bmp.pdf. 

Aggregate Mining

Abandoned Mine Lands
Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide 79

Ferris, F., and others. 1996. Handbook of western reclamation techniques. Denver, CO: U.S. 

Department of the Interior, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement. 500 p. 

Available at http://www.techtransfer.osmre.gov/NTTMainSite/Library/hbmanual/westrecl.shtm.

Hutchison, I.; Ellison, R., eds. 1992. Mine Waste Management. ISBN 9780873717465. CA: 

California Mining Association. 672 p.

International Network for Acid Prevention Web site, particularly the Completed Projects page. 

http://www.inap.com.au/. 

O’Kane Consultants, Inc. 2003. Evaluation of long term performance of dry cover systems. 

OKC Report No. 684-02. Salt Lake City, UT: International Network for Acid Prevention. 190 p. 

Available at http://www.inap.com.au/completed_research_projects.htm. 

Passive In-Situ Remediation of Acid Mine and Industrial Drainage (Piramid) Consortium. 2003. 

Engineering guidelines for the passive remediation of acidic and metalliferous mine drainage and 

similar wastewaters. United Kingdom: Piramid Consortium. Available at http://www.eugris.info/

DisplayResource.asp?ResourceID=4269. 

Skousen, J.; Rose, A.; Geidel, G.; Foreman, J.; Evans, R.; Hellier, W. 1998. A handbook of 

technologies for the avoidance and remediation of acid mine drainage. Morgantown, WV: The 

National Mineland Reclamation Center, Acid Drainage Technology Initiative. Available at http://

aciddrainage.com/publications.cfm. 

U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management. 2001. Draft solid minerals 

reclamation handbook. 136 p. Available at http://www.fs.fed.us/geology/documents/blm.pdf. 

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 2000. Abandoned mine site characterization and 

cleanup handbook. EPA 910-B-00-001. Denver, CO: EPA Region 8, San Francisco; CA: EPA 

Region 9; and Seattle, WA: EPA Region 10. 120 p. Available at http://www.epa.gov/superfund/

policy/remedy/pdfs/amscch.pdf. 

Marks, M.B.; Buchta, T.; Newman, C.; Lentz, R.; and others. 2004. Training guide for reclamation 

bond estimation and administration for mineral plans of operation. Washington, DC: U.S. 

Department of Agriculture (USDA), Forest Service, Minerals and Geology. 133 p. Available at 

http://www.fs.fed.us/geology/mgm_minerals.html. 

Idaho Department of Lands. 1992. Best management practices for mining in Idaho. Boise, ID: 

Idaho Department of Lands. 150 p. Available at http://www.idl.idaho.gov/Bureau/Minerals/bmp_

manual1992/bmp_index.htm. 

EPA, Region 10. 1999. EPA and hardrock mining—A sourcebook for industry in the Northwest 

and Alaska. EPA-910-R-99-016, draft. Seattle, WA.

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. National conservation practice standards—457 

mine shaft and adit closing. Available at http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/technical /standards/nhcp.html.

Greystone. 1998. In-stream aggregate extraction and reclamation guidance document. Denver, CO: 

Colorado Department of Natural Resources, Division of Minerals and Geology. 99 p. Available at 

http://mining.State.co.us/Policies.htm.

Bonding

General

Hard Rock Mining

Instream/Riparian 

(Placer) Mining
80 Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide

McCulloch, R.B.; Ihie, B.; Ciliberti, V.; Williams. M. M. 1993. Montana Placer Mining BMPs: 

Guidelines for planning, erosion control, and reclamation. Special Publication 106. Butte, MT: 

Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology. 32 p. Available at http://www.mbmg.mtech.edu/gmr/gmrmines_exploration.asp or http://www.mbmg.mtech.edu/mbmgcat/public/ListCitation.asp?pub_

id=11696&. 

Yukon Placer Secretariat. 2009. Guidebook of mitigation measures for placer mining in 

the Yukon. Whitehorse, Yukon: Yukon Placer Secretariat. 130 p. Available at http://www.

yukonplacersecretariat.ca/infocentre.html.

U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management; USDA Forest Service. 2007. Gold 

book—Surface operating standards and guidelines for oil and gas exploration and development. 

BLM/WO/ST-06/021+3071/REV 07. Denver, CO: U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of 

Land Management. 84 p. Available at http://www.blm.gov/wo/st/en/prog/energy/oil_and_gas/

best_management_practices/gold_book.html.

University of Colorado Law School, Natural Resource Law Center. 2009. Intermountain oil and 

gas BMP project. Available at http://www.oilandgasbmps.org/. 

Oil and Gas
Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide 81

The purpose of this set of Best Management Practices (BMPs) is to avoid, minimize, or mitigate 

adverse effects to soil, water quality, and riparian resources that may result from rangeland management activities. Rangeland use includes grazing by cattle, sheep, goats, horses, and saddle stock 

used to manage the range and recreational stock. A primary purpose of the rangeland management 

program is to provide forage for commercial livestock operations. Grazing can also be a means of 

managing vegetation to meet other resource management objectives, such as fuels management, 

invasive species management, wildlife habitat improvement, and reduction of competing vegetation in plantations.

Three National Core BMPs are for Rangeland Management Activities. These BMPs are to be 

used when managing livestock grazing on National Forest System (NFS) lands. Each BMP is 

based on administrative directives that guide and direct the Forest Service planning and permitting of livestock grazing activities on NFS land. BMP Range-1 (Rangeland Management Planning) is a planning BMP for management of grazing allotments. BMP Range-2 (Rangeland Permit 

Administration) provides practices to be used when administering rangeland permits, including 

controlling overall livestock numbers, distribution, and season of use. BMP Range-3 (Rangeland 

Improvements) provides guidance for construction and maintenance of structural and nonstructural 

improvements and improvement of deteriorated rangeland soil and water resources.

States will be used in the rest of this resource category to signify both States and those tribes that 

have received approval from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for treatment as a 

State under the Clean Water Act (CWA).

Rangeland Management Activities

Rangeland Management BMPs

Range-1 Rangeland Management Planning

Range-2 Rangeland Permit Administration

Range-3 Rangeland Improvements

Range-1. Rangeland Management Planning

Forest Service Manual (FSM) 2200 and Forest Service Handbook (FSH) 2209.13, chapter 90.

Use the project-level National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) planning process to develop 

measures to include in the Allotment Management Plan (AMP) to avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse impacts to soil, water quality, and riparian resources from rangeland management activities.

Analysis of existing rangeland conditions and other resource values is conducted for each allotment as part of the project-level NEPA analysis and decision process for authorizing livestock 

grazing on NFS lands. The AMP is derived from the NEPA document and decision and is the 

primary document that guides implementation of land management plan direction for rangeland 

resources at the allotment (project) level. The AMP is included as part of the grazing permit and 

provides special management provisions, instructions, and terms and conditions for that permit.

Develop site-specific BMP prescriptions for the following practices, as appropriate or when 

required, using State BMPs, Forest Service regional guidance, land management plan direction, 

BMP monitoring information, and professional judgment.

Manual or Handbook 

Reference

Objective

Explanation

Practices
82 Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide

• Use applicable practices of BMP Plan-2 (Project Planning and Analysis) and BMP Plan-3 

(Aquatic Management Zone [AMZ] Planning) when completing allotment management planning and analysis.

• Validate land management plan grazing suitability decisions for the allotment.

• Establish desired conditions for the allotment consistent with land management plan goals and 

objectives for water quality and AMZs.

q Consider linkages between rangelands and soils, water quality, and riparian and aquatic 

systems when determining rangeland desired conditions.

q Consider the ecological potential of riparian and aquatic systems when determining AMZ 

desired conditions.

• Evaluate current rangeland condition and trends using accepted protocols.

q Review past management within the allotment.

• Determine management objectives and needs for livestock grazing and water resources affected 

by livestock grazing from management direction in the land management plan, biological opinions, or other binding direction and comparison of desired conditions with existing conditions.

• Identify potential management strategies and rangeland and riparian improvement needs to 

maintain or move resources in the allotment toward achieving desired conditions.

q Establish management requirements such as the season of use, number, kind, class of livestock, and the grazing systems.

• Establish annual endpoint indicators of use (e.g., forage utilization, stubble height, streambank 

alteration, woody browse use) related to the desired conditions and triggers (thresholds) for 

management actions, such as modifying intensity, frequency, duration, and timing or excluding 

livestock use.

q Set the indicator thresholds at levels suitable to maintain or achieve desired conditions for 

uplands, riparian areas, and aquatic ecosystems.

• Develop a monitoring strategy and plan for adaptive management of the allotment.

q Use accepted protocols to evaluate compliance with annual indicators of use and other land 

management plan standards.

q Use accepted protocols to evaluate ecological status and trend, including water quality, 

aquatic habitats, and beneficial uses.

• Document the following items from the project-level NEPA decision and analysis in the AMP, 

grazing permit, and Annual Operating Instructions (AOI):

q Management objectives for livestock grazing and all resources affected by livestock 

grazing.

q Management requirements for livestock grazing in the allotment.

q Monitoring requirements to implement adaptive management in the allotment.

q Schedules for rehabilitating rangelands that do not meet land management plan objectives, 

initiating range improvements, and maintaining existing improvements (see BMP Range-3 

[Rangeland Improvements]).
Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide 83

Range-2. Rangeland Permit Administration

FSH 2209.13.

Avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects to soil, water quality, and riparian resources when 

managing rangeland vegetation and livestock grazing through administration and monitoring of 

grazing permits and AOI.

Improper grazing can adversely affect the watershed condition in several ways. Loss of effective 

ground cover in the uplands leads to increases in overland flow and peak runoff. Soil compaction, 

loss of ground cover, and reduced plant vigor in riparian areas decreases the ability of the riparian 

area to filter pollutants and function as a floodplain. Streambank trampling increases stream channel width/depth ratio, resulting in a change in stream type and a lowering of the water table. Wider 

and shallower streams have higher stream temperatures and lower dissolved oxygen content and 

are often unable to move the sediment load effectively, resulting in increased flooding and bank 

stress. Introducing sediment, nutrients, and pathogens into waterbodies from grazing can lower 

water quality. Managing livestock numbers, distribution, timing, and season of use can reduce the 

potential for these impacts.

A grazing permit is used to authorize livestock grazing on NFS lands. The permit delineates the 

area to be grazed and defines the number, kind, and class of livestock to be grazed and the season 

of use. The special terms and conditions in the permit contain required management practices from 

the project-level NEPA decision to avoid, minimize, or mitigate effects to water quality and other 

resource values. The permit and AMP also include monitoring requirements to evaluate compliance with standards and determine long-term trends in range condition.

AOI issued to the grazing permittee specify those annual actions needed to implement the 

management direction set forth in the project-level NEPA-based decision. The AOI identify the 

obligations of the permittee and the Forest Service and clearly articulate annual grazing management requirements, standards, and monitoring necessary to document compliance. The permittee 

carries out the terms and conditions of the permit under the immediate direction and supervision 

of the district ranger.

Develop site-specific BMP prescriptions for the following practices, as appropriate or when 

required, using State BMPs, Forest Service regional guidance, land management plan direction, 

BMP monitoring information, and professional judgment.

• Conduct implementation and effectiveness monitoring as specified in the AMP.

• Monitor water quality, habitat, or other designated beneficial uses of water as necessary (e.g., 

303(d) listed streams, required terms of Biological Opinions).

• Use monitoring results as an adaptive management feedback loop to revise, if necessary, annual 

grazing requirements in the AOI to account for current allotment conditions and trends (figure 2).

• Use results of annual compliance monitoring and periodic trend monitoring, as well as forage 

utilization by wildlife and recreational livestock, to determine allowable annual amount of livestock use to meet rangeland and AMZ desired conditions.

• Adjust livestock numbers, season of use, and distribution when monitoring and periodic assessments indicate consistent noncompliance with permit provisions.

q Use suitable range management tools to alter livestock distribution.

Manual or Handbook 

Reference

Objective

Explanation

Practices
84 Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide

q Consider resting (placing an area in nonuse status for a period of time) a pasture or an allotment to allow for natural recovery of resource conditions.

• Document adaptive management actions such as allowable use, the planned sequence of grazing 

on the allotment, and any other operational changes in the AOI.

q Modify the AMP and terms and conditions in the grazing permit for adaptive management 

actions that become consistent over a period of years or grazing rotations.

• Modify, cancel, or suspend the permit in whole or in part, as needed, to ensure proper use of the 

rangeland resource and protection of water quality.

q Use permit authorities to change operations to avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects to 

soil, water quality, and riparian resources when special circumstances (e.g., drought) occur.

Range-3. Rangeland Improvements

FSM 2240.

Implement range improvements to maintain or improve soil, water quality, and riparian resources.

Rangeland improvements targeted at soil, water quality, and riparian resources are designed to 

protect or improve conditions of sensitive areas, streams, riparian areas, and wetlands and move 

these resources toward desired conditions. Improvements should emphasize protecting the beneficial uses in these areas. Improvements may supplement changes in annual use levels, seasonal use, 

distribution, and number, or other administrative actions.

Figure 2. Adaptive Management Process for management of range allotments.

1. Was the annual indicator/standard

achieved? (Stubble height, etc.)

2. Continue current

management and monitoring

(short- and long-term) to 

determine if desired condition is 

being achieved.

3. Change or modify annual

indicator and/or management as

appropriate.

4. Review current vs. desired

condition and trend. Need

for adaptive mgmt change?

5. Assign adaptive action.

Was the action implemented?

7. Is an administrative action

warranted? 8. Implement

administrative action

6. Is failure the result of a

design problem or changed

condition outside the control 

of permittee?

1 year

2 years

No

No

No

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Manual or Handbook 

Reference

Objective

Explanation
Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide 85

Development and maintenance of rangeland improvements can be the responsibility of either 

the permittee or the Forest Service. The district ranger will ensure that the permittee is involved 

as a cooperator in rangeland improvements. The permittee may construct or maintain improvements under Forest Service direction, or Forest Service crews or contractors may construct or 

maintain improvements.

Develop site-specific BMP prescriptions for the following practices, as appropriate or when 

required, using State BMPs, Forest Service regional guidance, land management plan direction, 

BMP monitoring information, and professional judgment.

• Identify and evaluate range improvement needs for soil, water quality, and riparian resources 

during watershed analysis, watershed condition assessment, project-level rangeland NEPA, or 

other assessment efforts.

• Include and schedule improvement actions and maintenance in the AMP and grazing permit.

• Design, implement, and maintain structural and nonstructural range improvements to achieve or 

sustain desired conditions for the rangeland, soils, water quality, and riparian resources in the 

allotment as determined in the project-level NEPA decision.

q Use rangeland vegetation species and establishment techniques suitable to the project site 

and objectives and consistent with local direction and requirements per FSM 2070 and 

FSM 2080 for vegetation ecology and prevention and control of invasive species.

q Use applicable Chemical Use Activities BMPs when using chemicals to treat rangeland 

vegetation and control invasive species.

q Use applicable practices of BMP Veg-8 (Mechanical Site Treatment) when implementing 

mechanical treatments of rangeland vegetation.

q Use applicable practices of BMP Fire-2 (Use of Prescribed Fire) when using prescribed fire 

to improve rangeland vegetation and conditions.

q Use applicable practices of BMP AqEco-3 (Ponds and Wetlands) and BMP AqEco-4 

(Stream Channels and Shorelines) for improvement activities that involve waterbodies.

q Use applicable practices of BMP WatUses-3 (Administrative Water Developments) when 

developing water sources for livestock watering.

Resources for Rangeland Management Activities

Harmon, W., ed. 1999. Best management practices for grazing. Helena, MT: Montana Department 

of Natural Resources and Conservation. 28 p. 

Meitl, J.; Maguire, T., eds. 2003. Compendium of best management practices to control polluted 

runoff: A source book. Boise, ID: Idaho Department of Environmental Quality. Available at http://

www.deq.State.id.us/water/data_reports/surface_water/nps/reports.cfm#bmps.

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). 

National conservation practice standards—383 fence. Available at http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/

technical/standards/nhcp.html.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 2003. National management measures for the control of 

nonpoint source pollution from agriculture. EPA 841-B-03-004. Washington, DC. Available at 

http://water.epa.gov/polwaste/nps/agriculture/agmm_index.cfm. 

Practices

Best Management 

Practices
86 Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide

Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (WDEQ). 1997. Best management practices 

for grazing. Cheyenne, WY: Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality, Water Quality 

Division. 17 p. Available at http://deq.State.wy.us/wqd/watershed/Downloads/NPS%20

Program/92602.pdf. 

USDA NRCS. Ecological site description (ESD) system for rangeland and forestland. Database. 

Available at http://esis.sc.egov.usda.gov/Welcome/pgESDWelcome.aspx 

Pritchard, D.; and others. 1998. Guide to assessing proper functioning condition and the supporting 

science for lotic areas. TR1737-15 Riparian Area Management. Denver, CO: U.S. Department of 

the Interior, Bureau of Land Management; USDA Forest Service, USDA NRCS. 126 p. Available 

at http://www.blm.gov/nstc/library/techref.htm.

Pritchard, D.; and others. 1999 (Rev. 2003). Guide to assessing proper functioning condition and 

the supporting science for lentic areas. TR1737-16 Riparian Area Management. Denver, CO: U.S. 

Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management; USDA Forest Service, USDA NRCS. 

110 p. Available at http://www.blm.gov/nstc/library/techref.htm.

Pellant, M.; Shaver, P.; Pyke, D.A.; Herrick, J.E. 2005. Interpreting indicators of rangeland health, 

version 4. Technical Guide 1734-6. Denver, CO: U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land 

Management, National Science and Technology Center. Available at http://www.blm.gov/nstc/

library/techref.htm.

Clary, W.P.; Webster, B.F. 1989. Managing grazing of riparian areas in the Intermountain Region. 

Gen. Tech. Rep. INT-263. Ogden, UT: USDA Forest Service, lntermountain Research Station. 11 

p. Available at http://www.fs.fed.us/rm/pubs_int/int_gtr263.pdf.

Wyman, S.; Bailey, D.; Borman, M.; Cote, S.; and others. 2006. Riparian area management: 

Grazing management processes and strategies for riparian-wetland areas. Technical Reference 

1737-20. Denver, CO: U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, National 

Science and Technology Center. 105 p. Available at http://www.blm.gov/nstc/library/techref.htm.

Burton, T.A.; Smith, S.J.; Cowley, E.R. 2011. Riparian area management: Multiple indicator 

monitoring (MIM) of stream channels and aquatic vegetation. Technical Reference 1737-23. 

Denver, CO: U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management. 155 p. Available at 

http://www.blm.gov/nstc/library/techref.htm.

University of Idaho, Stubble Height Review Team. 2004. Stubble height study report 

Contribution No. 986. Moscow, ID: University of Idaho, Forest, Wildlife and Range Experiment 

Station. Available at http://www.cnrhome.uidaho.edu/documents/Stubble_Height_Report.

pdf?pid=74895&doc=1.

Ecological Site 

Description

Proper Functioning 

Condition

Rangeland Health 

Assessment

Riparian Area Grazing 

Management

Riparian Area Monitoring

Stubble Height
Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide 87

Recreation Management Activities

The purpose of this set of Best Management Practices (BMPs) is to avoid, minimize, or mitigate 

adverse effects to soil, water quality, and riparian resources that may result from recreation activities. An objective of the Forest Service recreation program is to provide nonurbanized outdoor 

recreation opportunities in natural appearing forest and rangeland settings. Recreation activities on 

National Forest System (NFS) lands take place at developed and undeveloped sites or are dispersed across broad areas.

Twelve National Core BMPs are in the Recreation Management Activities category. These BMPs 

are to be used when managing recreation use and facilities on NFS lands. BMP Rec-1 (Recreation 

Planning) is a planning BMP for recreation activities at the land management plan scale and project scale. BMP Rec-2 (Developed Recreation Sites) provides practices for sites that are designed 

and constructed to provide facilities for users. BMP Rec-3 (Dispersed Use Recreation) covers 

dispersed recreation, including user-created sites and frequently used areas. BMP Rec-4 (Motorized and Nonmotorized Trails) provides practices for construction, operation, and maintenance of 

the designated trail system. BMP Rec-5 (Motorized Vehicle Use Areas) covers areas designated 

for cross-country motor vehicle use. BMP Rec-6 (Pack and Riding Stock Use Areas) has practices for trailheads, corrals, and other areas where pack and riding stock use is concentrated. BMP

Rec-7 (Over-Snow Vehicle Use) has direction for snowmobile trails and other over-snow vehicle 

uses. BMP Rec-8 (Watercraft Launches) is for boat launches on lakes and rivers. BMP Rec-9 

(Recreation Special Use Authorizations) provides direction for recreation residences, outfitters 

and guides, and other recreation activities operated under special use authorizations. BMP Rec-10 

(Ski Runs and Lifts), BMP Rec-11 (Ski Area Snowmaking), and BMP Rec-12 (Ski Area Facilities) 

provide practices for ski areas.

States will be used in the rest of this resource category to signify both States and those tribes that 

have received approval from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for treatment as a 

State under the Clean Water Act (CWA).

Recreation Activities BMPs

Rec-1 Recreation Planning

Rec-2 Developed Recreation Sites

Rec-3 Dispersed Use Recreation

Rec-4 Motorized and Nonmotorized Trails 

Rec-5 Motorized Vehicle Use Areas 

Rec-6 Pack and Riding Stock Use Areas 

Rec-7 Over-Snow Vehicle Use

Rec-8 Watercraft Launches

Rec-9 Recreation Special Use Authorizations

Rec-10 Ski Runs and Lifts

Rec-11 Ski Area Snowmaking

Rec-12 Ski Area Facilities
88 Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide

Rec-1. Recreation Planning

Forest Service Manual (FSM) 2310; FSM 2332; FSM 2333; FSM 2341; and Forest Service Handbook (FSH) 2309.18, chapter 10.

Use the applicable recreation planning process to develop measures to avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects to soil, water quality, and riparian resources during recreation activities.

Recreation activities occur in a variety of settings and intensities on NFS lands, including at developed or undeveloped recreation sites or dispersed across broad areas. The objective of recreation 

planning is to provide for the current and future outdoor recreation demands while integrating 

recreation use with other resource concerns. The Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) system 

provides a framework for stratifying and defining classes of outdoor recreation opportunities along 

a continuum that combines physical, biological, social, and management conditions for providing 

a variety of recreational experiences across an array of settings. ROS is management tool that integrates social considerations and biophysical components of a landscape to achieve multiple social 

and natural resource objectives. ROS classes, and standards and guidelines, are established in the 

land management plan. ROS class primarily guides management of recreation use.

Recreation facilities on NFS lands are constructed and maintained by the Forest Service or others 

under a Forest Service authorization. These facilities include developed recreation sites, organization camps, recreation residence tracts, motorized and nonmotorized trails and facilities, dispersed 

recreation sites, and winter sports centers such as alpine ski areas. Some small facilities are 

constructed and managed by Forest Service personnel using agency design criteria and management guidelines as incorporated into project plans. Facilities developed by others on NFS lands are 

administered through special use authorizations issued by the Forest Service to public or private 

agencies, groups, or individuals. Special use authorizations must include terms and conditions to 

protect the environment and otherwise comply with the requirements of the Federal Land Policy 

and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1752).

Develop site-specific BMP prescriptions for the following practices, as appropriate or when 

required, using State BMPs, Forest Service regional guidance, land management plan direction, 

BMP monitoring information, and professional judgment.

Land Management Plans

• Consider the beneficial and adverse effects of recreation use on water quality and watershed condition when developing desired conditions, ROS classes, and management direction for the plan area.

q Identify areas where the adverse effects of recreational use to water quality and watershed 

condition outweigh the benefits.

• Include design criteria, standards, and guidelines for recreational use to avoid, minimize, or 

mitigate adverse effects to soil, water quality, and riparian resources.

 Project or Activity Planning

• Use applicable practices of BMP Plan-2 (Project Planning and Analysis) and BMP Plan-3 

(Aquatic Management Zone [AMZ] Planning) when planning recreation projects.

• Select site locations for recreation facilities that avoid or minimize the potential for adverse effects to water quality and riparian resources.

• Design the capacity and layout of the recreation site to be consistent with land management 

plan desired conditions, goals, and objectives for soil, water quality, and riparian resources.

Manual or Handbook 

Reference

Objective

Explanation

Practices
Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide 89

• Consider capacity and patterns of use at a site when determining measures to avoid, minimize, 

or mitigate adverse effects from recreational use to soil, water quality, and riparian resources.

• Use applicable practices of BMP Fac-2 (Facility Construction and Stormwater Control) to incorporate suitable erosion and stormwater controls in the project design.

• Use applicable practices of BMPs for access roads and water, sanitation, and solid waste systems at recreation sites (see Roads Management Activities BMPs and Facilities and Nonrecreation Special Uses Management Activities BMPs) as needed.

• Use applicable practices of BMP Road-10 (Equipment Refueling and Servicing) for recreation 

sites where vehicles or other equipment will be stored and maintained.

• Use applicable practices of BMP Fac-6 (Hazardous Materials) for management of hazardous 

materials at recreation sites.

• Determine instream flow needs to minimize damage to scenic and aesthetic values, fish and 

wildlife habitat, and to otherwise protect the environment where the operation of the recreation 

site would modify existing streamflow regimes (see BMP WatUses-1 [Water Uses Planning]).

Rec-2. Developed Recreation Sites

FSM 2332, FSM 2333, and FSM 2334.

Avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects to soil, water quality, and riparian resources at developed recreation sites by maintaining desired levels of ground cover, limiting soil compaction, and 

minimizing pollutants entering waterbodies.

Developed recreation sites provide amenities for user comfort and can be located in motorized 

or nonmotorized settings. Oftentimes these areas concentrate high volumes of use into relatively 

small areas and may be located on or near waterbodies, thereby increasing the potential for water 

quality degradation. Potential pollutants generated by use at developed recreation sites include, but 

are not limited to, human and animal waste; solid wastes (trash); petroleum products; and other 

hazardous substances. In addition, continuous or recurring use at one site can cause excessive soil 

compaction; damage to vegetation, wetlands, and riparian areas; and erosion and sediment transport from the site.

Develop site-specific BMP prescriptions for the following practices, as appropriate or when 

required, using State BMPs, Forest Service regional guidance, land management plan direction, 

BMP monitoring information, and professional judgment.

• Use applicable practices of BMP Fac-2 (Facility Construction and Stormwater Control) to construct and maintain appropriate erosion control and stormwater management measures to avoid 

or minimize adverse effects to water quality from pollutant runoff at the site.

• Use applicable practices of Roads Management Activities BMPs for construction and maintenance of access roads.

• Use applicable practices of BMP Roads-9 (Parking and Staging Areas) for trailheads and other 

parking areas at develop recreation sites.

• Use applicable practices of BMP Fac-3 (Potable Water Supply Systems), BMP Fac-4 (Sanitation Systems), and BMP Fac-5 (Solid Waste Management) for water, sanitation, and solid waste 

systems at developed recreation sites.

Manual or Handbook 

Reference

Objective

Explanation

Practices
90 Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide

• Evaluate and adjust design capacity of the site when recreation use is causing adverse effects to 

water quality or riparian resources.

• Provide hardened campsites located sufficiently far from surface waterbodies to provide an 

adequate vegetative filter strip to avoid or minimize sediment delivery (see BMP Plan-3 [AMZ 

Planning]).

• Consider potential impacts to soils, water quality, and riparian resources when establishing recreation site use periods.

• Use suitable measures to avoid or minimize overuse on sensitive areas.

• Use suitable public relations, information, and enforcement tools to encourage the public to 

conduct their activities in a manner that will avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects to soil, 

water quality, and riparian resources.

q Provide information on the location of the nearest RV (recreational vehicle) wastewater 

disposal station.

• Periodically evaluate the condition of soil, water quality, and riparian resources at and near developed sites to identify signs of insufficient ground cover, detrimental soil compaction, excessive runoff, sedimentation, or chemical or pollutant release by recreationists.

q Relocate trails, parking areas, campsites, play areas, or water distribution points that are 

causing offsite resource damage.

q Redesign and reconstruct, or close and rehabilitate, areas of recreation sites that exhibit 

signs of overuse.

q Use suitable measures to restrict access, when necessary, to nearby wetlands and riparian areas that show signs of excessive damage from recreation use to allow for vegetative recovery.

• Rehabilitate unwanted user-created trails and sites within the developed recreation site and 

employ suitable measures to discourage their creation and use (see BMP Fac-10 [Facility Site 

Reclamation]).

• Use applicable practices of BMP Fac-10 (Facility Site Reclamation) to reclaim the developed 

recreation site after the need for it ends.

Rec-3. Dispersed Use Recreation

FSM 2330.

Avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects to soil, water quality, and riparian resources by managing dispersed activities and undeveloped sites to maintain ground cover, maintain soil quality, 

control runoff, and provide needed sanitary facilities to minimize the discharge of nonpoint source 

pollutants and maintain streambank and riparian area integrity.

Dispersed recreation use takes many forms, both motorized and nonmotorized, across a range of forest 

and grassland settings. Many dispersed uses and user-created undeveloped sites are located adjacent to 

or provide easy access to lakes and rivers and lack the design and amenities offered at developed sites 

to mitigate effects of use. As a result, the impacts of dispersed recreation use on soils, water quality, 

and riparian resources can be greater than impacts at developed sites. Nonpoint source pollution from 

dispersed recreation use includes human and animal wastes, petroleum products, other hazardous substances, streambank disturbance, stream channel alteration, and sediment eroded from the site.

Manual or Handbook 

Reference

Objective

Explanation
Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide 91

Develop site-specific BMP prescriptions for the following practices, as appropriate or when 

required, using State BMPs, Forest Service regional guidance, land management plan direction, 

BMP monitoring information, and professional judgment.

• Use suitable public relations and information tools and enforcement measures to encourage the 

public to conduct dispersed recreation activities in a manner that will avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects to soil, water quality, and riparian resources.

• Designate locations and crossings for allowable motorized vehicle use within the AMZ as part 

of travel management (see BMP Plan-3 [AMZ Planning] and BMP Road-1 [Travel Management and Analysis]).

q Use suitable measures to limit crossings and restrict motorized use within the AMZ to the 

extent practicable.

• Manage use to avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects to soil, water quality, and riparian 

resources.

q Develop and designate campsites in appropriate locations.

q Limit group size and periods of use (numbers of consecutive days, time of day, etc.).

• Consider providing primitive sanitation facilities in areas where perpetual concentrated dispersed recreation use is causing adverse effects to soil, water quality, or riparian resources (see 

BMP Fac-4 [Sanitation Systems]).

• Close and rehabilitate dispersed or undeveloped sites that are causing unacceptable adverse effects on soil, water quality, and riparian resources (see BMP Fac-10 [Facility Site Reclamation]).

q Manage site to mitigate adverse effects of use when closure is not practicable.

Rec-4. Motorized and Nonmotorized Trails

FSM 2353, FSH 2309.18, FSM 7715.5, FSM 7723, and EM (Engineering Management) 7720-104.

Avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects to soil, water quality, and riparian resources by controlling soil erosion, erosion of trail surface materials, and water quality problems originating from 

construction, maintenance, and use of motorized and nonmotorized trails.

The Forest Service manages about 133,000 miles of trails that are part of the designated transportation system. Only portions of these trails are open to motorized vehicle use. Almost all NFS trails 

serve nonmotorized users, including hikers, bicyclists, and equestrians, alone or in some combination with motorized uses.

Trail construction, maintenance, and use by motorized vehicles and human or stock traffic can adversely affect water quality by increased sediment delivery and contamination from vehicle fluids 

and human and animal wastes to nearby waterbodies. Compaction of the trail surface limits water 

infiltration, which can lead to concentrated runoff on the trail surface. Concentrated runoff on trails 

lacking adequate drainage causes erosion of the trail surface and can transport sediment and other 

pollutants directly into waterbodies if not filtered. Heavy tread, foot, or hoof traffic can loosen 

some trail surface materials, making them more susceptible to erosion.

Trails open to motorized use are designated during the travel management process and depicted on 

the Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM). Motorized use is designated by allowed vehicle class and, 

if appropriate, time of year, with the objective of minimizing damage to soil and water resources.

Manual or Handbook 

Reference

Objective

Explanation

Practices
92 Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide

Develop site-specific BMP prescriptions for the following practices, as appropriate or when 

required, using State BMPs, Forest Service regional guidance, land management plan direction, 

BMP monitoring information, and professional judgment.

• Use applicable Road Management Activities BMPs for construction, operation, and maintenance of motorized trails.

• Locate or relocate trails to conform to the terrain, provide suitable drainage, provide adequate 

pollutant filtering between the trail and nearby waterbodies, and reduce potential adverse effects 

to soil, water quality, or riparian resources.

q Avoid sensitive areas, such as riparian areas, wetlands, stream crossings, inner gorges, and 

unstable areas to the extent practicable.

q Use suitable measures to mitigate trail impacts to the extent practicable where sensitive 

areas are unavoidable.

q Use suitable measures to hydrologically disconnect trails from waterbodies to the extent 

practicable.

• Design, construct, and maintain trail width, grades, curves, and switchbacks suitable to the terrain and designated use.

• Use applicable practices of BMP Fac-2 (Facility Construction and Stormwater Control) for control of erosion and stormwater when constructing trails.

• Install and maintain suitable drainage measures to collect and disperse runoff and avoid or 

minimize erosion of trail surface and adjacent areas.

• Use and maintain surfacing materials suitable to the trail site and use to withstand traffic and 

minimize runoff and erosion.

q Pay particular attention to areas where high wheel slip (curves, acceleration, and braking) 

during motorized use generates loose soil material.

• Design stream crossings to use the most cost-efficient structure consistent with resource protection, facility needs, and types of use and safety obligations (see BMP Road-2 [Road Location 

and Design] and BMP Road-7 [Stream Crossings]).

• Designate season of use to avoid periods when trail surfaces are particularly prone to unacceptable erosion, rutting, or compaction.

• Designate class of vehicle and type of nonmotorized uses (e.g., hiking, bicycling, and equestrian uses) suitable for the trail width, location, waterbody crossings, and trail surfaces to avoid 

or minimize adverse effects to soil, water quality, or riparian resources.

• Monitor trail condition at regular intervals to identify drainage and trail surface maintenance 

needs to avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects to soil, water quality, and riparian resources.

• Manage designated trails to mitigate adverse effects to soil, water quality, and riparian resources from over-use when closure and rehabilitation is not practicable or desired.

q Change designated vehicle class and season-of-use period as necessary.

• Close and rehabilitate unauthorized trails that are causing adverse effects on soil, water quality, 

and riparian resources (see BMP Fac-10 [Facility Site Reclamation]).

Practices
Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide 93

Equestrian Trails

• Plan trails so that equestrian users will go slower in sensitive areas to protect trail tread.

• Use a trail design that constricts equestrian users to a designated tread, where practicable, to 

minimize the tendency of stock to create braided or multiple trail treads.

• Provide reasonable access to stock water at suitable intervals along designated equestrian trails 

where practicable.

Rec-5. Motorized Vehicle Use Areas

FSM 2353.28, FSH 2309.18 23.22, and FSM 7716.

Avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects to soil, water quality, and riparian resources at motorized vehicle use areas by managing activities to maintain ground cover, maintain soil quality, and 

control runoff to minimize discharge of nonpoint source pollutants and maintain streambank and 

riparian area integrity.

Forest Service policy recognizes that motor vehicles are a legitimate and appropriate way for 

people to use the national forests and grasslands—in the right places and with proper management. 

Unrestricted cross-country travel by motor vehicles increases soil erosion and adversely affects 

water quality. The first vehicle driving across a particular piece of ground may not harm the land. 

After many more vehicles have crossed the same path, however, the result may be a user-created 

route and lasting impacts to soil, water quality, and riparian resources. The proliferation of usercreated roads and trails is a major challenge on many national forests and grasslands. User-created 

routes, in general, are not located, designed, or maintained to avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse 

effects to soil, water quality, or riparian resources. The Travel Management Rule adopted in 2005 

restricts motor vehicle use to designated roads, trails, and areas on NFS lands to better manage 

motor vehicle use and protect NFS resources.

Limited areas on NFS lands open to cross-country motorized use may be designated during the 

travel management process and, if designated, are depicted on the MVUM. These areas should 

have natural resource characteristics that are suitable for motor vehicle use, or should be so altered 

by past actions that motor vehicle use might be appropriate. Motorized use is designated by allowed vehicle class and, if appropriate, by time of year, with the objective of minimizing damage 

to soil and watershed resources. Limited cross-country use of motorized vehicles within a specified 

distance from designated routes may be allowed for purposes of dispersed camping and big game 

retrieval. After motor vehicle use areas are established on a national forest or grassland, motor 

vehicle use outside of these designated areas is prohibited.

Develop site-specific BMP prescriptions for the following practices, as appropriate or when 

required, using State BMPs, Forest Service regional guidance, land management plan direction, 

BMP monitoring information, and professional judgment.

• Use suitable public relations and information tools and enforcement measures to encourage the 

public to conduct motorized vehicle use activities within designated areas in a manner that will 

avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects to soil, water quality, and riparian resources.

• Locate and maintain designated motor vehicle use areas to avoid or minimize adverse effects on 

soil, water quality, and riparian resources.

Manual or Handbook 

Reference

Objective

Explanation

Practices
94 Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide

q Consider suitability of slopes, access points, vegetation cover and similar features, and soil 

characteristics such as erodibility and texture, for motor vehicle use.

q Favor areas that are naturally barren or have been significantly altered by past motorized 

vehicle use or land use (e.g., gravel pits, reservoir bathtub rings, or lake bottoms).

q Avoid areas of sensitive soils and floodplains.

q Manage hillclimb areas to minimize length and steepness.

q Avoid concentration of motor vehicle use in bowl-shaped areas above draws that are susceptible to erosion.

• Designate season-of-use periods to avoid periods when soils are particularly prone to unacceptable erosion, rutting, or compaction.

• Designate class of vehicle suitable for the soil and terrain of the designated motor vehicle use 

area to avoid or minimize adverse effects to soil, water quality, or riparian resources.

• Clearly delineate and mark designated motor vehicle use areas in the field where practicable.

• Monitor designated motor vehicle use areas at regular intervals to identify drainage and soil 

cover maintenance needs to avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects to soil, water quality, 

and riparian resources.

• Manage designated motor vehicle use areas, particularly hillclimb areas, to mitigate adverse effects to soil, water quality, and riparian resources from over-use when closure and rehabilitation 

is not practicable or desired.

q Change designated vehicle class and season-of-use period as necessary.

q Schedule use periods of hillclimbs to allow for rehabilitation.

q Rotate hillclimb areas to extend the lifespan of a hillclimb.

• Close and rehabilitate designated motor vehicle use areas that are causing unacceptable 

adverse effects to soil, water quality, and riparian resources (see BMP Fac-10 [Facility Site 

Reclamation]).

• Place suitable restrictions on motor vehicle use off designated routes for dispersed camping and 

big game retrieval to avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects on soil, water quality, and 

riparian resources.

q Avoid riparian, wetland, or other identified sensitive resource areas where practicable.

q Designate stream-crossing sites to the extent practicable.

Rec-6. Pack and Riding Stock Use Areas

FSH 2309.18 22.43 and 23.12.

Avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects to soil, water quality, and riparian resources at pack 

and riding stock use areas by managing activities to maintain ground cover, maintain soil quality, 

control runoff, and provide needed sanitary facilities to minimize discharge of nonpoint source 

pollutants and maintain streambank and riparian area integrity.

Pack and riding stock can affect soil, water quality, and riparian resources while on trails and at 

campsites, watering areas, and loading areas. The level of use at a site can range from single-day 

use by one or more riders at a remote site to large developed campsites and trails used repeatedly 

Manual or Handbook 

Reference

Objective

Explanation
Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide 95

by outfitter and guide operations, commercial stock operators, and other recreational users. Use 

may take place in the general forest area or in designated wilderness areas. Access areas, in general, are used for loading and unloading, parking, and turning around vehicles and stock trailers. 

Potential impacts include loss of ground cover, soil compaction, rutting, or puddling, and increased 

erosion, streambank trampling, spread of weeds, and water contamination from animal waste.

Develop site-specific BMP prescriptions for the following practices, as appropriate or when 

required, using State BMPs, Forest Service regional guidance, land management plan direction, 

BMP monitoring information, and professional judgment.

• Use suitable public relations and information tools and enforcement measures to encourage the 

public to conduct activities on trails and at stock use areas in a manner that will avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects to soil, water quality, and riparian resources.

q Provide information on proper stock tethering, watering, and manure handling and disposal 

techniques.

• Use applicable practices of BMP Rec-2 (Developed Recreation Sites) when designing, constructing, and maintaining developed areas for pack and riding stock use.

• Install simple temporary holding facilities in both wilderness and nonwilderness areas.

q Evaluate soils and vegetation for vulnerability of damage or disruption from stock use 

when choosing holding facility sites.

q Locate corrals and tethering areas at a suitable distance from waterbodies to avoid or minimize adverse effects to soil, water quality, and riparian resources.

• Designate specific watering locations on streams, ponds, and lakes to avoid or minimize general 

use along streambanks or shorelines.

• Provide designated watering areas at developed stock use areas where practicable.

q Surface the areas around water hydrants, troughs, and stock tanks using suitable materials 

to mitigate trampling effects.

q Locate designated watering areas at a suitable distance from waterbodies to avoid or minimize adverse effects to soil, water quality, and riparian resources.

• Provide manure disposal bins at developed pack and riding stock use areas.

q Locate manure receptacles on level ground at a suitable distance to provide adequate pollutant filtering between the accumulated manure and nearby waterbodies.

q Provide positive drainage to prevent puddles from forming within and around the manure 

receptacle.

q Provide tools (e.g., wheelbarrows, rakes, and bags) to facilitate manure cleanup.

q Periodically remove or treat accumulated animal waste to avoid or minimize contaminating 

waterbodies.

• Monitor pack and riding stock use areas at regular intervals to identify drainage and ground 

surface maintenance needs to avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects to soil, water quality, 

and riparian resources.

• Manage pack and riding stock use areas to mitigate adverse effects to soil, water quality, and 

riparian resources from over-use when closure and rehabilitation is not practicable or desired.

• Close and rehabilitate pack and riding stock use areas that are causing adverse effects on soil, 

water quality, and riparian resources (see BMP Fac-10 [Facility Site Reclamation]).

Practices
96 Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide

Rec-7. Over-Snow Vehicle Use

FSM 7718.

Avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects to soil, water quality, and riparian resources from 

over-snow vehicle use.

An over-snow vehicle is a motor vehicle that is designed for use over snow and that runs on a 

track or tracks and a ski or skis, while in use over snow. Over-snow vehicles include snowmobiles, 

snow cats, and snow grooming machines. Snowmobiles and snow cats are used for access and for 

recreational activities. Snow grooming machines are used to prepare snow on trails for downhill or 

cross-country skiing or snowmobile use.

An over-snow vehicle traveling over snow results in different impacts to soil and water resources 

than do motor vehicles traveling over the ground. Unlike other motor vehicles traveling crosscountry, over-snow vehicles generally do not create a permanent trail or have direct impact on soil 

and ground vegetation when snow depths are sufficient to protect the ground surface. Emissions 

from over-snow vehicles, particularly two-stroke engines on snowmobiles, release pollutants like 

ammonium, sulfate, benzene, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and other toxic compounds that 

are stored in the snowpack. During spring snowmelt runoff, these accumulated pollutants are released and may be delivered to surrounding waterbodies. In addition, over-snow vehicles that fall 

through thin ice can pollute waterbodies.

Use of NFS lands and trails by over-snow vehicles may be allowed, restricted, or prohibited at the 

discretion of the local line officer.

Develop site-specific BMP prescriptions for the following practices, as appropriate or when 

required, using State BMPs, Forest Service regional guidance, land management plan direction, 

BMP monitoring information, and professional judgment.

• Use suitable public relations and information tools and enforcement measures to encourage the 

public to conduct cross-country over-snow vehicle use on trails in a manner that will avoid, 

minimize, or mitigate adverse effects to soil, water quality, and riparian resources.

q Provide information on the hazards of running over-snow vehicles on thin ice.

q Provide information on effects on over-snow vehicle emissions on air quality and water 

quality.

• Use applicable practices of BMP Rec-4 (Motorized and Nonmotorized Trails) when locating, 

designing, constructing, and maintaining trails for over-snow vehicle use.

• Allow over-snow vehicle use cross-country or on trails when snow depths are sufficient to protect the underlying vegetative cover and soil or trail surface.

q Specify the minimum snow depth for each type or class of over-snow vehicle to protect 

underlying resources as part of any restrictions or prohibitions on over-snow use.

q Specify season of use to be at times when the snowpack is expected to be of suitable depth.

q Specify over-snow vehicle class suitable for the expected snowpack and terrain or trail 

conditions.

• Use and enforce closure orders to mitigate effects when adverse effects to soil, water quality, or 

riparian resources are occurring.

Manual or Handbook 

Reference

Objective

Explanation

Practices
Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide 97

• Use applicable practices of BMP Rec-2 (Developed Recreation Sites) when constructing and 

operating over-snow vehicle trailheads, parking, and staging areas.

q Use suitable measures to trap and treat pollutants from over-snow vehicle emissions in 

snowmelt runoff or locate the staging area at a sufficient distance from nearby waterbodies 

to provide adequate pollutant filtering.

Rec-8. Watercraft Launches

FSM 2334.24 and FSM 2335.1.

Avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects to soil, water quality, and riparian resources from 

facilities at locations used to launch and retrieve watercraft.

Facilities related to the use and enjoyment of watercraft (nonpowered boats, powerboats, personal watercraft, etc.) can affect water quality. These facilities include boat ramps, roads, and 

parking facilities, sanitation facilities, marinas, and other infrastructure. The immediate proximity and connection of the facility to the water’s edge provides a direct pathway for pollutants to 

enter the waterbody.

Develop site-specific BMP prescriptions for the following practices, as appropriate or when 

required, using State BMPs, Forest Service regional guidance, land management plan direction, 

BMP monitoring information, and professional judgment.

• Use suitable public relations and information tools and enforcement measures to encourage the 

public to conduct boating and related activities in a manner that will avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects to soil, water quality, and riparian resources.

q Provide information on measures for preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species, 

proper fish cleaning and disposal of fish waste, proper disposal of solid waste while boating, and preventing wake damage to shorelines.

• Locate and design watercraft launch sites to avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects to soil, 

water quality, and riparian resources.

q Avoid excessive impacts to aquatic or riparian vegetation and fish spawning or rearing habitat.

q Minimize the effect of boat wakes on adjacent shoreline and reduce the potential for sediment accumulation on the ramp.

q Minimize the required amount of cut and fill below the waterline in the submerged or submersible zone.

• Establish suitable ramp elevation and slope to minimize ramp size while providing a ramp that 

is usable throughout the normal range of water elevations.

q Use average high- and low-water elevations for each month of the intended use period over 

a suitable period of record to determine design high-water and design low-water elevations.

q Extend ramp toe to a sufficient depth below the design low-water elevation to provide adequate water depth to float the average boat from its trailer while providing a hard surface 

for the trailer to travel on during launch and retrieval.

q Minimize the distance of the top of the ramp above the design high-water elevation consistent with local topography.

q Design the launch ramp slope to minimize erosion from water and vehicle tire disturbance.

Manual or Handbook 

Reference

Objective

Explanation

Practices
98 Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide

• Design ramp width to provide adequate space for boaters of varying ability to maneuver the 

boat trailers down the ramp.

• Use surfacing material suitable for the ramp location and character of use to provide sufficient 

traction to discourage wheel spin and damage to the ramp or surrounding soil and water resources.

• Use suitable measures along both sides and across the lower end of the launch ramp to protect 

the structure from externally generated forces such as current, waves, and boat wakes.

• Use applicable practices of BMP AqEco-2 (Operations in Aquatic Ecosystems) and BMP Fac-2 

(Facility Construction and Stormwater Control) when constructing, reconstructing, or maintaining watercraft launch facilities.

• Use applicable practices of BMP Rec-2 (Developed Recreation Sites) when constructing and 

operating parking and staging areas at watercraft launch facilities.

• Use applicable practices of BMP Road-10 (Equipment Refueling and Servicing) at fuel dispensing facilities.

• Manage boating activities where necessary to decrease turbidity and physical destruction of 

shallow water habitats.

• Use applicable practices of BMP Fac-10 (Facility Site Reclamation) to reclaim watercraft 

launch sites when discontinuing their use.

Rec-9. Recreation Special Use Authorizations

FSM 2343, FSM 2721, and FSH 2709.11.

Avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects to soil, water quality, and riparian resources from 

physical, chemical, and biological pollutants resulting from activities under recreation special use 

authorizations.

This BMP covers all recreation special use activities with the exceptions of ski areas. BMP Rec-10 

(Ski Runs and Lifts), BMP Rec-11 (Ski Area Snowmaking), and BMP Rec-12 (Ski Area Facilities) 

provide direction specific to ski areas.

The Forest Service role in defining and requiring the implementation of BMPs occurs during the 

development of the recreation special use authorization and administration of the use. Discussions between the Forest Service and the permit holder concerning soil, water quality, and riparian 

resource impacts and appropriate BMP use should occur at the time of permit development and 

renewal. The special use authorization details the conditions that must be met, including management requirements and mitigation measures to protect water quality. The permit holder will be 

required to conform to all applicable Federal, State, and local regulations governing water resource 

protection and sanitation. State water quality law may require that the permit holder obtain a pollution discharge permit, water quality certification, or other authorization from a State, regional, or 

local government entity.

Develop site-specific BMP prescriptions for the following practices, as appropriate or when 

required, using State BMPs, Forest Service regional guidance, land management plan direction, 

BMP monitoring information, and professional judgment.

• Use applicable practices of BMP Fac-2 (Facility Construction and Stormwater Control) to provide erosion and stormwater controls when constructing facilities.

Manual or Handbook 

Reference

Objective

Explanation

Practices
Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide 99

q Use applicable practices of BMP AqEco-2 (Operations in Aquatic Ecosystems) when 

working around waterbodies.

• Use applicable practices of Road Management Activities BMPs for access for authorized activities.

• Use applicable practices of Chemical Use Management Activities BMPs for use of chemicals in 

authorized activities.

• Use applicable practices of BMP Fac-3 (Potable Water Supply Systems), BMP Fac-4 (Sanitation Systems), BMP Fac-5 (Solid Waste Management), and BMP Fac-6 (Hazardous Materials) 

for public water supplies, sanitation systems, solid waste management, and hazardous materials 

for authorized activities.

• Administer the permit to appropriate standards to avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects 

of permitted activities to soil, water quality, and riparian resources.

Rec-10. Ski Runs and Lifts

FSM 2342.1 and FSH 2709.11 41.6.

Objective: Avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects to soil, water quality, and riparian resources during the construction, operation, and maintenance of ski runs and lifts.

A ski area and its operation are complex and can result in a variety of adverse effects to soil, water 

quality, and riparian resources. These adverse effects can be particularly true for ski runs and lifts. 

Because good ski runs tend to be steep, extra precautions are needed to avoid or minimize accelerated erosion and resulting sedimentation. Ski run clearing, slope grading, and developing access 

routes, ski lift and towline facilities, and similar actions can expose and compact soils, resulting in 

accelerated runoff and erosion. Increased runoff can alter water yield and runoff regimes, augment peakflows, and increase instream sediment from channel erosion. Appropriate soil and water 

protection measures should be included in the ski area’s operation and maintenance plan.

Develop site-specific BMP prescriptions for the following practices, as appropriate or when 

required, using State BMPs, Forest Service regional guidance, land management plan direction, 

BMP monitoring information, and professional judgment.

• Locate ski runs and lifts on stable geology and soils to minimize risk of slope failures.

• Avoid wetlands and riparian areas when locating ski runs and lifts wherever practicable.

• Incorporate suitable measures in the design and construction of ski runs, including consideration of runoff of additional water from snowmaking, to avoid or minimize undesirable increases in runoff.

• Use applicable practices of Mechanical Vegetation Management Activities BMPs when clearing vegetation for ski runs and lift lines.

q Use yarding equipment suitable to the steepness of the terrain to avoid or minimize adverse 

effects to soil and water quality (see BMP Veg-1 [Vegetation Management Planning]).

• Use applicable practices of BMP Veg-2 (Erosion Prevention and Control) to provide erosion 

and stormwater controls when constructing ski runs and lifts.

q Clear and construct ski runs and lift lines in sections to limit the area of exposed disturbed 

soil at any one time.

q Stabilize a completed section before beginning work on the next section.

Manual or Handbook 

Reference

Objective

Explanation

Practices
100 Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide

• Avoid diverting streams and minimize disrupting swales, ephemeral channels, and wetlands.

• Minimize grading or recontouring of hill slopes to maintain intact soil horizons and infiltrative 

properties.

• Cut stumps flush with soil surface or grind in place instead of grubbing when clearing trees 

from ski runs wherever practicable.

• Use applicable practices of BMP Road-7 (Stream Crossings) to design and construct stream 

crossings to minimize riparian and channel disturbance and pass anticipated flood flows and 

associated debris, while allowing desired aquatic organism passage.

q Maintain normal stream patterns, geometry, and habitat features to the extent practicable.

• Use low-pressure construction and maintenance equipment whenever practicable to reduce surface impact on steep slopes.

• Stockpile biologically active topsoil removed during excavation for use in reclamation.

q Store stockpiled topsoil separately from other vegetative slash, soil, or rock and protect 

from wind and water erosion, unnecessary compaction, and contaminants.

• Use suitable species and establishment techniques to revegetate the site in compliance with 

local direction and requirements per FSM 2070 and FSM 2080 for vegetation ecology and prevention and control of invasive species.

• Maintain desired ground cover with irrigation, fertilization, or other treatments as necessary.

• Use suitable measures to direct overland flow on slopes into areas with intact soil horizons to 

encourage infiltration and disconnect overland flow from waterbodies.

• Treat disturbed soil to promote onsite water capture and infiltration.

• Prohibit traffic on disturbed areas during periods of excessive soil moisture, precipitation, or 

runoff.

• Monitor revegetation response (height, root growth, ground coverage, etc.) in terms of its capacity to avoid or minimize erosion during runoff.

q Perform additional revegetation or erosion control as needed to protect water quality and 

soil integrity.

Rec-11. Ski Area Snowmaking

FSM 2343.1 and FSH 2709.11 41.6.

Avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects to soil, water quality, and riparian resources at all 

stages of the snowmaking process, including diversions, conveyance, storage, application, and 

return of applied waters.

All phases of snowmaking at a ski area can affect the watershed and water quality. Construction 

of diversion, conveyance, storage, and delivery structures can create ground disturbance leading 

to erosion and sedimentation. Water withdrawal from rivers and streams can create or exacerbate 

stream dewatering and adversely affect overwintering habitat for fish and other aquatic-dependent 

species. Transfer of water from one basin to another for snowmaking can lead to an annual water 

supply outside the natural range of variation in the receiving watershed. This additional water in 

spring runoff can cause changes in stream channel morphology including streambank erosion and 

headward extension of the channel.

Manual or Handbook 

Reference

Objective

Explanation
Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide 101

Develop site-specific BMP prescriptions for the following practices, as appropriate or when 

required, using State BMPs, Forest Service regional guidance, land management plan direction, 

BMP monitoring information, and professional judgment.

• Manage snowmaking and snow farming to avoid or minimize slope failures and gully erosion 

on the hillslopes and excessive bank erosion and sediment in receiving streams.

q Limit snowmaking on graded terrain to the extent practicable to minimize surface runoff 

and subsequent erosion from reduced infiltration capacity.

• Use applicable practices of BMP WatUses-1 (Water Uses Planning) when authorizing snowmaking.

• Use applicable practices of BMP AqEco-3 (Ponds and Wetlands), BMP WatUses-4 (Water Diversions and Conveyances), and BMP WatUses-5 (Dams and Impoundments) when obtaining 

water and developing water storage facilities for snowmaking.

• Transport water to the slopes in the least disruptive manner.

q Use applicable practices of BMP Fac-9 (Pipelines, Transmission Facilities, and Rights-ofWays) when constructing, maintaining, and operating pipelines.

• Design snowmaking systems to return runoff water to the source from which it was removed.

q Avoid interbasin transfer of waters, where practicable, to maintain original duration, magnitude, and patterns of runoff in affected watersheds.

• Avoid contaminating return water with chemicals or other pollutants.

• Monitor all aspects of the process and correct problems as they occur to avoid or minimize 

long-term effects.

q Regularly inspect snowmaking lines and equipment to prevent accidental discharges and 

erosion due to equipment failure.

Rec-12. Ski Area Facilities

FSM 2343.1 and FSH 2709.11 41.6.

Avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects to soil, water quality, and riparian resources originating from design, construction, operation, and maintenance of ski area facilities.

Ski area facilities include buildings, sanitary facilities, parking lots, and other infrastructure. These 

facilities can be located at the base of the ski area, mid-slope, or at the top of the ski hill. During 

construction and operation of facility sites, land may be cleared of existing vegetation and ground 

cover, exposing mineral soil that may be more easily eroded by water, wind, and gravity. Changes 

in land use and impervious surfaces can alter temporarily or permanently stormwater runoff that, if 

left uncontrolled, can affect morphology, stability, and quality of nearby streams and other waterbodies. Receiving waters can be contaminated by oil, grease, anti-freeze, sewage, trash, sediment, 

and salt. Construction and operation of these facilities should include measures that will avoid, 

minimize, or mitigate effects to water quality.

Develop site-specific BMP prescriptions for the following practices, as appropriate or when 

required, using State BMPs, Forest Service regional guidance, land management plan direction, 

BMP monitoring information, and professional judgment.

Manual or Handbook 

Reference

Objective

Explanation

Practices

Practices
102 Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide

• Locate ski area facilities on stable geology and soils to minimize risk of slope failures.

• Avoid wetlands and riparian areas to the extent practicable when locating ski area facilities.

• Use applicable practices of BMP Fac-2 (Facility Construction and Stormwater Control) to provide erosion and stormwater controls when constructing and operating ski area facilities.

• Use applicable practices of BMP Road-2 (Road Location and Design), BMP Road-3 (Road Construction and Reconstruction), BMP Road-4 (Road Operations and Maintenance), BMP Road-8 

(Snow Storage and Removal), and BMP Road-9 (Parking Sites and Staging Areas) for designing, 

constructing, maintaining, and operating roads and parking areas at ski area facilities.

• Use applicable practices of BMP Fac-9 (Pipelines, Transmission Facilities, and Rights-of-Way) 

for managing power and utility lines at the ski area facilities.

• Use applicable practices of BMP Fac-6 (Hazardous Materials), BMP Fac-7 (Vehicle and Equipment Wash Water), and BMP Road-10 (Equipment Refueling and Servicing) for activities related to storage and maintenance of ski area vehicles and equipment.

• Use applicable practices of BMP Fac-3 (Potable Water Supply Systems) for drinking water, 

BMP Fac-4 (Sanitation Systems) for managing human waste, and BMP Fac-5 (Solid Waste 

Management) for managing solid waste at ski area facilities.

• Use applicable practices of BMP Fac-10 (Facility Site Reclamation) when discontinuing use at 

ski area facilities.

Resources for Recreation Management Activities 

Oregon State Marina Board. 2002. Best management practices for environmental and habitat 

protection in design and construction of recreational boating facilities. Oregon State Marina Board. 

9 p. Available at http://www.boatoregon.com/OSMB/library/docs/BoatingFacBMP2002-1.pdf. 

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Office of Water. 2005. National management 

measures to control nonpoint source pollution from marinas and recreational boating. EPA841-B-05-003. Washington, DC: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water. 

Available at http://www.epa.gov/owow/NPS/mmsp/index.html.

McCullah, J.; Sloan, R.; Dettman, K.; Jacobson, N.; and others. 2007. OHV BMP manual for 

erosion and sediment control. Sacramento, CA: State of California, Department of Parks and 

Recreation, Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division. 317 p. Available at http://www.

watchyourdirt.com/erosion-control-files/. 

EPA. 2005. Best management practices for lead at outdoor shooting ranges. EPA 902-B-01-001. 

New York, NY. Available at http://www.epa.gov/region02/waste/leadshot/epa_bmp.pdf.

Therrell, L.; Cole, D.; Claassen, V.; Ryan, C.; Davies, M.A. 2006. Wilderness and backcountry 

site restoration guide. 0623-2815-MTDC. Missoula, MT: U.S. Department of Agriculture 

(USDA), Forest Service, Technology and Development Program. 394 p. Available at http://www.

treesearch.fs.fed.us/pubs/26795.

USDA Forest Service. 2000. Ski area BMPs—(Best management practices) guidelines for 

planning, erosion control, and reclamation. Salt Lake City, UT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, 

Forest Service, Wasatch-Cache National Forest, in cooperation with Sun Valley Corporation and 

Snowbasin Ski Area. 28 p.

Marinas and 

Recreational Boating

Off-Highway Vehicles

Shooting Ranges

Site Restoration

Ski Areas 
Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide 103

Davies, M.A.; Outka-Perkins, L. 2006. Building mountain bike trails: Sustainable singletrack. 

0623-2314-MTDC (DVD). Missoula, MT: USDA Forest Service, Technology and Development 

Program. Available at http://fsweb.mtdc.wo.fs.fed.us/pubs/htmlpubs/htm06232341/index.htm.

Hesselbarth, W.; Vachowski, B.; Davies, M.A. 2007. Trail construction and maintenance 

notebook. 0723-2806-MTDC. Missoula, MT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, 

Technology and Development Program. 178 p. Available at http://fsweb.mtdc.wo.fs.fed.us/pubs/

htmlpubs/htm07232806/ .

State of New Hampshire, Department of Resources and Economic Development. 2004. Best 

management practices for erosion control during trail maintenance and construction. Concord, 

NH: State of New Hampshire, Department of Resources and Economic Development, Division 

of Parks and Recreation, Bureau of Trails. 27 p. Available at http://atfiles.org/files/pdf/

BMPmanual2004.pdf. 

Steinholz, R.T.; Vachowski, B. 2007. Wetland trail design and construction. 0723-2804-MTDC. 

Missoula, MT: USDA Forest Service, Technology and Development Program. 90 p. Available at 

http://fsweb.mtdc.wo.fs.fed.us/pubs/htmlpubs/htm07232804/index.htm

Trails
104 Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide

Road Management Activities

The purpose of this set of Best Management Practices (BMPs) is to avoid, minimize, or mitigate 

adverse effects to soil, water quality, and instream riparian resources that may result from road 

management activities. Road management activities include travel route planning, design, construction, operation, maintenance, reconstruction, storage, and decommissioning. Other transportation-system-related activities include stream and waterbody crossings, snow removal, parking 

areas, and equipment refueling and servicing areas.

Eleven National Core BMPs are in the Road Management Activities Category. These BMPs are 

to be used when managing roads on National Forest System (NFS) lands. BMP Road-1 (Travel 

Management Planning and Analysis) is a planning BMP for transportation systems. BMP Road-2 

(Road Location and Design), BMP Road-3 (Road Construction and Reconstruction), and BMP 

Road-4 (Road Operations and Maintenance) provide project-level direction for road construction and operations. BMP Road-5 (Temporary Roads) provides direction for construction and 

use of temporary roads. BMP Road-6 (Road Storage and Decommissioning) provides direction 

for roads that will not be needed for 1 year or more, or that are no longer needed. BMP Road-7 

(Stream Crossings) provides practices for fords, bridges, culverts, and other crossings of flowing 

or standing water. BMP Road-8 (Snow Removal and Storage) provides direction for snowplowing. 

BMP Road-9 (Parking Areas and Staging Areas) provides direction for constructing and operating permanent and temporary parking areas. BMP Road-10 (Equipment Refueling and Servicing) 

provides practices for vehicle refueling and servicing areas. BMP Road-11 (Road Storm-Damage 

Surveys) provides direction for monitoring of roads after major storms. Each BMP draws on 

administrative directives that guide agency management of roads on NFS land (Forest Service 

Manual [FSM] 7710).

States will be used in the rest of this resource category to signify both States and those tribes that 

have received approval from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for treatment as a 

State under the Clean Water Act (CWA).

Road BMPs

Road-1 Travel Management Planning and Analysis

Road-2 Road Location and Design

Road-3 Road Construction and Reconstruction

Road-4 Road Operations and Maintenance 

Road-5 Temporary Roads 

Road-6 Road Storage and Decommissioning

Road-7 Stream Crossings

Road-8 Snow Removal and Storage

Road-9 Parking and Staging Areas

Road-10 Equipment Refueling and Servicing

Road-11 Road Storm-Damage Surveys
Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide 105

Road-1. Travel Management Planning and Analysis

Forest Service Manual (FSM) 7710; Forest Service Handbook (FSH) 7709.55; and FSH 7709.59, 

chapter 10.

Use the travel management planning and analysis processes to develop measures to avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects to soil, water quality, and riparian resources during road management activities.

Road management related planning includes travel analyses as well as consideration of road management objectives and maintenance levels to address access needs and adjustments for projects. 

Planning occurs at scales that range from forestwide assessments and plans, to watershed scale 

or project-level analyses, to individual road activities. Effects to soil, water quality, and riparian 

resources are evaluated during planning and balanced with the social, economic, and land management needs of the area. Appropriate protection and mitigation measures are considered when soil, 

water quality, and riparian resources may be adversely impacted.

Travel analysis is conducted at a scope and scale determined by the line officer and used to inform 

future project decisions on the benefits and risks of, as well as the ongoing need for, the transportation system. Project-level travel analyses are conducted to inform decisions and facilitate vegetation, fire and fuels, rangeland, recreation, minerals, or other management actions. Such analyses 

contain detail on the condition of individual roads. Options for road management are shown in 

figure 3.

Road Management Objectives (RMOs) are developed and documented for each system road and 

include the intent and purpose in providing access to implement the land management plan. In 

addition to considering route needs at the site scale, RMOs also document the purpose of the road 

(access needs) along with operational maintenance levels and objectives.

Develop site-specific BMP prescriptions for the following practices, as appropriate or when 

required, using State BMPs, Forest Service regional guidance, land management plan direction, 

BMP monitoring information, and professional judgment.

• Use applicable practices of BMP Plan-2 (Project Planning and Analysis) and BMP Plan-3 

(Aquatic Management Zone [AMZ] Planning) when conducting travel management planning 

and analysis.

• Use interdisciplinary coordination for travel planning and project-level transportation analysis, 

including engineers, hydrologists, soil scientists, and other resource specialists as needed, to balance protection of soil, water quality, and riparian resources with transportation and access needs.

• Design the transportation system to meet long-term land management plan desired conditions, 

goals, and objectives for access rather than to access individual sites.

• Limit roads to the minimum practicable number, width, and total length consistent with the purpose of specific operations, local topography, geology, and climate to achieve land management 

plan desired conditions, goals, and objectives for access and water quality management.

q Use existing roads when practicable.

q Use system roads where access is needed for long-term management of an area or where 

control is needed in the location, design, or construction of the road to avoid, minimize, or 

mitigate adverse effects to soil, water quality, and riparian resources.

Manual or Handbook 

Reference

Objective

Explanation

Practices
106 Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide

Figure 3. Road Options

Conduct travel analysis: May be integrated 

with landscape and watershed analysis

(FSM 7712)

Convert to other uses:

NFS road

NFS trail

Other 

Convert to 

other uses:

NFS trail

Other

Revegetation 

and road 

surface 

drainage

Full obliteration, 

recontouring and 

restoring 

natural slopes

Remove 

culverts and 

crossing 

fills

Mitigate 

road 

surface 

compaction

Reestablish 

drainageways 

and remove 

unstable road 

embankments

Nonsystem roads

36 CFR 212.1 & FSM 7705

Block 

entrance

Open for 

use

Close and put in 

storage (for 1 year 

or more)

Travel management decision process

NFS roads

36 CFR 212.1 & FSM 7705

Road management objective

When causing unacceptable adverse impacts or 

when no longer needed

Temporary 

roads

When 

no 

longer 

needed

Restrict 

use

Unauthorized 

roads

Levels of treatment

(mix of treatments may be applied on the same road)

Decommission 

and return to 

resource 

production
Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide 107

q Use temporary roads for short-term access needs if the road can be constructed, operated, 

and obliterated without specific control of techniques to avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects to soil, water quality, and riparian resources (See BMP Road-5 [Temporary 

Roads]).

q Decommission temporary roads and return to resource production when the access is no 

longer needed (See BMP Road-6 [Road Storage and Decommissioning]).

q Consider placing roads in storage (Maintenance Level 1) when the time between intermittent uses exceeds 1 year and the costs of annual maintenance (both economic and potential 

disturbance) or potential failures due to lack of maintenance exceed the benefits of keeping 

the road open in the interim (See BMP Road-6 [Road Storage and Decommissioning]).

q Consider decommissioning unneeded existing roads within a planning area when planning 

new system roads to reduce cumulative impacts to soil, water quality, and riparian resources (See BMP Road-6 [Road Storage and Decommissioning]).

• Plan road networks to have the minimum number of waterbody crossings as is practicable and 

necessary to achieve transportation system desired conditions, goals, and objectives.

• Develop or update RMOs for each system road to include design criteria, operation criteria, and 

maintenance criteria to avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects to soil, water quality, and 

riparian resources.

q Use applicable practices of BMP Road-2 (Road Location and Design) to establish design 

elements and standards.

q Use applicable practices of BMP Road-4 (Road Operations and Maintenance) to establish 

criteria on how the road is to be operated and maintained.

q Revise RMOs as needed to meet changing conditions.

• Identify and evaluate road segments causing, or with the potential to cause, adverse effects to 

soil, water quality, and riparian resources.

q Identify and prioritize suitable mitigation measures to avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse 

effects (see BMPs Road-2 (Road Location and Design), Road-3 (Road Construction and 

Reconstruction), Road-4 (Road Operations and Maintenance), Road-6 (Road Storage and 

Decommissioning), and Road-7 (Stream Crossings) for potential mitigation measures).

Road-2. Road Location and Design

FSM 7720 and FSH 7709.56.

Locate and design roads to avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects to soil, water quality, and 

riparian resources.

Roads are located according to standards and specifications to meet their use objectives while 

protecting other resources. Well-defined project objectives are needed to locate and design roads 

that will best address environmental and resources issues as well as road use, safety, and traffic 

requirements.

New roads can be designed to avoid or minimize adverse effects to soil, water quality, and riparian resources, while existing roads may need to be redesigned or relocated to mitigate such effects. 

Management needs have changed considerably since most NFS roads were constructed. Influences 

of roads on aquatic and riparian systems are currently better understood. Designs for improvements 

Manual or Handbook 

Reference

Objective

Explanation
108 Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide

to existing roads often revise the original design to change location, drainage, crossing type or size, 

or surfacing. Improvements to the road system are made on a priority basis that considers road and 

resource condition, values at risk, available funding, and cost.

In addition, some situations may require adherence to special conditions associated with Clean 

Water Act (CWA) 401 certification, CWA 402 permits, and CWA 404 permits. State and local entities may also provide guidance and regulations such as a Forest Practices Act or a Stream Alteration Act. Land management plans often contain direction on location of roads relative to streams, 

wetlands, and unstable landforms.

Develop site-specific BMP prescriptions for the following practices, as appropriate or when 

required, using State BMPs, Forest Service regional guidance, land management plan direction, 

BMP monitoring information, and professional judgment.

Location

• Locate roads to fit the terrain, follow natural contours, and limit the need for excavation.

q Avoid locations that require extended steep grades, sharp curves, or switchbacks.

• Locate roads on stable geology with well-drained soils and rock formations that dip into the slope.

q Avoid hydric soils, inner gorges, overly steep slopes, and unstable landforms to the extent 

practicable.

• Locate roads as far from waterbodies as is practicable to achieve access objectives, with a minimum number of crossings and connections between the road and the waterbody.

q Avoid sensitive areas such as riparian areas, wetlands, meadows, bogs, and fens, to the extent practicable.

q Provide an AMZ of suitable width between the road and a waterbody to maintain desired 

conditions, goals, and objectives for structure, function, and processes of the AMZ and 

associated waterbody when a road must parallel a waterbody (See BMP Plan-3 [AMZ 

Planning]).

• Relocate existing routes or segments that are causing, or have the potential to cause, adverse 

effects to soil, water quality, and riparian resources, to the extent practicable.

q Obliterate the existing road or segment after the relocated section is completed (see BMP 

Road-6 [Road Storage and Decommissioning]).

Predesign

• Consider design criteria relative to soil, water quality, and riparian resources from the decision 

document and associated National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analysis document.

• Consider the road RMOs and likely future maintenance schedule in the initial design.

• Conduct suitable site investigations, data collection, and evaluations commensurate with the anticipated design and sensitivity of the area to soil, water quality, and riparian resource impacts.

q Consider subsurface conditions and conduct suitable investigations and stability analyses 

for road and bridge locations where slope instability can occur due to road construction.

q Conduct a suitable soils and geotechnical evaluation to identify susceptibility to erosion 

and stable angles of repose.

Practices
Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide 109

Design

• Design the road to fit the ground and terrain with the least practicable impacts to soil, water 

quality, and riparian resources considering the purpose and life of the road, safety, and cost.

q Use road standards that minimize impacts for grade and alignment (e.g., width, turning 

radius, and maximum slope).

q Use low impact development treatments that reduce long-term maintenance needs wherever practicable.

• Design the road to maintain stable road prism, cut, and fill slopes.

q Design cut and fill slope ratios to reduce soil loss from mass failures.

q Use structural or nonstructural measures as necessary to stabilize cut and fill slopes.

• Design the road surface drainage system to intercept, collect, and remove water from the road 

surface and surrounding slopes in a manner that minimizes concentrated flow in ditches, culverts, and over fill slopes and road surfaces.

q Use structural or nonstructural measures suitable to the road materials, road gradient, and 

expected traffic levels.

q Use an interval between drainage features that is suitable for the road gradient, surface material, and climate.

q Use suitable measures to avoid or minimize erosion of ditches.

• Design the road subsurface drainage system to intercept, collect, and remove groundwater that 

may flow into the base course and subgrade, lower high-water tables, and drain water pockets.

q Use suitable subsurface dispersion or collection measures to capture and disperse locally 

shallow groundwater flows intercepted by road cuts.

q Use suitable measures to release groundwater into suitable areas without causing erosion or 

siltation.

• Design the road for minimal disruption of natural drainage patterns and to minimize the hydrologic connection of the road segment or network with nearby waterbodies.

q Use suitable structural or nonstructural measures to avoid or minimize gully formation and 

erosion of fill slopes at outfalls of road surface drainage structures.

q Use suitable measures to avoid, to the extent practicable, or minimize direct discharges 

from road drainage structures to nearby waterbodies.

q Provide sufficient buffer distance at the outfalls of road surface drainage structures for water to infiltrate before reaching the waterbody.

q Use applicable practices of BMP Road-7 (Stream Crossings) to limit the number and 

length of water crossing connected areas to the extent practicable.

• Design road surface treatment to support wheel loads, stabilize the roadbed, reduce dust, and 

control erosion consistent with anticipated traffic and use.

q Consider whether road closures or roadway surface drainage and erosion protection can 

adequately mitigate adverse effects to soil, water quality, and riparian resources.

• Design roads within the AMZ (when no practicable alternative exists outside of the AMZ to 

achieve access objectives) to maintain desired conditions, goals, and objectives for AMZ structure, function, and processes (See BMP Plan-3 [AMZ Planning]).
110 Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide

q Use suitable measures to minimize or mitigate effects to waterbodies and other sensitive 

areas when adverse impacts cannot be practicably avoided.

• Design waterbody crossings to avoid or minimize adverse effects to soil, water quality, and riparian resources to the extent practicable consistent with road use, legal requirements, and cost 

considerations (See BMP Road-7 [Stream Crossings]).

• Design a post-construction site vegetation plan, including short- and long-term objectives, using suitable species and establishment techniques to revegetate the site in compliance with local 

direction and requirements per FSM 2070 and FSM 2080 for vegetation ecology and prevention 

and control of invasive species.

Road-3. Road Construction and Reconstruction

FSM 7720, FSH 7709.56, and FSH 7709.57.

Avoid or minimize adverse effects to soil, water quality, and riparian resources from erosion, sediment, and other pollutant delivery during road construction or reconstruction.

During road construction and reconstruction activities, vegetation and ground cover is removed 

exposing soil to erosion. Temporary and long-term erosion control and stormwater management 

measures are necessary to reduce erosion and maintain overall slope stability. These erosion control 

measures may include vegetative and structural practices to ensure long-term stability of the area.

Develop site-specific BMP prescriptions for the following practices, as appropriate or when 

required, using State BMPs, Forest Service regional guidance, land management plan direction, 

BMP monitoring information, and professional judgment.

• Use applicable practices of BMP Fac-2 (Facility Construction and Stormwater Control) for 

stormwater management and erosion control when constructing or reconstructing system roads.

• Use suitable construction techniques to create stable fills.

q Use full bench construction techniques or retaining walls where stable fill construction is 

not possible.

q Avoid incorporating woody debris in the fill portion of the road prism.

q Leave existing rooted trees or shrubs at the toe of the fill slope to stabilize the fill.

q Avoid use of road fills for water impoundment dams unless specifically designed for that 

purpose.

• Identify and locate waste areas before the start of operations.

q Deposit and stabilize excess and unsuitable materials only in designated sites.

q Do not place such materials on slopes with a risk of excessive erosion, sediment delivery to 

waterbodies, mass failure, or within the AMZ.

q Provide adequate surface drainage and erosion protection at disposal sites.

• Do not permit sidecasting within the AMZ.

q Avoid or minimize excavated materials from entering waterbodies or AMZs.

• Develop and follow blasting plans when necessary.

q Use restrictive blasting techniques in sensitive areas and in sites that have high landslide 

potential.

Manual or Handbook 

Reference

Objective

Explanation

Practices
Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide 111

q Avoid blasting when soils are saturated.

• Remove slash and cull logs to designated sites outside the AMZ for storage or disposal.

q Consider using cull logs in aquatic ecosystem projects to achieve aquatic resource management objectives as opportunities arise.

• Use suitable measures in compliance with local direction to prevent and control invasive species.

• Construct pioneer roads using suitable measures to avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects 

to soil, water quality, and riparian resources.

q Confine construction of pioneer roads to the planned roadway limits unless otherwise 

specified.

q Locate and construct pioneering roads to avoid or minimize undercutting of the designated 

final cut slope.

q Avoid deposition of materials outside the designated roadway limits.

q Use suitable crossing structures, or temporarily dewater live streams, where pioneer roads 

intersect streams.

q Use suitable erosion and stormwater control measures as needed (see BMP Fac-2 [Facility 

Construction and Stormwater Control]).

• Reconstruct existing roads to the degree necessary to provide adequate drainage and safety.

q Avoid disturbing stable road surfaces.

q Use suitable measures to avoid, to the extent practicable, or minimize direct discharges 

from road drainage structures to nearby waterbodies.

Road-4. Road Operations and Maintenance

FSM 7732 and FSH 7709.59, chapter 60.

Avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects to soil, water quality, and riparian resources by controlling road use and operations and providing adequate and appropriate maintenance to minimize 

sediment production and other pollutants during the useful life of the road.

Control of road use and operations and appropriate maintenance can protect road investment and 

soil, water quality, and riparian resources. Periodic inventory and assessment that determine road 

condition are used to determine operational controls and maintenance needs.

Operational objectives and activities are documented in the RMOs. In travel management decisions, roads open to motorized vehicle use are designated by allowed vehicle class and, if appropriate, by time of year. Road operations include administering permits, contracts, and agreements, 

controlling allowed use, maintaining roads in closed status, and revising maintenance levels and 

seasonal closures as needed. Road closures and restrictions are necessary because many forest 

roads are designed for dry season use. Many local roads are not surfaced; while others have some 

surfacing but little to no base. Such roads can be damaged by use during wet periods or by loads 

heavier than the road was designed to convey.

Properly maintained road surfaces and drainage systems can reduce adverse effects to water 

resources by encouraging natural hydrologic function. Roads and drainage systems normally 

deteriorate because of traffic, weather, and age. In addition, roads occasionally become saturated 

Manual or Handbook 

Reference

Objective

Explanation
112 Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide

by groundwater springs and seeps after a wildfire or unusually wet periods. Many such conditions 

can be corrected by timely maintenance. While routine maintenance is needed to ensure the road 

performs as designed, however, it can also be a source of soil disturbance, concentrated flow, sediment production, and slope instability if done improperly. Lower impact maintenance techniques 

may be desired to minimize disturbance of stable sites.

Develop site-specific BMP prescriptions for the following practices, as appropriate or when 

required, using State BMPs, Forest Service regional guidance, land management plan direction, 

BMP monitoring information, and professional judgment.

Operations

• Designate season of use to avoid or restrict road use during periods when use would likely damage the roadway surface or road drainage features.

• Designate class of vehicle and type of uses suitable for the road width, location, waterbody 

crossings, and road surfaces to avoid or minimize adverse effects to soil, water quality, or riparian resources to the extent practicable.

• Use suitable measures to communicate and enforce road use restrictions.

• Use suitable measures to avoid or minimize adverse effects to soil, water quality, or riparian resources when proposed operations involve use of roads by traffic and during periods for which 

the road was not designed.

q Strengthen the road surface in areas where surfaces are vulnerable to movement such as 

corners and steep sections.

q Upgrade drainage structures to avoid, to the extent practicable, or minimize direct discharges into nearby waterbodies.

q Restrict use to low-ground-pressure vehicles or frozen ground conditions.

q Strengthen the road base if roads are tending to rut.

q Adjust maintenance to handle the traffic while minimizing excessive erosion and damage 

to the road surface.

• Ensure that drainage features are fully functional on completion of seasonal operations.

q Shape road surfaces to drain as designed.

q Construct or reconstruct drainage control structures as needed.

q Ensure that ditches and culverts are clean and functioning.

q Remove berms unless specifically designed for erosion control purposes.

• Consider potential for water quality effects from road damage when granting permits for oversize or overweight loads.

• Use suitable road surface stabilization practices and dust abatement supplements on roads with 

high or heavy traffic use (See FSH 7709.56 and FSH 7709.59).

• Use applicable practices of Chemical Use Management Activities BMPs when chemicals are 

used in road operations.

Inspection

• Periodically inspect system travel routes to evaluate condition and assist in setting maintenance 

and improvement priorities.

Practices
Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide 113

q Give inspection priority to roads at high risk of failure to reduce risk of diversions and cascading failures.

• Inspect drainage structures and road surfaces after major storm events and perform any necessary maintenance (see BMP Road-11 [Road Storm-Damage Surveys]).

q Repair and temporarily stabilize road failures actively producing and transporting sediment 

as soon as practicable and safe to do so.

• Inspect roads frequently during all operations.

q Restrict use if road damage such as unacceptable surface displacement or rutting is occurring.

Maintenance Planning

• Develop and implement annual maintenance plans that prioritize road maintenance work for the 

forest or district.

q Increase priority for road maintenance work on road sections where road damage is causing, 

or potentially would cause, adverse effects to soil, water quality, and riparian resources.

q Consider the risk and consequence of future failure at the site when prioritizing repair of 

road failures.

• Develop and implement annual road maintenance plans for projects where contractors or permittees are responsible for maintenance activities.

q Define responsibilities and maintenance timing in the plan.

Maintenance Activities

• Maintain the road surface drainage system to intercept, collect, and remove water from the road 

surface and surrounding slopes in a manner that reduces concentrated flow in ditches, culverts, 

and over fill slopes and road surfaces.

q Clean ditches and catch basins only as needed to keep them functioning.

q Do not undercut the toe of the cut slope when cleaning ditches or catch basins.

q Use suitable measures to avoid, to the extent practicable, or minimize direct discharges 

from road drainage structures to nearby waterbodies.

• Identify diversion potential on roads and prioritize for treatment.

q Minimize diversion potential through installation and maintenance of dips, drains, or other 

suitable measures.

• Maintain road surface treatments to stabilize the roadbed, reduce dust, and control erosion consistent with anticipated traffic and use.

• Grade road surfaces only as necessary to meet the smoothness requirements of the assigned operational maintenance level and to provide adequate surface drainage.

q Do not undercut the toe of the cut slope when grading roads.

q Do not permit sidecasting of maintenance-generated debris within the AMZ to avoid or 

minimize excavated materials entering waterbodies or riparian areas.

q Avoid overwidening of roads due to repeated grading over time, especially where sidecast 

material would encroach on waterbodies.

q Use potential sidecast or other waste materials on the road surface where practicable.

q Dispose of unusable waste materials in designated disposal sites.
114 Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide

• Remove vegetation from swales, ditches, and shoulders, and cut and fill slopes only when it 

impedes adequate drainage, vehicle passage, or obstructs necessary sight distance to avoid or 

minimize unnecessary or excessive vegetation disturbance.

• Maintain permanent stream crossings and associated fills and approaches to reduce the likelihood that water would be diverted onto the road or erode the fill if the structure becomes obstructed.

• Identify waterbody-crossing structures that lack sufficient capacity to pass expected flows, 

bedload, or debris, or that do not allow for desired aquatic organism passage, and prioritize for 

treatment.

q Use applicable practices of BMP Road-7 (Stream Crossings) to improve crossings.

• Use applicable practices of BMP Road-6 (Road Storage and Decommissioning) for maintenance and management of Maintenance Level 1 roads.

• Ensure the necessary specifications concerning prehaul maintenance, maintenance during haul, 

and posthaul maintenance (putting the road back in storage) are in place when maintenance 

level 1 roads are opened for use on commercial resource management projects or other permitted activities.

q Require the commercial operator or responsible party to leave roads in a satisfactory condition when project is completed.

Road-5. Temporary Roads

None known.

Avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects to soil, water quality, and riparian resources from the 

construction and use of temporary roads.

Temporary roads may be used in situations where access needs are short-term and the roads can 

be constructed without requiring advanced engineering design or construction practices to avoid, 

minimize, or mitigate adverse effects to resources. Practices related to road location and stormwater and erosion control should be applied to temporary roads. Temporary roads are to be decommissioned and the area returned to resource production after the access is no longer needed.

Develop site-specific BMP prescriptions for the following practices, as appropriate or when 

required, using State BMPs, Forest Service regional guidance, land management plan direction, 

BMP monitoring information, and professional judgment.

• Use applicable practices of BMP Road-2 (Road Location and Design) to locate temporary 

roads.

• Use applicable practices of BMP Fac-2 (Facility Construction and Stormwater Control) for 

stormwater management and erosion control when constructing temporary roads.

• Install sediment and stormwater controls before initiating surface-disturbing activities to the 

extent practicable.

• Schedule construction activities to avoid direct soil and water-disturbance during periods of the 

year when heavy precipitation and runoff are likely to occur.

• Routinely inspect temporary roads to verify that erosion and stormwater controls are implemented, functioning, and appropriately maintained.

Manual or Handbook 

Reference

Objective

Explanation

Practices
Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide 115

• Maintain erosion and stormwater controls as necessary to ensure proper and effective functioning.

• Use suitable measures in compliance with local direction to prevent and control invasive species.

• Use temporary crossings suitable for the expected uses and timing of use (See BMP Road-7 

[Stream Crossings]).

• Use applicable practices of BMP Road-6 (Road Storage and Decommissioning) to obliterate the 

temporary road and return the area to resource production after the access is no longer needed.

Road-6. Road Storage and Decommissioning

FSH 7709.59, chapter 60 and FSM 7734.

Avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects to soil, water quality, and riparian resources by storing closed roads not needed for at least 1 year (Intermittent Stored Service) and decommissioning 

unneeded roads in a hydrologically stable manner to eliminate hydrologic connectivity, restore 

natural flow patterns, and minimize soil erosion.

Roads not needed for access for long periods (greater than 1 year) may be put into storage (Intermittent Stored Service—Maintenance Level 1) to reduce maintenance costs. Level 1 roads receive 

basic custodial maintenance focusing on maintaining drainage facilities and runoff patterns to avoid 

or minimize damage to adjacent resources and to perpetuate the road for future use. The integrity of 

the roadway is retained to the extent practicable and measures are implemented to reduce sediment 

delivery from the road surface and fills and reduce the risk of crossing failure and stream diversion.

Roads no longer needed are identified during transportation planning activities at the forest, 

watershed, or project level. The former road may be decommissioned or converted to a trail as appropriate. Decommissioned roads are stabilized and restored to a more natural state to protect and 

enhance NFS lands. Temporary roads constructed for a specific short-term purpose (e.g., ski area 

development, minerals exploration, or timber harvesting) are decommissioned at the completion of 

their intended use.

Road decommissioning includes a variety of treatments to block the road, revegetate the road surface, restore surface drainage, remove crossing structures and fills, mitigate road surface compaction, re-establish drainageways, remove unstable road embankments, and recontour the surface to 

restore natural slopes. One or more treatments are applied to decommission the road depending on 

resource objectives and cost.

Develop site-specific BMP prescriptions for the following practices, as appropriate or when 

required, using State BMPs, Forest Service regional guidance, land management plan direction, 

BMP monitoring information, and professional judgment.

All Activities

• Implement suitable measures to close and physically block the road entrance so that unauthorized motorized vehicles cannot access the road.

q Remove the road from the Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) to include the change in the 

annual forestwide order associated with the MVUM.

• Establish effective ground cover on disturbed sites to avoid or minimize accelerated erosion and 

soil loss.

Manual or Handbook 

Reference

Objective

Explanation

Practices
116 Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide

q Use suitable species and establishment techniques to stabilize and revegetate the site in 

compliance with local direction and requirements per FSM 2070 and FSM 2080 for vegetation ecology and prevention and control of invasive species.

Road Storage

• Evaluate all stream and waterbody crossings for potential for failure or diversion of flow if left 

without treatment.

q Use suitable measures to reduce the risk of flow diversion onto the road surface.

q Consider leaving existing crossings in low-risk situations where the culvert is not undersized, 

does not present an undesired passage barrier to aquatic organisms, and is relatively stable.

q Remove culverts, fill material, and other structures that present an unacceptable risk of 

failure or diversion.

q Reshape the channel and streambanks at the crossing-site to pass expected flows without 

scouring or ponding, minimize potential for undercutting or slumping of streambanks, 

and maintain continuation of channel dimensions and longitudinal profile through the 

crossing site.

q Use suitable measures to avoid or minimize scour and downcutting.

• Use suitable measures to ensure that the road surface drainage system will intercept, collect, and 

remove water from the road surface and surrounding slopes in a manner that reduces concentrated flow in ditches, culverts, and over fill slopes and road surfaces without frequent maintenance.

• Use suitable measures to stabilize unstable road segments, seeps, slumps, or cut or fill slopes 

where evidence of potential failure exists.

Road Conversion to Trail

• Reclaim unneeded road width, cut, and fill slopes when converting a road for future use as a trail.

• Use suitable measures to stabilize reclaimed sections to avoid or minimize undesired access and 

to restore desired ecologic structures or functions.

• Use suitable measures to ensure that surface drainage will intercept, collect, and remove water 

from the trail surface and surrounding slopes in a manner that minimizes concentrated flow and 

erosion on the trail surfaces without frequent maintenance.

• Use applicable practices of BMP Road-7 (Stream Crossings) to provide waterbody crossings 

suitable to the expected trail uses.

Road Decommissioning

• Use existing roads identified for decommissioning as skid roads in timber sales or land stewardship projects before closing the road, where practicable, as the opportunity arises.

• Evaluate risks to soil, water quality, and riparian resources and use the most practicable, costeffective treatments to achieve long-term desired conditions and water quality management 

goals and objectives.

• Use applicable practices of BMP Fac-2 (Facility Construction and Stormwater Control) for 

stormwater management and erosion control when obliterating system roads.

• Implement suitable measures to re-establish stable slope contours and surface and subsurface 

hydrologic pathways where necessary to the extent practicable to avoid or minimize adverse 

effects to soil, water quality, and riparian resources.

q Remove drainage structures.
Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide 117

q Recontour and stabilize cut slopes and fill material.

q Reshape the channel and streambanks at crossing sites to pass expected flows without scouring or ponding, minimize potential for undercutting or slumping of streambanks, and maintain continuation of channel dimensions and longitudinal profile through the crossing site.

q Restore or replace streambed materials to a particle size distribution suitable for the site.

q Restore floodplain function.

• Implement suitable measures to promote infiltration of runoff and intercepted flow and desired 

vegetation growth on the road prism and other compacted areas.

• Use suitable measures in compliance with local direction to prevent and control invasive species.

Road-7. Stream Crossings

Manual or Handbook Reference: FSM 7722 and FSH 7709.56b.

Avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects to soil, water quality, and riparian resources when 

constructing, reconstructing, or maintaining temporary and permanent waterbody crossings.

Forest and grassland management activities often occur in areas that require surface waters to be 

crossed. Depending on the activity type and duration, crossings may be needed permanently or 

temporarily. Permanent crossings, in general, are more durable and are designed by an engineer to 

meet applicable standards while also protecting water quality and riparian resources.

Examples of crossings include culverts, bridges, arched pipes, low-water crossings, vented fords, 

and permeable fills. Crossing materials and construction will vary based on the type of access required, duration of need, and volume of use expected. Crossings should be designed and installed 

to provide for flow of water, bedload, and large woody debris, desired aquatic organism passage, 

and to minimize disturbance to the surface and shallow groundwater resources.

Construction, reconstruction, and maintenance of a crossing usually requires heavy equipment to 

be in and near streams, lakes, and other aquatic habitats to install or remove culverts, fords, and 

bridges, and their associated fills, abutments, piles, and cribbing. Such disturbance near the waterbody can increase the potential for accelerated erosion and sedimentation by altering flow paths 

and destabilizing streambanks or shorelines, removing vegetation and ground cover, and exposing 

or compacting the soil. Use of heavy equipment has a potential for contaminating the surface water 

from vehicle fluids or introducing aquatic nuisance species.

Some crossings may require adherence to special conditions associated with CWA 401 certification 

or CWA 404 permits. State and local entities may also provide guidance and regulations such as a 

Forest Practices Act or a Stream Alteration Act.

Develop site-specific BMP prescriptions for the following practices, as appropriate or when 

required, using State BMPs, Forest Service regional guidance, land management plan direction, 

BMP monitoring information, and professional judgment.

All Crossings

• Plan and locate surface water crossings to limit the number and extent to those that are necessary to provide the level of access needed to meet resource management objectives as described 

in the RMOs.

Manual or Handbook 

Reference

Objective

Explanation

Practices
118 Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide

• Use applicable practices of BMP AqEco-2 (Operations in Aquatic Ecosystems) when working 

in or near waterbodies.

• Use crossing structures suitable for the site conditions and the RMOs.

• Design and locate crossings to minimize disturbance to the waterbody.

• Use suitable measures to locate, construct, and decommission or stabilize bypass roads to avoid, 

minimize, or mitigate adverse effects to soil, water quality, and riparian resources.

• Use suitable surface drainage and roadway stabilization measures to disconnect the road from 

the waterbody to avoid or minimize water and sediment from being channeled into surface waters and to dissipate concentrated flows.

• Use suitable measures to avoid, minimize, or mitigate damage to the waterbody and banks 

when transporting materials across the waterbody or AMZ during construction activities.

Stream Crossings

• Locate stream crossings where the channel is narrow, straight, and uniform, and has stable soils 

and relatively flat terrain to the extent practicable.

q Select a site where erosion potential is low.

q Orient the stream crossing perpendicular to the channel to the extent practicable.

q Keep approaches to stream crossings to as gentle a slope as practicable.

q Consider natural channel adjustments and possible channel location changes over the design life of the structure.

• Design the crossing to pass a normal range of flows for the site.

q Design the crossing structure to have sufficient capacity to convey the design flow without 

appreciably altering streamflow characteristics.

q Install stream crossings to sustain bankfull dimensions of width, depth, and slope and 

maintain streambed and bank resiliency and continuity through the structure.

• Bridge, culvert, or otherwise design road fill to prevent restriction of flood flows.

q Use site conditions and local requirements to determine design flood flows.

q Use suitable measures to protect fill from erosion and to avoid or minimize failure of the 

crossing at flood flows.

q Use suitable measures to provide floodplain connectivity to the extent practicable.

• Use suitable measures to avoid or minimize scour and erosion of the channel, crossing structure, and foundation to maintain the stability of the channel and banks.

• Design and construct the stream crossing to maintain the desired migration or other movement 

of fish and other aquatic life inhabiting the waterbody.

q Consider the use of bottomless arch culverts where appropriate to allow for natural channel 

migration and desired aquatic organism passage.

q Install or maintain fish migration barriers only where needed to protect endangered, threatened, 

sensitive, or unique native aquatic populations, and only where natural barriers do not exist.

q Use stream simulation techniques where practicable to aid in crossing design.
Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide 119

• Bridges

q Use an adequately long bridge span to avoid constricting the natural active flow channel 

and minimize constriction of any overflow channel.

q Place foundations onto nonscour-susceptible material (e.g., bedrock or coarse rock material) or below the expected maximum depth of scour.

q Set bridge abutments or footings into firm natural ground (e.g., not fill material or loose 

soil) when placed on natural slopes.

q Use suitable measures as needed in steep, deep drainages to retain approach fills or use a 

relatively long bridge span.

q Avoid placing abutments in the active stream channel to the extent practicable.

q Place in-channel abutments in a direction parallel to the streamflow where necessary.

q Use suitable measures to avoid or minimize, to the extent practicable, damage to the bridge 

and associated road from expected flood flows, floating debris, and bedload.

q Inspect the bridge at regular intervals and perform maintenance as needed to maintain the 

function of the structure.

• Culverts

q Align the culvert with the natural stream channel.

q Cover culvert with sufficient fill to avoid or minimize damage by traffic.

q Construct at or near natural elevation of the streambed to avoid or minimize potential 

flooding upstream of the crossing and erosion below the outlet.

q Install culverts long enough to extend beyond the toe of the fill slopes to minimize erosion.

q Use suitable measures to avoid or minimize water from seeping around the culvert.

q Use suitable measures to avoid or minimize culvert plugging from transported bedload 

and debris.

q Regularly inspect culverts and clean as necessary.

• Low-Water Crossings

q Consider low-water crossings on roads with low traffic volume and slow speeds, and 

where water depth is safe for vehicle travel.

q Consider low-water crossings to cross ephemeral streams, streams with relatively low 

baseflow and shallow water depth or streams with highly variable flows or in areas prone 

to landslides or debris flows.

q Locate low-water crossings where streambanks are low with gentle slopes and channels are 

not deeply incised.

q Select and design low-water crossing structures to maintain the function and bedload 

movement of the natural stream channel.

q Locate unimproved fords in stable reaches with a firm rock or gravel base that has sufficient load-bearing strength for the expected vehicle traffic.

q Construct the low-water crossing to conform to the site, channel shape, and original 

streambed elevation and to minimize flow restriction, site disturbance, and channel blockage to the extent practicable.

q Use suitable measures to stabilize or harden the streambed and approaches, including the entire 

bankfull width and sufficient freeboard, where necessary to support the design vehicle traffic.
120 Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide

q Use vented fords with high vent area ratio to maintain stream function and aquatic organism passage.

q Construct the roadway-driving surface with material suitable to resist expected shear stress 

or lateral forces of water flow at the site.

q Consider using temporary crossings on roads that provide short-term or intermittent access 

to avoid, minimize, or mitigate erosion, damage to streambed or channel, and flooding.

q Design and install temporary crossings suitable for the expected users, loads, and timing 

of use.

q Design and install temporary crossing structures to pass a design storm determined based 

on local site conditions and requirements.

q Install and remove temporary crossing structures in a timely manner as needed to provide 

access during use periods and minimize risk of washout.

q Use suitable measures to stabilize temporary crossings that must remain in place during 

high runoff seasons.

q Monitor temporary crossings regularly while installed to evaluate condition.

q Remove temporary crossings and restore the waterbody profile and substrate when the 

need for the crossing no longer exists.

Standing Water and Wetland Crossings

• Disturb the least amount of area as practicable when crossing a standing waterbody.

• Provide for sufficient cross drainage to minimize changes to, and avoid restricting, natural surface and subsurface water flow of the wetland under the road to the extent practicable.

q Locate and design roads or road drainage to avoid dewatering or polluting wetlands.

q Avoid or minimize actions that would significantly alter the natural drainage for flow patterns on lands immediately adjacent to wetlands.

• Use suitable measures to increase soil-bearing capacity and reduce rutting from expected vehicle traffic.

• Construct fill roads only when necessary.

q Construct fill roads parallel to water flow and to be as low to natural ground level as 

practicable.

q Construct roads with sufficient surface drainage for surface water flows.

Road-8. Snow Removal and Storage

FS-7700-41 and FSH 7709.59, chapter 24.11.

Avoid or minimize erosion, sedimentation, and chemical pollution that may result from snow 

removal and storage activities.

Snow removal from roads and parking areas may adversely affect water quality and riparian resources in several ways. Plowing may physically displace native or engineered surfaces on roads, 

damage drainage structures, or alter drainage patterns. Plowing may also remove protective soil 

cover (e.g., vegetation or mulch). These changes can result in concentrated flow, increased erosion, 

and greater risk of sediment delivery to waterbodies.

Manual or Handbook 

Reference

Objective

Explanation
Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide 121

Snow piled in large mounds or berms, or in sensitive areas, may contribute to increased run-off, 

hill slope erosion, mass slope instability, and in-channel erosion from snowmelt. Snow stored in 

riparian areas and floodplains may compact soils, break or stunt vegetation, or channel runoff in 

undesirable patterns, thereby weakening the buffering capacity of these areas. Additionally, both 

snow removal and storage may result in additions of salts or fine aggregates used for de-icing or 

traction control and other vehicle pollutants directly to surface water and indirectly to both surface 

water and groundwater during runoff.

Develop site-specific BMP prescriptions for the following practices, as appropriate or when 

required, using State BMPs, Forest Service regional guidance, land management plan direction, 

BMP monitoring information, and professional judgment.

• Develop a snow removal plan for roads plowed for recreation, administrative, or other access to 

avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects to soil, water quality, and riparian resources.

• Use existing standard contract language (C5.316# or similar) for snow removal during winter 

logging operations to avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects to soil, water quality, and 

riparian resources.

• Limit use of approved deicing and traction control materials to areas where safety is critical 

(e.g., intersections, steep segments, and corners).

q Use site-specific characteristics such as road width and design, traffic concentration, and 

proximity to surface waters to determine suitable amount of de-icing material to apply.

q Use effective plowing techniques to optimize chemical de-icer use.

q Consider use of alternative materials to chemical de-icers, such as sand or gravel, in sensitive areas.

q Use properly calibrated controllers to ensure material application rates are accurately regulated.

q Limit spray distribution of chemical de-icers when near surface waters.

q Design paved roads and parking lots to facilitate sand removal (e.g., curbs or paved ditches).

• Use suitable measures when storing de-icing materials to avoid or minimize mobility of the 

materials.

q Store de-icing materials on a flat, upland, impervious area of adequate size to accommodate material stockpiles and equipment movement.

q Stockpile de-icing materials under cover and provide runoff collection, containment, and 

treatment, as necessary, to avoid or minimize offsite movement.

• Move snow in a manner that will avoid or minimize disturbance of or damage to road surfaces 

and drainage structures.

q Mark drainage structures to avoid damage during plowing.

q Conduct frequent inspections to ensure road drainage is not adversely affecting soil or water resources.

• Control areas where snow removal equipment can operate to avoid or minimize damage to riparian areas, floodplains, and stream channels.

• Install snow berms where such placement will preclude concentration of snowmelt runoff and 

will serve to dissipate melt water.

q Provide frequent drainage through snow berms to avoid concentration of snowmelt runoff 

on fillslopes and other erosive areas, to dissipate melt water, and to avoid or minimize sediment delivery to waterbodies.

Practices
122 Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide

• Store snow in clearly delineated pre-approved areas where snowmelt runoff will not cause erosion or deliver snow, road de-icers, or traction-enhancing materials directly into surface waters.

q Store or dispose of snow adjacent to or on pervious surfaces in upland areas away from 

waterbodies to the extent practicable.

q Do not store or dispose of snow in riparian areas, wetlands, or streams unless no other 

practicable alternative exists.

• Manage discharge of meltwater to avoid or minimize runoff of pollutants into surface waterbodies or groundwater.

q Use suitable measures to filter and treat meltwater before reaching surface water or 

groundwater.

q Use suitable measures to disperse meltwater to avoid creating concentrated overland flow.

q Collect and properly dispose of onsite litter, debris, and sediment from meltwater settling 

areas.

• Discontinue road use and snow removal when use would likely damage the roadway surface or 

road drainage features.

q Modify snow removal procedures as necessary to meet water quality concerns.

• Replace lost road surface materials with similar quality material and repair structures damaged 

in snow removal operations as soon as practicable.

Road-9. Parking and Staging Areas

FSM 7710, FSM 7720, and FSM 7730.

Avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects to soil, water quality, and riparian resources when 

constructing and maintaining parking and staging areas.

Parking and staging areas on NFS lands may be permanent or temporary and are associated with a 

variety of uses including administrative buildings, developed recreation sites, trailheads, and forest 

management projects. These parking facilities sometimes constitute large areas with little or no infiltration capacity. Runoff from these areas can create rills or gullies and carry sediment, nutrients, 

and other pollutants to nearby surface waters.

Develop site-specific BMP prescriptions for the following practices, as appropriate or when 

required, using State BMPs, Forest Service regional guidance, land management plan direction, 

BMP monitoring information, and professional judgment.

• Design and locate parking and staging areas of appropriate size and configuration to accommodate expected vehicles and avoid or minimize adverse effects to adjacent soil, water quality, and 

riparian resources.

q Consider the number and type of vehicles to determine parking or staging area size.

• Use applicable practices of BMP Fac-2 (Facility Construction and Stormwater Control) for 

stormwater management and erosion control when designing, constructing, reconstructing, or 

maintaining parking or staging areas.

• Use suitable measures to harden and avoid or minimize damage to parking area surfaces that 

experience heavy use or are used during wet periods.

Manual or Handbook 

Reference

Objective

Explanation

Practices
Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide 123

• Use and maintain suitable measures to collect and contain oil and grease in larger parking lots 

with high use and where drainage discharges directly to streams.

• Connect drainage system to existing stormwater conveyance systems where available and 

practicable.

• Conduct maintenance activities commensurate with parking or staging area surfacing and drainage requirements as well as precipitation timing, intensity, and duration.

• Limit the size and extent of temporary parking or staging areas.

q Take advantage of existing openings, sites away from waterbodies, and areas that are apt to 

be more easily restored to the extent practicable.

q Use temporary stormwater and erosion control measures as needed.

q Use applicable practices of BMP Fac-10 (Facility Site Reclamation) to rehabilitate temporary parking or staging areas as soon as practicable following use.

Road-10. Equipment Refueling and Servicing

FSM 2160 and FSH 7109.19, chapter 40.

Avoid or minimize adverse effects to soil, water quality, and riparian resources from fuels, lubricants, cleaners, and other harmful materials discharging into nearby surface waters or infiltrating 

through soils to contaminate groundwater resources during equipment refueling and servicing 

activities.

Many activities require the use and maintenance of petroleum-powered equipment in the field. 

For example, mechanical vegetation management activities may employ equipment that uses or 

contains gasoline, diesel, oil, grease, hydraulic fluids, antifreeze, coolants, cleaning agents, and 

pesticides. These petroleum and chemical products may pose a risk to contaminating soils, surface 

water, and groundwaters during refueling and servicing the equipment. BMP Fac-6 (Hazardous 

Materials) provides additional guidance for handling hazardous materials.

Develop site-specific BMP prescriptions for the following practices, as appropriate or when 

required, using State BMPs, Forest Service regional guidance, land management plan direction, 

BMP monitoring information, and professional judgment.

• Plan for suitable equipment refueling and servicing sites during project design.

q Allow temporary refueling and servicing only at approved locations, located well away 

from the AMZ, groundwater recharge areas, and waterbodies.

• Develop or use existing fuel and chemical management plans (e.g., Spill Prevention Control 

and Countermeasures [SPCC], spill response plan, and emergency response plan) when developing the management prescription for refueling and servicing sites.

• Locate, design, construct, and maintain petroleum and chemical delivery and storage facilities 

consistent with applicable local, State, and Federal regulations.

• Use suitable measures around vehicle service, storage and refueling areas, chemical storage and 

use areas, and waste dumps to fully contain spills and avoid or minimize soil contamination and 

seepage to groundwater.

• Provide training for all agency personnel handling fuels and chemicals in their proper use, handling, storage, and disposal.

Manual or Handbook 

Reference

Objective

Explanation

Practices
124 Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide

q Ensure that contractors and permit holders provide documentation of proper training in 

handling hazardous materials.

• Use suitable measures to avoid spilling fuels, lubricants, cleaners, and other chemicals during 

handling and transporting.

• Prohibit excess chemicals or wastes from being stored or accumulated in the project area.

• Remove service residues, used oil, and other hazardous or undesirable materials from NFS land 

and properly dispose them as needed during and after completion of the project.

• Clean up and dispose of spilled materials according to specified requirements in the appropriate 

guiding document.

• Report spills and initiate suitable cleanup action in accordance with applicable State and Federal laws, rules, and regulations.

q Remove contaminated soil and other material from NFS lands and dispose of this material 

in a manner consistent with controlling regulations.

• Prepare and implement a certified SPCC Plan for each facility, including mobile and portable 

facilities, as required by Federal regulations.

• Use applicable practices of BMP Fac-10 (Facility Site Reclamation) to reclaim equipment refueling and services site when the need for them ends.

Road-11. Road Storm-Damage Surveys

FSM 7730 and FSM 2350.

Monitor road conditions following storm events to detect road failures; assess damage or potential 

damage to waterbodies, riparian resources, and watershed functions; determine the causes of the 

failures; and identify potential remedial actions at the damaged sites and preventative actions at 

similar sites.

Large storms stress road systems in multiple ways: large volumes of water are transported on road 

surfaces and through its drainage systems; significant volumes of water and debris are transported 

through stream crossings; and elevated pore pressures on unstable hillslopes, road cutslopes, and 

fillslopes sometimes generate mass failures. All road drainage systems, stream crossings with culverts, and unstable slopes have the potential to fail during periods of high runoff. The probabilities 

of failure differ greatly, and the potential consequences to water quality and designated uses vary 

dramatically from no impacts to severe and long-term impacts to aquatic systems. 

Surveying roads during or soon after storms is critical to timely detection of these problems. Observation of problems caused by storm runoff is of great value in understanding both the causes of 

failure and in adapting designs and prescriptions that reduce both the probability and consequences 

of future road failures. Over time, this kind of monitoring illustrates how and where roads can fail 

and points readily to practice modifications that can reduce adverse effects to water quality and 

watershed function.

The Emergency Relief for Federally Owned Roads (ERFO) Program is intended to help assess and 

fund the unusually heavy expenses associated with repairing and reconstructing Federal roads and 

bridges seriously damaged by a natural disaster over a wide area or catastrophic failure. To qualify 

for this type of funding, applications for repair must be submitted to the Federal Highways Administration through the ERFO program (FSM 7700).

Manual or Handbook 

Reference

Objective

Explanation
Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide 125

ERFO-Related Damage Surveys

• Complete a Damage Survey Report (DSR) at damaged sites potentially eligible for ERFO funds.

• Complete the Forest Service-developed supplemental form DSR+ in the field to more thoroughly describe, in categorical terms, the cause(s) and consequences of the damage.

q The DSR+ form and instructions may be found at http://www.stream.fs.fed.us/bmp/

damagesurveys. 

• Record the following information from damage sites that have been documented on the DSR and 

DSR+ forms in appropriate corporate database(s), including geographic information systems:

q The geographic locations (points or road segments) where damage occurred.

q The date of occurrence (year and month, if available).

q The type of failure and its cause.

Special Storm Damage Surveys

• Determine the need to do more comprehensive surveys and analysis of road damage after particularly large storm events.

q Survey all roads in the area, typically an entire watershed, ranger district, or national forest 

or grassland, affected by the storm or those roads that may be particularly susceptible to 

failure.

All Damage Surveys

• Analyze results from EFRO surveys, routine damage reconnaissance, and special surveys for 

patterns of damage and causes.

• Use these patterns of road damage to formulate recommendations of practice changes to reduce 

the incidence of future damage. Consider practice changes such as—

q Locating or relocating roads to more stable terrain (see BMP Road-2 [Road Location and 

Design]);

q Disconnecting road surface drainage from crossings and channels (see BMP Road-3 [Road 

Construction and Reconstruction]);

q Using special protections in locations on unstable landforms or areas with high erosion 

potential (see BMP Road-3 [Road Construction and Reconstruction]);

q Increasing the capacity of stream-crossing structures to pass water, debris, and sediment to 

reduce the probabilities of failure (see BMP Road-7 [Stream Crossings]);

q Building or rebuilding stream crossings to eliminate or reduce diversion potential (see 

BMP Road-7 [Stream Crossings]);

q Building or rebuilding stream crossings to improve aquatic species passage (see BMP 

Road-7 [Stream Crossings]); or

q Decommissioning or storing roads in a hydrologically benign condition (see BMP Road-6 

[Road Storage and Decommissioning]).

• Enter and store the results of data analysis in corporate data management systems to facilitate 

sharing among units that have similar terrain and road practices.

Practices
126 Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide

Resources for Road Management Activities

Clarkin, K.; et al. 2008. Stream simulation: An ecological approach to providing passage for 

aquatic organisms at road-stream crossings. 0877 1801-SDTDC. San Dimas, CA: USDA Forest 

Service, Technology and Development Program. Available at http://www.fs.fed.us/eng/pubs/pdf/

StreamSimulation/index.shtml. 

Furniss, M.; Love, M.; Firor, S.; Moynan, K.; Llanos, A.; Guntle, J.; Gubernick, R. 2006. 

FishXing—Software and learning systems for fish passage through culverts version 3. San Dimas, 

CA: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Forest Service, Technology and Development 

Program. Available at http://stream.fs.fed.us/fishxing/index.html. 

Blinn, C.R.; Dahlman, R.; Hislop, L.; Thompson, M. 1998. Temporary stream and wetland 

crossing options for forest management. Gen. Tech. Rep. NC-202. St. Paul, MN: USDA Forest 

Service, North Central Forest Experiment Station. 136 p. Available at http://nrs.fs.fed.us/pubs/266.

Cafferata, P.; Spittler, T.; Wopat, M.; Bundros, G.; Flanagan, S. 2004. Designing watercourse 

crossings for passage of 100-year flood flows, wood and sediment. California Forestry Report 1. 

Sacramento, CA: State of California, The Resources Agency, Department of Forestry and Fire 

Prevention. 34 p. Available at http://www.fire.ca.gov/resourcemanagement/pdf/100yr32links.pdf. 

Clarkin, K.; Keller, G.; Warhol, T.; Hixson, S. 2006. Low-water crossings: Geomorphic, 

biological, and engineering design considerations. 0625 1808P. San Dimas, CA: USDA Forest 

Service, Technology and Development Program. 366 p. Available at http://www.fs.fed.us/eng/

pubs/pdf/LowWaterCrossings/index.shtml.

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). National conservation practice 

standards—396 fish passage, 578 stream crossing. Available at http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/

technical/standards/nhcp.html.

California Department of Transportation. 2003. Construction sites best management practices 

(BMP) field manual and troubleshooting guide. 147 p. Available at http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/

construc/stormwater/manuals.htm. 

Rivas, T. 2006. Erosion control selection guide. 0677-1203-SDTDC. San Dimas, CA: USDA 

Forest Service, Technology and Development Program. 64 p. Available at http://fsweb.sdtdc.

wo.fs.fed.us/pubs/pdf/hi_res/06771203hi.pdf.

Male, P. 2010. The basics of a good road. CLRP Report No. 08-06. Ithaca, NY: Cornell University 

Local Roads Program. 96 p. Available at http://www.clrp.cornell.edu/workshops/pdf/basics_of_a_

good_road-2010-web.pdf. 

Meitl, J.; Maguire, T. (Eds.). 2003. Compendium of best management practices to control polluted 

runoff: A source book. Boise, ID: Idaho Department of Environmental Quality. Available at http://

www.deq.State.id.us/water/data_reports/surface_water/nps/reports.cfm#bmps.

USDOT Federal Highways Administration. 2003. Standard specifications for construction of roads 

and bridges on Federal highway projects. FP-03. Washington, DC. 699 p. Available at http://flh.

fhwa.dot.gov/resources/pse/specs/.

Aquatic Passage

Crossings

Erosion Control

General
Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide 127

USDA Forest Service. Water/road interaction series. San Dimas, CA: USDA Forest Service, 

Technology and Development Program. Available at http://www.fs.fed.us/eng/pubs/.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Office of Water. 2005. National management 

measures to control nonpoint source pollution from forestry. EPA 841-B-05-001. Washington, 

DC. Available at http://www.epa.gov/owow/nps/forestrymgmt/.

American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO). 2001. Guidelines for geometric design of very low-volume local roads (ADT<400). ISBN 1-56051-166-4. 

Washington, DC. 72 p. Available at http://www.transportation.org.

Keller, G.; Sherar, J. 2003. Low-volume roads engineering—Best management practices field 

guide. Washington, DC: USDA Forest Service, Office of International Programs, and U.S. Agency 

for International Development. 158 p. Available at http://www.fs.fed.us/global/topic/welcome.

htm#12.

Anderson, J.A.; Gesford, A.L. 2007. Environmentally sensitive maintenance for dirt and gravel 

roads. Harrisburg, PA: Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. 332 p. Available at http://

www.epa.gov/owow/NPS/sensitive/sensitive.html.

Moll, J. 1996. A guide for road closure and obliteration in the Forest Service. 9677 1205. San 

Dimas, CA: USDA Forest Service, Technology and Development Program. 53 p. Available at 

http://fsweb.sdtdc.wo.fs.fed.us/pubs/pdfimage/96771205.pdf.

USDA Forest Service, Roads/Riparian Team. 2002. Management and practices for riparian 

restorations: Roads field guide volumes I and II. Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-102. Fort Collins, CO: 

USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. 23 p. and 31 p. Available at http://www.

fs.fed.us/rm/publications. 

USDA Forest Service, National Riparian Roads Team. 2005. Riparian restoration: A roads 

field guide. 0577 1801P. San Dimas, CA: USDA Forest Service, Technology and Development 

Program. 128 p. Available at http://fsweb.sdtdc.wo.fs.fed.us/pubs/pdf/05771801.pdf.

USDA NRCS. National conservation practice standards—654 road/trail/landing closure and 

treatment. Available at http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/standards/nhcp.html.

See Appendix B.

Low-Volume Roads

Road Maintenance

Road Decommissioning

State Forestry BMP 

Documents
128 Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide

The purpose of this set of Best Management Practices (BMPs) is to avoid, minimize, or mitigate 

adverse effects to soil, water quality, and riparian resources that may result from mechanical treatments to manage vegetation. Mechanical treatments are used to manage vegetation for a variety of 

purposes including timber harvest, site preparation, vegetation type conversion, fire or fuels treatment, forest health and rangeland improvement, and wildlife habitat improvement. Authorizing 

documents for mechanical treatments are timber sale contracts, stewardship contracts, or project 

plans.

Eight National Core BMPs are in the Mechanical Vegetation Management Activities category. 

These BMPs are to be used in all mechanical vegetation management projects on National Forest System (NFS) lands. BMP Veg-1 (Vegetation Management Planning) is a planning BMP for 

vegetation management projects. BMP Veg-2 (Erosion Prevention and Control) provides direction 

for erosion control measures for mechanical vegetation treatment projects. BMP Veg-3 (Aquatic 

Management Zones) provides direction for mechanical vegetation treatments in the areas adjacent 

to waterbodies. BMP Veg-4 (Ground-Based Skidding and Yarding Operations) and BMP Veg-5 

(Cable and Aerial Yarding Operations) provide direction for yarding activities in timber management projects. BMP Veg-6 (Landings) provides direction for construction and use of landings. 

BMP Veg-7 (Winter Logging) provides additional direction for skidding and yarding operations in 

winter. BMP Veg-8 (Mechanical Site Treatment) provides practices for other mechanical vegetation treatments for site preparation, fuel treatment, and habitat improvements.

States will be used in the rest of this resource category to signify both States and those tribes that 

have received approval from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for treatment as a 

State under the Clean Water Act (CWA).

Mechanical Vegetation Management Activities

Mechanical Vegetation Management BMPs 

Veg-1 Vegetation Management Planning

Veg-2 Erosion Prevention and Control

Veg-3 Aquatic Management Zones

Veg-4 Ground-Based Skidding and Yarding Operations

Veg-5 Cable and Aerial Yarding Operations

Veg-6 Landings

Veg-7 Winter Logging

Veg-8 Mechanical Site Treatment

Veg-1. Vegetation Management Planning

Forest Service Manual (FSM) 1921.12.

Use the applicable vegetation management planning processes to develop measures to avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects to soil, water quality, and riparian resources during mechanical 

vegetation treatment activities.

Vegetation on NFS lands is managed for a variety of purposes to achieve land management plan 

desired conditions, goals, and objectives for many resources. Planning for vegetation management 

generally follows a sequence of steps. The gathering and assessment of data involves evaluating the 

current condition of the vegetation compared to land management plan desired conditions, goals, 

Manual or Handbook 

Reference

Objective

Explanation
Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide 129

and objectives. Potential vegetation treatment options to move the site towards desired conditions

are developed and compared. Detailed treatment prescriptions are prepared to implement the preferred treatment option. The project is subjected to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) 

analysis process where alternatives are developed and effects are analyzed. A decision is made and 

implemented. During the development of vegetation treatment prescriptions and alternatives, site 

specific measures consistent with BMP guidance to avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects to 

soil, water quality, and riparian resource are identified and included in the project as design criteria 

or mitigation measures. These BMP prescriptions are incorporated into the timber sale contract, 

stewardship contract, or project plan.

Vegetation management for scheduled timber harvest on NFS lands has additional specific requirements from the National Forest Management Act that are incorporated into the project in the 

planning process. Scheduled timber harvest can occur only where watershed conditions will be 

maintained, lands can be adequately restocked within 5 years after final regeneration harvest, and 

water quality will be protected.

Develop site-specific BMP prescriptions for the following practices, as appropriate or when 

required, using State BMPs, Forest Service regional guidance, land management plan direction, 

BMP monitoring information, and professional judgment.

• Use applicable practices of BMP Plan-2 (Project Planning and Analysis) and BMP Plan-3 

(Aquatic Management Zone (AMZ) Planning) when planning vegetation management projects.

q Evaluate opportunities to use proposed mechanical vegetation treatment projects to achieve 

AMZ desired conditions, goals, and objectives in the project area.

• Evaluate and field verify site conditions in the project area to design mechanical vegetation 

treatment prescriptions that avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects to soil, water quality, 

and riparian resources.

q Validate land management plan timber suitability decisions for the project area.

q Design mechanical vegetation treatment prescriptions to limit site disturbance, soil exposure, and displacement to acceptable levels as determined from the land management plan 

desired conditions, standards, and guidelines or other local direction or requirements.

q Evaluate direct, indirect, and cumulative effects of vegetation alteration on streamflow regimes and consequent channel responses at suitable watershed scales.

q Use local direction or requirements for slope, erosion potential, mass wasting potential, and 

other soil or site properties to determine areas suitable for ground-based, cable, and aerial 

yarding systems (see BMP Veg-4 [Ground-Based Skidding and Yarding Operations] and 

BMP Veg-5 [Cable and Aerial Yarding Operations]).

q Use the most economically practicable yarding system that will minimize road densities.

q Consider site preparation and fuel treatment needs and options.

q Use applicable practices of BMP Veg-8 (Mechanical Site Treatment) to determine areas 

suitable for mechanical treatments for site preparation, fuels treatment, habitat improvements, or other vegetation management purposes.

q Evaluate the capabilities of the machinery likely to operate in the landscape under consideration.

q Use preplanning to schedule entry or timing of mechanical and other vegetation treatments 

(e.g., prescribed fire or chemical treatments) when needed for large projects.

Practices
130 Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide

• Evaluate and field verify site conditions in the project area to design a transportation plan associated with the mechanical vegetation treatments to avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects 

to soil, water quality, and riparian resources.

q Use the logging system that best fits the topography, soil types, and season, while minimizing 

soil disturbance and road densities and that economically achieves silvicultural objectives.

q Use applicable practices of BMP Road-2 (Road Location and Design), BMP Veg-4 

(Ground-Based Skidding and Yarding Operations), BMP Veg-5 (Cable and Aerial Yarding 

Operations), and BMP Veg-6 (Landings) to determine proposed location and size of roads, 

landings, skid trails, and cable corridors.

q Use applicable practices of BMP Road-1 (Travel Management Planning and Analysis) 

and BMP Road-5 (Temporary Roads) to determine the need for specified roads and temporary roads.

q Evaluate the condition of system roads, including roads in storage, and unauthorized roads 

in the project area to determine their suitability for use in the project and any reconstruction or prehaul maintenance needs.

q Evaluate the Road Management Objective of system roads to determine where log hauling 

should be prohibited or restricted.

• Identify sources of rock for roadwork, riprapping, and borrow materials (see BMP Min-6 [Mineral Materials Resource Sites]).

• Identify water sources available for purchasers’ use (see BMP WatUses-3 [Administrative 

Water Developments]).

• Ensure the timber sale contract, stewardship contract, or other implementing document includes 

BMPs from the decision document to avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects to soil, water 

quality, and riparian resources.

q Use appropriate standard B and C provisions and regional or local provisions to address 

measures and responsibilities consistent with the BMPs in the decision document in the 

timber sale or stewardship contract.

q Delineate all protected or excluded areas, including AMZs and waterbodies, on the sale 

area map or project map.

q Delineate approved water locations, staging areas, and borrow areas on the sale area map 

or project map.

q Ensure that the final unit location, layout, acreage, and logging system or mechanical treatment and Knutson-Vandenberg Act plans are consistent with the decision document.

• Use contract modification procedures to the extent practicable to modify unit design, treatment 

methods, or other project activities where necessary to avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse 

effects to soil, water quality, and riparian resources based on new information or changed conditions discovered during project implementation.
Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide 131

Manual or Handbook 

Reference

Objective

Explanation

Practices

Veg-2. Erosion Prevention and Control

Forest Service Handbook (FSH) 2409.15.

Avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects to soil, water quality, and riparian resources by implementing measures to control surface erosion, gully formation, mass slope failure, and resulting 

sediment movement before, during, and after mechanical vegetation treatments.

Prevention and control of erosion on areas undergoing mechanical vegetation treatments is critical to maintaining water quality. The process of erosion control has three basic phases: planning, 

implementation, and monitoring. During planning, areas subject to excessive erosion, detrimental 

soil damage and mass failure can be identified and avoided. Also during planning, treatments can 

be designed and units laid out to minimize or mitigate damage to soils, streambanks, shorelines, 

wetlands, riparian areas, and water quality. Planning for erosion control is addressed in BMP Plan2 (Project Planning and Analysis) and BMP Veg-1 (Vegetation Management Planning). Suitable 

erosion control measures are implemented while the mechanical vegetation treatment is ongoing 

and following project completion. Inspection and maintenance of implemented measures will 

ensure their function and effectiveness over their expected design period.

The potential for accelerated erosion or other soil damage during or following mechanical treatments depends on climate, soil type, site conditions, and type of equipment and techniques used 

at the site. Erosion control measures are grouped into two general categories: structural measures 

to control and treat runoff and increase infiltration and nonstructural measures to increase ground 

cover. Many erosion control handbooks, technical guides, and commercial products are available. 

Both structural and nonstructural measures require onsite expertise to ensure proper design and 

implementation to conform to local site characteristics.

Develop site-specific BMP prescriptions for the following practices, as appropriate or when 

required, using State BMPs, Forest Service regional guidance, land management plan direction, 

BMP monitoring information, and professional judgment.

• Establish designated areas for equipment staging and parking to minimize the area of ground 

disturbance (see BMP Road-9 [Parking Sites and Staging Areas]).

• Use provisions in the timber sale contract or land stewardship contract to implement and enforce erosion control on the project area.

q Work with the contractor to locate landings, skid trails, and slash piles in suitable sites to 

avoid, minimize, or mitigate potential for erosion and sediment delivery to nearby waterbodies.

• Develop an erosion control and sediment plan that covers all disturbed areas including skid 

trails and roads, landings, cable corridors, temporary road fills, water source sites, borrow sites, 

or other areas disturbed during mechanical vegetation treatments.

• Refer to State or local forestry or silviculture BMP manuals, guidebooks, and trade publications 

for effective structural and nonstructural measures to—

q Apply soil protective cover on disturbed areas where natural revegetation is inadequate to 

prevent accelerated erosion before the next growing season.

q Maintain the natural drainage pattern of the area wherever practicable.

q Control, collect, detain, treat, and disperse stormwater runoff from disturbed areas.

q Divert surface runoff around bare areas with appropriate energy dissipation and sediment filters.

q Stabilize steep excavated slopes.
132 Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide

• Use suitable species and establishment techniques to cover or revegetate disturbed areas in 

compliance with local direction and requirements per FSM 2070 and FSM 2080 for vegetation 

ecology and prevention and control of invasive species.

• Use suitable measures in compliance with local direction to prevent and control invasive species.

• Install sediment and stormwater controls before initiating surface-disturbing activities to the 

extent practicable.

• Operate equipment when soil compaction, displacement, erosion, and sediment runoff would be 

minimized.

q Avoid ground equipment operations on unstable, wet, or easily compacted soils and on 

steep slopes unless operation can be conducted without causing excessive rutting, soil puddling, or runoff of sediments directly into waterbodies.

q Evaluate site conditions frequently to assess changing conditions.

q Adjust equipment operations as necessary to protect the site while maintaining efficient 

project operations.

• Install suitable stormwater and erosion control measures to stabilize disturbed areas and waterways 

on incomplete projects before seasonal shutdown of operations or when severe storm or cumulative precipitation events that could result in sediment mobilization to waterbodies are expected.

• Routinely inspect disturbed areas to verify that erosion and stormwater controls are implemented and functioning as designed and are suitably maintained.

• Maintain erosion and stormwater controls as necessary to ensure proper and effective functioning.

q Prepare for unexpected failures of erosion control measures.

• Implement mechanical treatments on the contour of sloping ground to avoid or minimize water 

concentration and subsequent accelerated erosion.

Veg-3. Aquatic Management Zones

FSM 2526, FSM 2527.

Avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects to soil, water quality, and riparian resources when 

conducting mechanical vegetation treatment activities in the AMZ.

Designation of an AMZ around and adjacent to waterbodies is a typical BMP to avoid, minimize, 

or mitigate adverse effects to soil, water quality, and riparian resources. Mechanical vegetation 

treatments are a tool that can be used within the AMZ to achieve a variety of resource-desired 

conditions and objectives when implemented with suitable measures to maintain riparian and 

aquatic ecosystem structure, function, and processes. Depending on site conditions and resourcedesired conditions and objectives, mechanical vegetation treatments in the AMZ could range from 

no activity or equipment exclusion to purposely using mechanical equipment to create desired 

disturbances or conditions. When treatments are to be used in the AMZ, a variety of measures can 

be employed to avoid, minimize, or mitigate soil disturbance, damage to the waterbody, loss of 

large woody debris recruitment, and shading, and impacts to floodplain function.

Develop site-specific BMP prescriptions for the following practices, as appropriate or when 

required, using State BMPs, Forest Service regional guidance, land management plan direction, 

BMP monitoring information, and professional judgment.

Manual or Handbook 

Reference

Objective

Explanation

Practices
Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide 133

• Use applicable practices of BMP Plan-3 (AMZ Planning) to determine the need for and width 

of the AMZ considering the proposed mechanical vegetation treatments.

q Modify AMZ width as needed to provide assurance of leave-tree wind firmness where high 

windthrow risk is identified.

• Clearly delineate AMZ locations and boundaries in the project area using suitable markings 

and structures.

q Maintain or reestablish these boundaries as necessary during project implementation or 

operation.

q Specify AMZ layout, maintenance, and operating requirements in contracts, design plans, 

and other necessary project documentation.

• Use mechanical vegetation treatments in the AMZ only when suitable to achieve long-term 

AMZ-desired conditions and management objectives (see BMP Plan-3 [AMZ Planning]).

• Modify mechanical vegetation treatment prescriptions and operations in the AMZs as needed to 

maintain ecosystem structure, function, and processes.

q Design silvicultural or other vegetation management prescriptions to maintain or improve 

the riparian ecosystem and adjacent waterbody.

q Use yarding systems or mechanical treatments that avoid or minimize disturbance to the 

ground and vegetation consistent with project objectives.

q Conduct equipment operations in a manner that maintains or provides sufficient ground 

cover to meet land management plan desired conditions, goals, and objectives to minimize 

erosion and trap sediment.

q Use suitable measures to avoid or minimize soil disturbance from equipment operations 

to stay within acceptable disturbance levels when conducting mechanical vegetation treatment operations.

q Prescribe mechanical site preparation techniques and fuels and residual vegetation treatments that avoid or minimize excessive erosion, sediment delivery to nearby waterbodies, 

or damage to desired riparian vegetation.

q Conduct operations in a manner that avoids or minimizes introduction of excess slash or 

other vegetative debris into the AMZ and waterbodies; damage to streambanks, shorelines, 

and edges of wetlands; and adverse effects to floodplain functioning.

q Retain trees as necessary for canopy cover and shading, bank stabilization, and as a source 

of large woody debris within the AMZ.

q Avoid felling trees into streams or waterbodies, except as planned to create habitat features.

• Locate transportation facilities for mechanical vegetation treatments, including roads, landings, 

and main skid trails, outside of the AMZ to the extent practicable.

q Minimize the number of stream crossings to the extent practicable.

q Evaluate options for routes that must cross waterbodies and choose the one (e.g., specified 

road vs. temporary road vs. skid road or trail) that avoids or minimizes adverse effects to 

soil, water quality, and riparian resources to the greatest extent practicable.

q Do not use drainage bottoms as turn-around areas for equipment during mechanical vegetation treatments.

• Use suitable measures to disperse concentrated flows of water from road surface drainage features to avoid or minimize surface erosion, gully formation, and mass failure in the AMZ and 

sediment transport to the waterbody.
134 Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide

• Monitor the AMZ during mechanical operations to evaluate compliance with prescription and 

mitigation requirements in the authorizing document.

q Adjust operations in the AMZ to avoid, minimize, or mitigate detrimental soil impacts 

where they are occurring.

q Use suitable mitigation or restoration measures on areas in the AMZ that show signs of 

unacceptable erosion or those with high potential for erosion due to mechanical operations 

in the AMZ.

q Remove unauthorized debris from waterbodies using techniques that will limit disturbance 

to bed and banks, riparian areas, aquatic-dependent species, and the waterbody unless significant damage would occur during its removal or leaving it in meets desired conditions 

for the waterbody.

Veg-4. Ground-Based Skidding and Yarding Operations

FSH 2409.15.

Avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects to soil, water quality, and riparian resources during 

ground-based skidding and yarding operations by minimizing site disturbance and controlling the 

introduction of sediment, nutrients, and chemical pollutants to waterbodies.

Ground-based yarding systems include an array of equipment from horses, rubber-tired skidders, 

and bulldozers, to feller or bunchers, forwarders, and harvesters. Each method can compact soil 

and cause soil disturbance, though the amount of impact depends on the specific type of equipment 

used, the operator, unit design, and site conditions. Ground-based yarding systems can be designed 

and implemented to avoid, minimize, or mitigate potential adverse effects to soils, water quality, 

and riparian resources.

Develop site-specific BMP prescriptions for the following practices, as appropriate or when 

required, using State BMPs, Forest Service regional guidance, land management plan direction, 

BMP monitoring information, and professional judgment.

• Use ground-based yarding systems only where physical site characteristics are suitable to avoid, 

minimize, or mitigate adverse effects to soil, water quality, and riparian resources.

q Use local direction or requirements for slope, erosion potential, mass wasting potential, and 

other soil or site properties to determine areas suitable for ground-based yarding systems.

• Use existing roads and skid trail networks to the extent practicable.

q Create new roads and skid trail where re-use of existing ones would exacerbate soil, water 

quality, and riparian resource impacts.

• Design and locate skid trails and skidding operations to minimize soil disturbance to the extent 

practicable.

q Designate skid trails to the extent practicable to limit site disturbance.

q Locate skid trails outside of the AMZ to the extent practicable.

q Locate skid trails to avoid concentrating runoff and provide breaks in grade.

q Limit the grade of constructed skid trails on geologically unstable, saturated, highly erodible, or easily compacted soils.

q Avoid long runs on steep slopes.

Manual or Handbook 

Reference

Objective

Explanation

Practices
Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide 135

• Use suitable measures during felling and skidding operations to avoid or minimize disturbance 

to soils and waterbodies to the extent practicable.

q Perform skidding or yarding operations when soil conditions are such that soil compaction, 

displacement, and erosion would be minimized.

q Suspend skidding or yarding operations when soil moisture levels could result in unacceptable soil damage.

q Avoid skidding logs in or adjacent to a stream channel or other waterbody to the extent 

practicable.

q Skid across streams only at designated locations.

q Use suitable measures at skid trail crossings to avoid or minimize damage to the stream 

channel and streambanks.

q Directionally fell trees to facilitate efficient removal along predetermined yarding patterns 

with the least number of passes and least amount of disturbed area (e.g., felling-to-the-lead).

q Directionally fell trees away from streambanks, shorelines, and other waterbody edges.

q Remove logs from wet meadows or AMZs using suitable techniques to minimize equipment operations in the sensitive area and minimize dragging the logs on the ground.

q Winch or skid logs upslope, away from waterbodies.

q Use low ground pressure equipment when practicable, particularly on equipment traveling 

over large portions of units with sensitive soils or site conditions.

• Use applicable practices of BMP Veg-2 (Erosion Prevention and Control) to minimize and control erosion to the extent practicable.

• Use suitable measures to stabilize and restore skid trails after use.

q Reshape the surface to promote dispersed drainage.

q Install suitable drainage features.

q Mitigate soil compaction to improve infiltration and revegetation conditions.

q Apply soil protective cover on disturbed areas where natural revegetation is inadequate to 

prevent accelerated erosion before the next growing season.

q Use suitable measures to promote rapid revegetation.

q Use suitable measures in compliance with local direction to prevent and control invasive 

species.

Veg-5. Cable and Aerial Yarding Operations

FSH 2409.15.

Avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects to soil, water quality, and riparian resources during 

cable and aerial yarding operations by minimizing site disturbance and controlling the introduction 

of sediment, nutrients, and chemical pollutants to waterbodies.

Cable and aerial yarding systems partially or fully suspend logs off the ground when yarding logs 

to the landing. They include skyline cable, helicopter, and balloon systems that typically are used 

in steep, erodible, and unstable areas where ground-based systems should not operate. Soil disturbance and erosion risks from these systems are primarily confined to cable corridors and landings.

Manual or Handbook 

Reference

Objective

Explanation
136 Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide

Develop site-specific BMP prescriptions for the following practices, as appropriate or when 

required, using State BMPs, Forest Service regional guidance, land management plan direction, 

BMP monitoring information, and professional judgment.

• Use cable or aerial yarding systems on steep slopes where ground-based equipment cannot operate without causing unacceptable ground disturbance.

q Use local direction or requirements for slope, erosion potential, mass wasting potential, and 

other soil or site properties to determine areas suitable for cable or aerial yarding systems.

q Consider slope shape, potential barriers, lift and deflection requirements, and availability 

of suitable landing locations when selecting cable-yarding systems.

• Identify areas requiring cable or aerial yarding during project planning and in the contract.

• Identify necessary equipment capabilities in the contract.

• Locate cable corridors to efficiently yard materials with the least soil damage.

q Use suitable measures to minimize soil disturbance when yarding over breaks in slope.

• Fully suspend logs to the extent practicable when yarding over AMZs and streams.

• Postpone yarding operations when soil moisture levels are high if the specific type of yarding 

system results in unacceptable soil disturbance and erosion within cable corridors.

• Use applicable practices of BMP Veg-2 (Erosion Prevention and Control) to minimize and control erosion in cable corridors to the extent practicable.

Veg-6. Landings

FSH 2409.15.

Avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects to soil, water quality, and riparian resources from the 

construction and use of log landings.

Log landings, in general, are the site of intense activity, serving as the endpoint of yarding operations, the setup location of large equipment (such as skyline yarders), loading areas for log trucks, 

and fueling and maintenance locations for heavy equipment. To accommodate all this activity, 

landings tend to be large, and their soils generally become compacted, rutted, and disturbed much 

more than the rest of the project area. Thus, landings have a high probability of being a source of 

concentrated overland flow containing sediment and other pollutants.

Develop site-specific BMP prescriptions for the following practices, as appropriate or when 

required, using State BMPs, Forest Service regional guidance, land management plan direction, 

BMP monitoring information, and professional judgment.

• Minimize the size and number of landings as practicable to accommodate safe, economical, and 

efficient operations.

• Locate landings to limit the potential for pollutant delivery to waterbodies.

q Locate landings outside the AMZ and as far from waterbodies as reasonably practicable 

based on travel routes and environmental considerations.

q Avoid locating landings near any type of likely flow or sediment transport conduit during 

storms, such as ephemeral channels and swales, where practicable.

q Locate landings to minimize the number of required skid roads.

Practices

Manual or Handbook 

Reference

Objective

Explanation

Practices
Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide 137

q Avoid locating landings on steep slopes or highly erodible soils.

q Avoid placing landings where skidding across drainage bottoms is required.

• Design roads and trail approaches to minimize overland flow entering the landing.

• Re-use existing landings where their location is compatible with management objectives and 

water quality protection.

• Use applicable practices of BMP Veg-2 (Erosion Prevention and Control) to minimize and control erosion as needed during construction and use of log landings.

q Install and maintain suitable temporary erosion control and stabilization measures when 

the landing will be reused within the same year.

• Use applicable practices of BMP Fac-6 (Hazardous Materials) and BMP Road-10 (Equipment 

Refueling and Servicing) when managing fuels, chemicals, or other hazardous materials on 

the landing.

• Use suitable measures as needed to restore and stabilize landings after use.

q Remove all logging machinery refuse (e.g., tires, chains, chokers, cable, and miscellaneous 

discarded parts) and contaminated soil to a proper disposal site.

q Reshape the surface to promote dispersed drainage.

q Install suitable drainage features.

q Mitigate soil compaction to improve infiltration and revegetation conditions.

q Apply soil protective cover on disturbed areas where natural revegetation is inadequate to 

prevent accelerated erosion before the next growing season.

q Use suitable measures to promote rapid revegetation.

q Use suitable species and establishment techniques to cover or revegetate disturbed areas in 

compliance with local direction and requirements per FSM 2070 and FSM 2080 for vegetation ecology and prevention and control of invasive species.

Veg-7. Winter Logging

FSH 2409.15.

Avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects to soil, water quality, and riparian resources from 

winter logging activities.

Winter logging on frozen or snow-covered ground is a common BMP in the colder regions of the 

country to avoid or minimize soil, watershed, riparian, and wetland impacts. Winter logging is 

not without risks of watershed effects. Unknowingly operating in wetland or riparian areas when 

the snow cover is inadequate can cause damage to soil and vegetation. Skidding or hauling on 

roads when the roadbed or the soil is not sufficiently frozen can cause soil compaction and rutting. 

Inadequate installation and maintenance of erosion controls before snowmelt and spring runoff can 

cause accelerated erosion and damage to roads.

Develop site-specific BMP prescriptions for the following practices, as appropriate or when 

required, using State BMPs, Forest Service regional guidance, land management plan direction, 

BMP monitoring information, and professional judgment.

Manual or Handbook 

Reference

Objective

Explanation

Practices
138 Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide

• Consider using snow-roads and winter harvesting in areas with high-water tables, sensitive riparian conditions, or other potentially significant soil erosion and compaction hazards.

q Use snow roads for single-entry harvests or temporary roads.

• Mark existing culvert locations before plowing, hauling, or yarding operations begin to avoid or 

minimize damage from plowing or logging machinery.

• Ensure all culverts and ditches are open and functional during and after logging operations.

• Plow any snow cover off roadways to facilitate deep-freezing of the road grade before hauling.

q Manage hauling to avoid or minimize unacceptable damage to the road surface.

• Use suitable measures to cross streams (see BMP Road-7 [Stream Crossings]).

q Restore crossings to near preroad conditions to avoid or minimize ice dams when use of 

the snow-road is no longer needed.

• Conduct winter logging operations when the ground is frozen or snow cover and depth is adequate to avoid or minimize unacceptable rutting or displacement of soil.

• Suspend winter operations if ground and snow conditions change such that unacceptable soil 

disturbance, compaction, displacement, or erosion becomes likely.

• Compact the snow on skid trail locations when adequate snow depths exist before felling or 

skidding trees.

• Avoid locating skid trails on steep areas where frozen skid trails may be subject to soil erosion 

the next spring.

• Mark AMZ boundaries and stream courses before the first snow in a manner that will be clearly 

visible in heavy snows.

• Avoid leaving slash in streams or AMZs to the extent practicable.

• Install and maintain suitable erosion control on skid trails before spring runoff (see BMP Veg-2 

[Erosion Prevention and Control]).

q Install erosion control measures during the dry season if needed.

Veg-8. Mechanical Site Treatment

None known.

Avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects to soil, water quality, and riparian resources by controlling the introduction of sediment, nutrients, chemical, or other pollutants to waterbodies during 

mechanical site treatment.

Mechanical treatments are used to remove or reduce the amount of live and dead vegetation on a 

site to meet management objectives, such as site preparation for reforestation, fuel treatments to 

reduce fire hazards, wildlife habitat improvement, recreation access, utility corridor maintenance, 

and other activities that require removing vegetation from specified areas on a periodic and repeated basis. Mechanical treatments include cutting and piling; chipping or mulching; roller chopping 

or masticating using heavy equipment; and pushing over vegetation. Disturbance from mechanical 

site treatments can expose and compact soils, resulting in accelerated runoff and erosion.

Manual or Handbook 

Reference

Objective

Explanation
Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide 139

Develop site-specific BMP prescriptions for the following practices, as appropriate or when 

required, using State BMPs, Forest Service regional guidance, land management plan direction, 

BMP monitoring information, and professional judgment.

• Evaluate multiple site factors, including soil conditions, slope, topography, and weather, to prescribe the most suitable mechanical treatment and equipment to avoid or minimize unacceptable 

impacts to soil while achieving treatment objectives.

q Consider the condition of the material and the site resulting from the treatment in comparison to desired conditions, goals, and objectives for the site when analyzing treatment 

options (e.g., a mastication treatment will result in a very different condition than a grapple 

pile and burn treatment).

q Use land management plan direction, or other local guidance, to establish residual ground 

cover requirements and soil disturbance limits suitable to the site to minimize erosion.

q Consider offsite use options for the biomass material to reduce onsite treatment and disposal.

• Use applicable practices of BMP Veg-3 (Aquatic Management Zones) when conducting mechanical treatments in the AMZ.

• Use applicable practices of BMP Veg-2 (Erosion Prevention and Control) to minimize and control erosion.

q Conduct mechanical activities when soil conditions are such that unacceptable soil disturbance, compaction, displacement, and erosion would be avoided or minimized.

q Consider using low ground-pressure equipment, booms, or similar equipment to minimize 

soil disturbance.

• Operate mechanical equipment so that furrows and soil indentations are aligned on the contour.

• Scarify the soil only to the extent necessary to meet reforestation objectives.

q Use site-preparation equipment that produces irregular surfaces.

q Avoid or minimize damage to surface soil horizons to the extent practicable.

• Conduct machine piling of slash in such a manner to leave topsoil in place and to avoid displacing soil into piles.

• Re-establish vegetation as quickly as possible.

q Evaluate the need for active and natural revegetation of exposed and disturbed sites.

q Use suitable species and establishment techniques to revegetate the site in compliance with 

local direction and requirements per FSM 2070 and FSM 2080 for vegetation ecology and 

prevention and control of invasive species.

Resources for Mechanical Vegetation Management Activities

Lynch, J.A.; Corbett, S. 1990. Evaluation of best management practices for controlling nonpoint 

pollution from silvicultural operations. Journal American Water Resources Association. 26(1): 

41–52.

Rashin, E.B.; Clishe, C.J.; Loch, A.T.; Bell, J.M. 2006. Effectiveness of timber harvest practices 

for controlling sediment related water quality impacts. Journal American Water Resources 

Association. 42(5): 1307–1327.

Practices

BMP Effectiveness
140 Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water. 2005. National management measures to 

control nonpoint source pollution from forestry. EPA 841-B-05-001. Washington, DC. Available 

at http://www.epa.gov/owow/nps/forestrymgmt/.

Grant, G.E.; Lewis, S.L.; Swanson, F.J.; Cissel, J.H.; McDonnell, J.J. 2008. Effects of forest 

practices on peak flows and consequent channel response: a state-of-the-science report for 

western Oregon and Washington. Gen. Tech. Rep. PNW- 760. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of 

Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station. 76 p. Available at http://www.

fs.fed.us/pnw/publications/gtrs2008.shtml.

Goodwin, C.N.; Hawkins, C.P.; Kershner, J.L. 1997. Riparian restoration in the Western United 

States: Overview and perspective. Restoration Ecology. 5(s4): 4–14. Available at http://www.

wiley.com/WileyCDA/WileyTitle/productCd-REC.html. 

Vermont Agency of Natural Resources. 2005. Riparian buffers and corridors Technical papers. 

Waterbury, VT: Vermont Agency of Natural Resources. 39 p. Available at http://www.anr.state.

vt.us/site/html/buff/anrbuffer2005.htm.

See Appendix B. 

General

Planning

Riparian Areas

Selected State Forestry 

BMP Documents
Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide 141

The purpose of this set of Best Management Practices (BMPs) is to avoid, minimize, or mitigate 

adverse effects to soil, water quality, and riparian resources from development and operation of 

infrastructure to collect, impound, store, transmit, and distribute water for uses on and off National 

Forest System (NFS) lands. Water use infrastructure includes wells for public or private water supply or groundwater monitoring; water source developments for Forest Service uses; water diversions and conveyances for uses off of NFS lands; and dams and impoundments for water supply 

storage, flood control, power generation, recreation, and wildlife habitat. 

States govern the allocation of water for beneficial use. State laws and programs for water allocation vary widely across the country, from riparian rights systems to administrative permits to 

court-adjudicated water rights systems. The Forest Service responsibility when authorizing water 

use infrastructure projects is to avoid or minimize damage to NFS resources in compliance with 

environmental laws and land management plan direction.

Six National Core BMPs are in the Water Uses Management Activities category. These BMPs 

are to be used in all water use projects on NFS lands to the extent allowed by State laws and 

regulations pertaining to water allocation. Each BMP was formulated to reflect administrative 

directives that guide the Forest Service’s development and administration of water uses on NFS 

lands. BMP WatUses-1 (Water Uses Planning) is a planning BMP for water uses projects. BMP 

WatUses-2 (Water Wells for Production and Monitoring) provides practices for drilling, operating, and abandoning water production and monitoring wells. BMP WatUses-3 (Administrative 

Water Developments) provides direction for development of water sources to be used for NFS 

land management purposes such as stock watering, potable water at campgrounds, or fire protection. BMP WatUses-4 (Water Diversions and Conveyances) provides direction for diversion and 

conveyance of surface water for third-party uses on or off NFS lands. BMP WatUses-5 (Dams and 

Impoundments) provides direction for construction and operation of dams and impoundments for 

flood control, hydroelectric power generation, water supplies, and recreation on NFS lands. BMP

WatUses-6 (Dam Removal) provides direction for removal of dams and impoundments to restore 

streams and rivers.

States will be used in the rest of this resource category to signify both States and those tribes that 

have received approval from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for treatment as a 

State under the Clean Water Act (CWA).

Water Uses Management Activities

Water Uses BMPs

WatUses-1 Water Uses Planning

WatUses-2 Water Wells for Production and Monitoring

WatUses-3 Administrative Water Developments

WatUses-4 Water Diversions and Conveyances

WatUses-5 Dams and Impoundments

WatUses-6 Dam Removal
142 Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide

WatUses-1. Water Uses Planning

Forest Service Manual (FSM) 2540.

Use the applicable authorization and administrative planning processes to develop measures to 

avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects to soil, water quality, and riparian resources during 

construction, operation, maintenance, and restoration of water use infrastructure.

Development and operation of infrastructure for water uses involve ground disturbance for construction of the facility and changes to water levels and flow regimes in source and receiving waterbodies 

and aquifers during operations. During planning, site conditions are evaluated and water levels and 

flow needs of the aquatic ecosystem are assessed to determine site-specific measures to avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects to soil, water quality, groundwater, and riparian resources.

Infrastructure for water uses may be developed on NFS lands by the Forest Service for a variety 

of administrative and resource management purposes. As new sites are created and existing sites 

are expanded or rehabilitated, potential effects of the proposed development and operation on soil, 

water quality, groundwater, and riparian resources are considered in the project National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analysis and decision. Site-specific BMP prescriptions are included in 

the project plan, contract, or other authorizing document as appropriate.

Infrastructure developed by others on NFS lands are administered through authorizations issued 

by the Forest Service to a public or private agency, group, or individual. Authorization documents 

include terms and conditions to protect the environment and comply with the requirements of the 

Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1752) and other laws. Control of 

nonpoint sources of water pollution using appropriate BMPs is included in these environmental 

protection requirements.

Facilities on lands withdrawn under authority of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission 

(FERC) are exempt from Forest Service administrative control through the NFS permit system. 

When a FERC permit is issued or renewed, however, the Forest Service may provide FERC with 

recommended requirements and mitigation measures under which the permittee should operate to 

protect NFS resources. Such recommendations may include any BMPs necessary to avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects to soil, water quality, and riparian resources.

Develop site-specific BMP prescriptions for the following practices, as appropriate or when 

required, using State BMPs, Forest Service regional guidance, land management plan direction, 

BMP monitoring information, and professional judgment.

• Use applicable practices of BMP Plan-2 (Project Planning and Analysis) and BMP Plan-3 

(Aquatic Management Zone (AMZ) Planning) when planning water use projects.

• Encourage reuse of water, to the extent practicable, to minimize withdrawals from surface water 

or groundwater sources.

• Determine the water quality, water quantity, flow regimes, and water levels necessary to maintain land management plan desired conditions, goals, and objectives, including applicable water 

quality standards for waterbodies and aquatic and groundwater-dependent ecosystems that are 

affected by the proposed project.

q Specify a range of flows and levels to support desired uses and values.

• Obtain surface water (e.g., instream flow rights) and groundwater under appropriate Federal and 

State legal and regulatory authorities to avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects to stream 

Manual or Handbook 

Reference

Objective

Explanation

Practices
Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide 143

processes, aquatic and riparian habitats and communities, groundwater-dependent ecosystems, 

and recreation and aesthetic values.

q Prioritize protection of imperiled native species.

• Evaluate water levels, flows, and water quality of the affected waterbody or aquifer to ensure 

that the source can provide an adequate supply and quality of water for the intended purpose(s) 

and avoid or minimize damage to NFS resources.

q Consider how the collection, diversion, storage, transmission, and use of the water would 

directly, indirectly, and cumulatively affect streamflow, water level, channel morphology 

and stability, groundwater, and aquatic and riparian habitats in source and receiving waterbodies at a watershed scale(s) suitable for the project area and impacts.

q Consider the potential impacts of current and expected environmental conditions such as 

climate change on precipitation type, magnitude, frequency, and duration and related effects on runoff patterns and water yield.

• Develop a strategic plan for the development of a suitable number of durable long-term water 

sources for Forest Service administrative and resource management uses to achieve land management plan desired conditions, goals, and objectives.

q Obtain necessary water rights, allocations, or permits and water quality permits and certifications from applicable Federal, State, and local agencies for Forest Service administrative 

or resource management water uses.

• Include permit conditions at the point of diversion, withdrawal, or storage to minimize damage 

to water-dependent resources and values consistent with land management plan desired conditions, goals, and objectives in authorizations for new or existing water use facilities.

q Consider the water needs for physical stream processes, water quality, aquatic biota and 

their habitat, riparian habitat and communities, aesthetic and recreational values, and special designations such as Federal and State wild or scenic rivers.

WatUses-2. Water Wells for Production and Monitoring

Forest Service Handbook (FSH) 7409.11, chapter 41.

Avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects to soil, water quality, groundwater, and riparian 

resources from excessive withdrawals and contamination transmitted from or by water-well and 

monitoring-well developments.

Construction and operation of production wells, monitoring wells, and associated facilities have 

the potential to alter water levels and flow paths; contaminate surface water and groundwater; 

expose soil to accelerated erosion; and threaten the viability of aquatic and terrestrial species 

dependent on local surface water and groundwater. Properly designed wells and aboveground 

well-casing collars minimize the risk of aquifer contamination from the well-casing, animal and 

human activities, and accidental or intentional placement of materials into wells. Well uses should 

be within sustainable levels to avoid onsite and offsite effects to groundwater levels, streamflows, 

and riparian-dependent resources. States regulate water well drilling, and requirements vary.

Develop site-specific BMP prescriptions for the following practices, as appropriate or when 

required, using State BMPs, Forest Service regional guidance, land management plan direction, 

BMP monitoring information, and professional judgment.

Manual or Handbook 

Reference

Objective

Explanation

Practices
144 Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide

• Locate water production wells on high or well-drained ground at a sufficient distance away 

from potential contamination sources to avoid or minimize contamination.

• Locate monitoring wells according to a monitoring plan to minimize the number of wells needed to achieve monitoring objectives.

• Use applicable practices of BMP Fac-2 (Facility Construction and Stormwater Control) to control stormwater and erosion during construction of drill pads and associated facilities for well 

operation.

• Construct and complete wells consistent with applicable Federal and State regulations.

q Use licensed well drilling contractors.

q Use suitable measures to avoid or minimize well contamination, inter-aquifer exchange of 

water, floodwaters from contaminating the aquifer, and infiltration of surface water.

• Operate wells in such a manner as to avoid excessive withdrawals, maintain suitable groundwater levels, and minimize effects to groundwater-dependent ecosystems.

• Permanently seal abandoned wells consistent with applicable Federal, State, and local regulations and requirements.

q Use licensed well drilling contractors.

q Use suitable measures to avoid or minimize contaminating the aquifer or surface waters 

and interaquifer exchange and mixing of water.

q Use suitable measures to preserve hydrogeologic conditions of the ground and aquifers.

WatUses-3. Administrative Water Developments

FSM 2540.

Avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects to soil, water quality, and riparian resources when 

developing and operating water sources for Forest Service administrative and resource management purposes.

Water source developments are needed to supply water for a variety of Forest Service administrative and resource management purposes, including road construction and maintenance, dust 

control, fire control, recreation facilities, and livestock and wildlife watering. Water sources may 

be developed and used permanently or temporarily based on the needs of the management activity. Permanent water source development should be aimed toward the construction of a limited 

number of durable, long-term water sources. Piped and impounded diversions such as wells, spring 

developments, hydrants, supply lines, drains, ponds, cisterns, tanks, and dams are examples of 

permanent structures. Temporary water sources may be needed to support one-time or emergency 

projects such as watershed restoration and fire suppression.

Water source developments include the access road, turnaround, and drafting area. Soil, water 

quality, and riparian resources may be impacted by permanent or temporary water source construction and use. Potential impacts include erosion and sediment delivery to waterbodies; streambank and streambed alterations; contamination from equipment leaks or spills; changes in water 

temperatures; reduction in streamflows; loss of riparian vegetation; direct injury to aquatic species 

from pumping equipment; and transportation of eggs, larvae, and adults out of the aquatic system. 

Proper location and design of water sources or upgrading existing water source facilities can 

avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse these impacts.

Manual or Handbook 

Reference

Objective

Explanation
Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide 145

Develop site-specific BMP prescriptions for the following practices, as appropriate or when 

required, using State BMPs, Forest Service regional guidance, land management plan direction, 

BMP monitoring information, and professional judgment.

• Design, construct, maintain, and monitor permanent waters sources in compliance with Federal, 

State, and local requirements.

Drafting From Streams or Standing Waterbodies

• Locate water source developments, including access roads, in such a manner as to avoid or 

minimize disturbance to the riparian area and streambanks and erosion and sedimentation to the 

extent practicable.

q Draft from existing roads and bridges to the extent practicable to avoid creating new access roads.

q Use existing hardened facilities, such as boat launches and campground access roads, for 

emergency or other short-term uses rather than native surface areas prone to erosion.

q Locate facilities to minimize potential damage from streamflows.

q Locate permanent storage tanks, dry hydrants, and standpipes outside of the AMZ to the 

extent practicable.

q Locate off-channel ponds in areas where they will not be inundated with sediment at high 

flows.

q Locate ponds or storage tanks as close to the major water use as practicable when water 

must be conveyed for use at a distance from the source.

• Design source developments, including access roads, in such a manner as to avoid or minimize 

disturbance to the riparian area and streambanks and to avoid or minimize erosion, sediment, 

and other pollutants to the extent practicable.

q Design permanent facilities to maintain long-term stream function and processes.

q Limit the size of the facility development footprint (area of bare soil with reduced infiltration capacity) to the minimum necessary for efficient operations to the extent practicable.

q Design facility to minimize hydrologic connectivity with the waterbody to the extent practicable by providing a suitable vegetated filter strip, and designing access road slope and 

length, or using other suitable measures, to direct flow away from the waterbody (see BMP 

Road-2 [Road Location and Design]).

q Modify vehicle access and turnaround areas to reduce the size of the facility within the 

most sensitive areas of the AMZ.

q Install hardened facilities where an adequate streamflow exists throughout the drafting season.

• Construct water source developments, including access roads, in such a manner as to avoid or 

minimize disturbance to the riparian area and streambanks and erosion, sediment, and other pollutants to the extent practicable.

q Use applicable practices of BMP Road-3 (Road Construction and Maintenance) when constructing access roads to control stormwater runoff and erosion.

q Use applicable practices of BMP AqEco-2 (Operations in Aquatic Ecosystems) when 

working in or near waterbodies.

q Use applicable practices of BMP AqEco-3 (Ponds and Wetlands) when constructing offchannel ponds.

Practices
146 Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide

q Use suitable measures to minimize streambank alteration and excavation activity within 

the streambed to the extent practicable while providing an adequate area for water drafting.

• Conduct operations at water source developments in such a manner as to avoid, minimize, or 

mitigate adverse effects to aquatic species and habitats from water drafting.

q Obtain and maintain water rights for administrative use and resource needs.

q Avoid or minimize effects to the waterbody or aquifer by withdrawing only the minimum 

amount of water sufficient to achieve administrative or resource management needs.

q Establish limits or guidelines for water withdrawals from a lake, pond, or reservoir source 

based on evaluation of storage capacity and recharge and potential impacts to habitat from 

drafting and drawdown.

q Establish limits or guidelines for absolute pumping rates and pumping rate in relation to 

streamflow.

q Limit drafting operations to daylight hours to avoid attracting fish to the drafting pool.

q Use suitable screening devices to avoid or minimize transport of aquatic organisms out of 

the source waterbody.

q Use suitable measures to avoid or minimize contamination from spills or leaks.

q Use applicable practices of BMP Fac-6 (Hazardous Materials) to manage contamination 

from spills or leaks.

• Maintain sources and facilities such that diversion, drainage, and erosion control features are 

functional.

• Use applicable practices of BMP Fac-10 (Facility Site Reclamation) to reclaim water use sites 

when no longer needed.

q Repair or restore temporary sources to their pre-use condition to the extent practicable before project completion.

q Apply suitable seasonal protection measures to temporary sources if use extends past a 

single season.

Spring Developments

• Locate the water trough, tank, or pond at a suitable distance from the spring to avoid or minimize 

adverse effects to the spring and wetland vegetation from livestock trampling or vehicle access.

• Locate the spring box to allow water to flow by gravity from the spring to the spring box to 

eliminate disturbance from pumps and auxiliary equipment.

• Design the collection system to avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects to the spring development and downstream waters from excessive water withdrawal, freezing, flooding, sedimentation, contamination, vehicular traffic, and livestock as needed.

q Collect no more water than is sufficient to meet the intended purpose of the spring 

development.

q Ensure that enough water remains in the spring to support the source groundwaterdependent ecosystem and downstream aquatic ecosystems.

q Avoid or minimize sediment or bacteria from entering the water supply system.

q Trap and remove sediment that does enter the system.

q Intercept the spring flow below the ground surface upslope of where the water surfaces.
Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide 147

q Size the spring box sufficient to store expected volume of sediment generated between 

maintenance intervals and enough water for efficient operation of the system, and to provide access for maintenance and cleaning.

q Avoid or minimize backing up of spring flow by providing overflow relief sized to carry 

the maximum flow expected from the spring during periods of wet weather.

q Use suitable measures to avoid or minimize erosion at the overflow outlet.

q Maintain fish and wildlife access to water released below the spring development to the 

extent practicable.

• Construct the spring development in such a manner to avoid or minimize erosion, damage to 

vegetation, and contamination.

q Use applicable practices from BMP AqEco-2 (Operations in Aquatic Ecosystems) when 

working in springs.

q Divert all surface water away from the spring to the extent practicable to avoid or minimize 

flooding near the spring development.

q Use suitable species and establishment techniques for wet conditions to cover or revegetate 

disturbed areas near springs in compliance with local direction and requirements per FSM 

2070 and FSM 2080 for vegetation ecology and prevention and control of invasive species.

• Operate and maintain the spring development and associated water storage in such a manner as 

to provide water of sufficient quantity and quality for the intended uses and avoid or minimize 

failure of infrastructure causing concentrated runoff and erosion.

q Disinfect the spring water as needed to maintain water quality sufficient for intended uses 

in such a manner as to avoid or minimize adverse effects to the spring source.

q Use suitable measures to manage uses such as livestock grazing and vehicle traffic around 

the spring development to avoid or minimize erosion and sedimentation affecting the spring.

q Avoid heavy vehicle traffic over the uphill water-bearing layer to avoid or minimize compaction that may reduce water flow.

q Use suitable measures to avoid or minimize overflow of water trough, tank, or pond.

q Periodically monitor the spring development and promptly take corrective action for sediment buildup in the spring box, clogging of outlet and overflow pipes, diversion of surface 

water from the collection area and spring box, erosion from overflow pipes, and damage 

from animals.

• Use applicable practices of BMP Fac-10 (Facility Site Reclamation) to reclaim spring development sites when no longer needed.

WatUses-4. Water Diversions and Conveyances

FSM 2729 and FSM 7510.

Avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects to soil, water quality, and riparian resources from 

construction, operation, and maintenance of water diversion and conveyance structures.

Water may be diverted from waterbodies on NFS lands by third parties and delivered to sites on or 

off of NFS lands for a variety of purposes, including agriculture, mining, domestic water supply, 

hydroelectric power generation, or other uses. Water delivery systems consist of a diversion structure

Manual or Handbook 

Reference

Objective

Explanation
148 Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide

and some type of conduit. Conduits can be ditches, open canals, flumes, tunnels, pipelines, or even 

natural channels. Structures to regulate flow, dispose of excess water, or trap sediment and debris 

may also be part of the water delivery system.

The construction, operation, and maintenance of water diversions and conveyances can have 

adverse direct and indirect effects on soil, water quality, and riparian resources. The construction 

or presence of access routes, head gates, storage tanks, reservoirs, and other facilities can alter 

water quality, water yield, runoff regimes, natural channel geomorphic processes, and fish and 

wildlife habitats. Altered flow regimes can result in elevated water temperatures, proliferating algal 

blooms, and invasive aquatic flora and fauna. Water yield and runoff changes can change sediment 

dynamics and affect channel shape and substrate composition. Regular maintenance of diversions 

and conveyances can result in contamination from pesticide applications, vegetation damage, and 

continued soil disturbance leading to increased erosion; however, lack of regular maintenance can 

increase the potential for even greater effects from failures of ditches and diversions.

Develop site-specific BMP prescriptions for the following practices, as appropriate or when 

required, using State BMPs, Forest Service regional guidance, land management plan direction, 

BMP monitoring information, and professional judgment.

• Locate water conveyance structures in stable areas where they are not susceptible to damage 

from side drainage flooding.

• Design diversion and conveyance structures to efficiently capture and carry design flows in 

such a manner as to avoid or minimize erosion of streambanks, ditches, and adjacent areas.

q Design intake and outflow structures to minimize streambank and streambed damage and 

minimize disruption of desired aquatic organism movement.

q Design water conveyance structure to have sufficient capacity to carry the design volume 

of water with appropriate freeboard to avoid or minimize damage or overtopping.

q Consider velocity of the water, horizontal and vertical alignment of the ditch or canal, 

amount of stormwater that may be intercepted, and change in water surface elevation at 

any control structures when determining appropriate freeboard needed.

q Use suitable measures in the design to control velocity and slope to avoid or minimize erosion of the ditch.

q Use suitable measures in the design to minimize water loss to evaporation and leakage.

q Mitigate water imports and water disposal (including reservoir releases) so that the extent 

of stable banks, channel pattern, profile and dimensions are maintained in each receiving 

stream reach to meet applicable instream water quality standards.

• Construct diversion and conveyance structures to perform as intended in the most efficient manner and in such a way as to avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects to soil, water quality, 

and riparian resources.

q Use applicable practices of BMP AqEco-2 (Operations in Aquatic Ecosystems) when constructing diversion structures in waterbodies.

q Use applicable practices of BMP Fac-2 (Facility Construction and Stormwater Control) to 

control stormwater and erosion when constructing diversion or conveyance structures.

q Use suitable measures to stabilize the banks of the diversion channel or conveyance structure to avoid or minimize resulting erosion and instream sedimentation.

Practices
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q Construct or install structures such as inlets, outlets, turnouts, checks, and crossings in such 

a manner as to maintain the capacity or freeboard of the ditch and the effectiveness of any 

lining or other channel stabilization measure.

q Use suitable measures at outlets to avoid or minimize erosion downstream of the structure 

when design flows are released.

q Use suitable measures on inlet structures to avoid or minimize debris entering the water 

conveyance structure.

• Operate diversion structures in such a manner as to leave desired or required flows and water 

levels in the source waterbody as determined in project planning (see BMP WatUses-1 [Water 

Uses Planning]).

• Operate and maintain diversion and conveyance structures in such a manner as to avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects to soil, water quality, and riparian resources from failures.

q Limit operation of the diversion and conveyances to the established period of use.

q Regularly inspect diversion and conveyance structures at suitable intervals to identify 

maintenance needs and situations that could lead to future overtopping or failures.

q Do not flush or otherwise move sediment from behind diversion structures downstream.

q Deposit and stabilize sediment removed from behind a diversion structure in a suitable designated upland site.

q Maintain suitable vegetative cover near canal and ditch banks to stabilize bare soils and 

minimize erosion.

q Harden or reroute breach-prone segments of ditches to minimize potential for failure and 

erosion of fill slopes.

q Maintain and operate water conveyance structures to carry their design volumes of water 

with appropriate freeboard.

q Keep water conveyance structures clear of vegetation, debris and other obstructions to 

minimize potential for failures.

q Use applicable Chemical Use Activities BMPs when using chemicals to treat vegetation as 

a part of water conveyance structure maintenance.

• Use applicable measures of BMP AqEco-4 (Stream Channels and Shorelines) and BMP Fac-10 

(Facility Site Reclamation) to restore the stream channel and surrounding areas after the diversion or conveyance structure is no longer needed.

WatUses-5. Dams and Impoundments

FSM 7500, FSH 7509.11, FSM 2770, and FSH 2709.15.

Avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects to soil, water quality, and riparian resources from 

construction, operation, and maintenance of dams and impoundments.

The physical presence and operation of dams can result in changes in water quality, water quantity, 

sediment routing, channel morphology, stability, and habitat. Water quality can be impacted by 

changes in erosion, sedimentation, temperature, dissolved gases, and water chemistry. Resulting 

biologic and habitat impacts that may result include loss of habitat for existing or desirable fish, 

Manual or Handbook 

Reference

Objective

Explanation
150 Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide

amphibian, and invertebrate species; shift from cold water to warm water species (or conversely, 

shift from warm-water to cold-water species); blockage of fish passage; or loss of spawning or 

other necessary habitat.

The operation of dams can result in diverse impacts on water quality. The area and depth of the 

impoundment, as well as the timing and volume of releases, determines the extent and complexity of the upstream and downstream impacts. For example, impacts of low-head dams with small 

impounded areas will involve sedimentation and fish passage; larger storage dams may have those 

issues as well as temperature, flow regulation, and water quality considerations. Impacts from 

dams are different above (upstream) and below (downstream) the dam. Upstream impacts occur 

primarily in the impoundment or reservoir created by the presence and operation of the dam. 

Downstream impacts result from changes in sediment load, water quantity, chemistry and the timing and magnitude of water releases.

Federal laws provide the Forest Service the authority to require or recommend BMPs to avoid, 

minimize, or mitigate adverse effects to soil, water quality, riparian and other resources from new 

or existing hydroelectric projects and associated infrastructure on or adjacent to NFS lands. The 

specific regulations and procedures that apply vary depending on project-specific circumstances 

(see FSM 2770 and FSH 2709.15).

Develop site-specific BMP prescriptions for the following practices, as appropriate or when 

required, using State BMPs, Forest Service regional guidance, land management plan direction, 

BMP monitoring information, and professional judgment.

• Select a design and location such that the benefits of the dam are maximized and the disturbances 

to the environment or hazards to downstream inhabitants are minimized.

q Implement applicable practices of BMP AqEco-3 (Ponds and Wetlands) to locate and design dams and impoundments.

q Complete a geotechnical review of the dam site using established protocols for stability 

issues.

• Use applicable practices of BMP AqEco-2 (Operations in Aquatic Ecosystems) when working 

in or near waterbodies to construct dams and impoundments.

• Use applicable practices of BMP Fac-2 (Facility Construction and Stormwater Control) to control stormwater and erosion when constructing dams and impoundments.

• Operate and maintain dams and impoundments in such a manner as to avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse impacts to soil, water quality, and riparian resources.

q Work with dam operators, and Federal and State regulatory agencies, to ensure that water 

chemistry; temperature; dissolved oxygen; nutrient levels; and hydrologic conditions, including the timing, duration and magnitude of flows, meet land management plan desired 

conditions, goals, and objectives (see BMP WatUses-1 [Water Uses Planning]).

• Decommission dams and impoundments that are no longer needed for mission purposes (see 

BMP WatUses-6 [Dam Removal]).

Practices
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WatUses-6. Dam Removal

FSM 7500 and FSH 7509.11.

Avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects to soil, water quality, and riparian resources during 

and after removal of dams.

Many existing dams no longer serve their originally intended purposes or are in varying stages 

of disrepair and in need of significant repair and maintenance to meet modern dam safety standards. Removal of outdated dams, where the negative impacts outweigh their benefits, is a critical 

mechanism in achieving restoration of natural river ecology, re-establishing river continuity, and 

maintaining public safety.

The most important positive outcomes of dam removal are the reconnection of river reaches so that 

they can operate as an integrated system and the increased accessibility to upstream habitat and 

spawning areas for migratory and anadromous fish. Dam removal can cause short-term impacts 

to the river environment from released water and sediment and exposure of previously inundated 

land to achieve long-term desired conditions. Careful planning can limit the effects of released 

sediment and toxic pollutants on aquatic life, prevent extensive erosion in the restored stream 

channel, and limit the potential intrusion of exotic plant species in the former impoundment.

Restoring a river by removing a dam often implies that the physical and biological components 

will return to the same level that existed before the dam was built. Dam removal can restore some, 

but not all, of the characteristics of the predam river, however. The removal of a dam has the effect 

of reversing some undesirable changes subject to the limits imposed by many other human influences in the watershed. Productive, useful ecosystems can result from dam removal, but predictions of outcomes are sometimes difficult because of the many interrelated changes in physical and 

biological systems caused by placement of the dam and other physical stresses on the river. Dam 

removal often results in the replacement of one aquatic community with another that is partly natural and partly artificial. Reservoirs create wetland areas in some cases; the removal of a dam and 

draining of a reservoir may create some wetlands downstream but at the expense of some wetlands 

upstream. The ultimate goal for a dam removal project is to restore the channel and its biological 

function to the best long-term sustainable state possible to achieve desired conditions within the 

context of other community issues and location within the watershed.

Develop site-specific BMP prescriptions for the following practices, as appropriate or when 

required, using State BMPs, Forest Service regional guidance, land management plan direction, 

BMP monitoring information, and professional judgment.

Planning

• Use applicable practices of BMP AqEco-1 (Aquatic Ecosystem Improvement and Restoration 

Planning) when planning dam decommissioning or removal projects.

• Evaluate system hydrology and hydraulics to assess how dam removal would affect aquatic 

species passage, potential flood impacts at various flows, and potential impacts to surrounding 

infrastructure.

• Develop a sediment management plan (e.g., natural erosion, dredging, stabilization in place, 

relocation on or off site, or a combination of methods) that best suits sediment quality, quantity, 

and physical characteristics, as well as the sensitivity of downstream reaches and the river’s 

ability to transport sediment.

Manual or Handbook 

Reference

Objective

Explanation

Practices
152 Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide

q Quantitatively determine sediment volume and physical parameters, including grain size 

distribution, density, shear strength, cohesion, stratification, natural armoring potential, 

organic content, and moisture content.

q Evaluate potential for contaminants trapped behind the dam by considering current and 

past upstream land uses, such as industrial activity and road density, and by adequately 

sampling and analyzing sediments to determine the contamination level, if any, and graduation and distribution.

q Estimate sediment transport to address fate of released sediment and potential contaminants.

q Evaluate potential disposal sites for long-term viability and stability of relocated sediments.

• Identify the various aquatic and aquatic-dependent species that live in the river or on the floodplain and their life histories to determine protection strategies, including timing of dam removal, sediment management, species relocation, and monitoring during construction.

• Evaluate floodplain and instream infrastructure to determine whether bridges, culverts, utility 

pipes, or other infrastructure might be affected, particularly by the drop of water level in the 

impoundment.

• Develop a channel and vegetation restoration plan (see BMP AqEco-4 [Stream Channels and 

Shorelines] and BMP Fac-10 [Facility Site Reclamation]).

q Evaluate the need for active and natural channel and bank reconstruction.

q Evaluate the need for active and natural revegetation of exposed and disturbed sites.

• Determine necessary Federal, State, and local permits needed for dam removal.

Construction

• Use applicable practices of BMP AqEco-2 (Operations in Aquatic Ecosystems) when removing 

dams.

• Remove or otherwise mitigate the sediment stored behind the impoundment before dismantling 

the structure.

• Drain the impoundment before removing structures to avoid downstream flooding and channel 

erosion.

q Drain the impoundment slowly to minimize release of sediment downstream, allow bed of 

impoundment and stream to drain and stabilize, and avoid a sudden release of water that 

could unnecessarily damage downstream infrastructure or habitat.

q Consider drawing down the impoundment during a time when exposed sediments would 

have an opportunity to stabilize and revegetate before structural removal of the dam.

• Demolish the structure in an efficient manner that avoids or minimizes adverse environmental 

effects to the extent practicable.

q Remove entire vertical extent of the dam structure and as much of the lateral extent as 

practicable so as to not impinge on streamflow.

q Consider phasing a project to minimize short-term impacts on the environment, beginning with out-of-channel work early in the phasing to accelerate and facilitate the removal process.

• Stabilize or relocate affected floodplain and instream infrastructure as needed to avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects.
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Restoration

• Use applicable practices of BMP AqEco-4 (Stream Channels and Shorelines) to restore streams 

when dams are removed.

• Use applicable practices of BMP Fac-10 (Facility Site Reclamation) to reclaim dam and associated infrastructure sites, such as temporary access roads, landings, and work areas, when dams 

are decommissioned.

• Simulate natural portions of surrounding stream or other nearby habitat to restore habitat more 

effectively.

Resources for Water Uses Management Activities

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). 

National conservation practice standards—348 dam diversion, 402 dam. Available at http://www.

nrcs.usda.gov/technical/standards/nhcp.html.

Hoffert-Hay, D. 2008. Small dam removal in Oregon—A guide for project managers. Salem, OR: 

Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board. 70 p. Available at http://www.oregon.gov/OWEB/docs/

pubs/SmallDamRemovalGuide.pdf?ga=t.

Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. 2007. Dam removal in 

Massachusetts, a basic guide for project proponents Boston, MA. 32 p. Available at http://www.

ma.gov/envir/water/publications/eea_dam_removal_guidance.pdf.

Glasser, S.; Gauthier-Warinner, J.; Gurrieri, J.; Keely, J.; and others. 2007. Technical guide to 

managing groundwater resources. FS-881. Washington, DC: USDA Forest Service, Minerals and 

Geology Management. 281 p. Available at http://www.fs.fed.us/publications/.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water. 2007. National management measures to 

control nonpoint source pollution from hydromodification. EPA-841-B-07-002. Washington, DC. 

287 p. Available at http://www.epa.gov/owow/nps/hydromod/index.htm.

USDA NRCS. National conservation practice standards—378 pond. Available at http://www.nrcs.

usda.gov/technical/standards/nhcp.html.

Jennings, G.D. 1996. Protecting water supply springs. Pub. No. AG 473-15. Raleigh, NC: North 

Carolina State University, Cooperative Extension Service. Available at http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/

Publications/environment.php. 

USDA NRCS. National conservation practice standards—574 spring development. Available at 

http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/standards/nhcp.html.

Napper, C. 2006. Water-source toolkit. 0625 1806. San Dimas, CA: USDA Forest Service, 

Technology and Development Program. 74 p. Available at http://www.fs.fed.us/eng/pubs/pdf/

WaterToolkit/lo_res.shtml.

USDA NRCS. National conservation practice standards—353 monitoring well, 642 water well, 

351 well decommissioning. Available at http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/standards/nhcp.html.

Dams

Dam Removal

Groundwater

Hydrologic Modification

Ponds

Spring Developments

Water Sources

Wells

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adverse effects to soil, water quality, and riparian resources: Direct, indirect, and cumulative 

impacts to soil quality, surface water, and groundwater resources and riparian structure, function, 

and processes that prevent achievement of land management plan desired conditions, goals, and 

objectives for water resources; attainment of applicable Federal, State, or local water quality standards; or other water quality related requirements.

aquatic ecosystem: The stream channel, lake, or estuary bed, water, and biotic communities and 

the habitat features that occur therein (Forest Service Manual [FSM] 2526.05).

Aquatic Management Zone (AMZ): An administratively designated zone adjacent to stream 

channels and other waterbodies. The AMZ is delineated for applying special management controls 

aimed at maintaining and improving water quality or other water- and riparian-dependent values, 

including groundwater-dependent ecosystems. The width of the AMZ is determined based on sitespecific factors and local requirements. AMZ delineation may encompass the floodplain and riparian areas when present. AMZ designation can have synergistic benefits to other resources, such 

as maintaining and improving aquatic and riparian area-dependent resources, visual and aesthetic 

quality, wildlife habitat, and recreation opportunities. A variety of names for the AMZ concept are 

used in the States and Forest Service regions: Water Influence Zone (WIZ), Rocky Mountain Region 2 (R2); Stream Environment Zones, Pacific Southwest Region (R5); Riparian Conservation 

Areas, R5; Riparian Reserves, R5 and Pacific Northwest Region (R6); Riparian Habitat Conservation Areas, R5 and R6; Streamside Management Unit (SMU), R6; Riparian Corridor, Southern 

Region (R8); Riparian Management Corridor (RMC), Eastern Region (R9); and Riparian Management Area, Alaska Region (R10). For purposes of the National Core BMPs, these areas will be 

referred to as AMZs.

bankfull or bankfull discharge: The bankfull stage corresponds to the discharge at which channel maintenance is the most effective; that is, the discharge at which moving sediment, forming or 

removing bars, forming or changing bends and meanders, and generally doing work results in the 

average morphologic characteristics of channels. Bankfull discharge is associated with a momentary maximum flow that, on the average, has a recurrence interval of 1.5 years as determined using 

a flood frequency analysis. (Dunne and Leopold 1978). In stable rivers, bankfull is reached when 

the water cannot be contained within its banks and flooding begins. In entrenched streams, bankfull 

width is restricted, and more difficult to determine, but the top of depositional features is typically 

bankfull. On aggrading streams, the bankfull discharge is no longer contained within the banks during a bankfull event, often causing excessive flooding. A stream’s bankfull discharge may increase 

or decrease with hydrologic modifications, changes in impervious land surfaces, or vegetative cover 

types that alter the rates of water movement through the watershed (Rosgen 1996).

beneficial use (designated use): Use specified in water quality standards for each waterbody or 

segment whether or not it is being attained. Types of uses include public water supplies; protection and propagation of fish, shellfish, and wildlife; recreation; agriculture; industry; navigation; 

marinas; groundwater recharge; aquifer protection; and hydroelectric power (EPA 2007).

Best Management Practices (BMPs) for water quality: Methods, measures, or practices selected by an agency to meet its nonpoint source control needs. BMPs include but are not limited 

to structural and nonstructural controls and operation and maintenance procedures. BMPs can be 

applied before, during, and after pollution-producing activities to reduce or eliminate the introduction of pollutants into receiving waters (36 CFR 219.19).

Glossary
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buffer zone: (See Aquatic Management Zone.) (1) A protective, neutral area between distinct 

environments. (2) An area that acts to minimize the impact of pollutants on the environment or 

public welfare.

Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) Program: A program initiated after a wildfire to 

determine the need for and to prescribe and implement emergency treatments to minimize threats 

to life or property or to stabilize and avoid or minimize unacceptable degradation to natural and 

cultural resources resulting from the effects of the wildfire. Such treatments are identified in an 

approved BAER report and funded under the BAER funding authority (FSM 2523).

chain of custody: A legal term that refers to the ability to guarantee the identity and integrity of 

the sample (or data) from collection through reporting of the test results. It is a process used to 

maintain and document the chronological history of the sample (or data). Chain of custody documents should include the name or initials of the person collecting the sample (or data), each person 

or entity subsequently having custody of it, dates the items were collected or transferred, the collection location, a brief description of the item, and a sample identification number.

Clean Water Act (CWA) 401 Certification: Certification by a State that a permit or license issued 

by the Federal Government meets applicable State water quality and pollution control requirements. Under section 401(a) (1) of the CWA, Federal agencies may not issue permits for activities 

that “may result in any discharge into navigable waters” until the State or tribe where the discharge 

would originate has granted or waived section 401 certification.

CWA 402 Permit: (See National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System.) Permit issued by a 

State or the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that authorizes point source discharges to waters of the United States, including certain stormwater discharges from development, industrial, or 

construction activities (33 U.S.C. § 1342) (see Stormwater Permit). These permits often regulate 

the amount, timing, and composition of discharges.

CWA 404 Permit: Permit issued by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to regulate the discharge of 

dredge and fill materials to waters of the United States, including wetlands (33 U.S.C. § 1344).

cumulative watershed effects (CWE): Cumulative watershed effects (CWE) are a change in 

watershed condition or water quality caused by the accumulation and interaction of multiple 

individual impacts of land and resource management activities within a watershed over time and 

space. CWE may occur at locations far distances away from the sites of actual disturbance and 

later in time after the disturbance has occurred.

effectiveness monitoring: Monitoring to evaluate whether the specified BMPs had the desired 

effect (MacDonald et al. 1991).

ephemeral stream: A stream that flows only in direct response to precipitation in the immediate locality (watershed or catchment basin), and whose channel is at all times above the zone of 

saturation (Briggs 1996).

fen: Ancient wetland ecosystem dependent on nutrient-rich local or regional groundwater flow 

systems maintaining perennial soil saturation and supporting continuous organic soil (i.e., peat) 

accumulation (Bedford and Godwin 2003, Chimner et al. 2010, Clymo 1983, Cooper and Andrus 

1994, Gorham 1953). Groundwater controls fen type, distribution, plant community composition, 

pH, water chemistry, and microtopography.
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floodplain: The lowland and relatively flat areas adjoining inland streams and standing bodies of 

water and coastal waters, including debris cones and flood-prone areas of offshore islands, including 

at a minimum, that area subject to a 1-percent chance of flooding in any given year (FSM 2527.05).

ground cover: Material on the soil surface that impedes raindrop impact and overland flow of water. Ground cover consists of all living and dead herbaceous and woody materials in contact with 

the ground and all rocks greater than 0.75 inches in diameter.

groundwater-dependent ecosystem: Community of plants, animals, and other organisms whose 

extent and life processes depend on groundwater. Examples include many wetlands, groundwaterfed lakes and streams, cave and karst systems, aquifer systems, springs, and seeps (USDA Forest 

Service 2007).

implementation monitoring: Monitoring to evaluate whether BMPs were carried out as planned 

and specified in the environmental assessment, environmental impact statement, other planning 

document, permit, or contract (MacDonald et al. 1991).

inner gorge: A geomorphic feature that consists of the area of channel side slope situated immediately adjacent to the stream channel and below the first break in slope above the stream channel. 

Debris sliding and avalanching are the dominant mass wasting processes associated with the inner 

gorge (USDA Forest Service 2000).

intermittent stream: A stream or reach of stream channel that flows, in its natural condition, only 

during certain times of the year or in several years. Characterized by interspersed, permanent surface water areas containing aquatic flora and fauna adapted to the relatively harsh environmental 

conditions found in these types of environments (Briggs 1996).

lake: An inland body of standing water, perennial or intermittent, that occupies a depression in 

the Earth’s surface and is too deep to permit vegetation to take root completely across the expanse 

of water.

land management plan: An individual planning document adopted under the National Forest 

Management Act and 36 CFR 219 that provides direction for management of a Forest Service 

administrative unit.

low impact development: A comprehensive stormwater management and site design technique 

to create a hydrologically functional site that mimics predevelopment conditions by using design 

techniques that infiltrate, filter, evaporate, and store runoff close to its source.

meadow: Low-level grassland near a stream, lake, or other waterbody.

municipal supply watershed: A watershed that serves a public water system as defined in the 

Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974, as amended (42 U.S.C. §§ 300f, et seq.), or as defined in State 

safe drinking water statutes or regulations (FSM 2542.05).

National Core Best Management Practices (BMPs): The nationally standardized set of general, 

nonprescriptive BMPs for the broad range of activities that occur on National Forest System lands 

as specified in the National Core BMP Technical Guide (FS-990a). The National Core BMPs 

require development of site-specific BMP prescriptions based on site conditions and local and regional requirements to achieve compliance with established State, tribal, and national water quality 

goals. (FSM 2532.05).
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National Core BMPs Monitoring Protocols: The nationally standardized set of procedures for 

monitoring the implementation and effectiveness of the National Core BMPs as specified in the 

National Core BMP Monitoring Technical Guide (FS-990b) (FSM 2532.05).

National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES): (See CWA 402 Permit.) The system for regulating the point source discharge of pollutants to waters of the United States through 

the issuance of permits by State water quality regulatory authorities or EPA. Section 402 of the 

CWA established this system.

navigable waters: Waters of the United States, including the territorial seas (CWA section 

502[7]).

nonpoint source pollution: Any source of water pollution that does not meet the legal definition 

of “point source” in Section 502(14) of the Clean Water Act. Nonpoint sources of water pollution 

generally originate at indefinable or diffuse sources, and do not discharge at specific locations 

(FSM 2532.05).

perennial stream: A stream or reach of a channel that flows continuously or nearly so throughout 

the year and whose upper surface is generally lower than the top of the zone of saturation in areas 

adjacent to the stream (Briggs 1996).

pesticide: A general term applied to a variety of chemical pest controls, including insecticides for 

insects, herbicides for plants, fungicides for fungi, and rodenticides for rodents.

point source: Any discernible, confined, and discrete conveyance, such as pipes, ditches, or channels, from which pollutants are or may be discharged (CWA section 502(14); 40 CFR 122.2).

pollutant: Dredged spoil; solid waste; incinerator residue; filter backwash; sewage; garbage; 

sewage sludge; munitions; chemical wastes; biological materials; radioactive materials (except 

those regulated under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended [42 U.S.C. 2001 et seq.]); heat, 

wrecked, or discarded equipment; rock, sand, and cellar dirt; and industrial, municipal, and agricultural waste discharged into water (CWA section 502[6], 40 CFR 122.2).

pollution: The manmade or man-induced alteration of the chemical, physical, biological, or radiological integrity of water (CWA section 502[19]; 40 CFR 130.2 [c]).

pond: An inland body of standing water, perennial or intermittent, that occupies a depression in 

the Earth’s surface and is shallow enough to permit vegetation to take root completely across the 

expanse of water. A pond may be natural or manmade.

practicable: Available and capable of being done after taking into consideration cost, existing technology, and logistics in light of overall project purposes (40 CFR 230.3). Resource objectives should 

also be considered when determining practicable alternatives to meet a project’s overall purposes.

practice: The recommended means for achieving the Best Management Practice (BMP) objective. 

Not all recommended practices will be applicable in all settings; other practices may not be listed 

in the BMP that would work as well, or better, to meet the BMP objective in a given situation. 

State or local rules or regulations may require some recommended practices in some locations. 

The practices are written in general, nonprescriptive terms. State BMPs, regional Forest Service 

guidance, land management plan standards and guidelines, monitoring results, and professional 

judgment are used to develop site-specific BMP prescriptions to apply the recommended practices 

on the ground.
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reclamation: Returning disturbed land to as near to its predisturbed condition as is reasonably 

practical.

reference condition: The set of selected measurements and conditions used as representative of 

the natural potential condition of a stream or waterbody. The selected measurements and conditions describe a minimally impaired watershed or reach characteristic of a stream type in an ecoregion. Minimally impaired sites are those with the least anthropogenic influences and represent the 

best range of conditions that can be achieved by similar streams within an ecoregion. Reference 

conditions can be established using a combination of methods: a single site or multiple reference 

sites; historical data; simulation models; and expert opinion or professional judgment (EPA 1996).

rehabilitation: A putting back into good condition, re-establishing on a firm, sound basis.

restoration: A putting or bringing back into a former, normal, or unimpaired state or condition.

riparian area: A transition area between the aquatic ecosystem and the adjacent terrestrial ecosystem that is identified by soil characteristics or distinctive vegetation communities that require free 

or unbound water.

site-specific BMP prescriptions: Site-specific techniques implemented on the ground to control 

nonpoint source pollution. Site-specific BMP prescriptions are determined during the project planning process and described in decision documents to apply the National Core BMPs to the ground 

based on local site conditions. State BMPs, regional Forest Service guidance, land management 

plan standards and guidelines, monitoring results, and professional judgment are used to develop 

site-specific BMP prescriptions.

stormwater permit: A form of CWA 402 permit regulating stormwater discharges from industrial 

activities, including construction activities disturbing areas of 1 acre or larger (40 CFR 122.26).

stream simulation: A method of designing crossing structures (usually culverts) with the aim of 

creating within the structure a channel as similar as possible to the natural channel in both structure and function (USDA Forest Service 2008b).

swale: A landform feature lower in elevation than adjacent hillslopes, usually present in headwater 

areas of limited areal extent, generally without display of a defined watercourse or channel, which 

may or may not flow water in response to snowmelt or rainfall. Swales exhibit little evidence 

of surface runoff and may be underlain by porous soils and bedrock that readily accept infiltrating water. These areas are where soil moisture concentrates but often do not exhibit pedalogic or 

botanical evidence of saturated conditions (Dunne and Leopold 1978).

underground injection system: Any manmade design, structure, or activity that places fluids, 

mainly stormwater, but also septic effluent, treated drinking water, and other fluids, below the 

ground.

unstable soils: Those soils that have properties that make them susceptible to dislodgement and 

downslope transport of soil and rock material under direct gravitational stress. The process includes slow displacement such as creep and rapid movements, such as landslides.

waterbody: Features such as rivers, streams, reservoirs, lakes, ponds, wet meadows, fens, bogs, 

marshes, and wetlands. A waterbody may be perennial, intermittent, or ephemeral.

water quality: The chemical, physical, and biological integrity of surface water and groundwater.
160 Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide

water right: A property right granted by a State for the use of a portion of the public’s surface 

water resource obtained under applicable legal procedures.

Waters of the United States: (1) All waters that are currently used, were used in the past, or may 

be susceptible to be used in interstate or foreign commerce, including all waters that are subject to 

the ebb and flow of the tide; (2) all interstate waters, including interstate wetlands; (3) all other waters, such as intrastate lakes, rivers, streams (including intermittent streams), mudflats, sandflats, 

wetlands, sloughs, prairie potholes, wet meadows, playa lakes, or natural ponds that the use, degradation, or destruction of which would affect or could affect interstate or foreign commerce, including any such waters (a) that are or could be used by interstate or foreign travelers for recreational 

or other purposes, (b) from which fish or shellfish are or could be taken and sold in interstate or 

foreign commerce, or (c) that are used or could be used for industrial purposes by industries in 

interstate commerce; and (4) all impoundments of waters otherwise defined as waters of the United 

States under this definition, including (a) tributaries of waters identified in paragraphs 1 through 4 

of this definition, (b) the territorial sea, and (c) wetlands adjacent to waters (other than waters that 

are themselves wetlands) identified in paragraphs (1) through (7) of this definition (40 CFR 122.2).

wetlands: Those areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or groundwater at a frequency 

and duration sufficient to support and that, under normal circumstances, do support, a prevalence 

of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions. Wetlands generally include 

swamps, marshes, bogs, and similar areas (40 CFR 122.2).
Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide 161

References

Bedford, B.L.; Godwin K.S. 2003. Fens of the United States: Distribution, characteristics, and 

scientific connection versus legal isolation. Wetlands. 23(3): 608–629.

Briggs, M.K. 1996. Riparian ecosystem recovery in arid lands, strategies, and references. Tucson, 

AZ: University of Arizona Press.

Brown, T.C.; Hobbins, M.T.; Ramirez, J.A. 2008. Spatial distribution of water supply in the 

coterminous United States. Journal of the American Water Resources Association. 44(6): 1474–

1487.

Chimner, R.A.; Lemly, J.M.; Cooper, D.J. 2010. Mountain fen distribution, types and restoration 

priorities, San Juan Mountains, Colorado, USA. Wetlands. 30(4): 763–771.

Clymo, R.S. 1983. Peat. In: Gore, A.J.P., ed. Ecosystems of the world, Volume 4A, mires, swamp, 

bog, fen and moor general studies. New York: Elsevier. 159–224.

Cooper, D.J.; Andrus, R. 1994. Patterns of vegetation and water chemistry in peatlands of the 

west-central Wind River Range, Wyoming. Canadian Journal of Botany. 72: 1586–1597.

Dunne, T.; Leopold, L.B. 1978. Water in environmental planning. San Francisco, CA: W.H. 

Freeman & Co. 818 p. 

Gorham, E. 1953. A note on the acidity and base status of raised and blanket bogs. Journal of 

Ecology. 41: 153–156.

Holaday, S.; Wagner, C. 2010. Wisconsin’s forestry best management practices for water quality: 

Field manual for loggers, landowners and land managers. Pub. FR-093. Madison, WI: Wisconsin 

Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry. 163 p. Available at http://dnr.wi.gov/

forestry/Usesof/bmp/bmpfieldmanual.htm. 

Logan, R. 2001. Water quality BMPs for Montana forests. Missoula, MT: Montana State 

University Extension Service. 62 p. Available at http://dnrc.mt.gov/forestry/Assistance/Practices/

Documents/2001WaterQualityBMPGuide.pdf. 

MacDonald, L.H.; Smart, A.W.; Wissmar, R.C. 1991. Monitoring guidelines to evaluate effects 

of forestry activities on streams in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. EPA 910/9-91-001. Seattle, 

WA: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and University of Washington. 166 p.

Rosgen, D. 1996. Applied River Morphology. Pagosa Springs, CO: Wildland Hydrology Books. 

363 p.

Sedell, J.; Sharpe, M.; Apple, D.D. et al. 2000. Water and the Forest Service. FS-660. Washington, 

DC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. 26 p.

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Forest Service. 2000. Water quality management for 

Forest System lands in California. Best management practices. Vallejo, CA: USDA Forest Service, 

Pacific Southwest Region. 138 p.

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Forest Service. 2007. Technical guide to managing 

groundwater resources. FS-881. Washington, DC: USDA Forest Service. Available at http://www.

fs.fed.us/publications/. 
162 Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Forest Service. 2008a. The U.S. Forest Service—An 

overview. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. 47 p.

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Forest Service. 2008b. Stream simulation: An ecological 

approach to providing passage for aquatic organisms at road-stream crossings. 0877-1801 

SDTDC. San Dimas, CA: USDA Forest Service, National Technology and Development Program. 

Available at http://www.stream.fs.fed.us/fishxing/index.html. 

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Forest Service. 2009a. Water quality protection on 

national forests in the Pacific Southwest Region: Best management practices evaluation program, 

2003–2007. Vallejo, CA: USDA Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Region.

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Forest Service. 2009b. Summit mountain pine beetle 

salvage project, environmental analysis, appendix B—Best management practices. Bigfork, MT: 

USDA Forest Service, Flathead National Forest, Swan Lake Ranger District.

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Forest Service. 2010a. Black Hills National Forest FY 

2009 monitoring and evaluation report. Custer, SD: USDA Forest Service, Black Hills National 

Forest.

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Forest Service. 2010b. Two decades of best management 

practices monitoring (1992–2010) final report, North Carolina National Forest. Asheville, NC: 

USDA Forest Service, National Forests of North Carolina.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 1987. Nonpoint source controls and water quality 

standards. In: Water quality standards handbook, chapter 2 general program. Washington, DC: 

EPA. 

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Office of Water. 1996. Biological criteria, 

technical guidance for streams and small rivers. EPA 822-B-96-001. Washington, DC: EPA Office 

of Water. 

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Office of Water. 2007. Water quality standards 

handbook: second edition—Web version. EPA-823-B-94-005. (August 1994 with some additional 

new information June 2007.) Washington, DC: EPA Office of Water. Available at http://www.epa.

gov/waterscience/standards/handbook/. 

Ziesak, R. 2010. Montana forestry best management practices monitoring—2010 forestry BMP 

field review report. Missoula, MT: Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, 

Forestry Division. 68 p.
Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide 163

Forest Service Region Best Management Practices Document Available at:

Appendix A. Forest Service Regional Best Management Practices 

Guidance Documents

Northern Region (Region 1) FSH 2509.22, Soil and Water Conservation Practices 

(1988)

http://www.fs.fed.us/publications/ 

Rocky Mountain Region 

(Region 2)

FSH 2509.25, Watershed Conservation Practices 

Handbook (2006)

http://www.fs.fed.us/publications/

Southwest Region (Region 3) FSH 2509.22, Soil and Water Conservation Practices http://www.fs.fed.us/publications/

Intermountain Region 

(Region 4)

FSH 2509.22, Soil and Water Conservation Practices 

(1988)

http://www.fs.fed.us/publications/

Pacific Southwest Region 

(Region 5)

Water Quality Management for National Forest System 

Lands in California (2000)

http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/publications/water_

resources/waterquality/index.html 

Pacific Northwest Region 

(Region 6)

General Water Quality Best Management Practices 

(1988)

—

Southern Region 

(Region 8)

Soil and Water Conservation Practices Guide (2002) http://fsweb.r8.fs.fed.us/nr/bio_phy_res/water/

Literature.shtml 

Eastern Region (Region 9) — —

Alaska Region (Region 10) FSH 2509.22 Soil and Water Conservation Practices 

(2006)

http://www.fs.fed.us/publications/
164 Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide

Appendix B. Selected State Forestry Best Management Practices Documentsa

State Best Management Practices Document Available at:

Alabama Alabama’s Best Management Practices for Forestry http://www.forestry.state.al.us/publications/BMPs/2007_

BMP_Manual.pdf

Alaska

Implementing Best Management Practices for Timber 

Harvest Operations from the Alaska Forest Resources and 

Practices Regulations

http://forestry.alaska.gov/forestpractices.htm#acts

Arkansas Best Management Practices for Water Quality Protection http://forestry.arkansas.gov/Services/ 

ManageYourForests/Documents/bmpbookrevise.pdf

Colorado Forestry Best Management Practices to Protect Water Quality in Colorado

http://www.csfs.colostate.edu/pdfs/ForestryBMPCO-2010.pdf

Florida Silviculture Best Management Practices http://www.fl-dof.com/forest_management/index.html

Georgia Georgia’s Best Management Practices for Forestry http://www.gfc.state.ga.us/ForestManagement/bmp.cfm

Idaho Compendium of Best Management Practices to Control Polluted Runoff: A Source Book 

http://www.deq.State.id.us/water/data_reports/surface_

water/nps/reports.cfm#bmps

Illinois Forestry Best Management Practices http://coas.siu.edu/docs/BMPbooklet2.pdf 

Indiana Indiana Forestry BMPs—protecting the woods while harvesting

http://www.in.gov/dnr/forestry/files/BMP.pdf 

Additional BMPs at http://www.in.gov/dnr/forestry

Kentucky Kentucky Forest Practice Guidelines for Water Quality 

Protection

http://www.ca.uky.edu/forestryextension/publications_

BMPs.pdf 

Louisiana Recommended Forestry Best Management Practices for 

Louisiana

http://www.ldaf.state.la.us/portal/offices/Forestry/ 

ForestManagement/BestManagementPractices/ 

tabid/232/Default.asp

Maine Best Management Practices for Forestry: Protecting Maine’s 

Water Quality http://www.maine.gov/doc/mfs/pubs/bmp_manual.htm

Michigan Sustainable Soil and Water Quality Practices on Forest Land

http://michigan.gov/documents/dnr/IC4011_ 

SustainableSoilandWaterQualityPracticesonForestLand_ 

268417_7.pdf 

Minnesota

Sustaining Minnesota Forest Resources: Voluntary Site-level 

Forest Management Guidelines for Landowners, Loggers 

and Resource Managers

http://www.frc.state.mn.us/resources_documents_ 

management.html

Mississippi Mississippi’s BMPs—Best Management Practices for Forestry in Mississippi http://www.mfc.ms.gov/water-quality.php

Missouri

Missouri Watershed Protection Practice—2006 Management Guidelines for Managing Forested Watersheds to 

Protect Streams

http://mdc.gov/landwater-care/stream-and-watershedmanagement 

Montana Water Quality BMPs for Montana Forests http://www.dnrc.mt.gov/forestry/Assistance/Practices/

Documents/2001WaterQualityBMPGuide.pdf

Nevada Best Management Practices Handbook http://www.cicacenter.org/pdf/NVBMPHandbook.pdf 

New Hampshire Best Management Practices for Forestry: Protecting New 

Hampshire’s Water Quality

http://extension.unh.edu/resources/248/Best_ 

Management_Practices_for_Forestry_Protecting_NH’s_

Water_Quality 

New Mexico New Mexico Forest Practices Guidelines http://www.emnrd.state.nm.us/FD/Publications/ 

documents/NM_ForestPracticesGuidelines2008.pdf 

New York New York State Forestry Best Management Practices for 

Water Quality, BMP Field Guide, 2011 Edition. http://www.nysbmpguidelines.com
Volume 1: National Core BMP Technical Guide 165

State Best Management Practices Document Available at:

North Carolina North Carolina Forestry Best Management Practices Manual 

to Protect Water Quality

http://www.ncforestservice.gov/water_quality/bmp_

manual.htm 

North Dakota North Dakota Forestry Best Management Practices http://www.ndsu.edu/fileadmin/ndfs/docs/r_forestry/

BMP_2010_FINAL_DOC_11_12_10.pdf

Ohio BMPs for Erosion Control for Logging Practices in Ohio http://ohioline.osu.edu/b916/index.html 

Oregon Forest Practices Act Rulebook http://oregon.gov/ODF/privateforests/fpaguidance.shtml 

Pennsylvania

Best Management Practices for Pennsylvania’s Forests—

promoting forest stewardship through education, cooperation, and voluntary action

http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/ucmprd1/groups/public/

documents/document/dcnr_005564.pdf

South Carolina South Carolina’s BMPs for Forestry http://www.state.sc.us/forest/bmpmanual.pdf

South Dakota Forestry Best Management Practices for South Dakota http://sdda.sd.gov/Forestry/publications.PDF/ 

Forestry-BMP.pdf

Tennessee Guide to Forestry Best Management Practices in Tennessee http://www.tn.gov/agriculture/publications/forestry/

BMPs.pdf

Texas Texas Forestry Best Management Practices http://texasforestservice.tamu.edu/main/article.

aspx?id=75&terms=bmps

Utah Utah’s Forest Water Quality Guidelines—A Technical Manual 

for Landowners, Loggers and Resource Managers

http://forestry.usu.edu/htm/rural-forests/ 

forest-management/best-management-practicesbmps-and-water-quality 

Vermont Acceptable Management Practices for Maintaining Water 

Quality on Logging Jobs in Vermont http://www.vtfpr.org/watershed/ampprog.cfm 

Virginia Virginia’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water 

Quality Technical Manual http://www.dof.virginia.gov/wq/index-BMP-Guide 

Washington Title 222 WAC – Forest Practices Rules http://www.dnr.wa.gov/BusinessPermits/Topics/ 

ForestPracticeRules/Pages/fs_rules.aspx 

West Virginia

West Virginia Silvicultural Best Management Practices for 

Controlling Soil Erosion and Sedimentation from Logging 

Operations. 

http://www.wv.forestry.com/BMP%20Book%Complete.

pdf

Wisconsin

Wisconsin’s forestry best management practices for water 

quality: Field manual for loggers, landowners and land 

managers

http://dnr.wi.gov/forestry/Usesof/bmp/bmpfieldmanual.

htm

Wyoming Wyoming Forestry Best Management Practices—Forestry 

BMPs, Water Quality Protection Guidelines http://slf-web.state.wy.us/oldsite/forestry/bmp2.aspx 

a

 Forestry BMP documents for States that contain NFS lands.