United States

Department of

Agriculture

Forest Service

Northeastern Area State 

and Private Forestry

Newtown Square, PA

NA–FR–02–06

March 2007 

Best Management Practices (BMP) 

Monitoring Manual—Field Guide:

Implementation and Effectiveness

for Protection of Water Resources
17

Chapter 4—Questions

This chapter includes all of the questions and answers 

in the protocol software that will be answered when 

collecting data in the field. The text of the questions and 

answers in the protocol software is rather abbreviated; 

this chapter expands the question and answer text to 

make it more easily understood. Until field personnel 

become familiar with the questions and answers, they 

should refer to the expanded text in this chapter when 

recording data to ensure accuracy and consistency. The 

questions are grouped into sections as follows:

• General Information (Questions G1–G11)

• Water Body Crossing Approach Area A (Questions 

X12–X67)

• Crossing Structure (Questions X68–X86)

• Water Body Crossing Approach Area B (Questions 

X86.1–X136)

• Haul Road, Log Landing, or Rutted, Mineral Soil 

Skid Trail Inside the Buffer/Filter Strip (Questions 

HB137–HB166)

Chapter 4—Questions

• Chemical Pollutants (Questions CP167–CP172)

• Buffer/Filter Strip (Questions B173–B191)

• Wetland Crossing (Questions W192–W197)

• State- or User-Defined Entries (Questions S1–S20)

Field personnel should understand that not all questions 

will be answered for each sample unit. The software will 

automatically skip some questions based on the answers 

to previous questions. Data collection will be complete 

as long as field personnel accurately answer all questions 

presented in the software program for a given sample 

unit. Some answers may be left blank if in doubt, but all 

questions that include answers with “go to” instructions 

(e.g., go to question HB137) must be answered.
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BMP Manual—Field Guide

G1 Enter the code for the State, year, sample type, and sample unit number.

State Select the two-letter State code from the drop-down menu.

Year Enter the last two digits of the sample year (e.g., 2006 = 06).

Type Select the sample type code from the drop-down menu:

 N = new sample

 R = remeasure of a previous sample

 Q = quality control sample

Iteration Enter the iteration of the resample where:

 0 = new sample (default value)

 1 = first remeasurement

 2 = second remeasurement

 . . . 

 8 = eighth remeasurement

Quality control measurements are not considered remeasurements.

Number Enter the State-assigned sample number. (This number will automatically be expanded to three 

digits in the data recorder.)

Example: Maryland, 2006, new sample unit number 24 would be coded MD06N0024.

If this same sample unit were resampled for quality control purposes, it would code MD06Q0024.

If this same sample unit were being resampled for the first time for long-term impact or other purposes, it 

would code MD06R1024.

Note: Question G1 is a mandatory response question; an answer is required to exit the sample unit file.

G2 Enter the answer code indicating the landowner’s approximate statewide forest land ownership class.

 1. < 25 acres

2. 25+ to 50 acres

3. 50+ to 100 acres

4. 100+ to 1,000 acres

5. 1,000+ to 5,000 acres

6. 5,000+ to 10,000 acres

7. 10,000+ to 100,000 acres

8. 100,000+ acres

9. Unknown

General Information (Questions G1–G11)
19

Chapter 4—Questions

G3 Enter the answer code indicating the landowner category.

 1. Non-industrial private forest landowner

2. Industrial forest landowner

3. Public forest land

4. Other (e.g., land trust, sportsman’s club)

5. Unknown

6. Nonforest use or ownership planned

7. Ownership is for investment purposes only

G4 Enter the answer code indicating landowner participation in the following programs. Starting with answer 

number 1, record the first answer that applies.

 1. Forest activity is certified by a third-party certification program

2. Forest activity is covered by a management plan (e.g., Stewardship Plan, tax program)

3. Landowner attends forestry educational programs

4. None of the above

5. Unknown

G5 Enter the answer code indicating whether or not responsibility for BMP implementation has been assigned 

to a specific individual by name.

 1. No

2. Forester, by written contract

3. Forester, by oral agreement

4. Logger, by written contract

5. Logger, by oral agreement

6. Unknown

In some States, responsibility is assigned by law to the landowner, logger, or State service forester. This 

question, however, is to determine if responsibility has also been assigned to a specific individual by oral 

agreement, or by name or title in the contract.

G6 Enter the answer code indicating logger participation in the following programs. Starting with answer 

number 1, record the first answer that applies.

 1. State-licensed logger or logging foreman

2. Participates in a voluntary certification program (e.g., Master Logger, Sustainable Forestry Initiative)

3. Participates in continuing education seminars

4. None of the above

5. Unknown

G7 Enter the answer code that best describes the status of harvesting in the sample unit at the time of on-site 

monitoring. Times can be approximated.

 1. Harvest is currently active

2. Harvesting was completed less than 1 year ago

3. Harvesting was completed more than 1 and less than 2 years ago

4. Harvesting was completed more than 2 years ago

5. There has been no harvesting in this sample unit in conjunction with the current timber sale

6. Unknown
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BMP Manual—Field Guide

G8 Enter the number of whole acres, up to 999, in the sample unit being assessed, estimating as necessary.

G9 Enter the answer code indicating the type of harvest system predominately used in this sample unit.

 1. No harvesting to date (go to question CP167)

2. Ground-based system in which wood is dragged (e.g., skidders, tractors)

3. Ground-based system in which wood is carried (e.g., forwarders, trailers)

4. Cable system in which wood is dragged (e.g., high lead, jammer)

5. Cable system in which wood is suspended (e.g., standing skyline)

6. Aerial system (e.g., balloons, helicopter)

7. Road construction only; no harvest

8. Unknown

In the event that clearing or road construction has begun, the sample will be taken even if timber harvesting 

has not yet begun.

G10 Enter the answer code that best describes the occurrence of a rare and extreme weather event likely to 

influence the results of this sample unit evaluation.

 1. None

2. Rain on snow

3. Rain

4. Drought

5. Unknown

Examples of rain events might include extremely intense rainstorms or extremely high volume rainfall over 

a short period, or above average rainfall with a high antecedent soil moisture content.

G11 Enter the answer code indicating whether BMPs are voluntary or mandatory for this sample unit. (Refer to 

State BMP guidelines and record as mandatory even if only some BMPs are mandatory.)

 1. Voluntary

2. Mandatory

After answering question G11 continue with question X12.
21

Chapter 4—Questions

Note: Approach Area A is the approach on the left bank as the investigator faces downstream.

X12 Enter the answer code for the stream order or water body type at the crossing site. Refer to appendix C for 

definitions of terms. Although not ordinarily considered, if States wish to include ephemeral streams in the 

protocol, they will be coded zero order (answer code 8).

 1. First-order stream

2. Second-order stream

3. Third-order stream

4. Fourth-order stream or larger

5. Drainage ditch systems degrading and/or draining to natural surface waters

6. Pond or lake of Federal or State significance

7. Wetland or similar area of Federal or State significance

8. Zero-order (ephemeral) stream

9. No stream crossing in this sample unit (go to question HB137)

 10. Stream crossing avoided by planning (go to question HB137)

Answer codes 9 and 10 are different. Answer code 9 applies when a crossing is unnecessary either because 

there is no water body or because there is no harvesting on the far side of the water body. Answer code 10 

applies when there is harvesting on the far side of the water body, but there is no crossing from the sample 

unit currently being inspected or the area is accessed from another direction without crossing the water body.

Note that if a wetland is being crossed (answer code 7), or if the stream or other water body being crossed 

includes a wetland, continue through the approach and crossing structure sections since wetlands logically 

include approaches and possibly crossing structures (as do other water body crossings). The protocol will 

automatically take you to questions W192 through W197, which provide additional wetland detail to the 

sample data.

X13 Enter the answer code indicating the water body type being crossed based on a year with normal 

precipitation.

 1. Perennial stream, lake, or wetland

2. Intermittent stream or vernal pool

3. Ephemeral stream

X14 Enter the GPS location of the water body crossing being evaluated based on WGS 84. Enter it as decimal 

degrees latitude, including the decimal point and six decimal places.

Example: 41.736253

X15 Enter the GPS location of the water body crossing being evaluated based on WGS 84. Enter it as decimal 

degrees longitude, including the decimal point and six decimal places.

Example: 76.835937

Longitude in the United States is always a negative value. This cell has been formatted with the negative 

sign already in place. Do not enter a negative sign with your data.

Water Body Crossing Approach Area A (Questions X12–X67)
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BMP Manual—Field Guide

X16 Enter the recommended buffer/filter strip width in whole feet, up to 999, based on State BMP guidelines.

If State BMP guidelines do not specify, enter and use 50 feet as the default value.

X17 Enter the width in whole feet, up to 999, of any legally or contractually required water resource protection 

strip that is greater than the State BMP guidelines.

Leave blank if none is legally or contractually required.

Use the greater of the two widths (questions X16 and X17) in determining the boundary between the 

approaches inside and outside the buffer/filter strip and in answering questions X18 through X86.

After completing question X17 continue with question X18.

Approach Area A–Outside the Buffer/Filter Strip

Approach Area A–Outside the Buffer/Filter Strip originates at the upland edge of the buffer/filter strip width as 

measured from the outer edge of the stream’s bankfull width, the top of the bank above a scoured channel, or the 

edge of a wetland. It extends inland perpendicular to the bank to a point where there is a ±5 percent or greater 

gradient change that extends for a minimum distance of 20 feet (figure 3.7 on page 12).

In areas where the grade is less than 5 percent for a distance of 500 feet or more, limit the approach area outside

the buffer/filter strip to three times the width of the buffer/filter strip.

Go to the point on the road or trail where the approach area inside the buffer/filter strip intersects the approach

area outside the buffer/filter strip and make a mental note of the location. Proceed on to the termination point

of the approach area outside the buffer/filter strip. Having noted these two boundary locations, observe the

conditions on the ground and answer questions X18 through X67. Note that you may have to follow some

indicators, such as rills, ruts, or gullies, into the approach area inside the buffer/filter strip or into the water body

itself to answer the questions.

X18 Enter the answer code indicating whether you are evaluating a haul road or a skid trail in Approach Area 

A–Outside the Buffer/Filter Strip.

 1. Haul road

2. Skid trail
23

Chapter 4—Questions

X19 Enter the answer code that best describes the road or trail in Approach Area A–Outside the Buffer/Filter 

Strip.

 1. Landing or yard only, adjoining maintained road

2. Road or trail profile is flat, no ditch constructed

3. Road or trail profile is inverted below the general grade of adjoining land

4. Road or trail profile includes an excavated ditch less than 1 foot deep

5. Road or trail profile includes an excavated ditch greater than 1 foot deep

6. Road or trail profile was created by cutting and filling on a side slope

7. Road or trail profile is constructed of fill material only; forest floor beneath the fill material is 

unexcavated

X20 Enter the answer code that best describes bearing capacity improvements used on any portion of the road or 

trail in Approach Area A–Outside the Buffer/Filter Strip.

 1. Native material construction, no improvement evident

2. Bearing capacity improvements added, such as Geo-textile, pallets, mats, slash, corduroy

3. Permeable surfacing material added, such as gravel

4. Non-permeable paving, such as asphalt or concrete

5. Other

X21 Enter the answer code that best describes the primary adjacent land use outside Approach Area A–Outside 

the Buffer/Filter Strip.

 1. Forest

2. Agriculture

3. Residential or commercial

4. Other
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BMP Manual—Field Guide

X22 Enter the answer code that best describes any soil movement in Approach Area A–Outside the Buffer/

Filter Strip.

 1. Trace amounts such as films or suspended sediments deposited in the water body or within the 

bankfull width of the channel (go to question X23)

2. Measurable amounts of sediment deposited in the water body or within the bankfull width of the 

channel (go to question X23)

3. Soil deposited inside the buffer/filter strip but did not reach the water body or within the bankfull 

width of the channel (go to question X31)

4. Soil moved into Approach Area A–Outside the Buffer/Filter Strip but did not reach the buffer/filter 

strip (go to question X37)

5. Soil is stabilized in Approach Area A–Outside the Buffer/Filter Strip (go to question X43)

In cases where the sediment delivery system indicates strongly that measurable volumes of sediment have 

been deposited in the water body but have since been washed away (see question X23), enter answer code 2 

for question X22 and enter zero for question X26.

Locate the boundaries of the area in question and carefully inspect the road or trail as well as the ditches 

and adjoining cut or fill slopes.

Look for evidence of soil movement, such as rills, gullies, or other sediment trails. Also consider material 

moved by machines during construction, as well as material pushed by wheels or dragged by logs. Note the 

points of origin and deposit.

Depending on the time of year, it may be necessary to brush away newly fallen leaves to follow the sediment 

trail. Sediment occurring above or below the various leaf layers will provide clues as to whether the erosion 

is ongoing or occurred during a prior harvest.

Only one answer code can be entered. Consider the various problems evident and report on the worst case 

scenario, choosing the answer that best describes the situation.
25

Chapter 4—Questions

Sediment Deposited in the Water Body from Approach Area A–Outside the Buffer/Filter Strip

X23 Enter the answer code that best describes the evidence that sediment reached the water body or within the 

bankfull width of the channel from Approach Area A–Outside the Buffer/Filter Strip.

 1. Ditch or rut (e.g., wheel, track, log drag) terminating in the water body or within the bankfull width of 

the channel (go to question X24)

2. Gully terminating in the water body or within the bankfull width of the channel (go to question X24)

3. Rill terminating in the water body or within the bankfull width of the channel (go to question X24)

4. Sheet flow, sediment deposition trail, or alluvial fan terminating in the water body or within the 

bankfull width of the channel (go to question X26)

5. Soil slumping or dropping terminating in the water body or within the bankfull width of the channel 

(go to question X26)

6. Mechanical deposition of soil terminating in the water body or within the bankfull width of the 

channel (go to question X26)

 Example: Soil pushed into the bankfull channel or onto a bridge by machinery or dragged logs

Only one answer code can be entered. Record the worst case scenario. Read all of the answers and eliminate 

the ones that do not apply to arrive at the answer that best describes the situation.

Where one erosion form evolves into another in a continuous manner, such as when a rill becomes a gully, 

record the predominant form. Report the evidence consistent with the definitions in appendix C for terms 

such as rill, gully, ditch, and rut.

X24 Enter the total length in whole feet, up to 999, of the rill, gully, ditch, or rut identified in question X23.

Where one erosion form evolves into another in a continuous manner, such as when a rill becomes a gully, 

measure and record the total length of the combined forms of erosion. If the rill or gully is branched, 

measure only the length of the main section—do not add the lengths of the branches. Accurate pacing is 

acceptable for measurement.

X25 Enter the midpoint cross-sectional area in whole square inches, up to 9999, of the rill, gully, ditch, or rut 

identified in question X23.

Locate a typical cross section at approximately the halfway point in the combined length of the rill, gully, 

or other formation being reported. Place a straightedge across the top of the eroded zone and measure the 

width and depth in inches to compute the area.

X26 Enter the currently evident volume of sediment deposited in the water body or within the bankfull width of 

the channel in whole cubic feet, up to 9999, by the delivery system identified in question X23.

Look upstream and downstream, and determine by color, texture, and location that the sediment deposit 

originates from the delivery system identified in question X23. Probe the deposit in several places to 

determine the average depth, and measure the length and width to determine the volume.

Leave blank if the sediment has been completely flushed away or if a reasonably accurate measurement of 

the existing deposit is not possible.
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BMP Manual—Field Guide

X27 Enter the answer code that best describes the preponderant type of sediment delivered to the water body or 

within the bankfull width of the channel by the delivery system identified in question X23.

 1. Organic material

2. Clay (forms a ribbon 1 inch or longer)

3. Silt or loam (feels smooth but will not form a ribbon)

4. Sand (feels gritty)

5. Gravel (0.8–2.5 inches)

6. Cobble and larger (> 2.5 inches)

When in doubt, sandy loams or clay loams should be recorded as sand or clay, as these components are more 

critical than loam in determining erosion or percolation rates.

X28 Enter the answer code indicating if sedimentation can be expected to continue to occur during the next 

storm event based on your answers to questions X23 through X27.

 1. Yes, sedimentation will continue

2. No, sedimentation will not continue

3. Unknown

X29 Enter the answer code that best describes the specific cause of sediment delivery to the water body or within 

the bankfull width of the channel from Approach Area A–Outside the Buffer/Filter Strip.

 1. Inappropriate timing of the operation with respect to soil and weather conditions

2. Inappropriate location or design of the road or trail outside the buffer/filter strip

3. Incorrect maintenance of the road or trail outside the buffer/filter strip

4. No maintenance or inadequate maintenance, or failure to add reinforcement to BMPs installed on the 

road or trail outside the buffer/filter strip

5. Inadequate installation of initial or additional BMPs as necessary outside the buffer/filter strip

6. Inappropriate log landing location or activities outside the buffer/filter strip

7. Inappropriate harvesting activities outside the buffer/filter strip

8. Human activities or natural events unrelated to timber harvesting

9. Erosion from a public road

Read all of the answers and eliminate the ones that do not apply to arrive at the answer that best describes 

the situation.

Note the difference between the installation of BMPs and the maintenance and reinforcement of BMPs.
27

Chapter 4—Questions

X30 Enter the answer code that best describes the cause of sediment delivery to the water body or within the 

bankfull width of the channel from Approach Area A–Outside the Buffer/Filter Strip with respect to the 

application of principles and practices.

 1. Principles and practices not applied

2. Principles and practices applied appropriately, but soil moved

3. Principles and practices applied appropriately, but inadequately maintained

4. Principles and practices applied appropriately, but degraded by activities unrelated to timber harvesting

5. Principles and practices applied inadequately or incompletely

6. Principles and practices applied inadequately, and further degraded by activity unrelated to timber 

harvesting

7. Activities unrelated to timber harvesting only

8. Public road maintenance or design problem

Consider the recommendations in applicable BMP and road construction manuals, including, for example, 

location, vertical and horizontal centerlines and grades of haul roads and skid trails, slope and location of 

log landings, drainage, maintenance, and season of activities in answering the question.

Read all of the answers and eliminate the ones that do not apply to arrive at the answer that best describes 

the situation.

After answering question X30 proceed directly to question X44.

Sediment Deposited Inside the Buffer/Filter Strip but Not the Water Body From Approach Area A–Outside 

the Buffer/Filter Strip

X31 Enter the distance from the upland edge of the buffer/filter strip to the end of the soil deposition nearest 

the water body as a percentage of the buffer/filter strip width.

Measure the slope distance in whole feet perpendicular to the bank. Divide it by the buffer/filter strip width.

Example: A sediment trail of any length that ends 5 feet from the water body inside a 50-foot buffer/filter 

strip would be calculated as follows:

45 feet divided by 50 feet = 90%, code = 90

X32 Enter the answer code that best describes the evidence that sediment reached the buffer/filter strip, but not 

the water body or within the bankfull width of the channel, from Approach Area A–Outside the Buffer/

Filter Strip.

 1. Ditch or rut (e.g., wheel, track, log drag) terminating in the buffer/filter strip

2. Gully terminating in the buffer/filter strip

3. Rill terminating in the buffer/filter strip

4. Sediment deposition trail, sheet flow, or alluvial fan terminating in the buffer/filter strip

5. Soil slumping or dropping terminating in the buffer/filter strip

Where one erosion form evolves into another in a continuous manner, such as when a rill becomes a gully, 

record the predominant form, adhering to the definitions in appendix C.
28

BMP Manual—Field Guide

X33 Enter the answer code that best describes the preponderant type of sediment delivered to the buffer/filter 

strip, but not the water body or within the bankfull width of the channel, by the delivery system identified 

in question X32.

 1. Organic material

2. Clay (forms a ribbon 1 inch or longer)

3. Silt or loam (feels smooth but will not form a ribbon)

4. Sand (feels gritty)

5. Gravel (0.8–2.5 inches)

6. Cobble and larger (> 2.5 inches)

When in doubt, sandy loams or clay loams should be recorded as sand or clay, as these components are more 

critical than loam in determining erosion or percolation rates.

X34 Enter the answer code indicating if sedimentation can be expected to continue to occur during the next 

storm event based on your answers to questions X31 through X33.

 1. Yes, sedimentation will continue

2. No, sedimentation will not continue

3. Unknown

X35 Enter the answer code that best describes the specific cause of sediment delivery to the buffer/filter strip, 

but not the water body or within the bankfull width of the channel, from Approach Area A–Outside the 

Buffer/Filter Strip.

 1. Inappropriate timing of the operation with respect to soil and weather conditions

2. Inappropriate location or design of the road or trail outside the buffer/filter strip

3. Incorrect maintenance of the road or trail outside the buffer/filter strip

4. No maintenance or inadequate maintenance, or failure to add reinforcement to BMPs installed on the 

road or trail outside the buffer/filter strip

5. Inadequate installation of initial or additional BMPs as necessary outside the buffer/filter strip

6. Inappropriate log landing location or activities outside the buffer/filter strip

7. Inappropriate harvesting activities outside the buffer/filter strip

8. Human activities or natural events unrelated to timber harvesting

9. Erosion from a public road

Read all of the answers and eliminate the ones that do not apply to arrive at the answer that best describes 

the situation.

Note the difference between the installation of BMPs and the maintenance and reinforcement of BMPs.
29

Chapter 4—Questions

X36 Enter the answer code that best describes the cause of sediment delivery to the buffer/filter strip, but not the 

water body or within the bankfull width of the channel, from Approach Area A–Outside the Buffer/Filter 

Strip with respect to the application of principles and practices.

 1. Principles and practices not applied

2. Principles and practices applied appropriately, but soil moved

3. Principles and practices applied appropriately, but inadequately maintained

4. Principles and practices applied appropriately, but degraded by activities unrelated to timber harvesting

5. Principles and practices applied inadequately or incompletely

6. Principles and practices applied inadequately, and further degraded by activity unrelated to timber 

harvesting

7. Activities unrelated to timber harvesting only

8. Public road maintenance or design problem

Consider the recommendations in applicable BMP and road construction manuals, including, for example, 

location, vertical and horizontal centerlines and grades of haul roads and skid trails, slope and location of 

log landings, drainage, maintenance, and season of activities in answering the question.

Read all of the answers and eliminate the ones that do not apply to arrive at the answer that best describes 

the situation.

After answering question X36 proceed directly to question X44.

Soil Moved but Did Not Reach the Buffer/Filter Strip or the Water Body From Approach Area A–Outside the 

Buffer/Filter Strip

X37 Enter the distance in whole feet, up to 999, that the soil moved from the point of origin toward the buffer/

filter strip.

Example: Soil may move 49 feet, but only move 16 feet toward the buffer/filter strip. Enter 16.

X38 Enter the answer code that best describes the evidence that soil moved in Approach Area A–Outside the 

Buffer/Filter Strip but did not reach the buffer/filter strip.

 1. Ditch or rut (e.g., wheel, track, log drag) terminating outside the buffer/filter strip

2. Gully terminating outside the buffer/filter strip

3. Rill terminating outside the buffer/filter strip

4. Sediment deposition trail, sheet flow, or alluvial fan terminating outside the buffer/filter strip

5. Soil slumping or dropping terminating outside the buffer/filter strip

Where one erosion form evolves into another in a continuous manner, such as when a rill becomes a gully, 

record the predominant form, adhering to the definitions in appendix C.
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BMP Manual—Field Guide

X39 Enter the answer code that best describes the preponderant type of soil that moved in Approach Area 

A–Outside the Buffer/Filter Strip but did not reach the buffer/filter strip.

 1. Organic material

2. Clay (forms a ribbon 1 inch or longer)

3. Silt or loam (feels smooth but will not form a ribbon)

4. Sand (feels gritty)

5. Gravel (0.8–2.5 inches)

6. Cobble and larger (> 2.5 inches)

When in doubt, sandy loams or clay loams should be recorded as sand or clay, as these components are more 

critical than loam in determining erosion or percolation rates.

X40 Enter the answer code indicating if soil movement can be expected to continue to occur in Approach Area 

A–Outside the Buffer/Filter Strip during the next storm event based on your answers to questions X37 

through X39.

 1. Yes, sedimentation will continue

2. No, sedimentation will not continue

3. Unknown

X41 Enter the answer code that best describes the specific cause of soil movement in Approach Area A–Outside 

the Buffer/Filter Strip.

 1. Inappropriate timing of the operation with respect to soil and weather conditions

2. Inappropriate location or design of the road or trail outside the buffer/filter strip

3. Incorrect maintenance of the road or trail outside the buffer/filter strip

4. No maintenance or inadequate maintenance, or failure to add reinforcement to BMPs installed on the 

road or trail outside the buffer/filter strip

5. Inadequate installation of initial or additional BMPs as necessary outside the buffer/filter strip

6. Inappropriate log landing location or activities outside the buffer/filter strip

7. Inappropriate harvesting activities outside the buffer/filter strip

8. Human activities or natural events unrelated to timber harvesting

9. Erosion from a public road

Read all of the answers and eliminate the ones that do not apply to arrive at the answer that best describes 

the situation.

Note the difference between the installation of BMPs and the maintenance and reinforcement of BMPs.
31

Chapter 4—Questions

X42 Enter the answer code that best describes the cause of soil movement in Approach Area A–Outside the 

Buffer/Filter Strip with respect to the application of principles and practices.

 1. Principles and practices not applied

2. Principles and practices applied appropriately, but soil moved

3. Principles and practices applied appropriately, but inadequately maintained

4. Principles and practices applied appropriately, but degraded by activities unrelated to timber harvesting

5. Principles and practices applied inadequately or incompletely 

6. Principles and practices applied inadequately, and further degraded by activity unrelated to timber 

harvesting

7. Activities unrelated to timber harvesting only

8. Public road maintenance or design problem

Consider the recommendations in applicable BMP and road construction manuals, including, for example, 

location, vertical and horizontal centerlines and grades of haul roads and skid trails, slope and location of 

log landings, drainage, maintenance, and season of activities in answering the question.

Read all of the answers and eliminate the ones that do not apply to arrive at the answer that best describes 

the situation.

After answering question X42 proceed directly to question X44.

No Soil Movement in Approach Area A–Outside the Buffer/Filter Strip

X43 Enter the answer code that best describes the application of BMP principles and practices in Approach 

Area A–Outside the Buffer/Filter Strip.

 1. Planning principles applied appropriately and effectively, thus minimizing the need for additional 

BMP practices; soil stabilized

2. Principles and practices applied appropriately; soil stabilized

3. Principles and practices applied inadequately; soil stabilized

4. Principles and practices not applied; soil stabilized

Consider the recommendations in applicable BMP and road construction manuals, including, for example, 

location, vertical and horizontal centerlines and grades of haul roads and skid trails, slope and location of 

log landings, drainage, maintenance, and season of activities in answering the question.

After answering question X43 and reading the explanation on the following page, continue with question X44.
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BMP Manual—Field Guide

Approach Area A–Inside the Buffer/Filter Strip

Approach Area A–Inside the Buffer/Filter Strip originates at the outer edge of the stream’s bankfull width, the top 

of the bank above a scoured channel, or the edge of a wetland. It extends inland perpendicular to the bank for a 

distance equal to the buffer/filter strip width.

Having previously noted the point on the road or trail where the approach area inside the buffer/filter strip 

intersects the approach area outside the buffer/filter strip, observe the conditions on the ground between that 

location and the point where the road or trail reaches the bankfull edge of the channel, and answer questions X44 

through X47.

Report only those conditions that originate from the approach area inside the buffer/filter strip. Conditions 

originating beyond the approach area inside the buffer/filter strip were reported in Approach Area A–Outside the 

Buffer/Filter Strip.

X44 Enter the answer code indicating whether you are evaluating a haul road or a skid trail in Approach Area 

A–Inside the Buffer/Filter Strip.

 1. Haul road

2. Skid trail

X45 Enter the answer code that best describes bearing capacity improvements used on any portion of the road or 

trail in Approach Area A–Inside the Buffer/Filter Strip.

 1. Native material construction, no improvement evident

2. Bearing capacity improvements added, such as Geo-textile, pallets, mats, slash, corduroy

3. Permeable surfacing material added, such as gravel

4. Non-permeable paving, such as asphalt or concrete

5. Other

X46 Enter the answer code that best describes the road or trail in Approach Area A–Inside the Buffer/Filter 

Strip.

 1. Landing or yard only, adjoining maintained road

2. Road or trail profile is flat, no ditch constructed

3. Road or trail profile is inverted below the general grade of adjoining land

4. Road or trail profile includes an excavated ditch less than 1 foot deep

5. Road or trail profile includes an excavated ditch greater than 1 foot deep

6. Road or trail profile was created by cutting and filling on a side slope

7. Road or trail profile is constructed of fill material only; forest floor beneath the fill material is 

unexcavated
33

Chapter 4—Questions

X47 Enter the answer code that best describes any soil movement in Approach Area A–Inside the Buffer/Filter 

Strip.

 1. Trace amounts such as films or suspended sediments deposited in the water body or within the 

bankfull width of the channel (go to question X48)

2. Measurable amounts of sediment deposited in the water body or within the bankfull width of the 

channel (go to question X48)

3. Soil moved in Approach Area A–Inside the Buffer/Filter Strip but did not reach the water body or 

within the bankfull width of the channel (go to question X56)

4. Soil is stabilized in Approach Area A–Inside the Buffer/Filter Strip (go to question X62)

5. Soil movement occurs in Approach Area A–Inside the Buffer/Filter Strip but has been recorded 

elsewhere in the protocol (go to question X63)

In cases where the sediment delivery system indicates strongly that measurable volumes of sediment have 

been deposited in the water body but have since been washed away (see question X48), enter answer code 2 

for question X47 and enter zero for question X51.

Locate the boundaries of the area in question and carefully inspect the road or trail as well as the ditches 

and adjoining cut or fill slopes.

Look for evidence of soil movement, such as rills, gullies, or other sediment trails. Also consider material 

moved by machines during construction, as well as material pushed by wheels or dragged by logs. Note the 

points of origin and deposit.

Depending on the time of year, it may be necessary to brush away newly fallen leaves to follow the sediment 

trail. Sediment occurring above or below the various leaf layers will provide clues as to whether the erosion 

is ongoing or occurred during a prior harvest.

Only one answer code can be entered. Consider the various problems evident and report on the worst case 

scenario, choosing the answer code that best describes the situation.
34

BMP Manual—Field Guide

Sediment Deposited in the Water Body From Approach Area A–Inside the Buffer/Filter Strip

X48 Enter the answer code that best describes the evidence that sediment reached the water body or within the 

bankfull width of the channel from Approach Area A–Inside the Buffer/Filter Strip.

 1. Ditch or rut (e.g., wheel, track, log drag) terminating in the water body or within the bankfull width of 

the channel (go to question X49)

2. Gully terminating in the water body or within the bankfull width of the channel (go to question X49)

3. Rill terminating in the water body or within the bankfull width of the channel (go to question X49)

4. Sheet flow, sediment deposition trail, or alluvial fan terminating in the water body or within the 

bankfull width of the channel (go to question X51)

5. Soil slumping or dropping terminating in the water body or within the bankfull width of the channel 

(go to question X51)

6. Mechanical deposition of soil terminating in the water body or within the bankfull width of the 

channel (go to question X51)

 Example: Soil pushed into the bankfull channel or onto a bridge by machinery or dragged logs

Only one answer code can be entered. Record the worst case scenario. Read all of the answers and eliminate 

the ones that do not apply to arrive at the answer that best describes the situation.

Where one erosion form evolves into another in a continuous manner, such as when a rill becomes a gully, 

record the predominant form. Report the evidence consistent with the definitions in appendix C for terms 

such as rill, gully, ditch, and rut.

X49 Enter the total length in whole feet, up to 999, of the rill, gully, ditch, or rut identified in question X48.

Where one erosion form evolves into another in a continuous manner, such as when a rill becomes a gully, 

measure and record the total length of the combined forms of erosion. If the rill or gully is branched, 

measure only the length of the main section—do not add the lengths of the branches. Accurate pacing is 

acceptable for measurement.

X50 Enter the midpoint cross-sectional area in whole square inches, up to 9999, of the rill, gully, ditch, or rut 

identified in question X48.

Locate a typical cross section at approximately the halfway point in the combined length of the rill, gully, 

or other formation being reported. Place a straightedge across the top of the eroded zone and measure the 

width and depth in inches to compute the area.

X51 Enter the currently evident volume of sediment deposited in the water body or within the bankfull width of 

the channel in whole cubic feet, up to 9999, by the delivery system identified in question X48.

Look upstream and downstream, and determine by color, texture, and location that the sediment deposit 

originates from the delivery system identified in question X48. Probe the deposit in several places to 

determine the average depth, and measure the length and width to determine the volume.

Leave blank if the sediment has been completely flushed away or if a reasonably accurate measurement of 

the existing deposit is not possible.
35

Chapter 4—Questions

X52 Enter the answer code that best describes the preponderant type of sediment delivered to the water body or 

within the bankfull width of the channel by the delivery system identified in question X48.

 1. Organic material

2. Clay (forms a ribbon 1 inch or longer)

3. Silt or loam (feels smooth but will not form a ribbon)

4. Sand (feels gritty)

5. Gravel (0.8–2.5 inches)

6. Cobble and larger (> 2.5 inches)

When in doubt, sandy loams or clay loams should be recorded as sand or clay, as these components are more 

critical than loam in determining erosion or percolation rates.

X53 Enter the answer code indicating if sedimentation can be expected to continue to occur during the next 

storm event based on your answers to questions X48 through X52.

 1. Yes, sedimentation will continue

2. No, sedimentation will not continue

3. Unknown

X54 Enter the answer code that best describes the specific cause of sediment delivery to the water body or within 

the bankfull width of the channel from Approach Area A–Inside the Buffer/Filter Strip.

 1. Inappropriate timing of the operation with respect to soil and weather conditions

2. Inappropriate location or design of the road or trail inside the buffer/filter strip

3. Incorrect maintenance of the road or trail inside the buffer/filter strip

4. No maintenance or inadequate maintenance, or failure to add reinforcement to BMPs installed on the 

road or trail inside the buffer/filter strip

5. Inadequate installation of initial or additional BMPs as necessary inside the buffer/filter strip

6. Inappropriate log landing location or activities inside the buffer/filter strip

7. Inappropriate harvesting activities inside the buffer/filter strip

8. Human activities or natural events unrelated to timber harvesting

9. Erosion from a public road

Read all of the answers and eliminate the ones that do not apply to arrive at the answer that best describes 

the situation.

Note the difference between the installation of BMPs and the maintenance and reinforcement of BMPs.
36

BMP Manual—Field Guide

X55 Enter the answer code that best describes the cause of sediment delivery to the water body or within the 

bankfull width of the channel from Approach Area A–Inside the Buffer/Filter Strip with respect to the 

application of principles and practices.

 1. Principles and practices not applied

2. Principles and practices applied appropriately, but soil moved

3. Principles and practices applied appropriately, but inadequately maintained

4. Principles and practices applied appropriately, but degraded by activities unrelated to timber harvesting

5. Principles and practices applied inadequately or incompletely 

6. Principles and practices applied inadequately, and further degraded by activity unrelated to timber 

harvesting

7. Activities unrelated to timber harvesting only

8. Public road maintenance or design problem

Consider the recommendations in applicable BMP and road construction manuals, including, for example, 

location, vertical and horizontal centerlines and grades of haul roads and skid trails, slope and location of 

log landings, drainage, maintenance, and season of activities in answering the question.

Read all of the answers and eliminate the ones that do not apply to arrive at the answer that best describes 

the situation.

After answering question X55 proceed directly to question X63.

Soil Moved in Approach Area A–Inside the Buffer/Filter Strip but Did Not Reach the Water Body

X56 Enter the distance from the upland edge of the buffer/filter strip to the end of the soil deposition nearest 

the water body as a percentage of the buffer/filter strip width.

Measure the slope distance in whole feet perpendicular to the bank. Divide it by the buffer/filter strip width.

Example: A sediment trail of any length that ends 5 feet from the water body inside a 50 foot-buffer/filter 

strip would be calculated as follows:

45 feet divided by 50 feet = 90%, code = 90

X57 Enter the answer code that best describes the evidence that soil moved, but did not reach the water body or 

within the bankfull width of the channel, from within Approach Area A–Inside the Buffer/Filter Strip.

 1. Ditch or rut (e.g., wheel, track, log drag) terminating in the buffer/filter strip

2. Gully terminating in the buffer/filter strip

3. Rill terminating in the buffer/filter strip

4. Sediment deposition trail, sheet flow, or alluvial fan terminating in the buffer/filter strip

5. Soil slumping or dropping terminating in the buffer/filter strip

Where one erosion form evolves into another in a continuous manner, such as when a rill becomes a gully, 

record the predominant form, adhering to the definitions in appendix C.
37

Chapter 4—Questions

X58 Enter the answer code that best describes the preponderant type of soil that was moved, but did not reach 

the water body or within the bankfull width of the channel, by the delivery system identified in question 

X57.

 1. Organic material

2. Clay (forms a ribbon 1 inch or longer)

3. Silt or loam (feels smooth but will not form a ribbon)

4. Sand (feels gritty)

5. Gravel (0.8–2.5 inches)

6. Cobble and larger (> 2.5 inches)

When in doubt, sandy loams or clay loams should be recorded as sand or clay, as these components are more 

critical than loam in determining erosion or percolation rates.

X59 Enter the answer code indicating if soil movement can be expected to continue to occur during the next 

storm event based on your answers to questions X56 through X58.

 1. Yes, sedimentation will continue

2. No, sedimentation will not continue

3. Unknown

X60 Enter the answer code that best describes the specific cause of soil movement that did not reach the water 

body or within the bankfull width of the channel in Approach Area A–Inside the Buffer/Filter Strip.

 1. Inappropriate timing of the operation with respect to soil and weather conditions

2. Inappropriate location or design of the road or trail inside the buffer/filter strip

3. Incorrect maintenance of the road or trail inside the buffer/filter strip

4. No maintenance or inadequate maintenance, or failure to add reinforcement to BMPs installed on the 

road or rail outside the buffer/filter strip

5. Inadequate installation of initial or additional BMPs as necessary outside the buffer/filter strip

6. Inappropriate log landing location or activities outside the buffer/filter strip

7. Inappropriate harvesting activities inside the buffer/filter strip

8. Human activities or natural events unrelated to timber harvesting

9. Erosion from a public road

Read all of the answers and eliminate the ones that do not apply to arrive at the answer that best describes 

the situation.

Note the difference between the installation of BMPs and the maintenance and reinforcement of BMPs.
38

BMP Manual—Field Guide

X61 Enter the answer code that best describes the cause of soil movement that did not reach the water body or 

within the bankfull width of the channel from Approach Area A–Inside the Buffer/Filter Strip with respect 

to the application of principles and practices.

 1. Principles and practices not applied

2. Principles and practices applied appropriately, but soil moved

3. Principles and practices applied appropriately, but inadequately maintained

4. Principles and practices applied appropriately, but degraded by activities unrelated to timber harvesting

5. Principles and practices applied inadequately or incompletely 

6. Principles and practices applied inadequately, and further degraded by activity unrelated to timber 

harvesting

7. Activities unrelated to timber harvesting only

8. Public road maintenance or design problem

Consider the recommendations in applicable BMP and road construction manuals, including, for example, 

location, vertical and horizontal centerlines and grades of haul roads and skid trails, slope and location of 

log landings, drainage, maintenance, and season of activities in answering the question.

Read all of the answers and eliminate the ones that do not apply to arrive at the answer that best describes 

the situation.

After answering question X61 proceed directly to question X63.

Soil Stabilized in Approach Area A–Inside the Buffer/Filter Strip

X62 Enter the answer code that best describes the application of BMP principles and practices in Approach 

Area A–Inside the Buffer/Filter Strip.

 1. Planning principles applied appropriately and effectively, thus minimizing the need for additional 

BMP practices; soil stabilized

2. Principles and practices applied appropriately; soil stabilized

3. Principles and practices applied inadequately; soil stabilized

4. Principles and practices not applied; soil stabilized

Consider the recommendations in applicable BMP and road construction manuals, including, for example, 

location, vertical and horizontal centerlines and grades of haul roads and skid trails, slope and location of 

log landings, drainage, maintenance, and season of activities in answering the question.

X63 Enter the answer code that best describes the preponderant hydrologic soil type in Approach Area A–Inside 

the Buffer/Filter Strip.

 1. Type A (sand or gravel—feels gritty)

2. Type B/C (loams—feels crumbly)

3. Type D (silt, clay, or muck—smooth, plastic to gelatinous)

When in doubt, sandy loams or clay loams should be recorded as sand or clay, as these components are more 

critical than loam in determining erosion or percolation rates.
39

Chapter 4—Questions

X64 Enter the soil erodibility factor or K factor to two decimal places.

Example: soil erodibility factor = 0.66, code = 0.66

X65 Enter the gradient in percent of the road or trail in Approach Area A–Inside the Buffer/Filter Strip, 

measuring from the bankfull width of the water body at the crossing.

Enter + for a positive or uphill gradient and − for a negative or downhill gradient, followed by the percent 

grade in whole numbers.

Example: A 15-percent uphill gradient as seen from the crossing would code +15; a 17-percent downhill 

gradient would code −17.

X66 Enter the gradient in percent of the road or trail in Approach Area A–Outside the Buffer/Filter Strip, 

measuring from the upland edge of the buffer/filter strip at the crossing.

Enter + for a positive or uphill gradient and − for a negative or downhill gradient, followed by the percent 

grade in whole numbers.

Example: A 15-percent uphill gradient as seen from the crossing would code +15; a 17-percent downhill 

gradient would code −17.

X67 Enter the slope length in whole feet, up to 999, of the road or trail in Approach Area A–Outside the 

Buffer/Filter Strip.

After answering question X67 continue with question X68.
40

BMP Manual—Field Guide

Crossing Structure (Questions X68–X86)

X68 Enter the answer code that best describes the traffic use at the crossing. Refer to appendix C for definitions 

of terms.

 1. Haul road

2. Skid trail

X69 Enter the answer code that best describes the primary land use supported by the crossing.

 1. Forest

2. Agriculture

3. Residential or commercial

4. Other

X70 Enter the answer code that best describes the roadway land ownership.

 1. Private and associated with woodlot ownership

2. Private right-of-way

3. Public or government road system

4. Unknown

X71 Enter the answer code that best describes the crossing structure.

 1. Unimproved ford

2. Improved or constructed ford

3. Pole or brush ford

4. Single culvert

5. Multiple culverts

6. Bridge or box culvert with closed top

7. Bridge or box culvert with open planked top

8. Crossing structure removed

9. Unknown or other

Where more than one structure is used in the crossing of a single wetland, report on the structure 

representing the worst case scenario. If no structures are used in the wetland crossing, enter answer code 9 

(unknown).

X72 Enter the answer code that best describes the age of the crossing structure.

 1. Existing—No construction or maintenance below the waterline (bankfull elevation) within 2 years

2. New—Ford or structure with construction or maintenance below the waterline (bankfull elevation) 

within 2 years

3. Structure removed (go to question X75)

4. Undetermined
41

Chapter 4—Questions

X73 Enter the answer code indicating if the crossing structure is to be in place more than 3 months, or if fish or 

stream macroinvertebrates are present.

 1. Neither fish nor macroinvertebrates present (go to question X75)

2. Fish and/or macroinvertebrates present and structure to be in place more than 3 months (go to 

question X74)

3. Fish and/or macroinvertebrates present and structure to be in place less than 3 months (go to question 

X75)

4. Unknown (go to question X75)

X74 Enter the answer code that best describes the structure bottom and stream substrate used.

 1. Open bottom structure (open to the natural streambed), pole or slash ford, or structure removed

2. Closed bottom structure; natural streambed substrate material is present and continuous on the inside 

bottom of the structure

3. Closed bottom structure; natural streambed substrate material is not present or is not continuous on 

the inside bottom of the structure

4. Closed bottom structure or perched culvert outlet

X75 Enter the answer code indicating if the width of the crossing structure opening, or the stream channel in the 

event the structure has been removed, is equal to or greater than the prestructure bankfull channel width.

 1. Width of the structure or remnant opening is equal to or greater than 1.2 times the bankfull channel 

width

2. Width of the structure or remnant opening is between 1.0 and 1.2 times the bankfull channel width

3. Width of the structure or remnant opening is less than the bankfull channel width

Enter answer code 2 for wetland roads with permeable layers in the road fill. Enter answer code 3 for 

wetland roads with culvert cross drainage.

X76 Enter the answer code indicating if the size of the crossing structure opening meets State requirements.

 1. Yes, size of opening meets State requirements

2. No, size of opening does not meet State requirements

3. No State requirement

4. Structure removed, opening size undetermined

X77 Enter the answer code indicating if there is evidence of stream downcutting or scouring within 100 feet of 

the outlet end of the structure.

 1. Evidence of scouring, widening, or downcutting exists within 100 feet of the crossing

2. No evidence of scouring, widening, or downcutting exists within 100 feet of the crossing
42

BMP Manual—Field Guide

X78 Enter the answer code that best describes soil or fill material movement, or machine deposition of fill 

material associated with the crossing structure.

 1. Trace amounts such as films or suspended sediments deposited in the water body or within the 

bankfull width of the channel (go to question X79)

2. Measurable amounts of sediment deposited in the water body or within the bankfull width of the 

channel (go to question X79)

3. Soil moves but does not reach the water body or within the bankfull width of the channel (go to 

question X85)

4. Soil stabilized at crossing (go to question X86)

5. Soil movement occurs but has been recorded elsewhere in the protocol (go to question X85)

Note that the crossing structure includes only that area within the bankfull width of the channel. Inspect 

the structure and any associated fill or abutments that are within the bankfull width of the channel.

Look for evidence of soil movement, such as rills, gullies, or other sediment trails. Also consider material 

moved by machines during construction, as well as material pushed by wheels or dragged by logs. Material 

on bridge decks or on the top of poled ford logs within the bankfull width of the channel is considered to be 

deposited in the water body. Note the points of origin and deposit.

Depending on the time of year, it may be necessary to brush away newly fallen leaves to follow the sediment 

trail. Sediment occurring above or below the various leaf layers will provide clues as to whether the erosion 

is ongoing or occurred during a prior harvest.

Only one answer code can be entered. Consider the various problems evident and report on the worst case 

scenario, choosing the answer that best describes the situation.

Soil Delivered to the Water Body From the Crossing Structure

X79 Enter the answer code that best describes the activity resulting in sediment delivery to the water body or 

within the bankfull width of the channel from the crossing structure.

 1. Activity related to installation or closeout

2. Inadequate or incorrect installation or closeout

3. Instability of structure, such as undermined or crumbling abutments

4. Sizing of structure, such as size of opening or culvert length

5. Maintenance of structure

6. Natural events, such as animal activity, flooding, or channel realignment

7. Human activities not related to the harvest

8. Inappropriate or poor choice of structure type

Answer code 8 assumes that answer codes 1 through 7 do not apply.

Examples of activity related to installation or closeout (answer code 1) include filling portions of the 

channel when regrading banks or approaches.

Examples of incorrect installation (answer code 2) include installation on a meander bend or other 

unsuitable location, or failure to include appropriate components in the structure.
43

Chapter 4—Questions

X80 Enter the answer code that best describes the evidence that sediment was delivered to the water body or 

within the bankfull width of the channel.

 1. Ditch or rut (e.g., wheel, track, log drag) terminating in water body or within the bankfull width of the 

channel

2. Gully terminating in water body or within the bankfull width of the channel

3. Rill terminating in water body or within the bankfull width of the channel

4. Sheet flow, soil puddling, or deposition trail terminating in water body or within the bankfull width of 

the channel

5. Undercutting of the crossing structure

6. Soil slumping, piping, leaching, weeping, or falling from the crossing structure to within the bankfull 

width of the channel

7. Mechanical deposition of soil terminating in the water body or within the bankfull width of the 

channel

 Example: Soil pushed into the bankfull channel or onto temporary crossing structures by machinery or 

dragged logs

8. Overflow or total washout of the crossing structure

Only one answer code can be entered. Record the worst case scenario. Read all of the answers and eliminate 

the ones that do not apply to arrive at the answer that best describes the situation.

Where one erosion form evolves into another in a continuous manner, such as when a rill becomes a gully, 

record the predominant form. Report the evidence consistent with the definitions in appendix C for terms 

such as rill, gully, ditch, and rut.

In cases where the sediment delivery system identified in question X80 indicates strongly that measurable 

volumes of sediment have been deposited in the water body but have since been washed away, enter answer 

code 2 for question X78 and enter zero for question X81.

X81 Enter the currently evident volume of sediment deposited in the water body or within the bankfull width of 

the channel in whole cubic feet, up to 9999, by the delivery system identified in question X80.

Look upstream and downstream, and determine by color, texture, and location that the sediment deposit 

originates from the delivery system identified in question X80. Probe the deposit in several places to 

determine the average depth, and measure the length and width to determine the volume.

Leave blank if the sediment has been completely flushed away or if a reasonably accurate measurement of 

the existing deposit is not possible.

X82 Enter the answer code that best describes the preponderant type of sediment delivered to the water body or 

within the bankfull width of the channel by the delivery system identified in question X80.

 1. Organic material

2. Clay (forms a ribbon 1 inch or longer)

3. Silt or loam (feels smooth but will not form a ribbon)

4. Sand (feels gritty)

5. Gravel (0.8–2.5 inches)

6. Cobble and larger (> 2.5 inches)

When in doubt, sandy loams or clay loams should be recorded as sand or clay, as these components are more 

critical than loam in determining erosion or percolation rates.
44

BMP Manual—Field Guide

X83 Enter the answer code indicating if sedimentation can be expected to continue to occur during the next 

storm event based on your answers to questions X80 through X82.

 1. Yes, sedimentation will continue

2. No, sedimentation will not continue

3. Unknown

X84 Enter the answer code that best describes the cause of sediment delivery to the water body or within the bankfull 

width of the channel from the crossing structure with respect to the application of principles and practices.

 1. Principles and practices not applied

2. Principles and practices applied appropriately, but soil moved

3. Principles and practices applied appropriately, but inadequately maintained

4. Principles and practices applied appropriately, but degraded by activities unrelated to timber harvesting

5. Principles and practices applied inadequately or incompletely

6. Principles and practices applied inadequately, and further degraded by activity unrelated to timber 

harvesting

7. Activities unrelated to timber harvesting only

8. Public road maintenance or design problem

Consider the recommendations in applicable BMP and road construction manuals, including, for example, 

location, vertical and horizontal centerlines and grades of haul roads and skid trails, slope and location of 

log landings, drainage, maintenance, and season of activities in answering the question.

Read all of the answers and eliminate the ones that do not apply to arrive at the answer that best describes 

the situation.

After answering question X84 proceed directly to question X86.1.
45

Chapter 4—Questions

Soil Moved but Did Not Reach the Water Body

X85 Enter the answer code that best describes the reason soil moved, but did not reach the water body or within 

the bankfull width of the channel, from the crossing structure with respect to the application of principles 

and practices.

 1. Principles and practices not applied

2. Principles and practices applied appropriately, but soil moved

3. Principles and practices applied appropriately, but inadequately maintained

4. Principles and practices applied appropriately, but degraded by activities unrelated to timber harvesting

5. Principles and practices applied inadequately or incompletely

6. Principles and practices applied inadequately and further degraded by activity unrelated to timber 

harvesting

7. Activities unrelated to timber harvesting only

8. Public road maintenance or design problem

Consider the recommendations in applicable BMP and road construction manuals, including, for example, 

location, vertical and horizontal centerlines and grades of haul roads and skid trails, slope and location of 

log landings, drainage, maintenance, and season of activities in answering the question.

Read all of the answers and eliminate the ones that do not apply to arrive at the answer that best describes 

the situation.

After answering question X85 proceed directly to question X86.1.

Quality of BMP Practices and Principles Applied for the Crossing Structure

X86 Enter the answer code that best describes the application of BMP principles and practices at the crossing.

 1. Planning principles applied appropriately and effectively, thus minimizing the need for additional 

BMP practices; soil stabilized

2. Principles and practices applied appropriately; soil stabilized

3. Principles and practices applied inadequately; soil stabilized

4. Principles and practices not applied; soil stabilized

Consider the recommendations in applicable BMP and road construction manuals, including, for example, 

location, vertical and horizontal centerlines and grades of haul roads and skid trails, slope and location of 

log landings, drainage, maintenance, and season of activities in answering the question.

After answering question X86 and reading the explanation on the following page, continue with question 

X86.1.
46

BMP Manual—Field Guide

Water Body Crossing Approach Area B (Questions X86.1–X136)

Note: Approach Area B is the approach on the right bank as the investigator faces downstream.

Approach Area B–Outside the Buffer/Filter Strip

Approach Area B–Outside the Buffer/Filter Strip originates at the upland edge of the buffer/filter strip width as 

measured from the outer edge of the stream’s bankfull width, the top of the bank above a scoured channel, or the 

edge of a wetland. It extends inland perpendicular to the bank to a point where there is a ±5 percent or greater 

gradient change that extends for a minimum distance of 20 feet (figure 3.7 on page 12).

In areas where the grade is less than 5 percent for a distance of 500 feet or more, limit the approach area outside 

the buffer/filter strip to three times the buffer/filter strip width.

X86.1 Enter the recommended buffer/filter strip width in whole feet, up to 999, based on State BMP guidelines.

If State BMP guidelines do not specify, enter and use 50 feet as the default value.

X86.2 Enter width in whole feet, up to 999, of any legally or contractually required water resource protection 

strip that is greater than the State BMP guidelines.

Leave blank if none is legally or contractually required.

Go to the point on the road or trail where the approach area inside the buffer/filter strip intersects the approach 

area outside the buffer/filter strip and make a mental note of the location. Proceed on to the termination point 

of the approach area outside the buffer/filter strip. Having noted these two boundary locations, observe the 

conditions on the ground and answer questions X87 through X136. Note that you may have to follow some 

indicators, such as rills, ruts, or gullies, into the approach area inside the buffer/filter strip or into the water body 

itself to answer the questions.

X87 Enter the answer code indicating whether you are evaluating a haul road or a skid trail on Approach Area 

B–Outside the Buffer/Filter Strip.

 1. Haul road

2. Skid trail
47

Chapter 4—Questions

X88 Enter the answer code that best describes the road or trail in Approach Area B–Outside the Buffer/Filter 

Strip.

 1. Landing or yard only, adjoining maintained road

2. Road or trail profile is flat, no ditch constructed

3. Road or trail profile is inverted below the general grade of adjoining land

4. Road or trail profile includes an excavated ditch less than 1 foot in depth

5. Road or rail profile includes an excavated ditch greater than 1 foot in depth

6. Road or trail profile was created by cutting and filling on a side slope

7. Road or trail profile is constructed of fill material only; forest floor beneath the fill material is 

unexcavated

X89 Enter the answer code that best describes bearing capacity improvements used on any portion of the road 

or trail in Approach Area B–Outside the Buffer/Filter Strip.

 1. Native material construction, no improvement evident

2. Bearing capacity improvements added, such as Geo-textile, pallets, mats, slash, corduroy

3. Permeable surfacing material added, such as gravel

4. Non-permeable paving, such as asphalt or concrete

5. Other

X90 Enter the answer code that best describes the primary adjacent land use outside Approach Area B–

Outside the Buffer/Filter Strip.

 1. Forest

2. Agriculture

3. Residential or commercial

4. Other
48

BMP Manual—Field Guide

X91 Enter the answer code that best describes any soil movement in Approach Area B–Outside the Buffer/

Filter Strip.

 1. Trace amounts such as films or suspended sediments deposited in the water body or within the 

bankfull width of the channel (go to question X92)

2. Measurable amounts of sediment deposited in the water body or within the bankfull width of the 

channel (go to question X92)

3. Soil deposited inside the buffer/filter strip but did not reach the water body or within the bankfull 

width of the channel (go to question X100)

4. Soil moved into Approach Area B–Outside the Buffer/Filter Strip but did not reach the buffer/filter 

strip (go to question X106)

5. Soil is stabilized in Approach Area B–Outside the Buffer/Filter Strip (go to question X112)

6. Soil movement occurs in Approach Area B–Outside the Buffer/Filter Strip but has been recorded 

elsewhere in the protocol (go to question X113)

In cases where the sediment delivery system indicates strongly that measurable volumes of sediment have 

been deposited in the water body but have since been washed away (see question X92), enter answer code 

2 for question X91 and enter zero for question X95.

Locate the boundaries of the area in question and carefully inspect the road or trail as well as the ditches 

and adjoining cut or fill slopes.

Look for evidence of soil movement, such as rills, gullies, or other sediment trails. Also consider material 

moved by machines during construction, as well as material pushed by wheels or dragged by logs. Note the 

points of origin and deposit.

Depending on the time of year, it may be necessary to brush away newly fallen leaves to follow the 

sediment trail. Sediment occurring above or below the various leaf layers will provide clues as to whether 

the erosion is ongoing or occurred during a prior harvest.

Only one answer code can be entered. Consider the various problems evident and report on the worst case 

scenario, choosing the answer that best describes the situation.
49

Chapter 4—Questions

Sediment Deposited in the Water Body From Approach Area B–Outside the Buffer/Filter Strip

X92 Enter the answer code that best describes the evidence that sediment reached the water body or within 

the bankfull width of the channel from Approach Area B–Outside the Buffer/Filter Strip.

 1. Ditch or rut (e.g., wheel, track, log drag) terminating in the water body or within the bankfull width of 

the channel (go to question X93)

2. Gully terminating in the water body or within the bankfull width of the channel (go to question X93)

3. Rill terminating in the water body or within the bankfull width of the channel (go to question X93)

4. Sheet flow, sediment deposition trail, or alluvial fan terminating in the water body or within the 

bankfull width of the channel (go to question X95)

5. Soil slumping or dropping terminating in the water body or within the bankfull width of the channel 

(go to question X95)

6. Mechanical deposition of soil terminating in the water body or within the bankfull width of the 

channel (go to question X95)

 Example: Soil pushed into the bankfull channel or onto a bridge by machinery or dragged logs

Only one answer code can be entered. Record the worst case scenario. Read all of the answers and 

eliminate the ones that do not apply to arrive at the answer that best describes the situation.

Where one erosion form evolves into another in a continuous manner, such as when a rill becomes a gully, 

record the predominant form. Report the evidence consistent with the definitions in appendix C for terms 

such as rill, gully, ditch, and rut.

X93 Enter the total length in whole feet, up to 999, of the rill, gully, ditch, or rut identified in question X92.

Where one erosion form evolves into another in a continuous manner, such as when a rill becomes a gully, 

measure and record the total length of the combined forms of erosion. If the rill or gully is branched, 

measure only the length of the main section—do not add the lengths of the branches. Accurate pacing is 

acceptable for measurement.

X94 Enter the midpoint cross-sectional area, in whole square inches, up to 9999, of the rill, gully, ditch, or rut 

identified in question X92.

Locate a typical cross section at approximately the halfway point in the combined length of the rill, gully, 

or other formation being reported. Place a straightedge across the top of the eroded zone and measure the 

width and depth in inches to compute the area.

X95 Enter the currently evident volume of sediment deposited in the water body or within the bankfull width 

of the channel in whole cubic feet, up to 9999, by the delivery system identified in question X92.

Look upstream and downstream, and determine by color, texture, and location that the sediment deposit 

originates from the delivery system identified in question X92. Probe the deposit in several places to 

determine the average depth, and measure the length and width to determine the volume.

Leave blank if the sediment has been completely flushed away or if reasonably accurate measurement of 

the existing deposit is not possible.
50

BMP Manual—Field Guide

X96 Enter the answer code that best describes the preponderant type of sediment delivered to the water body 

or within the bankfull width of the channel by the delivery system identified in question X92.

 1. Organic material

2. Clay (forms a ribbon 1 inch or longer)

3. Silt or loam (feels smooth but will not form a ribbon)

4. Sand (feels gritty)

5. Gravel (0.8–2.5 inches)

6. Cobble and larger (> 2.5 inches)

When in doubt, sandy loams or clay loams should be recorded as sand or clay, as these components are 

more critical than loam in determining erosion or percolation rates.

X97 Enter the answer code indicating if sedimentation can be expected to continue to occur during the next 

storm event based on your answers to questions X92 through X96.

 1. Yes, sedimentation will continue

2. No, sedimentation will not continue

3. Unknown

X98 Enter the answer code that best describes the specific cause of sediment delivery to the water body or 

within the bankfull width of the channel from Approach Area B–Outside the Buffer/Filter Strip.

 1. Inappropriate timing of the operation with respect to soil and weather conditions

2. Inappropriate location or design of road or trail outside the buffer/filter strip

3. Incorrect maintenance of the road or trail outside the buffer/filter strip

4. No maintenance or inadequate maintenance, or failure to add reinforcement to BMPs installed on road 

or trail outside the buffer/filter strip

5. Inadequate installation of initial or additional BMPs as necessary outside the buffer/filter strip

6. Inappropriate log landing location or activities outside the buffer/filter strip

7. Inappropriate harvesting activities outside the buffer/filter strip

8. Human activities or natural events unrelated to timber harvesting

9. Erosion from a public road

Read all of the answers and eliminate the ones that do not apply to arrive at the answer that best describes 

the situation.

Note the difference between the installation of BMPs and the maintenance and reinforcement of BMPs.
51

Chapter 4—Questions

X99 Enter the answer code that best describes the cause of sediment delivery to the water body or within the 

bankfull width of the channel from Approach Area B–Outside the Buffer/Filter Strip with respect to the 

application of principles and practices.

 1. Principles and practices not applied

2. Principles and practices applied appropriately, but soil moved

3. Principles and practices applied appropriately, but inadequately maintained

4. Principles and practices applied appropriately, but degraded by activities unrelated to timber harvesting

5. Principles and practices applied inadequately or incompletely

6. Principles and practices applied inadequately, and further degraded by activity unrelated to timber 

harvesting

7. Activities unrelated to timber harvesting only

8. Public road maintenance or design problem

Consider the recommendations in applicable BMP and road construction manuals, including, for example, 

location, vertical and horizontal centerlines and grades of haul roads and skid trails, slope and location of 

log landings, drainage, maintenance, and season of activities in answering the question.

Read all of the answers and eliminate the ones that do not apply to arrive at the answer that best describes 

the situation.

After answering question X99 proceed directly to question X113.

Sediment Deposited Inside the Buffer/Filter Strip but Not the Water Body From Approach Area B–Outside 

the Buffer/Filter Strip

X100 Enter the distance from the upland edge of the buffer/filter strip to the end of the soil deposition 

nearest the water body as a percentage of the buffer/filter strip width.

Measure the slope distance in whole feet perpendicular to the bank. Divide it by the buffer/filter strip 

width.

Example: A sediment trail of any length that ends 5 feet from the water body inside a 50-foot buffer/filter 

strip would be calculated as follows: 

45 feet divided by 50 feet = 90%, code = 90
52

BMP Manual—Field Guide

X101 Enter the answer code that best describes the evidence that sediment reached the buffer/filter strip, but 

not the water body or within the bankfull width of the channel, from Approach Area B–Outside the 

Buffer/Filter Strip.

 1. Ditch or rut (e.g., wheel, track, log drag) terminating in the buffer/filter strip

2. Gully terminating in the buffer/filter strip

3. Rill terminating in the buffer/filter strip

4. Sediment deposition trail, sheet flow, or alluvial fan terminating in the buffer/filter strip

5. Soil slumping or dropping terminating in the buffer/filter strip

Where one erosion form evolves into another in a continuous manner, such as when a rill becomes a gully, 

record the predominant form, adhering to the definitions in appendix C.

X102 Enter the answer code that best describes the preponderant type of sediment delivered to the buffer/filter 

strip, but not the water body or within the bankfull width of the channel, by the delivery system identified 

in question X101.

 1. Organic material

2. Clay (forms a ribbon 1 inch or longer)

3. Silt or loam (feels smooth but will not form a ribbon)

4. Sand (feels gritty)

5. Gravel (0.8–2.5 inches)

6. Cobble and larger (> 2.5 inches)

When in doubt, sandy loams or clay loams should be recorded as sand or clay, as these components are 

more critical than loam in determining erosion or percolation rates.

X103 Enter the answer code indicating if sedimentation can be expected to continue to occur during the next 

storm event based on your answers to questions X101 through X102.

 1. Yes, sedimentation will continue

2. No, sedimentation will not continue

3. Unknown
53

Chapter 4—Questions

X104 Enter the answer code that best describes the specific cause of sediment delivery to the buffer/filter strip, 

but not the water body or within the bankfull width of the channel, from Approach Area B–Outside the 

Buffer/Filter Strip.

 1. Inappropriate timing of the operation with respect to soil and weather conditions

2. Inappropriate location or design of road or trail outside the buffer/filter strip

3. Incorrect maintenance of the road or trail outside the buffer/filter strip

4. No maintenance or inadequate maintenance, or failure to add reinforcement to BMPs installed on road 

or trail outside the buffer/filter strip

5. Inadequate installation of initial or additional BMPs as necessary outside the buffer/filter strip

6. Inappropriate log landing location or activities outside the buffer/filter strip

7. Inappropriate harvesting activities outside the buffer/filter strip

8. Human activities or natural events unrelated to timber harvesting

9. Erosion from a public road

Read all of the answers and eliminate the ones that do not apply to arrive at the answer that best describes 

the situation.

Note the difference between the installation of BMPs and the maintenance and reinforcement of BMPs.

X105 Enter the answer code that best describes the cause of sediment delivery to the buffer/filter strip, but not 

the water body or within the bankfull width of the channel, from Approach Area B–Outside the Buffer/

Filter Strip with respect to the application of principles and practices.

 1. Principles and practices not applied

2. Principles and practices applied appropriately, but soil moved

3. Principles and practices applied appropriately, but inadequately maintained

4. Principles and practices applied appropriately, but degraded by activities unrelated to timber harvesting

5. Principles and practices applied inadequately or incompletely

6. Principles and practices applied inadequately, and further degraded by activity unrelated to timber 

harvesting

7. Activities unrelated to timber harvesting only

8. Public road maintenance or design problem

Consider the recommendations in applicable BMP and road construction manuals, including, for example, 

location, vertical and horizontal centerlines and grades of haul roads and skid trails, slope and location of 

log landings, drainage, maintenance, and season of activities in answering the question.

Read all of the answers and eliminate the ones that do not apply to arrive at the answer that best describes 

the situation.

After answering question X105 proceed directly to question X113.
54

BMP Manual—Field Guide

Soil Moved but Did Not Reach the Buffer/Filter Strip or the Water Body From Approach Area B–Outside the 

Buffer/Filter Strip

X106 Enter the distance in whole feet, up to 999, that the soil moved from the point of origin toward the 

buffer/filter strip.

Example: Soil may move 49 feet, but only move 16 feet toward the buffer/filter strip. Enter 16.

X107 Enter the answer code that best describes the evidence that soil moved in Approach Area B–Outside the 

Buffer/Filter Strip but did not reach the buffer/filter strip.

 1. Ditch or rut (e.g., wheel, track, log drag) terminating outside the buffer/filter strip

2. Gully terminating outside the buffer/filter strip

3. Rill terminating outside the buffer/filter strip

4. Sediment deposition trail, sheet flow, or alluvial fan terminating outside the buffer/filter strip

5. Soil slumping or dropping terminating outside the buffer/filter strip

Where one erosion form evolves into another in a continuous manner, such as when a rill becomes a gully, 

record the predominant form, adhering to the definitions in appendix C.

X108 Enter the answer code that best describes the preponderant type of soil that moved in Approach Area 

B–Outside the Buffer/Filter Strip but did not reach the buffer/filter strip.

 1. Organic material

2. Clay (forms a ribbon 1 inch or longer)

3. Silt or loam (feels smooth but will not form a ribbon)

4. Sand (feels gritty)

5. Gravel (0.8–2.5 inches)

6. Cobble and larger (> 2.5 inches)

When in doubt, sandy loams or clay loams should be recorded as sand or clay, as these components are 

more critical than loam in determining erosion or percolation rates.

X109 Enter the answer code indicating if soil movement can be expected to continue to occur in Approach Area 

B–Outside the Buffer/Filter Strip during the next storm event based on your answers to questions X106 

through X108.

 1. Yes, sedimentation will continue

2. No, sedimentation will not continue

3. Unknown
55

Chapter 4—Questions

X110 Enter the answer code that best describes the specific cause of soil movement in Approach Area B–

Outside the Buffer/Filter Strip.

 1. Inappropriate timing of the operation with respect to soil and weather conditions

2. Inappropriate location or design of road or trail outside the buffer/filter strip

3. Incorrect maintenance of the road or trail outside the buffer/filter strip

4. No maintenance or inadequate maintenance or failure to add reinforcement to BMPs installed on the 

road or trail outside the buffer/filter strip

5. Inadequate installation of initial or additional BMPs as necessary outside the buffer/filter strip

6. Inappropriate log landing location or activities outside the buffer/filter strip

7. Inappropriate harvesting activities outside the buffer/filter strip

8. Human activities or natural events unrelated to timber harvesting

9. Erosion from a public road

Read all of the answers and eliminate the ones that do not apply to arrive at the answer that best describes 

the situation.

Note the difference between the installation of BMPs and the maintenance and reinforcement of BMPs.

X111 Enter the answer code that best describes the cause of soil movement in Approach Area B–Outside the 

Buffer/Filter Strip with respect to the application of principles and practices.

 1. Principles and practices not applied

2. Principles and practices applied appropriately, but soil moved

3. Principles and practices applied appropriately, but inadequately maintained

4. Principles and practices applied appropriately, but degraded by activities unrelated to timber harvesting

5. Principles and practices applied inadequately or incompletely

6. Principles and practices applied inadequately, and further degraded by activity unrelated to timber 

harvesting

7. Activities unrelated to timber harvesting only

8. Public road maintenance or design problem

Consider the recommendations in applicable BMP and road construction manuals, including, for example, 

location, vertical and horizontal centerlines and grades of haul roads and skid trails, slope and location of 

log landings, drainage, maintenance, and season of activities in answering the question.

Read all of the answers and eliminate the ones that do not apply to arrive at the answer that best describes 

the situation.

After answering question X111 proceed directly to question X113.
56

BMP Manual—Field Guide

No Soil Movement in Approach Area B–Outside the Buffer/Filter Strip

X112 Enter the answer code that best describes the application of BMP principles and practices in Approach 

Area B–Outside the Buffer/Filter Strip.

 1. Planning principles applied appropriately and effectively, thus minimizing the need for additional 

BMP practices; soil stabilized

2. Principles and practices applied appropriately; soil stabilized

3. Principles and practices applied inadequately; soil stabilized

4. Principles and practices not applied; soil stabilized

Consider the recommendations in applicable BMP and road construction manuals including, for example, 

location, vertical and horizontal centerlines and grades of haul roads and skid trails, slope and location of 

log landings, drainage, maintenance, and season of activities in answering the question.

After answering question X112 and reading the explanation below, continue with question X113.

Approach Area B–Inside the Buffer/Filter Strip

Approach Area B–Inside the Buffer/Filter Strip originates at the outer edge of the stream’s bankfull width, the top 

of the bank above a scoured channel, or the edge of a wetland. It extends inland perpendicular to the bank for a 

distance equal to the buffer/filter strip width.

Having previously noted the point on the road or trail where the approach area inside the buffer/filter strip 

intersects the approach area outside the buffer/filter strip, observe the conditions on the ground between that 

location and the point where the road or trail reaches the bankfull edge of the channel, and answer questions X113 

through X116.

Report only those conditions that originate from the approach area inside the buffer/filter strip. Conditions 

originating beyond the approach area inside the buffer/filter strip were reported in Approach Area B–Outside the 

Buffer/Filter Strip.

X113 Enter the answer code indicating whether you are evaluating a haul road or a skid trail in Approach Area 

B–Inside the Buffer/Filter Strip.

 1. Haul road

2. Skid trail
57

Chapter 4—Questions

X114 Enter the answer code that best describes bearing capacity improvements used on any portion of the road 

or trail in Approach Area B–Inside the Buffer/Filter Strip.

 1. Native material construction, no improvement evident

2. Bearing capacity improvements added, such as Geo-textile, pallets, mats, slash, corduroy

3. Permeable surfacing material added, such as gravel

4. Non-permeable paving, such as asphalt or concrete

5. Other

X115 Enter the answer code that best describes the road or trail in Approach Area B–Inside the Buffer/Filter 

Strip.

 1. Landing or yard only, adjoining maintained road

2. Road or trail profile is flat, no ditch constructed

3. Road or trail profile is inverted below the general grade of adjoining land

4. Road or trail profile includes an excavated ditch less than 1 foot deep

5. Road or trail profile includes an excavated ditch greater than 1 foot deep

6. Road or trail profile was created by cutting and filling on a side slope

7. Road or trail profile is constructed of fill material only; forest floor beneath the fill material is 

unexcavated

X116 Enter the answer code that best describes any soil movement in Approach Area B–Inside the Buffer/Filter 

Strip.

 1. Trace amounts such as films or suspended sediments deposited in the water body or within the 

bankfull width of the channel (go to question X117)

2. Measurable amounts of sediment deposited in the water body or within the bankfull width of the 

channel (go to question X117)

3. Soil moved in Approach Area B–Inside the Buffer/Filter Strip but did not reach the water body or 

within the bankfull width of the channel (go to question X125)

4. Soil is stabilized in Approach Area B–Inside the Buffer/Filter Strip (go to question X131)

5. Soil movement occurs in Approach Area B–Inside the Buffer/Filter Strip but has been recorded 

elsewhere in the protocol (go to question X132)

In cases where the sediment delivery system indicates strongly that measurable volumes of sediment have 

been deposited in the water body but have since been washed away (see question X117), enter answer code 

2 for question X116 and enter zero for question X120.

Locate the boundaries of the area in question and carefully inspect the road or trail as well as the ditches 

and adjoining cut or fill slopes.

Look for evidence of soil movement, such as rills, gullies, or other sediment trails. Also consider material 

moved by machines during construction, as well as material pushed by wheels or dragged by logs. Note the 

points of origin and deposit.

Depending on the time of year, it may be necessary to brush away newly fallen leaves to follow the 

sediment trail. Sediment occurring above or below the various leaf layers will provide clues as to whether 

the erosion is ongoing or occurred during a prior harvest.

Only one answer code can be entered. Consider the various problems evident and report on the worst case 

scenario, choosing the answer that best describes the situation.
58

BMP Manual—Field Guide

Sediment Deposited in the Water Body From Approach Area B–Inside the Buffer/Filter Strip

X117 Enter the answer code that best describes the evidence that sediment reached the water body or within 

the bankfull width of the channel from Approach Area B–Inside the Buffer/Filter Strip.

 1. Ditch or rut (e.g., wheel, track, log drag) terminating in the water body or within the bankfull width of 

the channel (go to question X118)

2. Gully terminating in the water body or within the bankfull width of the channel (go to question X118)

3. Rill terminating in the water body or within the bankfull width of the channel (go to question X118)

4. Sheet flow, sediment deposition trail, or alluvial fan terminating in the water body or within the 

bankfull width of the channel (go to question X120)

5. Soil slumping or dropping terminating in the water body or within the bankfull width of the channel 

(go to question X120)

6. Mechanical deposition of soil terminating in the water body or within the bankfull width of the 

channel (go to question X120)

 Example: Soil pushed into the bankfull channel or onto a bridge by machinery or dragged logs

Only one answer code can be entered. Record the worst case scenario. Read all of the answers and 

eliminate the ones that do not apply to arrive at the answer that best describes the situation

Where one erosion form evolves into another in a continuous manner such as when a rill becomes a gully, 

record the predominant form. Report the evidence consistent with the definitions in appendix C for terms 

such as rill, gully, ditch, and rut.

X118 Enter the total length in whole feet, up to 999, of the rill, gully, ditch, or rut identified in question X117.

Where one erosion form evolves into another in a continuous manner, such as when a rill becomes a gully, 

measure and record the total length of the combined forms of erosion. If the rill or gully is branched, 

measure only the length of the main section—do not add the lengths of the branches. Accurate pacing is 

acceptable for measurement.

X119 Enter the midpoint cross-sectional area in whole square inches, up to 9999, of the rill, gully, ditch, or rut 

identified in question X117.

Locate a typical cross section at approximately the halfway point in the combined length of the rill, gully, 

or other formation being reported. Place a straightedge across the top of the eroded zone and measure the 

width and depth in inches to compute the area.

X120 Enter the currently evident volume of sediment deposited in the water body or within the bankfull width 

of the channel in whole cubic feet, up to 9999, by the delivery system identified in question X117.

Look upstream and downstream, and determine by color, texture, and location that the sediment deposit 

originates from the delivery system described in the question X117. Probe the deposit in several places to 

determine the average depth, and measure the length and width to determine the volume.

Leave blank if the sediment has been completely flushed away or if reasonably accurate measurement of 

the existing deposit is not possible.
59

Chapter 4—Questions

X121 Enter the answer code that best describes the preponderant type of sediment delivered to the water body 

or within the bankfull width of the channel by the delivery system identified in question X117.

 1. Organic material

2. Clay (forms a ribbon 1 inch or longer)

3. Silt or loam (feels smooth but will not form a ribbon)

4. Sand (feels gritty)

5. Gravel (0.8–2.5 inches)

6. Cobble and larger (> 2.5 inches)

When in doubt, sandy loams or clay loams should be recorded as sand or clay, as these components are 

more critical than loam in determining erosion or percolation rates.

X122 Enter the answer code indicating if sedimentation can be expected to continue to occur during the next 

storm event based on your answers to questions X117 through X121.

 1. Yes, sedimentation will continue

2. No, sedimentation will not continue

3. Unknown

X123 Enter the answer code that best describes the specific cause of sediment delivery to the water body or 

within the bankfull width of the channel from Approach Area B–Inside the Buffer/Filter Strip.

 1. Inappropriate timing of the operation with respect to soil and weather conditions

2. Inappropriate location or design of road or trail inside the buffer/filter strip

3. Incorrect maintenance of the road or trail inside the buffer/filter strip

4. No maintenance or inadequate maintenance, or failure to add reinforcement to BMPs installed on the 

road or trail inside the buffer/filter strip

5. Inadequate installation of initial or additional BMPs as necessary inside the buffer/filter strip

6. Inappropriate log landing location or activities inside the buffer/filter strip

7. Inappropriate harvesting activities inside the buffer/filter strip

8. Human activities or natural events unrelated to timber harvesting

9. Erosion from a public road

Read all of the answer codes and eliminate the ones that do not apply to arrive at the answer that best 

describes the situation.

Note the difference between the installation of BMPs and the maintenance and reinforcement of BMPs.
60

BMP Manual—Field Guide

X124 Enter the answer code that best describes the cause of sediment delivery to the water body or within the 

bankfull width of the channel from Approach Area B–Inside the Buffer/Filter Strip with respect to the 

application of principles and practices.

 1. Principles and practices not applied

2. Principles and practices applied appropriately, but soil moved

3. Principles and practices applied appropriately, but inadequately maintained

4. Principles and practices applied appropriately, but degraded by activities unrelated to timber harvesting

5. Principles and practices applied inadequately or incompletely

6. Principles and practices applied inadequately, and further degraded by activity unrelated to timber 

harvesting

7. Activities unrelated to timber harvesting only

8. Public road maintenance or design problem

Consider the recommendations in applicable BMP and road construction manuals, including, for example, 

location, vertical and horizontal centerlines and grades of haul roads and skid trails, slope and location of 

log landings, drainage, maintenance, and season of activities in answering the question.

Read all of the answers and eliminate the ones that do not apply to arrive at the answer that best describes 

the situation.

After answering question X124 proceed directly to question X132.

Soil Moved in Approach Area B–Inside the Buffer/Filter Strip but Did Not Reach the Water Body

X125 Enter the distance from the upland edge of the buffer/filter strip to the end of the soil deposition 

nearest the water body as a percentage of the buffer/filter strip width.

Measure the slope distance in whole feet perpendicular to the bank. Divide it by the buffer/filter strip 

width.

Example: A sediment trail of any length that ends 5 feet from the water body inside a 50-foot buffer/filter 

strip would be calculated as follows:

45 feet divided by 50 feet = 90%, code = 90

X126 Enter the answer code that best describes the evidence that soil moved, but did not reach the water body 

or within the bankfull width of the channel, from within Approach Area B–Inside the Buffer/Filter Strip.

 1. Ditch or rut (e.g., wheel, track, log drag) terminating in the buffer/filter strip

2. Gully terminating in the buffer/filter strip

3. Rill terminating in the buffer/filter strip

4. Sediment deposition trail, sheet flow, or alluvial fan terminating in the buffer/filter strip

5. Soil slumping or dropping terminating in the buffer/filter strip

Where one erosion form evolves into another in a continuous manner, such as when a rill becomes a gully, 

record the predominant form, adhering to the definitions in appendix C.
61

Chapter 4—Questions

X127 Enter the answer code that best describes the preponderant type of soil that was moved, but did not reach 

the water body or within the bankfull width of the channel, by the delivery system identified in question 

X126.

 1. Organic material

2. Clay (forms a ribbon 1 inch or longer)

3. Silt or loam (feels smooth but will not form a ribbon)

4. Sand (feels gritty)

5. Gravel (0.8–2.5 inches)

6. Cobble and larger (> 2.5 inches)

When in doubt, sandy loams or clay loams should be recorded as sand or clay, as these components are 

more critical than loam in determining erosion or percolation rates.

X128 Enter the answer code indicating if soil movement can be expected to continue to occur during the next 

storm event based on your answers to questions X125 through X127.

 1. Yes, sedimentation will continue

2. No, sedimentation will not continue

3. Unknown

X129 Enter the answer code that best describes the specific cause of soil movement that did not reach the water 

body or within the bankfull width of the channel in Approach Area B–Inside the Buffer/Filter Strip.

 1. Inappropriate timing of the operation with respect to soil and weather conditions

2. Inappropriate location or design of the road or trail inside the buffer/filter strip

3. Incorrect maintenance of the road or trail inside the buffer/filter strip

4. No maintenance or inadequate maintenance, or failure to add reinforcement to BMPs installed on road 

or trail inside the buffer/filter strip

5. Inadequate installation of initial or additional BMPs as necessary inside the buffer/filter strip

6. Inappropriate log landing location or activities inside the buffer/filter strip

7. Inappropriate harvesting activities inside the buffer/filter strip

8. Human activities or natural events unrelated to timber harvesting

9. Erosion from a public road

Read all of the answers and eliminate the ones that do not apply to arrive at the answer that best describes 

the situation.

Note the difference between the installation of BMPs and the maintenance and reinforcement of BMPs.
62

BMP Manual—Field Guide

X130 Enter the answer code that best describes the cause of soil movement that did not reach the water body or 

within the bankfull width of the channel in Approach Area B–Inside the Buffer/Filter Strip with respect 

to the application of principles and practices.

 1. Principles and practices not applied

2. Principles and practices applied appropriately, but soil moved

3. Principles and practices applied appropriately, but inadequately maintained

4. Principles and practices applied appropriately, but degraded by activities unrelated to timber harvesting

5. Principles and practices applied inadequately or incompletely

6. Principles and practices applied inadequately, and further degraded by activity unrelated to timber 

harvesting

7. Activities unrelated to timber harvesting only

8. Public road maintenance or design problem

Consider the recommendations in applicable BMP and road construction manuals, including, for example, 

location, vertical and horizontal centerlines and grades of haul roads and skid trails, slope and location of 

log landings, drainage, maintenance, and season of activities in answering the question.

Read all of the answers and eliminate the ones that do not apply to arrive at the answer that best describes 

the situation.

After answering question X130 proceed directly to question X132.

Soil Stabilized in Approach Area B–Inside the Buffer/Filter Strip

X131 Enter the answer code that best describes the application of BMP principles and practices in Approach 

Area B–Inside the Buffer/Filter Strip.

 1. Planning principles applied appropriately and effectively, thus minimizing the need for additional 

BMP practices; soil stabilized

2. Practices and principles applied appropriately; soil stabilized

3. Practices and principles applied inadequately; soil stabilized

4. Practices or principles not applied; soil stabilized

Consider the recommendations in applicable BMP and road construction manuals, including, for example, 

location, vertical and horizontal centerlines and grades of haul roads and skid trails, slope and location of 

log landings, drainage, maintenance, and season of activities in answering the question.

X132 Enter the answer code that best describes the preponderant hydrologic soil type in Approach Area B–

Inside the Buffer/Filter Strip.

 1. Type A (sand or gravel—feels gritty)

2. Type B/C (loams—feels crumbly)

3. Type D (silt, clay, or muck—smooth, plastic to gelatinous)

When in doubt, sandy loams or clay loams should be recorded as sand or clay, as these components are 

more critical than loam in determining erosion or percolation rates.
63

Chapter 4—Questions

X133 Enter the soil erodibility factor or K factor to two decimal places.

Example: soil erodibility factor = 0.66, code = 0.66

X134 Enter the gradient in percent of the road or trail in Approach Area B–Inside the Buffer/Filter Strip, 

measuring from the bankfull width of the water body at the crossing.

Enter + for a positive or uphill gradient and − for a negative or downhill gradient, followed by the percent 

grade in whole numbers.

Example: A 15-percent uphill gradient as seen from the crossing would code +15; a 17-percent downhill 

gradient would code −17.

X135 Enter the gradient in percent of the road or trail in Approach Area B–Outside the Buffer/Filter Strip, 

measuring from the upland edge of the buffer/filter strip at the crossing.

Enter + for a positive or uphill gradient and − for a negative or downhill radient, followed by the percent 

grade in whole numbers 

Example: A 15-percent uphill gradient as seen from the crossing would code +15; a 17-percent downhill 

gradient would code −17.

X136 Enter the slope length in whole feet, up to 999, of the road or trail in Approach Area B–Outside the 

Buffer/Filter Strip.

After answering question X136 continue with question HB137.
64

BMP Manual—Field Guide

Haul Road, Log Landing, or Rutted, Mineral Soil Skid Trail

Inside the Buffer/Filter Strip (Questions HB137–HB166)

HB137 Enter the answer code indicating if a haul road, log landing, or rutted, mineral soil skid trail not 

immediately associated with a water body crossing is located inside the buffer/filter strip (figure 3.10 on 

page 15).

 1. Haul road or rutted, mineral soil skid trail is associated with a water body crossing; data has been or 

will be collected elsewhere (go to question CP167)

2. Haul road is inside the buffer/filter strip and is not associated with a water body crossing without 

first exiting and reentering the buffer/filter strip (go to question HB138)

3. Log landing (any portion) is located inside the buffer/filter strip (go to question HB138)

4. No haul road, log landing, or rutted, mineral soil skid trail is in the buffer/filter strip (go to question 

CP167)

5. Rutted, mineral soil skid trail is in the buffer/filter strip and is not associated with a water body

crossing without first exiting and reentering the buffer/filter strip (go to question HB138)

Only one condition can be recorded. Give first priority to haul roads, second to log landings, and third to 

skid trails. This section is intended primarily for recording haul roads and log landings. Skid trails should 

be recorded only if there are no haul roads or log landings in the buffer/filter strip, and then only if 

they are deeply rutted and cleared down to bare mineral soil.

HB138 Enter the GPS location of the haul road, log landing, or rutted, mineral soil skid trail in the buffer/filter 

strip based on WGS 84. Enter it as decimal degrees latitude, including the decimal point and six 

decimal places.

Example: 41.736253

HB139 Enter the GPS location of the haul road, log landing, or rutted, mineral soil skid trail in the buffer/filter 

strip based on WGS 84. Enter it as decimal degrees longitude, including the decimal point and six 

decimal places.

Example: 76.835937

Longitude in the United States is always a negative value. This cell has been formatted with the negative 

sign already in place. Do not enter a negative sign with your data.

HB140 Enter the answer code indicating the water body type associated with the haul road, log landing, or 

rutted, mineral soil skid trail in the buffer/filter strip based on a year with normal precipitation.

 1. Perennial stream, lake, or wetland

2. Intermittent stream or vernal pool

3. Ephemeral stream
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Chapter 4—Questions

HB141 Enter the answer code that best describes the stream order or water body type associated with the haul 

road, log landing, or rutted, mineral soil skid trail in the buffer/filter strip. Refer to appendix C for 

definitions of terms.

 1. First-order stream

2. Second-order stream

3. Third-order stream

4. Fourth-order stream or larger

5. Drainage ditch systems degrading and/or draining to natural surface waters

6. Pond or lake of Federal or State significance

7. Wetland or similar area of Federal or State significance

8. Zero-order (ephemeral) stream

HB142 Enter the recommended buffer/filter strip width in whole feet, up to 999, based on State BMP 

guidelines.

If State BMP guidelines do not specify, enter and use 50 feet as the default value.

HB143 Enter the width in whole feet, up to 999, of any legally or contractually required water resource 

protection strip that is greater than the State BMP guidelines.

Leave blank if none is legally or contractually required.

Use the greater of the two widths (questions HB142 and HB143) in determining the boundary of the 

buffer/filter strip and in answering questions HB144 through HB166.

HB144 Enter the answer code that best describes bearing capacity improvements used on any portion of the haul 

road, log landing, or rutted, mineral soil skid trail inside the buffer/filter strip.

 1. Native material construction, no improvement evident

2. Bearing capacity improvements added, such as Geo-textile, pallets, mats, slash, corduroy

3. Permeable surfacing material added, such as gravel

4. Non-permeable paving, such as asphalt or concrete

5. Other

HB145 Enter the answer code that identifies the log landing only, or describes the haul road or rutted, mineral 

soil skid trail profile present inside the buffer/filter strip.

 1. Landing or yard only

2. Road or trail profile is flat, no ditch constructed

3. Road or trail profile is inverted below the general grade of adjoining land

4. Road or trail profile includes an excavated ditch less than 1 foot deep

5. Road or trail profile includes an excavated ditch greater than 1 foot deep

6. Road or trail profile was created by cutting and filling on a side slope

7. Road or trail profile is constructed of fill material only; forest floor beneath the fill material is 

unexcavated
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BMP Manual—Field Guide

HB146 Enter the answer code that best describes any soil movement inside the buffer/filter strip.

 1. Trace amounts such as films or suspended sediments deposited in the water body or within the 

bankfull width of the channel (go to question HB147)

2. Measurable amounts of sediment deposited in the water body or within the bankfull width of the 

channel (go to question HB147)

3. Soil moved inside the buffer/filter strip but did not reach the water body or within the bankfull 

width of the channel (go to question HB155)

4. Soil is stabilized inside the buffer/filter strip (go to question HB161)

In cases where the sediment delivery system indicates strongly that measurable volumes of sediment have 

been deposited in the water body but have since been washed away (see question X147), enter answer 

code 2 for question X146 and enter zero for question X150.

Locate the boundaries of the area in question and carefully inspect the road or trail as well as the ditches 

and adjoining cut or fill slopes.

Look for evidence of soil movement, such as rills, gullies, or other sediment trails. Also consider material 

moved by machines during construction, as well as material pushed by wheels or dragged by logs. Note 

the points of origin and deposit.

Depending on the time of year, it may be necessary to brush away newly fallen leaves to follow the 

sediment trail. Sediment occurring above or below the various leaf layers will provide clues as to whether 

the erosion is ongoing or occurred during a prior harvest. 

Only one answer code can be entered. Consider the various problems evident and report on the worst 

case scenario, choosing the answer that best describes the situation.
67

Chapter 4—Questions

Sediment Deposited in the Water Body From Inside the Buffer/Filter Strip

HB147 Enter the answer code that best describes the evidence that sediment reached the water body or within 

the bankfull width of the channel from inside the buffer/filter strip.

 1. Ditch or rut (e.g., wheel, track, log drag) terminating in the water body or within the bankfull width 

of the channel (go to question HB148)

2. Gully terminating in the water body or within the bankfull width of the channel (go to question 

HB148)

3. Rill terminating in the water body or within the bankfull width of the channel (go to question 

HB148)

4. Sheet flow, sediment deposition trail, or alluvial fan terminating in the water body or within the 

bankfull width of the channel (go to question HB150)

5. Soil slumping or dropping terminating in the water body or within the bankfull width of the channel 

(go to question HB150)

6. Mechanical deposition of soil terminating in the water body or within the bankfull width of the 

channel (go to question HB150)

 Example: Soil pushed into the bankfull channel by machinery or dragged logs

7. Measurable dust from concentrated, close-proximity vehicular traffic deposited in the water body or 

within the bankfull width of the channel (go to question HB150)

Only one answer code can be entered. Record the worst case scenario. Read all of the answers and 

eliminate the ones that do not apply to arrive at the answer that best describes the situation.

Where one erosion form evolves into another in a continuous manner, such as when a rill becomes a 

gully, record the predominant form. Report the evidence consistent with the definitions in appendix C 

for terms such as rill, gully, ditch, and rut.

HB148 Enter the total length in whole feet, up to 999, of the rill, gully, ditch, or rut identified in question 

HB147.

Where one erosion form evolves into another in a continuous manner, such as when a rill becomes 

a gully, measure and record the total length of the combined forms of erosion. If the rill or gully is 

branched, measure only the length of the main section—do not add the lengths of the branches. Accurate 

pacing is acceptable for measurement.

HB149 Enter the midpoint cross-sectional area in whole square inches, up to 9999, of the rill, gully, ditch, or rut 

identified in question HB147.

Locate a typical cross section at approximately the halfway point in the combined length of the rill, gully, 

or other formation being reported. Place a straightedge across the top of the eroded zone and measure 

the width and depth in inches to compute the area.
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BMP Manual—Field Guide

HB150 Enter the currently evident volume of sediment deposited in the water body or within the bankfull width 

of the channel in whole cubic feet, up to 9999, by the delivery system identified in question HB147.

Look upstream and downstream, and determine by color, texture, and location that the sediment deposit 

originates from the delivery system identified in question HB147. Probe the deposit in several places to 

determine the average depth, and measure the length and width to determine the volume.

Leave blank if the sediment has been completely flushed away or if reasonably accurate measurement of 

existing deposit is not possible.

HB151 Enter the answer code that best describes the preponderant type of sediment delivered to the water body 

or within the bankfull width of the channel by the delivery system identified in question HB147.

 1. Organic material

2. Clay (forms a ribbon 1 inch or longer)

3. Silt or loam (feels smooth but will not form a ribbon)

4. Sand (feels gritty)

5. Gravel (0.8–2.5 inches)

6. Cobble and larger (> 2.5 inches)

When in doubt, sandy loams or clay loams should be recorded as sand or clay, as these components are 

more critical than loam in determining erosion or percolation rates.

HB152 Enter the answer code indicating if sedimentation can be expected to continue to occur during the next 

storm event based on your answers to questions HB147 through HB151.

 1. Yes, sedimentation will continue

2. No, sedimentation will not continue

3. Unknown

HB153 Enter the answer code that best describes the specific cause of sediment delivery to the water body or 

within the bankfull width of the channel from inside the buffer/filter strip.

 1. Inappropriate timing of the operation with respect to soil and weather conditions

2. Inappropriate location or design of the road or trail inside the buffer/filter strip

3. Incorrect maintenance of the road or trail inside the buffer/filter strip

4. No maintenance or inadequate maintenance, or failure to add reinforcement to BMPs installed on 

the road or trail inside the buffer/filter strip

5. Inadequate installation of initial or additional BMPs as necessary inside the buffer/filter strip

6. Inappropriate log landing location or activities inside the buffer/filter strip

7. Inappropriate harvesting activities inside the buffer/filter strip

8. Human activities or natural events unrelated to timber harvesting

9. Erosion from a public road

Read all of the answers and eliminate the ones that do not apply to arrive at the answer that best 

describes the situation.

Note the difference between the installation of BMPs and the maintenance and reinforcement of BMPs.
69

Chapter 4—Questions

HB154 Enter the answer code that best describes the cause of sediment delivery to the water body from inside 

the buffer/filter strip with respect to the application of principles and practices.

 1. Principles and practices not applied

2. Principles and practices applied appropriately, but soil moved

3. Principles and practices applied appropriately, but inadequately maintained

4. Principles and practices applied appropriately, but degraded by activities unrelated to timber 

harvesting

5. Principles and practices applied inadequately or incompletely

6. Principles and practices applied inadequately, and further degraded by activity unrelated to timber 

harvesting

7. Activities unrelated to timber harvesting only

8. Public road maintenance or design problem

Consider the recommendations in applicable BMP and road construction manuals, including, for 

example, location, vertical and horizontal centerlines and grades of haul roads and skid trails, slope and 

location of log landings, drainage, maintenance, and season of activities in answering the question.

Read all of the answers and eliminate the ones that do not apply to arrive at the answer that best 

describes the situation.

After answering question HB154 proceed directly to question HB162.

Soil Moved Inside the Buffer/Filter Strip but Did Not Reach the Water Body

HB155 Enter the distance from the upland edge of the buffer/filter strip to the end of the soil deposition 

nearest the water body as a percentage of the buffer/filter strip width.

Measure the slope distance in whole feet perpendicular to the bank. Divide it by the buffer/filter strip 

width.

Example: A sediment trail of any length that ends 5 feet from the water body inside a 50-foot buffer/

filter strip would be calculated as follows:

45 feet divided by 50 feet = 90%, code = 90

HB156 Enter the answer code that best describes the evidence that soil moved from within the buffer/filter strip 

but did not reach the water body or within the bankfull width of the channel.

 1. Ditch or rut (e.g., wheel, track, log drag) terminating in the buffer/filter strip

2. Gully terminating in the buffer/filter strip

3. Rill terminating in the buffer/filter strip

4. Sheet flow, sediment deposition trail, or alluvial fan terminating in the buffer/filter strip

5. Soil slumping or dropping terminating in the buffer/filter strip

Where one erosion form evolves into another in a continuous manner, such as when a rill becomes a 

gully, record the predominant form, adhering to the definitions in appendix C.
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BMP Manual—Field Guide

HB157 Enter the answer code that best describes the preponderant type of soil that was moved, but did not 

reach the water body nor within the bankfull width of the channel, by the delivery system identified in 

question HB156.

 1. Organic material

2. Clay (forms a ribbon 1 inch or longer)

3. Silt or loam (feels smooth but will not form a ribbon)

4. Sand (feels gritty)

5. Gravel (0.8–2.5 inches)

6. Cobble and larger (> 2.5 inches)

When in doubt, sandy loams or clay loams should be recorded as sand or clay, as these components are 

more critical than loam in determining erosion or percolation rates.

HB158 Enter the answer code indicating if soil movement can be expected to continue to occur during the next 

storm event based on your answers to questions HB156 through HB157.

 1. Yes, sedimentation will continue

2. No, sedimentation will not continue

3. Unknown

HB159 Enter the answer code that best describes the specific cause of soil movement that did not reach the 

water body or within the bankfull width of the channel from inside the buffer/filter strip.

 1. Inappropriate timing of the operation with respect to soil and weather conditions

2. Inappropriate location or design of the road or trail inside the buffer/filter strip

3. Incorrect maintenance of the road or trail inside the buffer/filter strip

4. No maintenance or inadequate maintenance, or failure to add reinforcement to BMPs installed on 

the road or trail inside the buffer/filter strip

5. Inadequate installation of initial or additional BMPs as necessary inside the buffer/filter strip

6. Inappropriate log landing location or activities inside the buffer/filter strip

7. Inappropriate harvesting activities inside the buffer/filter strip

8. Human activities or natural events unrelated to timber harvesting

9. Erosion from a public road

Read all of the answers and eliminate the ones that do not apply to arrive at the answer that best 

describes the situation.

Note the difference between the installation of BMPs and the maintenance and reinforcement of BMPs.
71

Chapter 4—Questions

HB160 Enter the answer code that best describes the cause of soil movement that did not reach the water 

body or within the bankfull width of the channel from inside the buffer/filter strip with respect to the 

application of principles and practices.

 1. Principles and practices not applied

2. Principles and practices applied appropriately, but soil moved

3. Principles and practices applied appropriately, but inadequately maintained

4. Principles and practices applied appropriately, but degraded by activities unrelated to timber 

harvesting

5. Principles and practices applied inadequately or incompletely

6. Principles and practices applied inadequately, and further degraded by activity unrelated to timber 

harvesting

7. Activities unrelated to timber harvesting only

8. Public road maintenance or design problem

Consider the recommendations in applicable BMP and road construction manuals, including, for 

example, location, vertical and horizontal centerlines and grades of haul roads and skid trails, slope and 

location of log landings, drainage, maintenance, and season of activities in answering the question.

Read all of the answers and eliminate the ones that do not apply to arrive at the answer that best 

describes the situation.

After answering question HB160 proceed directly to question HB162.

Soil Stabilized Inside the Buffer/Filter Strip

HB161 Enter the answer code that best describes the application of BMP principles and practices inside the 

buffer/filter strip.

 1. Planning principles applied appropriately and effectively, thus minimizing the need for additional 

BMP practices; soil stabilized

2. Practices and principles applied appropriately; soil stabilized

3. Practices and principles applied inadequately; soil stabilized

4. Practices or principles not applied; soil stabilized

Consider the recommendations in applicable BMP and road construction manuals including, for 

example, location, vertical and horizontal centerlines and grades of haul roads and skid trails, slope and 

location of log landings, drainage, maintenance, and season of activities in answering the question.
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BMP Manual—Field Guide

HB162 Enter the answer code that best describes the preponderant hydrologic soil type inside the buffer/filter 

strip.

 1. Type A (sand or gravel—feels gritty)

2. Type B/C (loams—feels crumbly)

3. Type D (silt, clay, or muck—smooth, plastic to gelatinous)

When in doubt, sandy loams or clay loams should be recorded as sand or clay, as these components are 

more critical than loam in determining erosion or percolation rates.

HB163 Enter the soil erodibility factor or K factor to two decimal places.

Example: soil erodibility factor = 0.66, code = 0.66

HB164 Enter the slope of the log landing, if present, inside the buffer/filter strip, measuring from the point on 

the landing nearest the stream. If no log landing is present, leave the answer blank.

Enter + for a positive or upward slope and − for a negative or downward slope, followed by the percent 

grade in whole numbers.

Example: A 15-percent upward slope as seen from the point on the landing nearest the stream would 

code +15; a 17-percent downward slope would code −17.

HB165 Enter the gradient in percent of the haul road or rutted, mineral soil skid trail inside the buffer/filter strip 

from the point on the road nearest the water. If neither a haul road nor a rutted, mineral soil skid trail 

occurs, leave the answer blank. If both occur, record the worst case scenario.

Enter + for a positive or uphill gradient and − for a negative or downhill gradient as seen from the point 

on the road nearest the water body.

Example: A 15-percent uphill gradient would code +15; a 17-percent downhill gradient would code −17.

Priority for recording (in the order shown):

• Record the steeper of any road or trail gradient sloping toward (+) the water body

• Record the only road or trail gradient sloping toward (+) the water body

• Record the steeper of any road or trail gradient sloping away (−) from the water body

HB166 Enter the slope length in whole feet, up to 999, of the haul road or rutted, mineral soil skid trail slope 

inside the buffer/filter strip recorded in question HB165. Slope length ends at a grade change of ±5 

percent sustained for a minimum of 20 feet.

Example: slope length = 95 feet, code = 095

After answering question HB166 continue with question CP167.
73

Chapter 4—Questions

Chemical Pollutants (Questions C167–C172)

CP167 Enter the answer code that best describes the evidence of any lubricant, fuel, hydraulic fluid, or antifreeze 

spillage resulting from the harvest operation with particular attention to buffer/filter strips, water body 

crossings, and landings.

 1. Evidence of minor dripping exists

2. Stains totaling < 10 square feet

3. Stains totaling 10–100 square feet

4. Stains totaling > 100 square feet

5. No evidence sighted

CP168 Enter the answer code indicating if discarded batteries or other potential pollutant containers are present.

 1. Discarded batteries present

2. Discarded batteries and containers present

3. Containers only present, totaling more than 5 gallons

4. Containers only present, totaling less than 5 gallons

5. No containers or batteries present

6. Only trash present is unrelated to the logging activity

7. No evidence sighted in questions CP167 or CP168; record only a general location within the sample 

unit, such as a log landing (go to question CP171)

CP169 Enter the answer code indicating if there is evidence the material reached a surface water body

 1. Yes

2. No

3. Unknown

CP170 Enter the answer code indicating the preponderant type of soil at the site where the stains or spillage 

were found.

 1. Organic material

2. Clay (forms a ribbon 1 inch or longer)

3. Silt or loam (feels smooth but will not form a ribbon)

4. Sand (feels gritty)

5. Gravel (0.8–2.5 inches)

6. Cobble and larger (> 2.5 inches)

When in doubt, sandy loams or clay loams should be recorded as sand or clay, as these components are 

more critical than loam in determining erosion or percolation rates.
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BMP Manual—Field Guide

Latitude and Longitude: Give priority to recording the latitude and longitude of any evidence found in 

answering question CP168 over the latitude and longitude of any evidence found in answering question CP167. 

At a minimum, record a general location within the sample unit.

CP171 Enter the GPS location of the chemical evidence, log landing, or other landmark within the sample unit 

being evaluated based on WGS 84. Enter it as decimal degrees latitude, including the decimal point and 

six decimal places.

Example: 41.736253

CP172 Enter the GPS location of the chemical evidence, log landing, or other landmark within the sample unit 

being evaluated based on WGS 84. Enter it as decimal degrees longitude, including the decimal point 

and six decimal places.

Example: 76.835937

Longitude in the United States is always a negative value. This cell has been formatted with the negative 

sign already in place. Do not enter a negative sign with your data.

After answering question CP172 continue with question B173.
75

Chapter 4—Questions

Buffer/Filter Strip (Questions B173–B191)

B173 Enter the answer code for the water body type adjacent to the buffer/filter strip based on a year with 

normal precipitation.

 1. Perennial stream, lake, or wetland

2. Intermittent stream or vernal pool

3. Ephemeral stream

4. No water body or buffer/filter strip (go to question W192)

5. Logging, skidding, and/or hauling activities are isolated from the buffer/filter strip by a topographic 

divide such as a subwatershed boundary (go to question W192)

B174 Enter the answer code for the stream order or water body type adjacent to the buffer/filter strip.

 1. First-order stream

2. Second-order stream

3. Third-order stream

4. Fourth-order stream or larger

5. Drainage ditch systems degrading and/or draining to natural surface waters

6. Pond or lake of Federal or State significance

7. Wetland or similar area of Federal or State significance

8. Zero-order (ephemeral) stream

B175 Enter the answer code indicating if the water body is protected by State regulations in addition to or in 

lieu of Federal regulations.

 1. Yes

2. No

3. Unknown

B176 Enter the width in whole feet, up to 999, of the buffer/filter strip required for this water body by State 

BMP guidelines, or any legally or contractually required water resource protection strip, whichever is 

greater.

If there are no applicable State BMP guidelines, or legally or contractually required water resource 

protection strip widths specified, enter and use 50 feet as the default value.

Answer questions B177 thru B186 by randomly choosing one of the buffer/filter strips within the sample 

unit. Record the latitude and longitude at the downstream end of the buffer/filter strip being sampled 

and walk the length of the buffer/filter strip, following the stream to its point of origin, the end of the 

sample unit, the end of the cutting area, a change in stream order, or 1,000 feet in length, whichever 

comes first. Measure the length of the buffer as you proceed to the far end.

Record the following information for only the side of the stream inside the sample unit or impacts 

originating from the sample unit.
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BMP Manual—Field Guide

B177 Enter the GPS location of the downstream end of the buffer/filter strip being evaluated based on WGS 

84. Enter it as decimal degrees latitude, including the decimal point and six decimal places.

Example: 41.736253

B178 Enter the GPS location of the downstream end of the buffer/filter strip being evaluated based on WGS 

84. Enter it as decimal degrees longitude, including the decimal point and six decimal places.

Example: 76.835937

Longitude in the United States is always a negative value. This cell has been formatted with the negative 

sign already in place. Do not enter a negative sign with your data.

B179 Enter the number of locations where sediment resulting from the harvest operation in the sample unit 

has been delivered within the bankfull width of the channel.

Leave blank if none were found.

B180 Enter cumulative volume of sediment in whole cubic feet, up to 999, currently evident within the 

bankfull width of the channel resulting from the delivery locations identified in question B179.

Look upstream and downstream, and determine by color, texture, and location that the sediment deposit 

originates from the delivery locations identified in question B179. Probe the deposit in several places to 

determine the average depth, and measure the length and width to determine the volume.

Leave blank if the sediment has been completely flushed away or if reasonably accurate measurement of 

the existing deposit is not possible.

B181 Enter the number of times rills, gullies, or sediment trails resulting from the harvest operation in the 

sample unit reached more than halfway across the buffer/filter strip, but did not reach the water body 

or within the bankfull width of the channel.

Leave blank if none were found.

B182 Enter the number of pieces of naturally occurring woody debris within the bankfull width of the 

channel that are greater than 4 inches in diameter at the small end and are either longer than the stream 

width or are anchored to the bank by roots or other means.

Leave blank if none were found.
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Chapter 4—Questions

B183 Enter the number of pieces of woody debris resulting from the harvest that are left within the bankfull 

width of the channel that are greater than 4 inches in diameter at the small end and are either longer 

than the stream width or are anchored to the bank by roots or other means.

Leave blank if were none found.

B184 Enter the number of times a potential erosion channel has been gouged into the bank by the removal 

of trees felled into the water body or within the bankfull width of the channel during the current 

harvesting activities in the sample unit.

Leave blank if none were found.

B185 Enter the answer code indicating the approximate volume of slash resulting from harvesting activities

in the sample unit that has been left within the bankfull width of the channel.

 1. Less than 100 cubic feet (approximately one pickup truck load)

2. 100–200 cubic feet

3. More than 200 cubic feet

B186 Enter the length in whole feet, up to 9999, of the buffer/filter strip area being monitored.

Return to the beginning of the buffer/filter strip, establish a plot in the center of each quartile of the 

buffer/filter strip length, and record the values of each for questions B187 thru B191. The quartile values 

will be automatically averaged and entered into the database.

B187 Enter as a three-digit value the percent crown closure measurement for each of the quartile plots as 

indicated by crown densiometer readings taken at the top of the streambank.

The values are averaged as each of the quartile measurements is entered, and the final average is recorded 

automatically as the answer to question B187. The final value may be overridden if necessary.

B188 Enter the basal area in square feet of each quartile plot as measured in the center of the quartile length 

and halfway between the streambank and the upland edge of the buffer/filter strip.

The values are averaged as each of the quartile measurements is entered, and the final average is recorded 

automatically as the answer to question B188. This final value may be overridden if necessary.

B189 Enter diameter in whole inches of the single largest leave tree on each of the four plots.

The values are averaged as each of the quartile measurements is entered, and the final average is recorded 

automatically as the answer to question B189. This final value may be overridden if necessary.
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BMP Manual—Field Guide

B190 Enter the answer code indicating if there has been a reduction in shade in the buffer/filter strip as a result 

of harvesting in the sample unit.

 1. Shade in buffer/filter strip reduced by the harvesting in the sample unit

2. Shade in buffer/filter strip not reduced by the harvesting in the sample unit

3. No buffer/filter strip left

4. Unable to determine

B191 Enter the answer code indicating if the average shade or basal area (BA) conditions in the buffer/filter 

strip in the sample unit meet State requirements.

 1. Shade or basal area conditions meet State requirements

2. Shade or basal area conditions do not meet State requirements

3. No State requirements

After answering question B191 continue with question W192.
79

Chapter 4—Questions

Wetland Crossing (Questions W192–W197)

W192 If the answer to question X12 indicates a wetland crossing, enter the answer code that best describes 

the stabilization techniques used on any portion of the wetland crossing.

1. Frozen condition operations

2. Dry condition operations

3. Corduroy of slash and tops

4. Poles of average diameter greater than 10 inches

5. Bridge or mats

6. Multiple methods

7. Other

8. No wetland crossing (go to question S1)

W193 Enter the length in whole feet, up to 999, of the wetland crossing from upland to upland.

W194 Enter the answer code that best describes the average rutting depth of the wetland crossing.

1. Less than 6 inches deep

2. 6–12 inches deep

3. Greater than 12 inches deep

W195 Enter the answer code indicating the method used to facilitate cross drainage in the wetland road or trail 

prism (cross section) within the first 12 inches of soil depth.

1. Porous section in road prism

2. Culverts with dispersion ditches at 30-foot intervals or less

3. Other methods acceptable under State BMP guidelines

4. Cross drainage unacceptable under State BMP guidelines

5. Unknown

W196 Enter the answer code that best describes any sediment reaching the wetland from the approaches to the 

wetland crossing.

1. No sediment reached the wetland (go to question S1)

2. Trace amounts such as films or visible suspended sediments deposited in the wetland (go to question S1)

3. Measurable amounts of sediment reached the wetland (go to question W197)

4. Soil movement occurs, but has been recorded elsewhere in the protocol (go to question S1)

W197 Enter the volume in whole cubic feet, up to 999, of sediment deposited in the wetland as identified in 

question W196.

Leave blank if the sediment has been completely flushed away or if reasonably accurate measurement of 

the existing deposit is not possible.

After answering question W197 continue with question S1.
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BMP Manual—Field Guide

State- or User-Defined Entries (Questions S1–S20)

Twenty additional data cells are provided for States or other users to collect additional information. Each cell 

provides space for up to a 20-digit data entry. To use these entries, the State or other user must provide a separate 

list of questions and answer codes.

If no entries are to be made, go to END.

If a list of questions and answer codes is provided, answer as many questions as are provided. Leave the rest of the 

entries blank and go to END.

S1–S20 Enter up to 20 characters in the space provided for each question in response to State or user 

instructions. Entries may be answer codes, file names, comments, or any other data the user organization 

wishes to record.

END