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 Resources1 7 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 G 1 –G 11 )

• Water Body Crossing Approach Area A (Questions

X 1 2–X67)

• Crossing Structure (Questions X68–X86)

• Water Body Crossing Approach Area B (Questions

X86. 1 –X 1 36)

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

Skid Trail Inside the Buffer/Filter Strip (Questions

HB 1 37–HB 1 66) 

# Chapter 4—Questions

• Chemical Pollutants (Questions CP 1 67–CP 1 72)

• Buffer/Filter Strip (Questions B 1 73–B 1 9 1 )

• Wetland Crossing (Questions W 1 92–W 1 97)

• State- or User-Defined Entries (Questions S 1 –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 HB 1 37) must be answered.1 8 BMP Manual—Field Guide

G 1 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 MD06R 1 024.

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 1 00 acres

4.

1 00+ to 1 ,000 acres

5.

1 ,000+ to 5,000 acres

6. 5,000+ to 1 0,000 acres

7.

1 0,000+ to 1 00,000 acres

8.

1 00,000+ acres

9. Unknown 

## General Information (Questions G1–G11)1 9 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. Unknown20 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 CP 1 67)

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.

G 1 0 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.

G 11 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 X12.2 1 Chapter 4—Questions

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

X 1 2 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 HB 1 37)

1 0. Stream crossing avoided by planning (go to question HB 1 37)

Answer codes 9 and 1 0 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 1 0 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 W 1 92 through W 1 97, which provide additional wetland detail to the sample data.

X 1 3 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

X 1 4 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: 4 1 .736253

X 1 5 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)22 BMP Manual—Field Guide

X 1 6 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.

X 1 7 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 X 1 6 and X 1 7) in determining the boundary between the approaches inside and outside the buffer/filter strip and in answering questions X 1 8 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 1 2).

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 X 1 8 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.

X 1 8 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 trail23 Chapter 4—Questions

X 1 9 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

X2 1 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. Other24 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 X3 1 )

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.26 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

X3 1 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 X3 1 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 1 6 feet toward the buffer/filter strip. Enter 1 6.

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.30 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

X4 1 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.3 1 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 X44.32 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

unexcavated33 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 X5 1

.

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 X5 1 )

5. Soil slumping or dropping terminating in the water body or within the bankfull width of the channel (go to question X5 1 )

6. Mechanical deposition of soil terminating in the water body or within the bankfull width of the channel (go to question X5 1 ) 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.

X5 1 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

X6 1 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 1 5-percent uphill gradient as seen from the crossing would code + 1 5; a 1 7-percent downhill gradient would code − 1 7.

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 1 5-percent uphill gradient as seen from the crossing would code + 1 5; a 1 7-percent downhill gradient would code − 1 7.

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

X7 1 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. Undetermined4 1 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 1 00 feet of

the outlet end of the structure.

1

. Evidence of scouring, widening, or downcutting exists within 1 00 feet of the crossing

2. No evidence of scouring, widening, or downcutting exists within 1 00 feet of the crossing42 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 X8 1

.

X8 1 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 1 2).

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 X 1 36. 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 trail47 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. Other48 BMP Manual—Field Guide

X9 1 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 X 1 00)

4. Soil moved into Approach Area B–Outside the Buffer/Filter Strip but did not reach the buffer/filter strip (go to question X 1 06)

5. Soil is stabilized in Approach Area B–Outside the Buffer/Filter Strip (go to question X 11 2)

6. Soil movement occurs in Approach Area B–Outside the Buffer/Filter Strip but has been recorded elsewhere in the protocol (go to question X 11 3)

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 X9 1 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.5 1 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

X 1 00 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 = 9052 BMP Manual—Field Guide

X 1 0 1 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.

X 1 02 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 X 1 0 1

.

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.

X 1 03 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 X 1 0 1 through X 1 02.

1

. Yes, sedimentation will continue

2. No, sedimentation will not continue

3. Unknown53 Chapter 4—Questions

X 1 04 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.

X 1 05 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

X 1 06 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 1 6 feet toward the buffer/filter strip. Enter 1 6.

X 1 07 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.

X 1 08 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.

X 1 09 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 X 1 06 through X 1 08.

1

. Yes, sedimentation will continue

2. No, sedimentation will not continue

3. Unknown55 Chapter 4—Questions

X 11 0 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.

X 111 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

X 11 2 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 X 11 3 through X 11 6.

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.

X 11 3 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 trail57 Chapter 4—Questions

X 11 4 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

X 11 5 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

X 11 6 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 X 11 7)

2. Measurable amounts of sediment deposited in the water body or within the bankfull width of the channel (go to question X 11 7)

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 X 1 25)

4. Soil is stabilized in Approach Area B–Inside the Buffer/Filter Strip (go to question X 1 3 1 )

5. Soil movement occurs in Approach Area B–Inside the Buffer/Filter Strip but has been recorded elsewhere in the protocol (go to question X 1 32)

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 X 11 7), enter answer code 2 for question X 11 6 and enter zero for question X 1 20.

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

X 11 7 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 X 11 8)

2. Gully terminating in the water body or within the bankfull width of the channel (go to question X 11 8)

3. Rill terminating in the water body or within the bankfull width of the channel (go to question X 11 8)

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 X 1 20)

5. Soil slumping or dropping terminating in the water body or within the bankfull width of the channel (go to question X 1 20)

6. Mechanical deposition of soil terminating in the water body or within the bankfull width of the channel (go to question X 1 20) 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.

X 11 8 Enter the total length in whole feet, up to 999, of the rill, gully, ditch, or rut identified in question X 11 7.

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.

X 11 9 Enter the midpoint cross-sectional area in whole square inches, up to 9999, of the rill, gully, ditch, or rut identified in question X 11 7.

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.

X 1 20 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 X 11 7.

Look upstream and downstream, and determine by color, texture, and location that the sediment deposit originates from the delivery system described in the question X 11 7. 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

X 1 2 1 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 X 11 7.

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.

X 1 22 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 X 11 7 through X 1 2 1

.

1

. Yes, sedimentation will continue

2. No, sedimentation will not continue

3. Unknown

X 1 23 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

X 1 24 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

X 1 25 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

X 1 26 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.6 1 Chapter 4—Questions

X 1 27 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

X 1 26.

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.

X 1 28 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 X 1 25 through X 1 27.

1

. Yes, sedimentation will continue

2. No, sedimentation will not continue

3. Unknown

X 1 29 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

X 1 30 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

X 1 3 1 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.

X 1 32 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

X 1 33 Enter the soil erodibility factor or K factor to two decimal places.

Example: soil erodibility factor = 0.66, code = 0.66

X 1 34 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 1 5-percent uphill gradient as seen from the crossing would code + 1 5; a 1 7-percent downhill gradient would code − 1 7.

X 1 35 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 1 5-percent uphill gradient as seen from the crossing would code + 1 5; a 1 7-percent downhill gradient would code − 1 7.

X 1 36 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)

HB 1 37 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. 1 0 on

page 1 5).

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 CP 1 67)

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 HB 1 38)

3. Log landing (any portion) is located inside the buffer/filter strip (go to question HB 1 38)

4. No haul road, log landing, or rutted, mineral soil skid trail is in the buffer/filter strip (go to question

CP 1 67)

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 HB 1 38)

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

.

HB 1 38 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: 4 1 .736253

HB 1 39 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

.

HB 1 40 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 stream65 Chapter 4—Questions

HB 1 4 1 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

HB 1 42 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.

HB 1 43 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 HB 1 42 and HB 1 43) in determining the boundary of the buffer/filter strip and in answering questions HB 1 44 through HB 1 66.

HB 1 44 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

HB 1 45 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

unexcavated66 BMP Manual—Field Guide

HB 1 46 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 HB 1 47)

2. Measurable amounts of sediment deposited in the water body or within the bankfull width of the channel (go to question HB 1 47)

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 HB 1 55)

4. Soil is stabilized inside the buffer/filter strip (go to question HB 1 6 1 )

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 X 1 47), enter answer code 2 for question X 1 46 and enter zero for question X 1 50.

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

HB 1 47 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 HB 1 48)

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

HB 1 48)

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

HB 1 48)

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 HB 1 50)

5. Soil slumping or dropping terminating in the water body or within the bankfull width of the channel (go to question HB 1 50)

6. Mechanical deposition of soil terminating in the water body or within the bankfull width of the channel (go to question HB 1 50) 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 HB 1 50)

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.

HB 1 48 Enter the total length in whole feet, up to 999, of the rill, gully, ditch, or rut identified in question

HB 1 47.

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.

HB 1 49 Enter the midpoint cross-sectional area in whole square inches, up to 9999, of the rill, gully, ditch, or rut identified in question HB 1 47.

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.68 BMP Manual—Field Guide

HB 1 50 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 HB 1 47.

Look upstream and downstream, and determine by color, texture, and location that the sediment deposit originates from the delivery system identified in question HB 1 47. 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.

HB 1 5 1 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 HB 1 47.

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.

HB 1 52 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 HB 1 47 through HB 1 5 1

.

1

. Yes, sedimentation will continue

2. No, sedimentation will not continue

3. Unknown

HB 1 53 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

HB 1 54 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

HB 1 55 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

HB 1 56 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.70 BMP Manual—Field Guide

HB 1 57 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 HB 1 56.

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.

HB 1 58 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 HB 1 56 through HB 1 57.

1

. Yes, sedimentation will continue

2. No, sedimentation will not continue

3. Unknown

HB 1 59 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.7 1 Chapter 4—Questions

HB 1 60 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

HB 1 6 1 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.72 BMP Manual—Field Guide

HB 1 62 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.

HB 1 63 Enter the soil erodibility factor or K factor to two decimal places.

Example: soil erodibility factor = 0.66, code = 0.66

HB 1 64 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 1 5-percent upward slope as seen from the point on the landing nearest the stream would

code + 1 5; a 1 7-percent downward slope would code − 1 7.

HB 1 65 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 1 5-percent uphill gradient would code + 1 5; a 1 7-percent downhill gradient would code − 1 7.

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

HB 1 66 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 HB 1 65. 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)

CP 1 67 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 < 1 0 square feet

3. Stains totaling 1 0– 1 00 square feet

4. Stains totaling > 1 00 square feet

5. No evidence sighted

CP 1 68 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 CP 1 67 or CP 1 68; record only a general location within the sample unit, such as a log landing (go to question CP 1 7 1 )

CP 1 69 Enter the answer code indicating if there is evidence the material reached a surface water body

1

. Yes

2. No

3. Unknown

CP 1 70 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.74 BMP Manual—Field Guide

Latitude and Longitude : Give priority to recording the latitude and longitude of any evidence found in answering question CP 1 68 over the latitude and longitude of any evidence found in answering question CP 1 67. At a minimum, record a general location within the sample unit.

CP 1 7 1 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: 4 1 .736253

CP 1 72 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)

B 1 73 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 W 1 92)

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 W 1 92)

B 1 74 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

B 1 75 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

B 1 76 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 B 1 77 thru B 1 86 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.76 BMP Manual—Field Guide

B 1 77 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: 4 1 .736253

B 1 78 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

.

B 1 79 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.

B 1 80 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 B 1 79.

Look upstream and downstream, and determine by color, texture, and location that the sediment deposit originates from the delivery locations identified in question B 1 79. 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.

B 1 8 1 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.

B 1 82 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.77 Chapter 4—Questions

B 1 83 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.

B 1 84 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.

B 1 85 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 1 00 cubic feet (approximately one pickup truck load)

2.

1 00–200 cubic feet

3. More than 200 cubic feet

B 1 86 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 B 1 87 thru B 1 9 1 . The quartile values will be automatically averaged and entered into the database.

B 1 87 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 B 1 87. The final value may be overridden if necessary.

B 1 88 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 B 1 88. This final value may be overridden if necessary.

B 1 89 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 B 1 89. This final value may be overridden if necessary.78 BMP Manual—Field Guide

B 1 90 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

B 1 9 1 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)

W 1 92 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 1 0 inches

5. Bridge or mats

6. Multiple methods

7. Other

8. No wetland crossing (go to question S 1 )

W 1 93 Enter the length in whole feet, up to 999, of the wetland crossing from upland to upland.

W 1 94 Enter the answer code that best describes the average rutting depth of the wetland crossing.

1

. Less than 6 inches deep

2. 6– 1 2 inches deep

3. Greater than 1 2 inches deep

W 1 95 Enter the answer code indicating the method used to facilitate cross drainage in the wetland road or trail prism (cross section) within the first 1 2 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

W 1 96 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 S 1 )

2. Trace amounts such as films or visible suspended sediments deposited in the wetland (go to question S 1 )

3. Measurable amounts of sediment reached the wetland (go to question W 1 97)

4. Soil movement occurs, but has been recorded elsewhere in the protocol (go to question S 1 )

W 1 97 Enter the volume in whole cubic feet, up to 999, of sediment deposited in the wetland as identified in question W 1 96.

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 S1.80 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.

S 1 –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