Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices (BMPs) for Water Quality

2013 BMP Monitoring Report

Dave Kafura

Nolan Kriegel

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

Division of Forestry
2

Acknowledgements

This report would not be possible without the help of many individuals and organizations; we would like 

to thank them for their time commitments and hard work:

 The foresters who took time out of their work schedule to help provide the BMP monitoring 

teams with additional information on the review sites. This additional information was vital and 

allowed our teams to understand exactly how BMPs were applied to each individual site.

 The BMP monitoring teams who evaluated sites all over Wisconsin in a variety of weather 

conditions. The team leaders who put in extra time handling their team and external logistics to 

make all the monitoring efforts run as smoothly as possible.

 Paul Rasmussen, Research Scientist with Wisconsin DNR, who provided the statistical analyses of 

this report. His experience and quality control measures have ensured high quality analyses of 

the data collected in the field. 

 The BMP Advisory Committee for their interest in Wisconsin’s Forestry BMPs and for their 

guidance in developing a successful BMP monitoring program. 

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

Box 7921

Madison, WI 53707

PUB-FR-555 2015

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources provides equal opportunity in its employment, programs, services, and 

functions under an Affirmative Action Plan. If you have any questions, please write to Equal Opportunity Office, Department of 

Interior, Washington, D.C. 20240. 

This publication is available in alternative format (large print, Braille, audio tape, etc.) upon request. Please call (608-267-7494) 

for more information.
3

Table of Contents Page

1. Executive Summary....................................................................................................4

2. 2013 BMP Monitoring Site Map..................................................................................6

3. Introduction ..............................................................................................................7

a. Timber Harvest Information .................................................................................. 8

i. Harvest Age ........................................................................................................................8

ii. Harvest Size ........................................................................................................................9

iii. Season of Harvest.............................................................................................................10

iv. Water Resources ..............................................................................................................10

v. Riparian Management Zones (RMZs) ...............................................................................12

vi. Species Composition of Harvest Sites...............................................................................13

vii. Silviculture Prescriptions..................................................................................................14

viii. Timber Stand Improvements (TSI)....................................................................................15

ix. Harvest System.................................................................................................................16

x. Equipment........................................................................................................................16

xi. Road Systems ...................................................................................................................17

4. Results of BMP Monitoring.......................................................................................20

a. Overview.............................................................................................................. 20

b. BMP Application .................................................................................................. 20

i. BMP Application by Monitoring Category ........................................................................22

ii. 2013 BMP Application Rates Compared to Prior Years....................................................24

c. BMP Effectiveness................................................................................................ 27

i. BMP Effectiveness for ‘Correctly Applied’ BMPs.............................................................28

ii. BMP Effectiveness for ‘Not Applied’ BMPs......................................................................29

5. Conclusion and Recommendations...........................................................................30

6. Appendix .................................................................................................................31

a. Methods............................................................................................................... 31

i. Selection of Timber Harvests............................................................................................31

ii. Bias and Limitations..........................................................................................................31

b. Eligibility Criteria –Field Form.............................................................................. 32

c. BMP Monitoring Teams....................................................................................... 34

d. BMP Monitoring Team Maps............................................................................... 35

e. BMP Monitoring Worksheets .............................................................................. 44

f. Monitoring Results............................................................................................... 58

i. State lands........................................................................................................................58

ii. County lands.....................................................................................................................75
4

Executive Summary

In the fall of 2013, state lands and county forests were monitored for the application and effectiveness 

of Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices (BMPs) for Water Quality. State lands had 42 sites 

entered into the monitoring program, and county forests had 33 sites. These sites were chosen because 

of the water resources in or adjacent to the sale. Information on how the BMPs were implemented and 

how effective they were, was recorded along with site information such as: sale size, season of harvest, 

water resources, forest roads, and tree species of the harvest area.

County

There were a total of 33 timber sales monitored on county forests during the 2013 BMP monitoring 

cycle. The average size of the sale area was 97.8 acres, with a grand total of 3227 acres monitored. Most 

of the sites (11 each) were harvested either during the summer season or were cut during ‘more than 

one’ season. The most common water resource was wetlands (28 sites) followed closely by the presence 

of streams (23 sites). Every site that contained a water resource, for which the BMP manual

recommended a Riparian Management Zone (RMZ), had used a RMZ. The most commonly used RMZ 

was one which met the recommended distance specified in the manual. The most abundant dominant 

tree species on the harvest sites was aspen (20 sites). Lastly, there were 30 sites that included forest 

roads – and 21 of those contained active roads. Eight of the sites that contained forest roads had roads 

which included the presence of drainage structures, like water bars.

The overall BMP application rate on county lands was good at 95%, and the amount of ‘correctly 

applied’ BMPs was only slightly less at 93%. BMPs were found to be ‘not applied’, in situations where 

they were warranted, 5% of the time. When breaking down the application rates into monitoring 

categories, ‘fuels, waste, lubricants, and spills’ were rated the highest (98.4%) and ‘forest roads’ were 

the lowest (84.4%). 

The effectiveness of BMPs was very high, when their subsequent application rating was ‘applied 

correctly’. The county effectively protected water quality 99.6% of the time (saw no negative impact to 

water quality), when they applied the BMPs correctly. However, when BMPs were ‘not applied’ where 

they were needed, water quality was only protected 36.1% of the time. This shows the importance of 

using and correctly applying the BMPs in order to protect water quality. 

State

There were a total of 42 timber sales monitored on state lands during the 2013 BMP monitoring cycle. 

The average size of the sale area was 59.1 acres, with a grand total of 2484 acres monitored. The 

majority (19) of the sites were harvested during the winter season. The most common water resource 

present within the sites were wetlands (34 sites) followed by streams (30 sites). Along surface water 

resources, for which the BMP manual designated the use of an RMZ, the most commonly used RMZ 

distance was the one recommended by the BMP manual (20 sites). Pine and aspen were the most 

common tree species present within the harvested areas (20 sites each). There were a total of 34 sites 

that used forest roads to access the sale, and 14 contained active forest roads. Only two sites had the 

presence of drainage structures on their forest roads. 
5

The overall BMP application rate on state lands was very high at 97.8%, and the amount of ‘correctly 

applied’ BMPs was only slightly less at 97.1%. BMPs were found to be ‘not applied’ in situations where 

they were warranted, 2.2% of the time. When breaking down the application rates into monitoring 

categories, ‘fuels, waste, lubricants, and spills’ were rated the highest (100%) and ‘forest roads’ were the 

lowest (94.9 %). 

The effectiveness of BMPs was very high, when their subsequent application rating was ‘applied 

correctly’. The state effectively protected water quality 100% of the time, (saw no negative impact to 

water quality) when they applied the BMPs correctly. However, when BMPs were ‘not applied’ where 

they were needed, water quality was only protected 76% of the time. This shows the importance of 

using and correctly applying the BMPs in order to protect water quality. 
6

2013 BMP Monitoring Sites Map

Figure 1. The sites monitored by the 2013 BMP teams. Brown dots represent county sites and green dots represent state 

sites. Note: Some dots are close together making the total number of sites difficult to determine on this map. Disclaimer:*The 

Department has made reasonable efforts to provide you with accurate information, but cannot exclude the possibility of 

errors or omissions in sources or of changes in actual conditions. The Department makes no warranties of any kind, either 

the express or implied. Changes may be periodically made to the information herein.*
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Introduction

Since the Federal Clean Water Act was originally passed in 1972, several revisions have been made and 

now include the specific activities of silviculture and its’ contributing factors to nonpoint source 

pollution (NPS). Each state is required to develop either guidelines or regulations to reduce the NPS 

from silviculture to the “maximum extent practical”. In Wisconsin, this has led to the development of 

the Best Management Practices (BMPs), which are designed to protect water quality – from silvicultural 

activity – according to the Clean Water Act of 1972 and its following revisions. 

Wisconsin adopted the BMP program in 1995, and through monitoring, statistical analysis, and written 

reports, Wisconsin is able to document its success in protecting its water quality through the BMP 

program. Initially, all silvicultural activities done within the state of Wisconsin were subject to being 

monitored every year. There are many different landowners that reside over the forests of Wisconsin 

including: Federal, Industrial (Large), County, State, Non-Industrial Private (NIP), and Tribal landowners. 

With this many landowners, monitoring a statistically valid sample size from each proved to be too 

demanding of a task and the BMP Advisory Committee (comprised of individuals who represent many 

different interests in Wisconsin’s forests) decided to only monitor one or two landowners on any given 

year. 

The two landowners being monitored during 2013 were county and state. There were a total of 467 

timber sales cut on state lands and 1590 timber sales cut on county forests that were available to be 

monitored for the 2013 BMP monitoring cycle. In order to run statistical analysis on the results, 42 state 

sites and 33 county sites were chosen to be monitored to obtain a 95% confidence interval. The sites 

that are randomly selected are examined to see if they are eligible to be monitored using both computer 

satellite imagery and by taking trips to the potential sites. Sites that are chosen to be monitored have to 

pass a set of eligibility criteria including:

 Harvesting completed within 200 feet of a lake, river or steam

 At least one acre of wetland harvested

 A significant length of wetland crossed (≥50 ft.)

 A stream crossed

This ensures that the BMP program, through the monitoring teams, will be focusing their time at timber 

sales that can potentially have the most impact to water quality. Sites that lack any of these 

characteristics are unlikely to impact water quality in a direct (observable) manner. 

The BMP monitoring teams are comprised of four to six individuals and have a wide background of 

expertise ranging from hydrology, soil science, ecology, conservation, silviculture and logging. In order to 

achieve consistent evaluations across all the different sites, there were trainings held for all the teams, 

put on by the DNR Forest Hydrologist. These trainings included both lecture/discussion in a classroom 

type setting and field portions where everyone went to sites to go through the monitoring worksheets 

together. Information about the site was collected as well as being evaluated for the application and 

effectiveness of BMPs. 
8

Timber Harvest Information

Harvest Age

All the sales monitored during the 2013 BMP efforts were closed between January 1st 2012 and 

December 31st 2012. Although the sales were closed during this time, the actual time between when the 

sale was harvested and when it was monitored may vary. Sales are monitored the following year from 

when they are closed for several reasons:

 The sale will have went through at least one runoff season (spring)

 The sale will no longer be active (safety reason and not hindering logging operation)

 Evidence of logging activity will still be fresh and easy to see and evaluate

County 

County sites had the majority (20 sites) cut 1-2 years prior to monitoring, and had roughly one-third (10 

out of 33 sites) cut less than one year prior to monitoring (Table 1). Only three sites were cut more than 

two years before they were monitored and no sites had the harvest age listed as ‘unknown’. 

State

State sites had slightly less than half their sales (20 sites each) cut less than one year before monitoring 

and between 1-2 years before monitoring (Table 1). Only one site was listed as being harvested more 

than two years before monitoring and one site was listed as the harvest age ‘unknown’. 

Table 1. Harvest Age

Age Class County State

<1 year old 10 20

1-2 years old 20 20

> 2 years old 3 1

Unknown 0 1

Table 1. The amount of time that has passed since the site was harvested/cut and when it was monitored. 

Harvest Size

The harvest size for any particular sale includes the entire area within the boundary of the sale. This 

includes areas of non-harvest such as: roads, reserve areas, wetlands and streams. Sales are individual 

units of harvest that can occur in an isolated location or can border several other active or recently 

completed sales. A larger area of harvest can be broken down into sales based on a multitude of factors 

including: tree species composition, silvicultural prescriptions, property boundaries, natural boundaries, 

seasonal restrictions/ time of harvest, tree age, logging contractors, and product demand. The more 

differences between these factors in the area of harvest, the more likely they will be broken down into

smaller sales. 
9

County

County sales are rather large, with the average size at 97.8, and a grand total of 3227 acres monitored. 

However, the sales range in size from 16 acres all the way up to 234 acres. Almost half (15:33) of the 

sales fell into the largest harvest category of more than 100 acres. Very few (5) sales were in the 

smallest two harvest size categories of less than 51 acres, and only one of those was smaller than 26 

acres. One possible reason for the large county sales is the blowdown event that took place in 

Northwest Wisconsin, and the subsequent salvage harvest operations that followed in the storms wake. 

State

State sales were comprised of both small sales and larger sales, but small sales were more common. The 

average size was 59.1 acres, with a grand total of 2484 acres monitored. Eighteen (42.8%) of the sales 

fell into the two largest categories of over 76 acres while 23 (54.8%) of the sales fell into the two 

smallest categories of 50 acres or less. Only one sale was found to be between 51-75 acres.

Figure 2. The number of acres that were harvested for each of the sales conducted on state lands and county 

forests. 

Season of harvest

The season of harvest can play a vital role in the success of protecting water quality in silvicultural 

activities. The presence of water resources within a timber sale may lead to harvesting guidelines where 

it becomes best to operate harvesting equipment during dry (usually late summer/early fall) or frozen 

ground conditions (winter). Many recommendations within the BMP manual call for operations during 

these favorable ground conditions to avoid the potential problems of rutting and compacting hydric 

soils. 

1 11 4 12 9 4 15 1 11 7

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

0-25 26-50 51-75 76-100 101+

Sales

Acres Harvested

Acres Harvested for Individual Sales

County State
10

County

One-third (11/33) of the county sites were harvested during the course of more than one season, and 

another third (11/33) were harvested during the summer (Figure 3). The rest of the sites were 

distributed between winter (7 sites), fall (3 sites) and one site which the season of harvest was 

undetermined. No sites were harvested during the spring. 

State

Winter was the most common season of harvest (19 sites), while spring was the least common season of 

harvest (1 site). Multi-Season was the second most common (12 sites) and the remaining sites were 

distributed evenly between summer, fall and unknown with three, four and three sites respectively

(Figure 3). 

Figure 3. Time when the sale was harvested. 

Water Resources

There were four types of water resources (lakes, streams, wetlands, and springs/seeps) found in the 

2013 BMP monitoring sites. Streams are broken down even further by their width and designated trout 

stream classification (Figure 5). Width and the presence of trout are important because these two 

factors help determine the distance of the Riparian Management Zone (RMZ) on streams. 

7 19 0 1 11 3 3 4 11 12 1 3

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

18

20

Winter Spring Summer Fall Multi-Season Unknown

Number of Sites

Season

Season(s) of Harvest

County State
11

Figure 4. Stream crossing on Apple Creek (designated trout stream on Iron County Forest). 

County

The most common water resource was wetlands (28 sites) with streams being the next most common 

(23 sites, Figure 5). Springs/seeps were the least common, with only two sites listing them as present, 

lakes were found on one-third (11:33) of the sites. The majority of the sites (17) that contained streams

were found to have streams either greater than three feet or classified as a designated trout stream. 

Eight sites contained streams that were between the widths of 1-3 feet and only two sites had streams 

of less than one foot wide. The county crossed a total of six streams on forest roads, and all of which, 

used culverts as the crossing method (Table 2). The stream crossing must fall within the boundary of the 

sale or be on a road primarily used for the sale (paved town roads or a network of roads that serves a 

multitude of timber sales were not included for these numbers). 

State

The most common water resource present was wetlands (34 sites) with streams being the second most 

common (30 sites, Figure 5). Springs/seeps and lakes were both fairly uncommon (6 sites and 8 sites 

respectively). The majority of the sites (28) that contained streams were found to have streams either 

greater than three feet wide and/or classified as a designated trout stream. Six sites (3 each) were found 

to have streams between the distances of 1-3 feet wide and less than one foot wide. Only one stream 

was crossed, and that method of crossing was a ford (Table 2). 

Table 2. Streams Crossed on Sites

Stream Crossed County State

Culverts 6 0

Fords 0 1

Bridges 0 0

Table 2. The number of streams that were crossed using different types of stream crossing methods. 
12

Figure 5. The number of sites that contain different types of water resources. Streams are broken down into 

three categories depending on width and/or if they are designated trout streams (DTS). Note: Sites may have 

more than one type of water resource and more than one type of stream. 

Riparian Management Zones (RMZs)

Riparian Management Zones (RMZs) are areas of specific management criteria next to a stream or lake 

in order to provide shade and soil stabilization. Excess heat or erosion caused by exposed soil in a RMZ 

can possibly lead to impacts to water quality. The two different RMZ distances are 100 feet and 35 feet. 

A 100-foot wide RMZ is recommended for lakes, streams of a width three feet or greater, and all

designated trout streams. A 35-foot wide RMZ is recommended for the two categories of streams less 

than three feet wide. All four water resources that recommend an RMZ, have different harvesting BMPs

unique to each resource. RMZs can be modified, per the BMP manual, by foresters for several reasons 

including: timber species composition, presence of beavers, slope, soil, season of harvest, and storm or 

insect damage. The BMP Manual’s recommended RMZ distance from Ordinary High Water Mark 

(OHWM) to the timber harvesting edge can fall into one of four categories:

 The site RMZ can be increased in distance

 The site RMZ can meet the recommended distance

 The site RMZ can be decreased in distance

 The site may not have used an RMZ

11 8 28 34 2 6 23 30 17 28 8 3 2 3

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

total > 3 ft. or DTS 1-3 ft. wide < 1 ft. wide

Lakes Wetlands Springs or

Seeps

Streams

Number of Sites

Water Resource Type

Types of Water Resources Located Within Monitoring Sites 

county state
13

County

Most sites (21) used a RMZ that met the recommended distance listed in the BMP manual, and these 

were found on all four different types of water resources that recommended a RMZ (Figure 6). The next 

most common (13 sites) increased the recommended RMZ distance, while only four sites had decreased 

the recommended RMZ distance. No sites were observed to have not used a RMZ on a water resource 

where a RMZ was recommended. 

State

Most (20) used a RMZ that met the recommended distance listing in the BMP manual. Fifteen sites had 

a RMZ distance that was increased from the recommended distance. RMZ distances that were 

decreased were uncommon (2 sites) and three sites were found to have not used an RMZ for which the

BMP manual had a RMZ distance recommended. 

Figure 6. The number of sites that have RMZ specified water resource within or on the boundary of the sale. The 

RMZ can be increased or decreased in width, follow the recommended distance, or not be used at all. The bars 

are broken down to show the four different types of water resources. 

Species Composition of Harvest Sites

Seven different tree stand compositions were listed in the 2013 monitoring report. Anytime they were 

present to a significant degree, they were recorded as being a dominant cover type for the harvest. This 

leads to many sites having more than one dominant cover type. 

0

5

10

15

20

25

Increased Meets Decreased RMZ Not

Used

Increased Meets Decreased RMZ Not

Used

County State

Number of Sites

Sites Containing a RMZ Specified Water Resource

Lakes > 3 ft. Wide or DTS 1-3 ft. Wide <1 ft. Wide
14

County

The most common tree stand composition was aspen (20 sites), with maple/basswood and oak/hickory 

tied (14 sites) as being the second most common (Figure 7). Bottomland hardwoods and swamp conifers 

were tied for being the least common tree stand composition with only one site each.

State

The most common tree stand composition was aspen and pine, each of which were found to be a 

dominant cover type in 20 sites (Figure 7). Oak/hickory and maple/basswood were the next most 

common with 15 sites and 9 sites having the species listed as a dominant cover type respectively. The 

least common cover type was swamp conifers (1 site).

Figure 7. Dominant tree species present on a site. Note: a site may have multiple dominant tree species listed as 

present. 

Silviculture Prescriptions

Silviculture prescriptions determine several aspects of a timber harvest: it can determine which trees get 

harvested, how many trees get harvested, what the remaining tree density should be, and may 

determine which tree species are established post-harvest. 

County

The most common silvicultural prescription was ‘more than one’. Given the average size of sales, almost 

100 acres, it is not surprising that ‘more than one’ type of silvicultural prescription was utilized 

throughout the sale area. ‘Clearcut’, ‘shelterwood’, and ‘seedtree’ silvicultural prescriptions were 

completely absent from all sales conducted on county land (Figure 8). Although there were no sales that 

20 5 10 14 14 1

1

20 3 20 9 15 4 4

1

3

0

5

10

15

20

25

Aspen Spruce/

Fir

Pine Maple/

Basswood

Oak/

Hickory

Bottom

Hardwoods

Swamp

Conifers

Other

Number of Sites

Tree Species

Sites Containing Tree Species as a Dominant Cover Type

County State
15

documented the solo use of the ‘clearcut’ silvicultural prescription, many sales included components of 

‘clearcut’ that fell into the different categories of ‘other’, ‘clearcut with reserves’, and ‘more than one’. 

State

The most common silvicultural prescription was ‘more than one’ (15 sales), with selection harvest being 

a close second (14 sales). ‘Clearcut with reserves’ and ‘clearcut’ saw some utilization on state lands (9 

and 4 sites respectively). ‘Shelterwood’, ‘seedtree’, and ‘other’ were not utilized on any of the 42 sales 

conducted on state lands.

Figure 8. Types of silvicultural prescriptions used on sites. 

Timber Stand Improvements

Timber stand improvements (TSI) are defined as improving the quality of a forest or tree stand by 

removing undesirable trees or tree species to obtain the desired forest composition or forest timber 

productivity. This may include methods that yield no current merchantable timber including girdling, 

spraying herbicide, and burning. 

County and State

Given the definition of TSI and the fact that it does not directly produce income, it is not surprising to 

see that both state and county did not use many TSI (Table 3). Both state and county had one sale that 

utilized ‘crop tree release’, and county had five sites that used ‘other’ method of TSI. 

8 14 0 4 5 9 0 0 0 0 4 0 16 15

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

18

Selection

Harvest

Clearcut Clearcut

with

Reserves

Shelterwood Seedtree Other More than

 One

Number of Sites

Harvest Perscriptions

Types of Silvicultural Perscriptions

County State
16

Table 3. Timber Stand Improvements

Timber Stand Improvements County State

None 27 41

Crop Tree Release 1 1

Pre-Commercial Thinning 0 0

Other 5 0

Table 3. Different types of timber stand improvements used on state and county lands.

Harvest System

County

The most common harvesting system used on county sites was ‘shortwood’ (25 sites), while ‘other’ was 

not utilized on any site (Table 4). ‘Tree-length’ and ‘more than 1 type’ were each used on three sites and 

‘whole tree’ was found on only two sites.

State

The most common harvesting system used on state sites was ‘shortwood’ (37 sites), while ‘other’ was 

not utilized on any site. ‘Whole tree’ and ‘more than 1 type’ were each used on two sites and ‘treelength’ was found only on one site. 

Table 4. Harvesting System

Harvesting System County State

Shortwood 25 37

Tree-length 3 1

whole tree 2 2

other 0 0

more than 1 type 3 2

Table 4. Types of harvesting systems 

Equipment

The BMP monitoring teams determined the equipment used for the harvest operation using several 

methods. If a site specific forester was present, they simply inquired him/her for that information. 

Otherwise, looking for signs of either wheel or track marks on the ground as a result of the harvest 

operation also helped determine the type of equipment. If the ground was dry, frozen, or had lots of 

snow, the equipment marks would be difficult to see if present. 
17

County 

Most of the sites (22) used both wheeled and tracked logging equipment during the harvesting process

(Table 5). Wheeled equipment was solely used in nine sites, while one site used solely tracked 

equipment. On one site, the BMP monitoring team was unable to determine what type of logging 

equipment was used.

State

A combination of using both wheeled and tracked equipment during the harvesting process was the 

most common (23 sites) equipment type (Table 5). Wheeled equipment was the next most common 

equipment type and it was used on 17 sites. The sole use of tracked equipment along with the 

equipment being ‘unknown’ was only present for one site each. 

Table 5. Equipment Type

Logging Equipment County State

Wheeled 9 17

Tracked 1 1

Both 22 23

Unknown 1 1

Table 5. Types of logging equipment used during the harvest. 

Road Systems

Forest roads serve several purposes: access to the sale by trucks and other equipment, moving wood 

from the sale to the landing, and in some cases provide area for decking. How roads are designed, 

constructed, and maintained plays a large role in how successful a harvesting operation will be at 

protecting water quality. Roads that go through, or adjacent to wetland, or roads that go against the

contours will most likely require some type of drainage structure to ensure that the road stays in usable 

condition and that water quality is not negatively impacted. For forest roads that go through wetlands, 

equalization culverts help to maintain hydrologic flows beneath the roads, which will stop water buildup 

that may potentially wash out the road. For roads that go up and down contours: water bars, broadbased dips, out-sloping, or ditches can help reduce the flow on the road surface – which will extend the 

life of the road. The amount of drainage structures on roads that go across the contours will greatly 

depend on several features, but primarily the length and gradient of the road. 

County

Most of the county sites (30) had forest roads present (Table 6). Thirteen of those sites had improved 

the road to some degree, either prior, during, or post-harvest. Out of the 30 sites that had roads, 21 of 

those sites contained active roads – roads that receive use for the majority of the year. Drainage 

structures were also found on eight sites – four existing and four new drainage structures. 
18

Figure 9. This culvert was found on the forest road system owned by the county. The culvert is buried deep enough to handle 

the weight of logging traffic along with a stable bank, due to the rock armoring. 

State

Many of the state sites (34) had forest roads present, while eight sites did not have roads present. Only 

eight of the 34 sites with roads were improved either before, during or post-harvest. There were more 

sites containing inactive roads (22) than sites with active roads (14). State sites had very few drainage 

structures of any kind, with only two being new installation and none having pre-existing (Table 6). 

Table 6. Road Characteristics

Road Characteristics County State 

Sites w/Roads Present 30 34

Sites w/Roads Absent 3 8

Improved Roads 13 8

Drainage Structures New 4 2

Existing 4 0

Road Use Active 21 14

Inactive 11 22

Table 6. The amount of sites with roads, whether they were active, if they were improved, and how many had 

drainage structures present. Note: sites may have inactive and active roads on the same site.
19

Table 7. Road Types and Water Removal Efficiency

Water Removal 

Efficiency

Traffic Volume 

Capacity Road Category Road Type County State

Low Temporary/

Seasonal

Design Flat 20 28

Construction Below Grade 2 2

Construction At Grade with No Ditch 17 27

Moderate Seasonal

Design In-Slope/flat 0 2

Design Out-Slope/flat 2 1

Design Crowned/Flat 5 2

Design Many Typed 1 0

Construction Combinations 7 4

High Permanent

Design Crowned 5 1

Construction Ditch < 1 ft. Deep 4 0

Construction Ditch > 1 ft. Deep 0 0

Table 7. The construction and design of roads are shown on state lands and county forests, with their respective 

water removal capabilities along with their associated recommended traffic volume capacity.
20

Results

Overview

During the 2013 Wisconsin Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality, 75 sites were visited 

by the monitoring teams and included 42 sites for state lands and 33 sites for county forests. For each of 

these sites, 119 BMPs were assessed for application and effectiveness (See Appendix E). These BMPs

were divided into five categories:

 Fuels, Lubricants, Waste and Spills: There are two BMPs on the monitoring form and relate to

location of fueling, and cleaning up waste and spills.

 Riparian Management Zones (RMZs): There are 18 BMPs on the monitoring form and are 

divided into sections according to different RMZ practices that occur on subsequent water 

bodies. 

 Forest Roads: There are 47 BMPs on the monitoring form and they are divided into several 

sections which cover a variety of aspects including location, drainage structures, and stream 

crossing on forest roads.

 Timber Harvesting: There are 36 BMPs on the monitoring form and they are divided into a 

multitude of sections which include: skid trails and all aspects regarding them, log landings, and 

dry washes.

 Wetlands: There are 15 BMPs on the monitoring form and they cover wetland harvesting, filter 

strips, and rutting in wetlands.

When teams go through the process of monitoring a site, they decide which BMPs apply to the site and 

how well the site protected water quality by using (or not using) BMPs – which is termed evaluating for 

application and effectiveness. There are several different application categories that describe how the 

landowner either used, or did not use a BMP, as applicable. In turn, BMP effectiveness is rated for 

individual BMPs and is also divided into the different categories of application. 

BMP Application

The first element that a monitoring team must decide when answering a BMP from the monitoring 

report is to determine if the individual BMP question is applicable to the site. The five options of BMP 

applicability are:

 BMP not applicable to the site

 BMP applied correctly where it was needed

 BMP applied but incorrectly

 BMP not applied where it was needed

 Insufficient information to rate how the BMP was applied
21

County

Application rates for county forests were good, at 95%. This means for every BMP that was applicable to 

the site, 95% of the time, the BMP was applied (either correctly or incorrectly) and only five percent of 

the time a BMP was not applied (Figure 10). The correct application rate was also good at 93%, which 

implies that only two percent of the BMPs that were applicable to the site were applied incorrectly. 

State

Application rates for state lands were excellent, at 97.8%. Only 2.2% of the time, when a BMP was 

applicable to the site, was one ’not applied’ (Figure 10). The correct application rate for BMPs was also 

very high, at 97.1%. This leads to a low rate of BMPs that were applied incorrectly (0.8%). 

Figure 10. BMP application rates for state lands and county forests.

95

±1.7

93

±1.8

5

±1.7 97.8

±0.5

97.1

±0.7

2.2

±0.5

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

BMP applied where needed BMP applied correctly

where needed

BMP not applied where

needed

Percent

BMP Application Categories

BMP Application Rates

County

State
22

BMP Application by Monitoring Category

BMP application rates were broken down into respective monitoring categories to provide greater detail 

of where BMPs were undergoing high or low compliance. Variances in application rates, between the 

monitoring categories, are both common and expected. This is due to the intrinsic properties between 

the monitoring categories and how easy or difficult it is for landowners to correctly apply BMPs. For 

example, ‘forest roads’ is a BMP monitoring category where it is usually more difficult to achieve a 

higher BMP correct application rating than the monitoring category of ‘fuel, waste, and spills’. Here are 

just a few reasons the BMPs for ‘forest roads’ are more difficult to achieve compliance:

 ‘Forest roads’ BMPs are subject to criteria like location and design

 ‘Forest roads’ have both short and long term maintenance, which may include road closure

 ‘Forest roads’ may receive un-intended or post closure use

This is compared with BMPs for the monitoring category ‘fuels, waste, and spills’ where, to achieve a 

high application rate, is to clean up any trash or spills that may have occurred during the harvest 

operation – if they occurred at all. 

County

The monitoring category that received the highest rating was ‘fuels, waste, and spills’ (98.4%) followed 

closely by ‘RMZs’ (98.3%). The monitoring category that had the lowest correct application rating was 

forest roads (84.4%) by a considerable amount – 8.8% behind the next lowest monitoring category of 

wetlands (93.2%, Figure 12). 

Figure 11. This culvert on county forest does not extent far enough beyond the road, which does not allow for armoring on 

the road side slope. This can lead to erosion around it – like pictured here. 
23

State

All the monitoring categories had a relatively high correct application rate – which is to be expected due 

to the very high overall application rate – but there is a small variance of 5.1% between the highest and 

lowest rated monitoring categories. The highest, at 100%, is the monitoring category of ‘fuels, waste, 

and spills’, and the lowest is ‘forest roads’ (94.9%). The remaining three monitoring categories were 

approximately 97% (Figure 12). 

Figure 12. BMP correct application rates for the different monitoring categories for both state lands and county 

forests. 

98.4

±1.5

98.3

±0.8

84.4

±4.8

96.8

±1.4

93.2

±1.9

100

±0

97.2

±1.5

94.9

±1.8

97.8

±1.2

97

±0.9

75

80

85

90

95

100

Fuels, waste,

spills

RMZs Forest roads Timber

harvesting

Wetlands

Percent

Monitoring Category

Application Rates for Correctly Applying BMPs per Monitoring Category

County

State
24

2013 BMP Application Rates Compared to Prior Years

The comparison of current results to past findings is an extremely important function of the BMP 

monitoring program. It allows the question to become answerable “is Wisconsin’s BMP program 

protecting water quality?” By comparing the application rates from different years – silvicultural 

activities can be shown to ensure continued – and hopefully, ever improving protection of water quality 

in Wisconsin. This self-evaluation, also allows for changes to the BMP program to be made, so it can 

adopt the new ways to measure and protect water quality. Changes to both the BMP manual and the 

monitoring worksheets have occurred, since its start in 1995, to incorporate better ways to monitor and 

protect water quality. 

Figure 13. The correct application rate of BMPs from the 2013 results compared to past results in 2003 and the 

combined years of 1995-1997 on both state and county lands. 

86

±5

86

±8

93

±4

90

±4

93

±1.8

97.1

±0.7

60

65

70

75

80

85

90

95

100

County State

Percent

BMP Applied Correctly 

BMP Correct Application Rates Over Time

1995-1997

2003

2013
25

County

The 2013 correct application rate has improved from the base results in 1995-1997, and has remained 

the same since 2003 (Figure 13). The confidence interval has also increased (decreased error) compared 

to past years, due to a larger number of county sites evaluated compared to the past years, allowing a 

more accurate representation of BMP ‘correct application’. When the results are broken down into 

monitoring categories, the 2013 application rates were found to be higher when compared to prior 

years, with one notable exception – forest roads (Figure 14). There was a substantial drop in correct 

application in ‘forest roads’ from 2003 to 2013 (96% to 84.4%); however, it was still an increase from the 

baseline data in 1995-1997. The only other decrease was in ‘wetlands’ from the 2003 to the 2013 data. 

All the other categories over the years were either increased or maintained the current ‘correct 

application’ rate.

Figure 14. Correct Application rates of BMPs on county lands, with different monitoring categories, of the 2013 

BMP results to the past results in 2003 and 1995-1997. 

86

±7

85

±7

81

±9

91

±5

89

±7

97

±3

91

±6

96

±4

96

±4

96

±4

98.4

±1.5 98.3

±0.8

84.4

±4.8

96

±1.4

93.2

±1.9

65

70

75

80

85

90

95

100

105

Fuels and Spills RMZs Forest Roads Timber

Harvesting

Wetlands

Percent

Monitoring Category

Correct Application of BMPs on County Forests Compared to Past Years

1995-1997

2003

2013
26

State

The 2013 correct application rate is the highest out of all three years monitored. Each time it has been 

monitored, it has shown improvements, from 1995 to 2013 (Figure 13). This improving ‘correct 

application’ shows that the BMP program has been very successful for state lands. The confidence 

interval has also increased due to an increase in state sales that were monitored. When breaking down 

the ‘correct application’ into the different monitoring categories and comparing them to past years, it 

becomes apparent that most of the overall ‘correct application’ improvement came from one 

monitoring category – forest roads (Figure 15). ‘Forest roads’ increased its ‘correct application’ rate by 

23.9% from 2003 and 15.9% from 1995-1997. ‘Fuels, waste, and spills’, ‘RMZs’, and ‘Wetlands’ saw 

improvements from the two prior monitoring results, whereas, ‘timber harvesting’ has remained fairly 

consistent – yet very high – ‘correct application’ rate. 

Figure 15. Correct Application rates of BMPs on state lands, with different monitoring categories, of the 2013 

BMP results to the past results in 2003 and 1995-1997. 

88

±12

78

±16

79

±15

98

±2

93

±7

97

±3

96

±3

71

±13

99

±14

91

±7

100

±0

97.2

±1.5

94.9

±1.8

97.8

1.2

97

±0.9

45

50

55

60

65

70

75

80

85

90

95

100

105

Fuels and Spills RMZs Forest Roads Timber

Harvesting

Wetlands

Percent

Monitoring Category

Correct Application of BMPs on State Lands Compared to Past Years

1995-1997

2003

2013
27

BMP Effectiveness

After a BMP monitoring team decides whether or not a BMP is applicable to the site, they must decide 

how effective the respective BMP application is in protecting water quality. There are five different 

categorical effectiveness ratings that can be given to any BMP question that is found to be applicable:

 No adverse impact to water quality

 Minor short-term impact to water quality

 Minor long-term impact to water quality

 Major short-term impact to water quality

 Major long-term impact to water quality

The types of impacts, which describe the effectiveness of the BMPs, are conducted as qualitative 

measures. These evaluations reflect only the point in time for which the monitoring team is present. 

The monitoring teams are asked to use their best professional judgment as to what the type of impact 

the effectiveness of the BMP will have on water quality.

 Short term may refer to an impact that lasts less than one year or recurring for a short period of 

time for multiple years. 

 Long term may refer to an impact that lasts more than one year or persist for a significant 

length of time for multiple years.

 Minor refers to an slight adverse impact on water quality

 Major refers to a significant adverse impact on water quality

By describing these impacts as a point in time reflectiveness, it means that the best professional 

expertise is used to rate how an impact is occurring on a specific site at that current time. This could 

lead to impacts being more or less serious depending on what happens to the site in the future. For 

example, a huge rain event could wash out a culvert that appeared to be working well which would 

cause greater adverse impact, or foresters could be planning to fix a road problem after spring break-up, 

causing less adverse impact. 

Figure 16. Slash was used to effectively cross an area in order to protect the soils from rutting. 
28

BMP Effectiveness for ‘Correctly Applied’ BMPs

County

As to be expected, BMPs that were ‘correctly applied’ received very high effectiveness rates: 99.6% of 

the time, no adverse impact to water quality was observed. Only two monitoring categories, ‘forest 

roads’ and ‘wetlands’ received slightly lower rates, at 99%. All other monitoring categories received 

100% effectiveness ratings. 

State

When BMPs were ‘correctly applied’ on state lands, they were effective 100% of the time. This means 

for every time a BMP was applicable and applied correctly, there were no negative impacts to water 

quality observed on state lands. 

Figure 17. The effectiveness rates for BMPs that are ‘applied correctly’. They are additionally broken down by 

monitoring categories and divided between state lands and county forests. 

100

±0

100

±0

99

±1.4

100

±0

99.1

±1.3

99.6

±0.4

100

±0

100

±0

100

±0

100

±0

100

±0

100

±0

96

97

98

99

100

101

Fuels, waste,

spills

RMZs Forest roads Timber

harvesting

Wetlands All

Percent

Monitoring Category

Effectiveness rates at Protecting Water Quality when BMPs are 'Applied 

Correctly'

County

State
29

BMP Effectiveness for ‘Not Applied’ BMPs

County

When BMPs were ‘not applied’ on county forests, impacts to water quality were much more common 

(Figure 18). Only 36.1% of the time, when a BMP was ‘not applied’ there was no negative impact on 

water quality observed by the monitoring teams. This means almost 65% of the time, there were 

negative impacts to water quality observed when a BMP was ‘not applied’. The most common impact 

observed was ‘minor, short-term impacts’, which occurred 50.8% of the time when a BMP was ‘not 

applied’. 

State

Only minor impacts were found on state lands when BMPs were ‘not applied’ and the most common 

result was still ‘no adverse impact’ at 76% (Figure 18). Negative impacts to water quality were found 

24% of the time when BMPs were ‘not applied’. Both minor ‘short-term’ and ‘minor long-term’ impacts 

were found, but only 12% of the time for each impact type. There were no ‘major impacts’ of any kind 

found on state lands.

Figure 18. Water quality impact rates when the BMPs were ‘not applied’. They are divided between the different 

types of impact rates and between landowners – state and county. 

36.1

±16.8

11.5

±12.5

50.8

±22.8

1.6

±3.3 0

±0

76

±19.1

12

±12.3

12

±16.4

0

±0 0

±0

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

No Adverse

Impact

Minor Short Term

Impact

Minor Long Term

Impact

Major Short Term

Impact

Major Long Term

Impact

Percent

Impact Type

Water Quality Impact Rates when BMPs are 'Not Applied'

county state
30

Conclusion and Recommendations

The results from the 2013 monitoring cycle reveal that the BMP program has seen continued and 

growing success. High rates of ‘correctly applying’ BMPs (93.0% county, 97.1% state) led to an even 

higher rate of protecting water quality (99.6% county, 100% state). Even within this overall high 

application rate however, individual BMP monitoring categories experience different amounts of 

compliance. Forest roads, which are historically low, improved on state sites but failed to improve on 

county sites. It still remains the BMP monitoring category that has the largest room for improvement. 

Comparing BMPs that were ‘correctly applied’ to when BMPs are ‘failed to be applied’ – only 5.0% 

county and 2.2% state – water quality is protected far less often (36.1% county, 76% state). However, 

even these are usually rated to be ‘minor impacts’ to water quality. The most direct way to protect 

Wisconsin’s water quality even further is by continuing to improve the rate on which BMPs are correctly 

applied – especially on forest roads.

This reinforces the continued use of BMP program and all its derivatives, which includes:

 the education of BMPs to loggers, foresters, and landowners

 training monitoring teams to review harvest sites for BMP application and effectiveness

 producing reports to assess effectiveness and compliance with the BMP program

 Continue improving the BMP Field Manual and Monitoring Worksheet in order to incorporate 

new scientific findings on water quality and to ensure clear understanding of all BMP rules, 

guidelines, and goals.

With the sustained use of the BMP program we hope to see even greater correct application rates, and 

therefore water quality protection, in the future for Wisconsin’s waters.
31

Appendix A: Methods 

Selection of Timber Harvests

There were a total of 467 sales cut on state lands and 1590 sales cut on county forests that were able to 

be monitored for the 2013 BMP monitoring cycle. It was determined that 42 state sites and 33 county 

sites were needed to ensure a sample size that held statistical validity. A single stage cluster sampling 

method (which used each sale as a cluster) was used for analysis. By assuring that 42 state and 33 

county sites were monitored, this report could confidently (95% confidence interval) assess the accuracy 

in that the monitoring results were a true representation of the total number of sites cut on state and 

county lands during the year 2012.

Bias and Limitations

Bias, with regard to BMP monitoring, is where one site is more likely to be selected than another 

regardless of eligibility criteria. This type of bias can result in a skewed depiction of the total sales, and 

was limited to the best possible extent.

One area that could have possibly led to a bias in the selection of timber harvests was the blowdown 

event that took place (mostly) in Burnett and Douglas County, summer 2011. Both the state and county 

owned, and was still working on, much of that blowdown area. This may have led to the size of harvest 

becoming larger than it normally would have been (due to the large salvage harvests associated with 

blowdown events). Also, this would have prompted the harvest of areas concentrated to the blowdown 

event that would not naturally occur. The cluster of sales, associated with this event can be seen by 

looking at the ‘Team Aquamarine’ map in Appendix D. 

All sales that were thought to be cut in 2012 on state and county lands were entered into a database by 

DNR personal and then passed to the DNR Forest Hydrologist and DNR BMP Forester to review. A bias 

introduced intentionally by our eligibility criteria include sites that have water resources and are close 

enough to a road system for a monitoring team to walk to them in a timely manner. These intentional 

biases are brought in so that monitoring teams can focus on sites that have the most possible BMPs

applicable and that they can monitor those sites in a time effective manner. 

To prevent unwanted bias, all sites were entered into a spreadsheet where they were selected using a 

random number generator. All sites that were randomly selected were determined to be eligible for 

monitoring based on the set eligibility criteria found through the combination of: a trip to the site, and 

satellite review through DNR Surface Water Data Viewer and Google Earth. 
32

Appendix B: Eligibility Criteria –Field Form
33
34
35

Appendix C: 2013 BMP Monitoring Teams

Team 1: Duran Bjorklund, Chris Martin, Sue Reinke, Paul Hanson

Team 2: Scott Mueller, Roberta Kunzman, Nick Crane, Laura Giese

Team 3: Dave Kafura, Charlie Zinsmaster, Will Erickson, Robert Hurray

Team 4: Kent Mikkelson, Quita Sheehan, Steven Kaufman, Manny Oradei

Team 5: Peter Kinsman, Scott leonhardt, Ben Parsons, Brad Hutnick

Team 6: Sara Sommer, Lowell Petersen, Joseph Mattke, Tim Allen

Team 7: Steve Williamson, Randall Mell, Rachel McDonald, Matthew Hansen

Team 8: Steve Kariainen, Joesph Kies, Craig Dalton, Greg Rebman
36

Appendix D: Team Maps
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45

Appendix E: Monitoring Worksheet

2013 BMP Monitoring Worksheet

for Wisconsin's Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality

Objectives of BMP Monitoring 

1) Determine the extent to which BMPs were applied on the selected sites.

2) Determine the effectiveness of properly applied BMPs in protecting water quality on the 

selected sites.

3) Determine the effects of not applying BMPs where needed on the selected sites.

4) Obtain descriptive information about RMZs and buffer strips (where present) with respect to 

size, vegetative composition, and past use.

The results of these objectives from BMP Monitoring will be used to:

* Identify trends

* Identify where modifications may be needed in the BMP field manual

* Identify research and information needs

* Educate landowner, loggers and foresters involved in the sites that are monitored

* Compare and contrast with other landowner categories

Timber Sale ID:

Landowner Name:

Date:

Team: Aquamarine Lime Olive

Chartreuse Malachite Sage

Jade Moss Verdigris

Non-Team Members:

Age of Harvest:  Less than 1 y.o.  1 to 2 y.o.  More than 2 y.o.

 Unknown

Acres Harvested:

Weather Conditions:  Sunny  Partly Sunny  Cloudy/Overcast

 Rain  Snow  Drought

Any Extreme or Rare 

Weather Events?

 Yes  No

Please explain:
46

APPLICATION

Was the BMP applied at the sale?

1 -- BMP applied correctly

2 -- BMP applied but incorrectly

3 -- BMP not applied

4 -- Insufficient information to rate 

X -- BMP not applicable to the site (site or harvest 

conditions not found on site)

EFFECTIVENESS

What effect did applying (or not applying) the BMP 

have?

1 -- No adverse impact

2 -- Minor short-term impact 

3 -- Minor long-term impact 

4 -- Major short-term impact

5 -- Major long-term impact

X -- Effectiveness rating not applicable

BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

APPLICATION

EFFECTIVENESS

COMMENTS/IMPACT

A. Fuels, Lubricants, Waste and Spills

Fuels, Lubricants, and Waste (p. 115) 

1. Designate specific areas for equipment maintenance 

and fueling. Locate these areas on level terrain, a 

minimum of 100 feet from all streams and lakes.

2. Collect all waste lubricants, containers, and trash (i.e. 

grease cartridges).

B. Riparian Management Zones 

BMPs Common to All Three RMZ Categories (p. 90)

B-a. Is there a lake or stream present in the area monitored 

for the timber sale? (Check all that apply.)

 Yes – lake(s).

 Yes – stream(s).

Go to next question.

 No. 

Go to Section C – 

Forest Roads.

3. Locate roads outside the RMZ, unless necessary for 

stream crossings.

4. Locate landings outside the RMZ.

5. Do not dispose of or pile slash within the RMZ.

6. Minimize soil exposure and compaction to protect 

ground vegetation and the duff layer.

B-b. Did harvesting occur within the RMZ?  Yes.  No. 

B-c. If harvesting occurred within the RMZ, what type of 

equipment was used?

BMPs for Lakes, Designated Trout Streams, & Streams 3’ Wide & Wider (100’ RMZ) (p. 91)

B-d. Is there a lake, designated trout stream, or stream 3’ wide or 

wider in or adjacent to the harvest area of the timber sale?

 Yes. 

Go to next question.

 No. 

Go to Question B-i.

7. Do not operate wheeled or tracked equipment within 15 feet 

of the ordinary high water mark (OHWM) except on roads 

or at stream crossings. 

8. Operate wheeled or tracked equipment within 15 to 50 feet 

of the OHWM when the ground is frozen or dry.

9. Do not harvest fine woody material within 50 feet of the 

OHWM.

10. Use selection harvests and promote long-lived tree species 

appropriate to the site.

11. Harvesting intervals should be a minimum of every 10 years
47

12. Harvesting plans should leave at least 60 ft2of basal area per 

acre in trees 5 inches DBH and larger, evenly distributed.

13. Develop trees 12 inches DBH and larger.

B-e. The RMZ width....

 Meets the minimum standard of 100 feet.

 Exceeds the minimum standard of 100 feet.

 Is less than the minimum standard of 100 feet.

 An RMZ was not used.

B-f. If the RMZ width was modified, it was...  Increased ___________ feet.

 Decreased ___________ feet.

B-g. The basal area retained within the RMZ was...

 0 – 20 sq. ft./acre

 20 – 40 sq. ft./acre

 40 – 60 sq. ft./acre

 60 – 80 sq. ft./acre

 More than 80 sq. ft./acre

B-h. The pre-harvest condition of the RMZ was...

 Forested the entire width

 Forested greater than 50% of the width

 Forested less than 50% of the width

 Not forested (tag alders or sedge meadow)

BMPs for Stream Less Than 3’ Wide (35’ RMZ) (p. 92)

B-i. Is there a stream less than 3 feet wide in or adjacent to the 

harvest area of the timber sale?

 Yes. 

Go to next question.

 No. 

Go to Question B-n.

14. Operate wheeled or tracked harvesting equipment within 15 

feet of the ordinary high water mark (OHWM), only when 

the ground is frozen or dry. 

15. Do not harvest fine woody material within 15 feet of the 

OHWM.

16. Use selection harvests and promote long-lived tree species 

appropriate to the site.

17. Harvesting intervals should be a minimum of every 10 years.

18. Harvesting plans should leave at least 60 ft2of basal area per 

acre in trees 5 inches DBH and larger, evenly distributed.

B-j. The RMZ width....

 Meets the minimum standard of 35 feet.

 Exceeds the minimum standard of 35 feet.

 Is less than the minimum standard of 35 feet.

 An RMZ was not used.

B-k. If the RMZ width was modified, it was...  Increased ___________ feet.

 Decreased ___________ feet.

B-l. The basal area retained within the RMZ was...

 0 – 20 sq. ft./acre

 20 – 40 sq. ft./acre

 40 – 60 sq. ft./acre

 60 – 80 sq. ft./acre

 More than 80 sq. ft./acre

B-m. The pre-harvest condition of the RMZ was...

 Forested the entire width

 Forested greater than 50% of the width

 Forested less than 50% of the width

 Not forested (tag alders or sedge meadow)
48

BMPs for Streams Less Than 1’ Wide (35’ RMZ) (p. 93)

B-n. Is there a stream less than 1 foot wide in or adjacent to the 

harvest area of the timber sale?

 Yes. 

Go to next question.

 No. 

Go to Section C – Forest 

Roads.

19. Operate wheeled or tracked harvesting equipment within 15 

feet of the ordinary high-water mark (OHWM) only when 

the ground is frozen or dry.

20. Do not harvest fine woody material within 15 feet of the 

OHWM.

B-o. The RMZ width....

 Meets the minimum standard of 35 feet.

 Exceeds the minimum standard of 35 feet.

 Is less than the minimum standard of 35 feet.

 An RMZ was not used.

B-p. If the RMZ width was modified, it was...  Increased ___________ feet.

 Decreased ___________ feet.

B-q. The basal area retained within the RMZ was...

 0 – 20 sq. ft./acre

 20 – 40 sq. ft./acre

 40 – 60 sq. ft./acre

 60 – 80 sq. ft./acre

 More than 80 sq. ft./acre

B-r. The pre-harvest condition of the RMZ was...

 Forested the entire width

 Forested greater than 50% of the width

 Forested less than 50% of the width

 Not forested (tag alders or sedge meadow)

C. Forest Roads

Location and Design of Forest Roads (p. 37 & 44)

C-a. Was there a forest road system for this timber sale?

 Yes. 

Go to next question.

 No. 

Go to Section D – Timber 

Harvesting.

C-b. What best describes the forest road design? (Check all that 

apply.)

 Crowned

 Out-sloped

 In-sloped

 Flat

C-c. What best describes the predominant construction of forest 

roads?

 Roads are below the grade of adjoining land.

 Roads are at grade with no ditch constructed.

 Roads have an excavated ditch less than 1 foot deep.

 Roads have an excavated ditch greater than 1 foot deep.

 Roads were created by cut and fill on side slopes.

 Roads were constructed of fill material with no 

excavation.

 Roads are a combination of these types.

C-d. Was there an existing forest road system for this timber sale?  Yes. 

Go to next question.

 No. 

Go to Question C-e.

21. Use existing roads when they provide the best long- term 

access. 

C-e. Were forest roads constructed or improved for this timber 

sale?

 Yes. 

Go to next question.

 No. 

Go to Question C-d

22. Select road locations that allow for drainage away from the 

road.

23. Where possible, locate roads on well-drained soils.

24. Minimize the number of stream, dry wash, and wetland 

crossings. 
49

25. Locate roads outside of riparian management zones and 

wetland filter strips, except at crossings

26. Road grades should not exceed 10%. If road grades greater 

than 10% are necessary, limit grade length or break the grade 

using drainage structures.

27. Construct roads to follow natural contours and minimize cut 

and fills. 

28. Construct roads to remove water from road surfaces.

29. Construct stable cut and fill slopes that will re-vegetate 

easily, either naturally or artificially.

30. Do not bury debris in the road base.

Drainage Structures on Forest Roads (p. 53)

C-f. Were forest roads constructed or improved for this timber 

sale?

 Yes. 

Go to next question.

 No. 

Go to Question 35.

31. Install drainage structures to remove water from road surface 

and ditches.

32. Install a berm at the inlets of drainage structures, if needed, 

to direct water into the structures.

33. Provide erosion protection at the outlets of drainage 

structures to minimize erosion and disperse the water.

34. Install drainage structures at grades of at least 2% more than 

the ditch grade and at a 30 to 45 degree angle to the road.

35. Check drainage structures to ensure that they are not filling 

with sediment or other debris. Clean if needed.

C-g. What types of drainage structure were used on the road 

system? (check all that apply)

 New cross drain culvert(s). Go to Question 36.

 Existing cross drain culvert(s) 

 New open-top culvert(s)

 Existing open-top culvert(s)

 New broad-based dip(s). Go to Question 37.

 Existing broad-based dip(s)

 New water bar(s)

 Existing water bar(s)

 New diversion ditch(es)

 Existing diversion ditch(es)

 No drainage structures were used

Cross Drain Culverts for Drainage on Forest Roads (pp. 54)

36. Install cross drain culverts long enough to extend beyond the 

road fill.

Broad-based Dips for Drainage on Forest Roads (p. 54)

37. Construct broad-based dips deep enough to provide adequate 

drainage and wide enough to allow trucks and equipment to 

pass safely.

Soil Stabilization on Forest Roads (p. 56)

38. Use seed, mulch and/or erosion control netting where 

necessary to minimize soil erosion into lakes, streams and 

wetlands. See Tables 4-3 and 4-4.

39. Install sediment control structures where necessary to slow 

the flow of runoff and trap sediment until vegetation is 

established at the sediment source. See Tables 4-3 and 4-4.

40. Maintain, clean and/or replace sediment control structures 

until areas of exposed soil are stabilized.
50

Forest Road Maintenance – Active Forest Roads (p. 61)

C-h. Does the forest road system include active roads? Roads are 

considered active if they continue to be used by the landowner 

and/or public for multiple uses, such as forest management, 

hunting and recreation.

 Yes. 

Go to next question.

 No. 

Go to Question C-i.

41. Inspect the road system at regular intervals. Clear debris 

from drainage structures to prevent clogging that can lead to 

washouts.

42. Keep traffic to a minimum during wet periods and spring 

break-up to reduce maintenance needs.

43. Shape road surfaces periodically to maintain proper surface 

drainage. Fill in ruts and holes with gravel or compacted fill 

as soon as possible to reduce erosion potential.

44. Remove berms along the edge of the road if they will trap 

water on the road.

45. When dust control agents are used, apply them in a manner 

that will keep these compounds from entering lakes, stream 

and groundwater.

Forest Roads Maintenance – Inactive Forest Roads (p. 62)

C-i. Does the forest road system include inactive roads? Inactive 

roads are not used for extended periods of time and may be closed 

by gates, berms, boulders, pits or other measures that make 

vehicle passage unlikely in order to protect the road surface and 

water protection measures. In some instances, the length of time 

and/or reason for closure may be posted and acceptable uses may 

be invited to assure compliance with the road closure.

 Yes. 

Go to next question.

 No. 

Go to Question C-j.

46. Remove all temporary drainage and crossing structures.

47. Shape all road system surfaces to maintain proper surface 

drainage, if necessary.

48. Inspect and maintain road surfaces, drainage structures, and 

crossings to minimize erosion.

General BMPs for Stream Crossings on Forest Roads (p. 67-68)

C-j. Was a stream crossed in forest road system?

 Yes.

Go to next question.

 No. 

Go to Section D – Timber

Harvesting.

C-k. Which of the following best describe the stream crossing?

 New crossing used. Go to next question.

 Existing stream crossing used. Go to Question 55.

 Both new and existing stream crossings used. Go to next 

question.
51

49. Identify optimum stream crossing locations: straight and 

narrow stream channels; low banks; firm rocky soil; keep 

approaches at the least gradient possible.

50. Install stream crossing structures at right angles to the stream 

channel.

51. Install stream crossings using materials that are clean, nonerodible and non-toxic to aquatic life.

52. Minimize channel changes and the amount of excavation or 

fill needed at the crossing.

53. Limit construction activity in the streambed to periods of 

low or normal flow. Keep use of equipment in the stream to 

a minimum.

54. Use soil stabilization practices on exposed soil at stream 

crossings.

55. Design, construct and maintain stream crossings to avoid 

disrupting the migration/movement of fish and other aquatic 

life.

56. Use diversion ditches, broad-based dips, or other practices 

on the road approaches to prevent road runoff from entering 

the stream.

57. Stabilize approaches to crossings with aggregate or other 

suitable material to reduce sediment entering the stream.

C-l. What type of stream crossings were used in the forest road 

system?

 Bridges

 Culverts

 Fords

 Pole fords (PVC or logs)

 Timber mats

 Frozen snow/ice crossing

 Other: __________________________________

 Stream crossed without any structure

Stream Crossing BMPs for Culverts on Forest Roads (p.69)

C-m. Were culverts used as stream crossing structures on the 

forest roads? 

 Yes.

Go to next question.

 No. 

Go to Question C-o.

C-n. Which of the following best describe the stream crossing 

structure(s)?

 New culvert(s) were installed. Go to next question.

 Existing culvert(s) were used. Go to Question 63.

 Both new and existing culvert(s) were used. Go to next 

question.

58. Install culverts that extend at least 1 foot beyond the road 

fill.

59. Install culverts that are large enough to pass flood flows.

60. Install culverts so there in no change in the stream bottom 

elevation. Culverts should not dam or pool water.

61. Firmly compact material around culverts, particularly the 

bottom half. To prevent crushing, cover the top of culverts 

with fill to a depth of 1/3 the culvert diameter or at least 12 

inches, whichever is greater.

62. Use riprap around the inlet and outlet of culverts to prevent 

water from eroding and undercutting the culvert.
52

63. Keep culverts clear and free of debris so that water can pass 

unimpeded at all times.

Stream Crossing BMPs for Fords on Forest Roads (p. 70)

C-o. Were fords installed as stream crossing structures on the 

forest roads?

 Yes. 

Go to next question.

 No. 

Go to Question C-p.

64. Locate fords where stream banks are low.

65. Locate where the stream bed has a firm rock or gravel 

streambed.

Temporary Stream Crossing BMPs on Forest Roads (p. 71)

C-p. Were temporary stream crossing structures installed on 

 the forest roads?

 Yes. 

Go to next question.

 No. 

Go to Section D – Timber 

Harvesting.

66. Use temporary stream crossings such as timber mats, pole 

fords, or frozen fords when appropriate.

67. Anchor temporary structures on one end with a cable or 

other device so they do not float away during high water.

D. Timber Harvesting

Landings BMPs (p. 74)

D-a. Were there any existing landings available for this timber 

sale?

 Yes. 

Go to next question.

 No. 

Go to Question 69.

68. Use existing landings if possible.

69. Locate landings on frozen ground or on firm well-drained 

soils with a slight slope or that have been shaped to promote 

efficient drainage.

70. Locate residue piles (sawdust, chipping residue, and other 

material) away from areas where runoff may wash residue 

into streams, lakes or wetlands.

Skid Trail BMPs (p. 39)

71. Where possible, keep skid trail grades less than 15%. Where 

steep grades are unavoidable, break the grade and install 

drainage structures at recommended intervals. Grades greater 

than 15% should not exceed 300 feet in length.

72. Use existing skid trails if they provide the best long-term 

access.

General Timber Harvesting BMPs (p. 76)

73. Limit the length and number of skid trails, landing, and 

stream crossing to the minimum necessary for conducting 

the harvest operation and to meet the landowner’s objectives.

74. Whenever possible, winch logs up steep slopes if 

conventional skidding could cause erosion that affects water 

quality.

75. Avoid operating equipment where excessive soil 

compaction, rutting, or channelized runoff may cause 

erosion that affects water quality.
53

76. Fill in ruts, apply seed and mulch, and install sediment 

control structures and drainage structures on skid trails and 

landings where needed to prevent erosion and sedimentation 

into surface waters.

77. Inspect soil stabilization practices periodically during and 

after harvest operations to insure that they are successful and 

remain functional.

78. Do not dispose of or pile slash in areas where runoff may 

wash slash into lakes, streams, or wetlands.

79. For winter harvesting, mark stream channels, dry washes, 

and existing culvert locations before snowfall.

Dry Wash BMPs (p.78)

D-b. Are there any dry washes associated with the timber 

 harvest?

 Yes.

Go to next question.

 No. 

Go to Question D-c.

80. Use selection harvests or patch clear-cuts within 35 feet of 

the dry wash to promote tree species appropriate to the site.

81. Avoid locating roads and landings within 35 feet of the dry 

wash unless necessary for crossings.

82. Operate wheeled or tracked equipment within 15 feet of the 

dry wash only when the ground is frozen or dry.

83. Do not harvest fine woody material within 15 feet of the dry 

wash.

84. Minimize soil exposure and compaction to protect ground 

vegetation and the duff layer.

85. Avoid cabling logs across the dry wash, where feasible, to 

prevent damage to the banks of the dry wash.

General BMPs for Stream Crossings on Skid Trails (p. 67-68)

D-c. Are there any stream crossings associated with the skid 

trails?

 Yes. 

Go to next question.

 No. 

Go to Section E – Wetlands.

D-d. Which of the following best describe the stream crossing?

 New crossing used. Go to next question.

 Existing stream crossing used. Go to Question 92.

 Both new and existing stream crossings used. Go to next 

question.

86. Identify optimum stream crossing locations: straight and 

narrow stream channels; low banks; firm rocky soil; keep 

approaches at the least gradient possible.

87. Install stream crossing structures at right angles to the stream 

channel.

88. Install stream crossings using materials that are clean, nonerodible and non-toxic to aquatic life.

89. Minimize channel changes and the amount of excavation or 

fill needed at the crossing.

90. Limit construction activity in the streambed to periods of 

low or normal flow. Keep use of equipment in the stream to 

a minimum.

91. Use soil stabilization practices on exposed soil at stream 

crossings.

92. Design, construct and maintain stream crossings to avoid 

disrupting the migration/movement of fish and other aquatic 

life.

93. Use diversion ditches, broad-based dips, or other practices 

on the road approaches to prevent road runoff from entering 

the stream.
54

94. Stabilize approaches to crossings with aggregate or other 

suitable material to reduce sediment entering the stream.

D-e. What type of stream crossings were used on the skid trails?

 Bridges

 Culverts

 Fords

 Pole fords (PVC or logs)

 Timber mats

 Frozen snow/ice crossing

 Other: __________________________________

 Stream crossed without any structure

Stream Crossing BMPs for Culverts on Skid Trails (p. 69) 

D-f. Were pipe culverts used for crossing streams on skid trails?  Yes. 

Go to next question.

 No. 

Go to Question D-h.

D-g. Which of the following best describe the stream crossing 

structure(s)?

 New culvert(s) were installed. Go to next question.

 Existing culvert(s) were used. Go to Question 100.

 Both new and existing culvert(s) were used. Go to next 

question.

95. Install culverts that extend at least 1 foot beyond the road 

fill.

96. Install culverts that are large enough to pass flood flows.

97. Install culverts so there in no change in the stream bottom 

elevation. Culverts should not dam or pool water.

98. Firmly compact material around culverts, particularly the 

bottom half. To prevent crushing, cover the top of culverts 

with fill to a depth of 1/3 the culvert diameter or at least 12 

inches, whichever is greater.

99. Use riprap around the inlet and outlet of culverts to prevent 

water from eroding and undercutting the culvert.

100. Keep culverts clear and free of debris so that water can pass 

unimpeded at all times.

Fords for Stream Crossings on Skid Trails (p. 27 & 40)

D-h. Were fords used for crossing streams on skid trails?  Yes. 

Go to next question.

 No. 

Go to Question D-j.

D-i. Which of the following best describe the stream crossing 

structure(s)?

 New ford(s) were installed. Go to next question.

 Existing ford(s) were used. Go to Question D-h.

 Both new and existing ford(s) were used. Go to next 

question.

101. Locate fords where stream banks are low.

102. Locate where the stream bed has a firm rock or gravel 

streambed.
55

Temporary Stream Crossing BMPs on Skid Trails (p. 71)

D-j. Were temporary stream crossing structures installed on 

 skid trails?

 Yes. 

Go to next question.

 No. 

Go to Section E – Wetlands.

103. Use temporary stream crossings such as timber mats, pole 

fords, or frozen fords when appropriate.

104. Anchor temporary structures on one end with a cable or 

other device so they do not float away during high water.

E. Wetlands

General Wetland BMPs (p.100)

E-a. Is there a wetland present?

 Yes. 

Go to next question.

 No. 

Go to Section F –

Supplemental Questions.

105. Whenever practical, avoid locating roads and landings in 

wetlands; otherwise use extreme caution.

106. Whenever possible, forest management activities in wetlands 

should occur on frozen ground to minimize rutting. 

107. Do not dispose of or move upland slash into a wetland. Slash 

from trees harvested within the wetland may remain in the 

wetland. 

E-b. What best describes the source of slash deposition in 

 the wetland?

 Slash was moved into the wetland from the uplands.

 Slash was from trees harvested in the wetlands.

 No slash was left in the wetland.

108. Keep slash out of open water.

109. Whenever practical, avoid equipment maintenance and 

fueling in wetlands.

Wetland Filter Strip BMPs (p.101)

110. Whenever practical, avoid locating roads and landings in the 

wetland filter strip; otherwise use extreme caution.

111. Minimize soil exposure and compaction to protect the 

ground vegetation and the duff layer in the wetland filter 

strip.

112. Operate equipment in the wetland filter strip only when the 

ground is firm or frozen.

Wetland Roads, Skid Trails, and Landings (pp. 105-108)

E-c. Were any wetlands crossed to access or to harvest the timber 

sale or were any wetlands used as landings?

 Yes. 

Go to next question.

 No. 

Go to Section F –

Supplemental Questions.

113. Construct upland approaches to the wetland so the surface 

runoff is diverted away from the road approach prior to 

reaching the wetland.

114. If landings are necessary in a wetland, build them to the 

minimum size required for the operation and to achieve the 

landowner’s objective.
56

115. Avoid operating equipment in areas of open water, springs, 

or seeps.

116. Provide for adequate cross-road drainage in roads to 

minimize changes to natural surface and subsurface flow in 

the wetland.

117. Use low ground pressure equipment, such as wide tire or 

tracked equipment, if necessary to minimize rutting.

118. Minimize rutting in wetlands by conducting forestry 

activities on firm or frozen ground that can support the 

equipment.

119. Cease equipment operations when rutting becomes 

excessive.

F. Supplemental Questions

Water Resources

F-a. Are there any springs or seeps present?  Yes. 

Go to next question.

 No. 

Go to Question F-d.

F-b. Was there a skid trail or forest road in a spring or seep?  Yes. 

Go to next question.

 No. 

Go to Question F-d.

F-c. What was the impact on the spring or seep?

 No adverse impact to water quality.

 Minor short-term impacts to water quality

 Minor long-term impacts to water quality.

 Major short-term impacts to water quality.

 Major long-term impacts to water quality.

Timber Harvesting

F-d. What is the dominant cover type(s) of the harvested area? 

(check all that apply)

 Aspen

 Spruce/Fir

 Pine

 Maple/Basswood

 Oak/Hickory

 Bottomland Hardwoods

 Swamp Conifers

 Other: 

F-e. If the dominant tree species that were harvested are different 

than the dominant cover type, what types of tree species were 

harvested?

 Aspen

 Spruce/Fir

 Pine

 Maple/Basswood

 Oak/Hickory

 Bottomland Hardwoods

 Swamp Conifers

 Other: 

F-f. What best describes the silvicultural prescription(s) used?

 Clearcut

 Clearcut with reserves

 Shelterwood

 Seedtree

 Selection harvest

 Other: 

F-g. What best describes the timber stand improvements that were 

used, if any.

 Pre-commercial thinning

 Crop tree release

 Other: 

 None

 Shortwood (cut-to-length)

F-h. What best describes the type of harvesting system(s) used?  Tree-length (pole skidding)
57

(check all that apply)  Whole tree (chipping operation)

 Other: 

 Wheeled

F-i. What best describes the logging equipment used?

 Tracked

 Both

 Other:

F-j. Was this a salvage operation?  Yes  No. 

F-k. What season(s) did harvesting occur?

 Spring (March – May)

 Summer (June – August)

 Fall (September – November)

 Winter (December – February)

 Unknown

Overall Evaluation

F-l. What were some of the positive aspects of this timber sale?

F-m. With respect to water quality, what could have been done better?

F-n. How would you rate this site for the overall application of 

BMPs for water quality?

 1 = Total negligence

 2 = Poor

 3 = Average

 4 = Good

 5 = Excellent

F-o. How would you rate this site for its overall impact on water 

quality?

 1 = Severe impacts to water quality

 2 = Moderate impacts to water quality

 3 = Slight impacts to water quality

 4 = Negligible impacts to water quality

 5 = No visible impacts to water quality
58

GPS and Photo Waypoint Log

(Important for documenting waypoint data)

Lat/Long/Waypoint Name Description of Waypoint and Photo Date and Time
59

Appendix F-1: State Results

Timber Sales

Application 

Rating

Effectiveness 

Rating

BMP Application Total

No 

Adverse

Impact

Minor

ShortTerm

Impact

Minor 

LongTerm

Impact

Major

ShortTerm 

Impact

Major

LongTerm

Impact

Summary of 

ALL BMPs

Not Applicable 3785

Insufficient 

Information 32

Applied Correctly 1147 1147 0 0 0 0

Applied Incorrectly 8 2 6 0 0 0

Not Applied 26 21 3 2 0 0

Fuels, Lubricants, Waste, and Spills

1. Designate soecific areas for 

equipment maintenance and 

fueling. Locate these areas on level 

terrain, a minimum of 100 feet 

from all lakes and streams.

Not Applicable 0

Insufficient 

Information 0

Applied Correctly 42 42 0 0 0 0

Applied Incorrectly 0 0 0 0 0 0

Not Applied 0 0 0 0 0 0

2. Collect all waste lubricants, 

containers and trash (i.e. grease 

cartridges). 

Not Applicable 0

Insufficient 

Information 0

Applied Correctly 42 42 0 0 0 0

Applied Incorrectly 0 0 0 0 0 0

Not Applied 0 0 0 0 0 0

Riparian Management Zones

3. Locate roads outside the RMZ, 

unless necessary for stream 

crossings.

Not Applicable 14

Insufficient 

Information 0

Applied Correctly 27 27 0 0 0 0

Applied Incorrectly 0 0 0 0 0 0

Not Applied 1 1 0 0 0 0

4. Locate landings outside the RMZ. Not Applicable 8

Insufficient 

Information 0

Applied Correctly 34 34 0 0 0 0

Applied Incorrectly 0 0 0 0 0 0

Not Applied 0 0 0 0 0 0

5. Do not dispose of or pile slash 

within the RMZ.

Not Applicable 9

Insufficient 

Information 1

Applied Correctly 31 31 0 0 0 0

Applied Incorrectly 1 1 0 0 0 0

Not Applied 0 0 0 0 0 0

6. Minimize soil exposure and 

compaction to protect ground 

vegetation and the duff layer.

Not Applicable 12

Insufficient 

Information 1

Applied Correctly 29 29 0 0 0 0
60

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

7. Do not operate wheeled or 

tracked equipment within 15 feet 

of the ordinary high water mark 

(OHWM) except on roads or at 

stream crossings. 

Not Applicable 15

Insufficient 

Information1

Applied Correctly 26 260000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

8. Operate wheeled or tracked 

equipment within 15 to 50 feet of 

the OHWM when the ground is 

frozen or dry.

Not Applicable 19

Insufficient 

Information1

Applied Correctly 22 220000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

9. Do not harvest fine woody 

material within 50 feet of the 

OHWM.

Not Applicable 30

Insufficient 

Information1

Applied Correctly 11 110000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

10. Use selection harvests and 

promote long-lived tree species 

appropriate to the site.

Not Applicable 22

Insufficient 

Information1

Applied Correctly 17 170000

Applied Incorrectly110000

Not Applied110000

11. Harvesting intervals should be a 

minimum of every 10 years.

Not Applicable 18

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly 24 240000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

12. Harvesting plans should leave 

at least 60 ft2 of basal area per 

acre in trees 5 inches DBH and 

larger, evenly distributed.

Not Applicable 21

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly 19 190000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied211000

13. Develop trees 12 inches DBH 

and larger.

Not Applicable 23

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly 19 190000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

14. Operate wheeled or tracked 

harvesting equipment within 15 

feet of the ordinary high water 

mark (OHWM), only when the 

ground is frozen or dry. 

Not Applicable 39

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly330000

Applied Incorrectly000000
61

Not Applied000000

15. Do not harvest fine woody 

material within 15 feet of the 

OHWM.

Not Applicable 40

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly220000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

16. Use selection harvests and 

promote long-lived tree species 

appropriate to the site.

Not Applicable 39

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly220000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied110000

17. Harvesting intervals should be a 

minimum of every 10 years.

Not Applicable 39

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly330000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

18. Harvesting plans should leave 

at least 60 ft2 of basal area per 

acre in trees 5 inches DBH and 

larger, evenly distributed.

Not Applicable 39

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly220000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied110000

19. Operate wheeled or tracked 

harvesting equipment within 15 

feet of the ordinary high-water 

mark (OHWM) only when the 

ground is frozen or dry.

Not Applicable 40

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly220000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

20. Do not harvest fine woody 

material within 15 feet of the 

OHWM.

Not Applicable 41

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly110000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

Forest Roads

21. Use existing roads when they 

provide the best long- term access. 

Not Applicable 12

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly 30 300000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

22. Select road locations that allow 

for drainage away from the road.

Not Applicable 32

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly 10 100000

Applied Incorrectly000000
62

Not Applied000000

23. Where possible, locate roads on 

well-drained soils.

Not Applicable 31

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly 11 110000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

24. Minimize the number of 

stream, dry wash, and wetland 

crossings. 

Not Applicable 34

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly880000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

25. Locate roads outside of riparian 

management zones and wetland 

filter strips, except at crossings

Not Applicable 31

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly 11 110000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

26. Road grades should not exceed 

10%. If road grades greater than 

10% are necessary, limit grade 

length or break the grade using 

drainage structures.

Not Applicable 33

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly880000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied100100

27. Construct roads to follow 

natural contours and minimize cut 

and fills. 

Not Applicable 32

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly 10 100000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

28. Construct roads to remove 

water from road surfaces.

Not Applicable 32

Insufficient 

Information1

Applied Correctly990000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

29. Construct stable cut and fill 

slopes that will re-vegetate easily, 

either naturally or artificially.

Not Applicable 37

Insufficient 

Information1

Applied Correctly330000

Applied Incorrectly101000

Not Applied000000

30. Do not bury debris in the road 

base.

Not Applicable 32

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly 10 100000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000
63

31. Install drainage structures to 

remove water from road surface 

and ditches.

Not Applicable 37

Insufficient 

Information1

Applied Correctly330000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied100100

32. Install a berm at the inlets of 

drainage structures, if needed, to 

direct water into the structures.

Not Applicable 42

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly000000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

33. Provide erosion protection at 

the outlets of drainage structures 

to minimize erosion and disperse 

the water.

Not Applicable 40

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly220000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

34. Install drainage structures at 

grades of at least 2% more than the 

ditch grade and at a 30 to 45 

degree angle to the road.

Not Applicable 39

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly330000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

35. Check drainage structures to 

ensure that they are not filling with 

sediment or other debris. Clean if 

needed.

Not Applicable 40

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly220000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

36. Install cross drain culverts long 

enough to extend beyond the road 

fill.

Not Applicable 41

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly110000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

37. Construct broad-based dips 

deep enough to provide adequate 

drainage and wide enough to allow 

trucks and equipment to pass 

safely.

Not Applicable 42

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly000000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

38. Use seed, mulch and/or erosion 

control netting where necessary to 

minimize soil erosion into lakes, 

streams and wetlands.

Not Applicable 31

Insufficient 

Information1

Applied Correctly990000

Applied Incorrectly101000

Not Applied000000

39. Install sediment control Not Applicable 41
64

structures where necessary to slow 

the flow of runoff and trap 

sediment until vegetation is 

established at the sediment source. 

Insufficient 

Information1

Applied Correctly000000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

40. Maintain, clean and/or replace 

sediment control structures until 

areas of exposed soil are stabilized.

Not Applicable 41

Insufficient 

Information1

Applied Correctly000000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

41. Inspect the road system at 

regular intervals. Clear debris from 

drainage structures to prevent 

clogging that can lead to washouts.

Not Applicable 31

Insufficient 

Information2

Applied Correctly990000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

42. Keep traffic to a minimum 

during wet periods and spring 

break-up to reduce maintenance 

needs.

Not Applicable 29

Insufficient 

Information2

Applied Correctly 10 100000

Applied Incorrectly110000

Not Applied000000

43. Shape road surfaces 

periodically to maintain proper 

surface drainage. Fill in ruts and 

holes with gravel or compacted fill 

as soon as possible to reduce 

erosion potential.

Not Applicable 33

Insufficient 

Information2

Applied Correctly550000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied220000

44. Remove berms along the edge 

of the road if they will trap water 

on the road.

Not Applicable 37

Insufficient 

Information2

Applied Correctly310200

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

45. When dust control agents are 

used, apply them in a manner that 

will keep these compounds from 

entering lakes, stream and 

groundwater.

Not Applicable 40

Insufficient 

Information2

Applied Correctly000000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

46. Remove all temporary drainage 

and crossing structures.

Not Applicable 42

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly000000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

47. Shape all road system surfaces 

to maintain proper surface 

Not Applicable 27

Insufficient 0
65

drainage, if necessary. Information

Applied Correctly 15 150000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

48. Inspect and maintain road 

surfaces, drainage structures, and 

crossings to minimize erosion.

Not Applicable 26

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly 15 150000

Applied Incorrectly101000

Not Applied000000

49. Identify optimum stream 

crossing locations: straight and 

narrow stream channels; low 

banks; firm rocky soil; keep 

approaches at the least gradient 

possible.

Not Applicable 42

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly000000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

50. Install stream crossing 

structures at right angles to the 

stream channel.

Not Applicable 42

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly000000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

51. Install stream crossings using 

materials that are clean, non-

erodible and non-toxic to aquatic 

life.

Not Applicable 42

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly000000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

52. Minimize channel changes and 

the amount of excavation or fill 

needed at the crossing.

Not Applicable 42

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly000000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

53. Limit construction activity in 

the streambed to periods of low or 

normal flow. Keep use of 

equipment in the stream to a 

minimum.

Not Applicable 42

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly000000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

54. Use soil stabilization practices 

on exposed soil at stream 

crossings.

Not Applicable 42

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly000000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

55. Design, construct and maintain 

stream crossings to avoid 

disrupting the 

Not Applicable 41

Insufficient 

Information0
66

migration/movement of fish and 

other aquatic life.

Applied Correctly110000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

56. Use diversion ditches, broad-

based dips, or other practices on 

the road approaches to prevent 

road runoff from entering the 

stream.

Not Applicable 42

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly000000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

57. Stabilize approaches to 

crossings with aggregate or other 

suitable material to reduce 

sediment entering the stream.

Not Applicable 41

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly110000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

58. Install culverts that extend at 

least 1 foot beyond the road fill.

Not Applicable 42

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly000000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

59. Install culverts that are large 

enough to pass flood flows.

Not Applicable 42

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly000000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

60. Install culverts so there in no 

change in the stream bottom 

elevation. Culverts should not dam 

or pool water.

Not Applicable 42

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly000000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

61. Firmly compact material around 

culverts, particularly the bottom 

half. To prevent crushing, cover the 

top of culverts with fill to a depth 

of 1/3 the culvert diameter or at 

least 12 inches, whichever is 

greater.

Not Applicable 42

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly000000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

62. Use riprap around the inlet and 

outlet of culverts to prevent water 

from eroding and undercutting the 

culvert.

Not Applicable 42

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly000000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

63. Keep culverts clear and free of 

debris so that water can pass 

unimpeded at all times.

Not Applicable 42

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly000000
67

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

64. Locate fords where stream 

banks are low.

Not Applicable 42

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly000000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

65. Locate where the stream bed 

has a firm rock or gravel 

streambed.

Not Applicable 42

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly000000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

66. Use temporary stream 

crossings such as timber mats, pole 

fords, or frozen fords when 

appropriate.

Not Applicable 42

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly000000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

67. Anchor temporary structures 

on one end with a cable or other 

device so they do not float away 

during high water.

Not Applicable 42

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly000000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

Timber Harvesting

68. Use existing landings if possible. Not Applicable 23

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly 19 190000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

69. Locate landings on frozen 

ground or on firm well-drained soils 

with a slight slope or that have 

been shaped to promote efficient 

drainage.

Not Applicable0

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly 42 420000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

70. Locate residue piles (sawdust, 

chipping residue, and other 

material) away from areas where 

runoff may wash residue into 

streams, lakes or wetlands.

Not Applicable 12

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly 30 300000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

71. Where possible, keep skid trail 

grades less than 15%. Where steep 

grades are unavoidable, break the 

grade and install drainage 

Not Applicable 15

Insufficient 

Information1

Applied Correctly 26 260000
68

structures at recommended 

intervals. Grades greater than 15% 

should not exceed 300 feet in 

length.

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

72. Use existing skid trails if they 

provide the best long-term access.

Not Applicable 24

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly 18 180000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

73. Limit the length and number of 

skid trails, landing, and stream 

crossing to the minimum necessary 

for conducting the harvest 

operation and to meet the 

landowner’s objectives.

Not Applicable1

Insufficient 

Information1

Applied Correctly 40 400000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

74. Whenever possible, winch logs 

up steep slopes if conventional 

skidding could cause erosion that 

affects water quality.

Not Applicable 40

Insufficient 

Information1

Applied Correctly110000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

75. Avoid operating equipment 

where excessive soil compaction, 

rutting, or channelized runoff may 

cause erosion that affects water 

quality.

Not Applicable2

Insufficient 

Information1

Applied Correctly 39 390000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

76. Fill in ruts, apply seed and 

mulch, and install sediment control 

structures and drainage structures 

on skid trails and landings where 

needed to prevent erosion and 

sedimentation into surface waters.

Not Applicable 34

Insufficient 

Information1

Applied Correctly770000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

77. Inspect soil stabilization 

practices periodically during and 

after harvest operations to insure 

that they are successful and remain 

functional.

Not Applicable 31

Insufficient 

Information1

Applied Correctly 10 100000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

78. Do not dispose of or pile slash 

in areas where runoff may wash 

slash into lakes, streams, or 

wetlands.

Not Applicable3

Insufficient 

Information1

Applied Correctly 37 370000

Applied Incorrectly101000

Not Applied000000

79. For winter harvesting, mark 

stream channels, dry washes, and 

existing culvert locations before 

snowfall.

Not Applicable 33

Insufficient 

Information1

Applied Correctly770000
69

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied110000

80. Use selection harvests or patch 

clear-cuts within 35 feet of the dry 

wash to promote tree species 

appropriate to the site.

Not Applicable 42

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly000000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

81. Avoid locating roads and 

landings within 35 feet of the dry 

wash unless necessary for 

crossings.

Not Applicable 42

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly000000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

82. Operate wheeled or tracked 

equipment within 15 feet of the dry 

wash only when the ground is 

frozen or dry.

Not Applicable 42

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly000000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

83. Do not harvest fine woody 

material within 15 feet of the dry 

wash.

Not Applicable 42

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly000000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

84. Minimize soil exposure and 

compaction to protect ground 

vegetation and the duff layer.

Not Applicable 42

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly000000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

85. Avoid cabling logs across the 

dry wash, where feasible, to 

prevent damage to the banks of 

the dry wash.

Not Applicable 42

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly000000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

86. Identify optimum stream 

crossing locations: straight and 

narrow stream channels; low 

banks; firm rocky soil; keep 

approaches at the least gradient 

possible.

Not Applicable 37

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly550000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

87. Install stream crossing 

structures at right angles to the 

stream channel.

Not Applicable 38

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly440000

Applied Incorrectly000000
70

Not Applied000000

88. Install stream crossings using 

materials that are clean, non-

erodible and non-toxic to aquatic 

life.

Not Applicable 38

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly440000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

89. Minimize channel changes and 

the amount of excavation or fill 

needed at the crossing.

Not Applicable 37

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly550000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

90. Limit construction activity in 

the streambed to periods of low or 

normal flow. Keep use of 

equipment in the stream to a 

minimum.

Not Applicable 37

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly550000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

91. Use soil stabilization practices 

on exposed soil at stream 

crossings.

Not Applicable 40

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly110000

Applied Incorrectly101000

Not Applied000000

92. Design, construct and maintain 

stream crossings to avoid 

disrupting the 

migration/movement of fish and 

other aquatic life.

Not Applicable 37

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly550000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

93. Use diversion ditches, broad-

based dips, or other practices on 

the road approaches to prevent 

road runoff from entering the 

stream.

Not Applicable 42

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly000000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

94. Stabilize approaches to 

crossings with aggregate or other 

suitable material to reduce 

sediment entering the stream.

Not Applicable 39

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly220000

Applied Incorrectly101000

Not Applied000000

95. Install culverts that extend at 

least 1 foot beyond the road fill.

Not Applicable 42

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly000000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000
71

96. Install culverts that are large 

enough to pass flood flows.

Not Applicable 42

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly000000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

97. Install culverts so there in no 

change in the stream bottom 

elevation. Culverts should not dam 

or pool water.

Not Applicable 42

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly000000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

98. Firmly compact material around 

culverts, particularly the bottom 

half. To prevent crushing, cover the 

top of culverts with fill to a depth 

of 1/3 the culvert diameter or at 

least 12 inches, whichever is 

greater.

Not Applicable 42

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly000000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

99. Use riprap around the inlet and 

outlet of culverts to prevent water 

from eroding and undercutting the 

culvert.

Not Applicable 42

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly000000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

100. Keep culverts clear and free of 

debris so that water can pass 

unimpeded at all times.

Not Applicable 42

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly000000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

101. Locate fords where stream 

banks are low.

Not Applicable 39

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly330000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

102. Locate where the stream bed 

has a firm rock or gravel 

streambed.

Not Applicable 40

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly220000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

103. Use temporary stream 

crossings such as timber mats, pole 

fords, or frozen fords when 

appropriate.

Not Applicable 37

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly550000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

104. Anchor temporary structures Not Applicable 38
72

on one end with a cable or other 

device so they do not float away 

during high water.

Insufficient 

Information1

Applied Correctly000000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied330000

Wetlands

105. Whenever practical, avoid 

locating roads and landings in 

wetlands; otherwise use extreme 

caution.

Not Applicable8

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly 34 340000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

106. Whenever possible, forest 

management activities in wetlands 

should occur on frozen ground to 

minimize rutting. 

Not Applicable 20

Insufficient 

Information1

Applied Correctly 18 180000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied321000

107. Do not dispose of or move 

upland slash into a wetland. Slash 

from trees harvested within the 

wetland may remain in the 

wetland. 

Not Applicable8

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly 32 320000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied220000

108. Keep slash out of open water. Not Applicable 19

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly 22 220000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied101000

109. Whenever practical, avoid 

equipment maintenance and 

fueling in wetlands.

Not Applicable9

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly 33 330000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

110. Whenever practical, avoid 

locating roads and landings in the 

wetland filter strip; otherwise use 

extreme caution.

Not Applicable9

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly 33 330000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

111. Minimize soil exposure and 

compaction to protect the ground 

vegetation and the duff layer in the 

wetland filter strip.

Not Applicable8

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly 34 340000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

112. Operate equipment in the Not Applicable 12
73

wetland filter strip only when the 

ground is firm or frozen.

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly 30 300000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

113. Construct upland approaches 

to the wetland so the surface 

runoff is diverted away from the 

road approach prior to reaching 

the wetland.

Not Applicable 35

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly550000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied220000

114. If landings are necessary in a 

wetland, build them to the 

minimum size required for the 

operation and to achieve the 

landowner’s objective.

Not Applicable 41

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly110000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

115. Avoid operating equipment in 

areas of open water, springs, or 

seeps.

Not Applicable 35

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly770000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

116. Provide for adequate cross-

road drainage in roads to minimize 

changes to natural surface and 

subsurface flow in the wetland.

Not Applicable 39

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly330000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

117. Use low ground pressure 

equipment, such as wide tire or 

tracked equipment, if necessary to 

minimize rutting.

Not Applicable 30

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly 11 110000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied110000

118. Minimize rutting in wetlands 

by conducting forestry activities on 

firm or frozen ground that can 

support the equipment.

Not Applicable 29

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly 13 130000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

119. Cease equipment operations 

when rutting becomes excessive.

Not Applicable 33

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly990000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000
74

Appendix F-2: County Sales

Timber Sales

Application 

Rating

Effectiveness 

Rating

BMP BMP Application Total

No 

Adverse

Impact

Minor

ShortTerm

Impact

Minor 

LongTerm

Impact

Major

ShortTerm 

Impact

Major

LongTerm

Impact

Summary of 

ALL BMPs

Not Applicable 2686

Insufficient 

Information 6

Applied Correctly 1152 1143 8 1 0 0

Applied Incorrectly 21 2 9 10 0 0

Not Applied 62 23 10 28 1 0

Fuels, Lubricants, Waste, and 

Spills

1. Designate soecific areas for 

equipment maintenance and 

fueling. Locate these areas on level 

terrain, a minimum of 100 feet 

from all lakes and streams.

Not Applicable 0

Insufficient 

Information 2

Applied Correctly 31 31 0 0 0 0

Applied Incorrectly 0 0 0 0 0 0

Not Applied 0 0 0 0 0 0

2. Collect all waste lubricants, 

containers and trash (i.e. grease 

cartridges). 

Not Applicable 0

Insufficient 

Information 0

Applied Correctly 32 32 0 0 0 0

Applied Incorrectly 0 0 0 0 0 0

Not Applied 1 0 0 1 0 0

Riparian Management Zones

3. Locate roads outside the RMZ, 

unless necessary for stream 

crossings.

Not Applicable 4

Insufficient 

Information 0

Applied Correctly 29 29 0 0 0 0

Applied Incorrectly 0 0 0 0 0 0

Not Applied 0 0 0 0 0 0

4. Locate landings outside the 

RMZ.

Not Applicable 3

Insufficient 

Information 0

Applied Correctly 30 30 0 0 0 0

Applied Incorrectly 0 0 0 0 0 0

Not Applied 0 0 0 0 0 0

5. Do not dispose of or pile slash 

within the RMZ.

Not Applicable 4

Insufficient 

Information 0

Applied Correctly 28 28 0 0 0 0

Applied Incorrectly 0 0 0 0 0 0

Not Applied 1 1 0 0 0 0

6. Minimize soil exposure and 

compaction to protect ground 

Not Applicable 4

Insufficient 0
75

vegetation and the duff layer. Information

Applied Correctly 29 281000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

7. Do not operate wheeled or 

tracked equipment within 15 feet 

of the ordinary high water mark 

(OHWM) except on roads or at 

stream crossings. 

Not Applicable 10

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly 23 230000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

8. Operate wheeled or tracked 

equipment within 15 to 50 feet of 

the OHWM when the ground is 

frozen or dry.

Not Applicable 12

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly 21 201000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

9. Do not harvest fine woody 

material within 50 feet of the 

OHWM.

Not Applicable 15

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly 18 180000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

10. Use selection harvests and 

promote long-lived tree species 

appropriate to the site.

Not Applicable 16

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly 17 170000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

11. Harvesting intervals should be 

a minimum of every 10 years.

Not Applicable 11

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly 22 220000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

12. Harvesting plans should leave 

at least 60 ft2 of basal area per 

acre in trees 5 inches DBH and 

larger, evenly distributed.

Not Applicable 13

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly 18 180000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied220000

13. Develop trees 12 inches DBH 

and larger.

Not Applicable 15

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly 18 180000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

14. Operate wheeled or tracked 

harvesting equipment within 15 

feet of the ordinary high water 

Not Applicable 26

Insufficient 

Information0
76

mark (OHWM), only when the 

ground is frozen or dry. 

Applied Correctly770000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

15. Do not harvest fine woody 

material within 15 feet of the 

OHWM.

Not Applicable 26

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly770000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

16. Use selection harvests and 

promote long-lived tree species 

appropriate to the site.

Not Applicable 26

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly770000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

17. Harvesting intervals should be 

a minimum of every 10 years.

Not Applicable 26

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly770000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

18. Harvesting plans should leave 

at least 60 ft2 of basal area per 

acre in trees 5 inches DBH and 

larger, evenly distributed.

Not Applicable 27

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly660000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

19. Operate wheeled or tracked 

harvesting equipment within 15 

feet of the ordinary high-water 

mark (OHWM) only when the 

ground is frozen or dry.

Not Applicable 31

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly220000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

20. Do not harvest fine woody 

material within 15 feet of the 

OHWM.

Not Applicable 31

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly220000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

Forest Roads

21. Use existing roads when they 

provide the best long- term access. 

Not Applicable3

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly 30 300000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

22. Select road locations that allow 

for drainage away from the road.

Not Applicable 19

Insufficient 

Information0
77

Applied Correctly 13 121000

Applied Incorrectly110000

Not Applied000000

23. Where possible, locate roads 

on well-drained soils.

Not Applicable 18

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly 15 150000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

24. Minimize the number of 

stream, dry wash, and wetland 

crossings. 

Not Applicable 19

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly 14 140000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

25. Locate roads outside of riparian 

management zones and wetland 

filter strips, except at crossings

Not Applicable 18

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly 15 150000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

26. Road grades should not exceed 

10%. If road grades greater than 

10% are necessary, limit grade 

length or break the grade using 

drainage structures.

Not Applicable 21

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly 11 110000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied100010

27. Construct roads to follow 

natural contours and minimize cut 

and fills. 

Not Applicable 18

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly 15 150000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

28. Construct roads to remove 

water from road surfaces.

Not Applicable 18

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly 12 120000

Applied Incorrectly311100

Not Applied000000

29. Construct stable cut and fill 

slopes that will re-vegetate easily, 

either naturally or artificially.

Not Applicable 25

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly770000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied101000

30. Do not bury debris in the road 

base.

Not Applicable 19

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly 14 140000
78

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

31. Install drainage structures to 

remove water from road surface 

and ditches.

Not Applicable 24

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly660000

Applied Incorrectly201100

Not Applied100100

32. Install a berm at the inlets of 

drainage structures, if needed, to 

direct water into the structures.

Not Applicable 30

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly110000

Applied Incorrectly100100

Not Applied100100

33. Provide erosion protection at 

the outlets of drainage structures 

to minimize erosion and disperse 

the water.

Not Applicable 26

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly550000

Applied Incorrectly201100

Not Applied000000

34. Install drainage structures at 

grades of at least 2% more than 

the ditch grade and at a 30 to 45 

degree angle to the road.

Not Applicable 29

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly220000

Applied Incorrectly100100

Not Applied100100

35. Check drainage structures to 

ensure that they are not filling with 

sediment or other debris. Clean if 

needed.

Not Applicable 26

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly541000

Applied Incorrectly100100

Not Applied100100

36. Install cross drain culverts long 

enough to extend beyond the road 

fill.

Not Applicable 31

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly110000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied100100

37. Construct broad-based dips 

deep enough to provide adequate 

drainage and wide enough to allow 

trucks and equipment to pass 

safely.

Not Applicable 28

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly220000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied302100

38. Use seed, mulch and/or 

erosion control netting where 

necessary to minimize soil erosion 

into lakes, streams and wetlands.

Not Applicable 21

Insufficient 

Information1

Applied Correctly880000

Applied Incorrectly101000
79

Not Applied201100

39. Install sediment control 

structures where necessary to slow 

the flow of runoff and trap 

sediment until vegetation is 

established at the sediment 

source. 

Not Applicable 26

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly440000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied302100

40. Maintain, clean and/or replace 

sediment control structures until 

areas of exposed soil are stabilized.

Not Applicable 30

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly220000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied100100

41. Inspect the road system at 

regular intervals. Clear debris from 

drainage structures to prevent 

clogging that can lead to washouts.

Not Applicable 15

Insufficient 

Information1

Applied Correctly 16 160000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied100100

42. Keep traffic to a minimum 

during wet periods and spring 

break-up to reduce maintenance 

needs.

Not Applicable 12

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly 20 200000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied100100

43. Shape road surfaces 

periodically to maintain proper 

surface drainage. Fill in ruts and 

holes with gravel or compacted fill 

as soon as possible to reduce 

erosion potential.

Not Applicable 12

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly 18 171000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied310200

44. Remove berms along the edge 

of the road if they will trap water 

on the road.

Not Applicable 20

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly 10 100000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied320100

45. When dust control agents are 

used, apply them in a manner that 

will keep these compounds from 

entering lakes, stream and 

groundwater.

Not Applicable 32

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly110000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

46. Remove all temporary drainage 

and crossing structures.

Not Applicable 30

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly330000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000
80

47. Shape all road system surfaces 

to maintain proper surface 

drainage, if necessary.

Not Applicable 26

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly660000

Applied Incorrectly101000

Not Applied000000

48. Inspect and maintain road 

surfaces, drainage structures, and 

crossings to minimize erosion.

Not Applicable 25

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly880000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

49. Identify optimum stream 

crossing locations: straight and 

narrow stream channels; low 

banks; firm rocky soil; keep 

approaches at the least gradient 

possible.

Not Applicable 30

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly330000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

50. Install stream crossing 

structures at right angles to the 

stream channel.

Not Applicable 30

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly330000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

51. Install stream crossings using 

materials that are clean, non-

erodible and non-toxic to aquatic 

life.

Not Applicable 30

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly330000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

52. Minimize channel changes and 

the amount of excavation or fill 

needed at the crossing.

Not Applicable 30

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly330000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

53. Limit construction activity in 

the streambed to periods of low or 

normal flow. Keep use of 

equipment in the stream to a 

minimum.

Not Applicable 30

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly330000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

54. Use soil stabilization practices 

on exposed soil at stream 

crossings.

Not Applicable 31

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly110000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied110000

55. Design, construct and maintain Not Applicable 27
81

stream crossings to avoid 

disrupting the 

migration/movement of fish and 

other aquatic life.

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly110000

Applied Incorrectly101000

Not Applied410300

56. Use diversion ditches, broad-

based dips, or other practices on 

the road approaches to prevent 

road runoff from entering the 

stream.

Not Applicable 30

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly220000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied100100

57. Stabilize approaches to 

crossings with aggregate or other 

suitable material to reduce 

sediment entering the stream.

Not Applicable 27

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly440000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied200200

58. Install culverts that extend at 

least 1 foot beyond the road fill.

Not Applicable 30

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly220000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied110000

59. Install culverts that are large 

enough to pass flood flows.

Not Applicable 30

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly110000

Applied Incorrectly100100

Not Applied110000

60. Install culverts so there in no 

change in the stream bottom 

elevation. Culverts should not dam 

or pool water.

Not Applicable 30

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly220000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied110000

61. Firmly compact material 

around culverts, particularly the 

bottom half. To prevent crushing, 

cover the top of culverts with fill to 

a depth of 1/3 the culvert diameter 

or at least 12 inches, whichever is 

greater.

Not Applicable 31

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly220000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

62. Use riprap around the inlet and 

outlet of culverts to prevent water 

from eroding and undercutting the 

culvert.

Not Applicable 30

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly220000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied110000

63. Keep culverts clear and free of 

debris so that water can pass 

Not Applicable 28

Insufficient 0
82

unimpeded at all times. Information

Applied Correctly330000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied210100

64. Locate fords where stream 

banks are low.

Not Applicable 32

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly000000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied100100

65. Locate where the stream bed 

has a firm rock or gravel 

streambed.

Not Applicable 32

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly000000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied100100

66. Use temporary stream 

crossings such as timber mats, pole 

fords, or frozen fords when 

appropriate.

Not Applicable 32

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly110000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

67. Anchor temporary structures 

on one end with a cable or other 

device so they do not float away 

during high water.

Not Applicable 32

Insufficient 

Information1

Applied Correctly000000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

Timber Harvesting

68. Use existing landings if 

possible.

Not Applicable 13

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly 20 200000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

69. Locate landings on frozen 

ground or on firm well-drained 

soils with a slight slope or that 

have been shaped to promote 

efficient drainage.

Not Applicable1

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly 32 320000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

70. Locate residue piles (sawdust, 

chipping residue, and other 

material) away from areas where 

runoff may wash residue into 

streams, lakes or wetlands.

Not Applicable 10

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly 23 230000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

71. Where possible, keep skid trail 

grades less than 15%. Where steep 

Not Applicable9

Insufficient 0
83

grades are unavoidable, break the 

grade and install drainage 

structures at recommended 

intervals. Grades greater than 15% 

should not exceed 300 feet in 

length.

Information

Applied Correctly 24 240000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

72. Use existing skid trails if they 

provide the best long-term access.

Not Applicable 17

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly 16 160000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

73. Limit the length and number of 

skid trails, landing, and stream 

crossing to the minimum necessary 

for conducting the harvest 

operation and to meet the 

landowner’s objectives.

Not Applicable0

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly 33 330000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

74. Whenever possible, winch logs 

up steep slopes if conventional 

skidding could cause erosion that 

affects water quality.

Not Applicable 25

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly880000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

75. Avoid operating equipment 

where excessive soil compaction, 

rutting, or channelized runoff may 

cause erosion that affects water 

quality.

Not Applicable1

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly 30 300000

Applied Incorrectly100100

Not Applied110000

76. Fill in ruts, apply seed and 

mulch, and install sediment control 

structures and drainage structures 

on skid trails and landings where 

needed to prevent erosion and 

sedimentation into surface waters.

Not Applicable 13

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly 16 160000

Applied Incorrectly101000

Not Applied311100

77. Inspect soil stabilization 

practices periodically during and 

after harvest operations to insure 

that they are successful and 

remain functional.

Not Applicable 16

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly 16 160000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied110000

78. Do not dispose of or pile slash 

in areas where runoff may wash 

slash into lakes, streams, or 

wetlands.

Not Applicable1

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly 32 320000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

79. For winter harvesting, mark 

stream channels, dry washes, and 

Not Applicable 29

Insufficient 0
84

existing culvert locations before 

snowfall.

Information

Applied Correctly440000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

80. Use selection harvests or patch 

clear-cuts within 35 feet of the dry 

wash to promote tree species 

appropriate to the site.

Not Applicable 32

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly110000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

81. Avoid locating roads and 

landings within 35 feet of the dry 

wash unless necessary for 

crossings.

Not Applicable 32

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly110000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

82. Operate wheeled or tracked 

equipment within 15 feet of the 

dry wash only when the ground is 

frozen or dry.

Not Applicable 32

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly110000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

83. Do not harvest fine woody 

material within 15 feet of the dry 

wash.

Not Applicable 32

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly110000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

84. Minimize soil exposure and 

compaction to protect ground 

vegetation and the duff layer.

Not Applicable 32

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly110000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

85. Avoid cabling logs across the 

dry wash, where feasible, to 

prevent damage to the banks of 

the dry wash.

Not Applicable 32

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly110000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

86. Identify optimum stream 

crossing locations: straight and 

narrow stream channels; low 

banks; firm rocky soil; keep 

approaches at the least gradient 

possible.

Not Applicable 31

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly220000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

87. Install stream crossing 

structures at right angles to the 

stream channel.

Not Applicable 32

Insufficient

Information0
85

Applied Correctly110000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

88. Install stream crossings using 

materials that are clean, non-

erodible and non-toxic to aquatic 

life.

Not Applicable 32

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly110000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

89. Minimize channel changes and 

the amount of excavation or fill 

needed at the crossing.

Not Applicable 31

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly220000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

90. Limit construction activity in 

the streambed to periods of low or 

normal flow. Keep use of 

equipment in the stream to a 

minimum.

Not Applicable 32

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly110000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

91. Use soil stabilization practices 

on exposed soil at stream 

crossings.

Not Applicable 31

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly220000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

92. Design, construct and maintain 

stream crossings to avoid 

disrupting the 

migration/movement of fish and 

other aquatic life.

Not Applicable 32

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly000000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied110000

93. Use diversion ditches, broad-

based dips, or other practices on 

the road approaches to prevent 

road runoff from entering the 

stream.

Not Applicable 32

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly110000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

94. Stabilize approaches to

crossings with aggregate or other 

suitable material to reduce 

sediment entering the stream.

Not Applicable 31

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly110000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied101000

95. Install culverts that extend at 

least 1 foot beyond the road fill.

Not Applicable 33

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly000000
86

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

96. Install culverts that are large 

enough to pass flood flows.

Not Applicable 33

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly000000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

97. Install culverts so there in no 

change in the stream bottom 

elevation. Culverts should not dam 

or pool water.

Not Applicable 33

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly000000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

98. Firmly compact material 

around culverts, particularly the 

bottom half. To prevent crushing, 

cover the top of culverts with fill to 

a depth of 1/3 the culvert diameter 

or at least 12 inches, whichever is 

greater.

Not Applicable 33

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly000000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

99. Use riprap around the inlet and 

outlet of culverts to prevent water 

from eroding and undercutting the 

culvert.

Not Applicable 33

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly000000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

100. Keep culverts clear and free of 

debris so that water can pass 

unimpeded at all times.

Not Applicable 33

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly000000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

101. Locate fords where stream 

banks are low.

Not Applicable 32

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly110000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

102. Locate where the stream bed 

has a firm rock or gravel 

streambed.

Not Applicable 32

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly110000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

103. Use temporary stream 

crossings such as timber mats, pole 

fords, or frozen fords when 

appropriate.

Not Applicable 33

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly000000

Applied Incorrectly000000
87

Not Applied000000

104. Anchor temporary structures 

on one end with a cable or other 

device so they do not float away 

during high water.

Not Applicable 33

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly000000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

Wetlands

105. Whenever practical, avoid 

locating roads and landings in 

wetlands; otherwise use extreme 

caution.

Not Applicable5

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly 28 280000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

106. Whenever possible, forest 

management activities in wetlands 

should occur on frozen ground to 

minimize rutting. 

Not Applicable 10

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly 18 180000

Applied Incorrectly201100

Not Applied330000

107. Do not dispose of or move 

upland slash into a wetland. Slash 

from trees harvested within the 

wetland may remain in the 

wetland. 

Not Applicable5

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly 26 260000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied220000

108. Keep slash out of open water. Not Applicable

9

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly 24 240000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

109. Whenever practical, avoid 

equipment maintenance and 

fueling in wetlands.

Not Applicable8

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly 25 250000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

110. Whenever practical, avoid 

locating roads and landings in the 

wetland filter strip; otherwise use 

extreme caution.

Not Applicable 14

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly 19 190000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

111. Minimize soil exposure and 

compaction to protect the ground 

vegetation and the duff layer in the 

wetland filter strip.

Not Applicable 15

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly 18 171000

Applied Incorrectly000000
88

Not Applied000000

112. Operate equipment in the 

wetland filter strip only when the 

ground is firm or frozen.

Not Applicable 17

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly 15 141000

Applied Incorrectly101000

Not Applied000000

113. Construct upland approaches 

to the wetland so the surface 

runoff is diverted away from the 

road approach prior to reaching 

the wetland.

Not Applicable 26

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly660000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied101000

114. If landings are necessary in a 

wetland, build them to the 

minimum size required for the 

operation and to achieve the 

landowner’s objective.

Not Applicable 32

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly110000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

115. Avoid operating equipment in 

areas of open water, springs, or 

seeps.

Not Applicable 23

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly 10 100000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied000000

116. Provide for adequate cross-

road drainage in roads to minimize 

changes to natural surface and 

subsurface flow in the wetland.

Not Applicable 27

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly541000

Applied Incorrectly101000

Not Applied000000

117. Use low ground pressure 

equipment, such as wide tire or 

tracked equipment, if necessary to 

minimize rutting.

Not Applicable 21

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly 11 110000

Applied Incorrectly000000

Not Applied100100

118. Minimize rutting in wetlands 

by conducting forestry activities on 

firm or frozen ground that can 

support the equipment.

Not Applicable 21

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly990000

Applied Incorrectly100100

Not Applied210100

119. Cease equipment operations 

when rutting becomes excessive.

Not Applicable 22

Insufficient 

Information0

Applied Correctly 1090100

Applied Incorrectly100100

Not Applied000000
89