SOIL AND W A TER CONSER VATION PRACTICES HANDBOOK

UNITED STATES DEPARTM E NT OF AGRICULTURE FOREST SERVICE

R-1 M i ssoul a, M ont ana



### R-4 Ogden, Ut ah

Forest Servi ce Handbook 2509.22 SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION PRACTICES HANDBOOK

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FOREST SERVICE HANDBOOK M I SSOULA, M ONTANA OGDEN, UTAH

M a y , 1988

FSH 2509.22 - Soi l and W a t e r C onservat i on Pract i ces Handbook

Tran sm ittal Sh eet

POSTING NOTICE

. A m endm ents to th is title are n u m b e redco n s ecu tiv ely. Ch eck th e last tran sm ittal received for this title to see that the above supplem en t num ber is in sequence. If not, order intervening supplem ents at once on form 1100-6. Do not post th is supplem ent until the m i ssing one(s) is received and posted. After posting retain this transm ittal until the next supplem ent to this title is received. Place it at the fro n t o f th e title.

Page C ode Superseded New (No. of Sheet s) (Ent i r e Handbook) Title Pag e

- 1 C ont ent s 00--1

- 1 Zero C ode 00--2 thru 05--7

- 6 (En tire Ch ap ter) 0--1 t h ru 18.06

- 51

Digest:

Est abl i s hes a new handbook t o devel op si t e speci fi c soi l and wat e r conservat i on pract i ces for use on Natio n a l Fo rest System lan d s in R-1 an dR-4 to co m p ly with d i rectio n in th e Clean W a ter Act.

JOHN W

. M U M M A R

- 1 R e gi onal Forest er

J. S. TIXIER R

- 4 R e gi onal Forest er

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SOIL AND W A TER CONSER VATION PRACTICES HANDBOOK

C ont ent s

ZERO CODE

CHAPTER

10 Soi l and W a t e r C onservat i on Pract i ces Docum e nt at i o n

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00-2

SOIL AND W A TER CONSER VATION PRACTICES HANDBOOK

ZERO CODE

C ont ent s

01 AUTHORITY

02 OB JEC T IVE

03 POLIC Y

04 RESPONSIBILITY

05 DEFINITIONS

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SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION PRACTICES HANDBOOK

01 - AUTHORITY. The C l ean W a t e r Act of 1972 (Publ i c Law 92-500), as am ended i n 1977 (Publ i c Law 95-217) and 1987 (Publ i c Law 100-4), was i n t e nded by C ongress t o provi de a m eans t o prot ect and im p r o v e th e q u a lity o f th e water reso u r ces an dm a in tain th eir b e n e ficial u s es. Th e Clean W a ter Act (Sect i ons 208 and 319) recogni zed t h e need for cont rol st rat e gi es for nonpoi nt source pol l u t i on. To provi de environm ental protection and im pr ovem e nt em phasis for water and soil resources and water-related beneficial uses, the National N onpoint Source Policy (Decem ber 12, 1984) , the Forest Service Nonpoint Strategy (January 29, 1985), a nd the USDA Nonpoint Source W a ter Quality Policy (Decem ber 5, 1986) were devel oped. Soi l and wat e r c onservat i on pract i ces were recogni zed as th e pri m ary control m echani s m s for nonpoi nt sources of pol l u t i on on Nat i onal Forest Sy st em l a nds. Thi s perspect i v e i s support e d by th e Environm ental Protection Agency (E PA) in their guidance, "Nonpoint S ource Controls and W a ter Quality St andards" (August 19, 1987).

Federal agency com p l i a nce wi t h wat e r Pol l u t i on cont rol m a ndat e s i s addressed th rough Sect i on 313 of th e C l ean W a t e r Act and i n Execut i v e Order 12580 of January 23, 1987. Agency com p l i a nce i s t o be consistent with requirem e nts that apply to "any nongovernm e ntal entity" or private person. Com p liance is
to b e in lin e with "all Fed e ral, State, in terstate, an dlo cal req u i rem e n t s, ad m i n i strativ e au th o r ity, an d process and sanct i ons respect i ng t h e control and abat em en t o f water p o llu tio n " . To co m p ly with State W a ter Qu ality Stan d a rd s, th e Fo rest Serv ice is req u i redto ap p l y water q u a lity p r actices in State Fo rest Practices Regulations, where appli cabl e , reasonabl e l a nd, soi l

, and wat e r conservat i on pract i ces, or specialized best m a nagem e nt practices. All these ty pes of pract i ces are desi gned wi t h consi d erat i on of geology, land type, soil type, erosion hazard, clim ate, cum u lative effect s, and other factors in order to fully prot ect and m a i n t a i n soi l

, wat e r, and wat e r-rel a t e d be nefi ci al uses, and t o prevent or reduce nonpoi nt source p o llu tio n

.

02 - OBJECTIVE . The object i v e of th i s handbook i s t o present a process t o devel op si t e speci fi c conservat i on pract i ces for use on Nat i onal Forest Sy st em l a nds t o m i ni m i ze effect s of m a nagem e nt activities on soil and water resources, and to protect water-related beneficial us es. It describes the appl i cat i on, m oni t o ri ng, eval uat i on, and adjust m e nt of t h ese conservat i on pract i ces. Thi s handbook i s al so t o provi de exam pl es of soi l and wat e r conservat i on pr act i ces whi c h have been t e st ed and have provi ded
p r o t ectio n in sp ecific situ atio n s , an dth at can b e u tilizedo r ad ap tedin d e v e lo p i n g site sp ecific co n s erv a tio n pract i ces. Addi t i onal l y , t h i s handbook i s a suppl em ent a l docum ent t o al l Forest Pl ans.

03 - POLIC Y . The Forest Servi ce m u st be responsi v e t o t h e envi ronm ent a l i n t e nt and di rect i v es provi ded in th e Clean W a ter Act, as am en d e d

, State water q u a lity g o a ls an dstan d a rd s, an do th e r en v i ro n m en tal l e gi sl at i on. As part of i t s l a nd st ewardshi p pol i c y , t h e Forest Servi ce' s m a nagem e nt act i ons m u st be carri ed

o u t in a m a n n e r wh ich p r o t ects th e so il an dwater reso u r ces. Th e Fo rest Serv ice will co n tin u e to co o r d i n a te all m a n a g e m e n t actio n s affectin g water q u a lity an db e n e ficial u s es with State water q u a lity ag en cies an d will provide leadership in nonpoint source pollution control for Forest Managem e nt.

In accordance with the Mu ltiple Use-Sustained Yield Act and ot her legislation (RPA, NFMA, etc.), Natio n a l Fo rest System lan d s are to b e m a n a g e dfo r m u ltip le u s es. Main ten a n ce o f so il an dwater reso u r ces and protection of water-rela ted beneficial uses are am ong those m u ltiple uses. Use of soil and water conservation practices are a m eans to ensure protecti on of those resources and uses, whi l e achi e vi ng other resource object i v es. Appl i cat i on of soi l and wat e r c onservat i on pract i ces t r ansl at es, i n essence, t o good l a nd st ewardshi p.

Pursuant t o Sect i on 208 of th e C l ean W a t e r Act

, al l agenci es whi c h are responsi b l e for carry i ng out any portion of a State W a ter Quality Managem e nt Pl an to m i nim i ze nonpoint source pollution m u st be designated as a W a ter Quality Mana gem e nt Agency. The Forest Serv ice has been recognized as the Desig n a tedW a ter Qu ality Man a g e m e n t Ag en cy fo r Na tio n a l Fo rest System lan d s in th e No rth e rn an d

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Int e rm ount ai n R e gi ons. Thi s handbook has been prepared t o provi de th e Forest Servi ce wi t h a m eans t o

m eet requi rem e nt s for obt ai ni ng and m a i n t a i n i ng t h i s desi gnat i on. 04 - RESPONSIBILITY

.

1

. R e gi onal Forest er . The R e gi onal Forest er shal l :

a. Provi de program gui dance i n soi l and wat e r conservat i on pract i ces.

b. Provi de soi l and wat e r conservat i on pract i ces tr ai ni ng and m a t e ri al s.

c. Coordi nat e wi t h appropri a t e St at e and other Federal agenci es i nvol ved i n wat e r-rel a t e d benefi ci al uses, wat e rshed, m a nagem e nt , and best m a nagem e nt pract i ces.

d. M oni t o r and eval uat e on a regi onal basi s th e im plem entation and effectiveness of soil and
wat e r conservat i on pract i ces.

e. Not i f y t h e St at e of t h e resul t s of m oni t o ri ng and eval uat i on.

2

. F o r e s t Supervi s or . The Forest Supervi s or shal l :

a. Trai n appropri a t e Forest personnel i n deve l opm ent and use of soi l and wat e r conservat i on practices.

b. Coordinate with appropriate State and other Federal agen cies involved in water quality regulation, m a nagem e nt of wa ter-related beneficial uses, wa tershed m a nagem e nt, and best

m a nagem e nt pract i ces.

c. Devel op and i m prove soi l and wat e r conser vat i on pract i ces wi t h respect t o changi ng t echnol ogi es and Forest Servi ce di rect i on.

d. Not i f y t h e R e gi onal Forest er of any devel opm ent or i m provem e nt of soi l and wat e r conservat i on pract i ces

e. Monitor the im plem entation and effectiveness of si t e speci fi c, soi l and wat e r conservat i on practices and suggest an y necessary adjustm e nts.

3

. D i st ri ct R a nger . The District Ranger shall:

a. Devel op and i m pl em ent si t e speci fi c, soi l and wat e r conservat i on pract i ces.

b. Devel op and i m pl em ent si t e speci fi c, soi l and wat e r conservat i on pract i ces on al l resource

m a nagem e nt project s.

c. Monitor the im plem entation and effectiveness of si t e speci fi c, soi l and wat e r conservat i on pract i ces and provi de any necessary adjust m e nt s.

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05 - DEFINITIONS.

1

. L I S T O F A B B R E V I A T I O N S

APD - Ap p licatio n fo r Perm it to Drill BLM - B u reau of Land M a nagem e nt BMP - B e st M a nagem e nt Pract i c e COR - Contracting Officer' s Representative CFR - C ode of Federal R e gul at i ons EA(R) - Envi ronm ent a l Assessm ent (R eport ) EO - Executive Order EPA - Envi ronm ent a l Prot ect i on Agency EIS - Environm ental Im pact Statem ent FAR - Federal Acqui si t i on R e gul at i ons FERC - Federal Energy R e gul at ory C o mm i ssi on FS - Forest Service FSH - Forest Servi ce Handbook FSM - Forest Service M a nual ID - In terd iscip lin ary MO U - M e m o randum of Underst a ndi ng NEPA - Natio n a l En v i ro n m en tal Po licy Act NFM A - Nat i onal Forest M a nagem e nt Act and / o r R e gul at i ons ORV - Off Road Vehicle R-1 - R e gi on 1 (North ern R e gi on) of t h e USDA Forest Servi c e R-4 - R e gi on 4 (Int e rm ount ai n R e gi on) of th e USDA Forest Servi c e RPA - R e source Pl anni ng Act SA - Sale Adm i nistrator SCS - Soi l C onservat i on Servi c e STORET - A sto r ag e an dretriev a l co m p u t er system fo r water q u a lity d a ta ad m i n i steredb y th e Envi ronm ent Prot ect i on Agency SPCC - Spill Prevention Cont rol and Counter Measure SW CP - Spill Prevention Cont rol and Counter Measure TSA - Tim b er Sale Adm i nistrator

2

. G L O S S A RY O F T E R M S

Area Transportation Plan . A p l an th at id en tifies th e tran sp o r tatio n facilities n eed edto m a n a g e th e lan d s and resources for a gi ven area.

Baselin e Data . Dat arepresent a t i v e of a part i c ul ar base pe ri od or concurrent cont rol sam p l e . Norm al l y represent a t i v e of th e undi st urbed, undevel oped st at e.

Beneficial Use . Act u al or pot ent i a l use th at m a y be m a de of th e wat e rs of th e st at e, i n cl udi ng but not necessari l y l i m i t e d t o dom est i c , m uni ci pal

, agri cu l t u ral

, and i ndust r i a l suppl y ; power generat i on; recreation; esthetic enjoym ent; navi gat i on; preservat i on and enhancem ent of fi sh, wi l d l i f e and other aquat i c

resources.

B e st M a nagem e nt Pract i ce (B M P ). A practice or a com b ination of prac tices, that is determ ined by a State (or desi gnat e d area-wi de pl anni ng agency ) aft e r probl em assessm ent, exam ination of alternative practices, and appropri a t e publ i c part i c i p at i on t o be th e m o st effect i v e, pract i cal (i ncl udi ng t echnol ogi cal , econom i c , and institutional considerations) m eans of preventing or reducing the am ount of pollution generated by nonpoint sources to a level com p atible w ith water quality goals (40 CFR 130.2(q)).

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B e st M a nagem e nt Pract i ces as defi ned by St at e re gulation or agreem ent between the State and Forest Service include the following by state:

In Idaho: -Idaho Forest Pract i ces R u l e s and R e gul at i ons. -R

ul es and R e gul at i ons and M i ni m u m St a ndards for Stream Channel Alterations. -Idaho Best Managem e nt Practices fo r Road Activities Handbook--Parts I and II.

In Montana: -B est M a nagem e nt Pract i ces for th e Fl at head R i ver from t h e Fl at head Drai nage 208 Project

, Appendi x A (Onl y appl i cabl e t o t h e Fl athead Nat i onal Forest ). -Best Managem e nt Practices (BMP ' s ) for Forestry in M ontana.

In Nevada: -Handbook of Best Managem e nt Pr actices (Nondesignated Area, W a te r Quality Managem e nt Plan).

In Utah: -B est M a nagem e nt Pract i ces for Nonpoi nt Source Pol l u t i on R e duct i on i n W a t e rs of Summ i t
, W a sat c h and Ut ah C ount i e s. -B est M a nagem e nt Pract i ces for Nonpoi nt Source W a t e r Pol l u t i on Co n t ro l in Utah

. -Salt Lake County W a ter Quality and Polluti on Control: Erosion-Se dim e nt Control Handbook. -Lan dUse v s . W a ter Qu ality - W a satch Stream s.

Carryin g Cap acity . (R ecreat i on): t h e am ount of recreat i on use an area can sust ai n wi t hout det e ri orat i on of site quality; (W ildlife): the m a xim u m num ber of anim als an area can support during a given period of the

y ear; (R ange): t h e m a xi m u m st ocki ng rat e possi bl e w i t hout dam a gi ng t h e veget a t i on or rel a t e d resources. C a rry i ng capaci ty m a y vary from y ear t o y ear on th e sam e area due t o fl uct u at i ng forage product i on.

C ont ract Provi si ons . C ont rol s , const r ai nt s, and/ or general di rect i on i n cl uded i n C ont ract s offered by t h e Forest Service.

Cross Drain/Ditch . A m a n-m a de ditch or channel constructed to intercept surface water runoff and divert it b e fo re th e ru n o ff co n cen trates to ero s iv e v o l u m es an dv e lo cities.

C r owni ng . Form ing a convex road surface which allows runoff to drain from the running surface to both si des of th e road pri s m

.

Cu m u lativ e Effect . The i m pact on th e envi ronm ent whi c h resul t s from the increm ental im pact of the action when added to other past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future acti ons regardless of what agency or person undert akes such other act i on (40 C F R 1508-7).

Degraded W a tershed . A basin which has suffered environm enta l dam a ge, resulting in accelerated soil or veget a t i v e l o ss or chem i cal cont am i n at i on t o t h e quant i f i abl e det r i m ent of other resources.

Desi gnat e d St ream s . A stream or port i on of a stream i d ent i f i e d as warrant i ng speci al consi d erat i on i n

m a n a g e m e n t d ecisio n s an dp r o j ect activ ities. See also Stream o r Stream co u r se.

Fl oodpl ai n . Th e lo wlan dan drelativ ely flat areas ad j o in in g in lan dwaters th at are co v e redb y its waters duri ng fl oodi ng.

Hazardous Substances . M a t e ri al s whi c h by t h ei r nat u re are t oxi c or dangerous t o handl e or di spose of, such as radi oact i v e m a t e ri al s, pet r ol eum product s , pest i c i d es, chem i cal s, and bi ol ogi cal wast es.

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In-Service . Pertains to activities, actions or personnel within the USDA Forest Service.

In terd iscip lin ary Team . A group of individuals from various disciplines or with different skills appropriate
to reso lv e th e issu es o r p r o b l em s id en tified

. Th e team is assem b ledo u t o f reco g n itio n th at n o o n e scien tific d i scip lin e is su fficien tly b r o a dto ad eq u a tely so lv e th e id en tifiedissu e o r p r o b l em . Th e m e m b ers o f th e team proceed to solution with frequent interaction, so that each disciplin e m a y provide insights to any stage of th e probl em and di sci p l i n es m a y com b i n e t o provi de new sol u t i ons.

Line Officer . M a nagem e nt personnel wi t h i n th e Forest Se rvi ce Organi zat i on consi s t i ng of: Secret ary of Agriculture, Chief of Forest Service, R e gi onal Forest ers, Forest Supervi s ors, and Di st ri ct R a ngers. R e fers to the line of authority and responsibility.

Log Landi ng . An area wh ere lo g s are sk id d e do r yard edp r io r to lo ad in g an dtran sp o r tatio n to a m ill.

Mitig ate . To offset or lessen real or potential im pact s or effects through the application of additional
cont rol s or act i ons. C ount er m easures are em pl oy ed t o reduce or el i m i n at e undesi rabl e or unwant e d resul t s

.

M oni t o ri ng . Th e p e rio d i c ev alu a tio n o f reso u r ces o r activ ities o n a rep r esen tativ e sam p le b a sis to estab lish long-term trends, assess the im pacts of land m a nage m e nt activities, determ ine how well objectives have been m e t, and check com p lian ce with estab lish e dstan d a rd s.

NEPA Process . All m easu r es n ecessary fo r co m p lian ce with th e req u i rem e n t s o f sectio n 2 an dTitle I o f th e Nat i onal Envi ronm ent a l Prot ect i on Act (NEPA).

Nonpoi nt Source Pol l u t i o n . Di ffuse sources of wat e r pol l u t i on th at ori g i n at e from m a ny defi nabl e sources

an dn o r m a lly in clu d e ag ricu ltu ral an du r b a n ru n o ff, ru n

- o ff fro m co n s tru c tio n activ ities, etc. In p r actical
t e rm s, nonpoi nt sources do not di scharge at a speci fi c, si ngl e l o cat i on (such as a si ngl e pi pe). Nonpoi nt source pol l u t a nt s are general l y carri ed over or th rough t h e soi l and ground cover vi a st orm f l o w processes. Unl i k e poi nt sources of pol l u t i on (such as i ndust r i a l and m uni ci pal effl uent di scharge pi pes), nonpoi nt

so u r ces are d i ffu se an dcan co m e fro m an y lan darea. Th e fo llo win g silv icu ltu ral activ ities are co n s id ered

t o be nonpoi nt sources of pol l u t i on: nursery operat i ons , si t e preparat i on, refo rest at i on and subsequent cultural treatm e nt, thinning, prescrib ed burning, pest and fi re control, harvest ope ration surface drainage, and road const r uct i on and m a i n t e nance from wh i c h t h ere i s nat u ral runoff (40 C F R 122.27).

Norm al Operating Season . A port i on of a y ear when norm a l t i m ber harvest i ng operat i ons are expect ed t o take place uninterrupted by adverse weather conditions.

Out s l opi ng . Shaping a road to cause drainage to flow towa rd the outside shoulder (g enerally the fill slope), as opposed t o i n sl opi ng whi c h encourages drai nage t o fl ow t o t h e i n si de shoul der (general l y t h e cut sl ope). Em phasi s i s on avoi di ng concent r at ed wat e r fl ow.

Perm ittee . Individual or entity that has received a grazi ng or Special Use Perm it from the Forest Service.

Pesticid e . A g e n e ral term ap p liedto a v a riety o f ch em ical m a terials in clu d i n g in secticid es, h e rb icid es, fungi ci des, and rodent i c i d es.

Po in t So u r ce . Ori g i n at i ng from a di scret e i d ent i f i abl e source or convey a nce. Si l v i c ul t u ral poi nt sources of
p o llu tio n in clu d e th e fo llo win g : ro ck cru s h i n g , g r av el wash in g , an dlo g so rtin g an dsto r ag e facilities wh ere wat e r i s appl i e d i n t e nt i onal l y t o t h e l ogs (40 C F R 122.27).

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Purchaser . Th e en tity wh ich is award e da USDA Fo rest Serv ice co n t ract after b i d d i n g , u s u a lly with

co m p etitio n

. As u s edin tim b e r, th e en tity wh ich h a s p u r ch asedtim b e r as id en tifiedin a tim b e r sale
contract.

Reclam ation . Restablization of land denude d by land m a nagem e nt activities.

Reforestation . The renewal of forest cover by seedi ng, pl ant i ng, or nat u ral m eans. Rev e g e tatio n . The replacem ent of vegetative cover which ha s been harvested or lost due to natural occurrences. Accom p l i s hed ei t h er th rough pl ant i ng of nursery st ock or seedi ng, or th rough nat u ral
processes.

Riparian Areas . Geo g r ap h i cally d e lin eab le areas with d i stin ctive resource values and characteristics that

are com p rised of the aquatic and riparian ecosystem s.

R i pari an Ecosy s t e m . A transition between the aquatic ecosyst em and the adjacent terrestrial ecosystem ; identified by soil characteristics or distinctive vegetation comm unitie s that require free or unbound water.

R i p R a ppi ng . The use of l a rge rock, boul ders, concret e chunks or si m i l a r non-erosi v e, heavy object s as an

arm o ri ng devi ce.

Road Maintenance Plan . A docum ent e d schedul e and program for upkeep of roads t o provi de a l e vel of servi ce for th e user and prot ect i on of resources. Ther e are fi ve l e vel s of m a i n t e nance: Level I bei ng t h e least in ten s e an dLev e l V b e in g th e m o st in ten s iv e.

Ro ck in g . The appl i cat i on of aggregat e t o a roadbed t o pr ovi de strength and a m o re st abl e erosi on resi st ant surface.

Sale Area Map . A m a p of sui t abl e scal e and det a i l t o be l e gi bl e whi c h i s part of a t i m ber sal e cont ract

. The

m a p i d ent i f i e s sal e area boundari es and contract requi rem e nt s speci fi c t o t h e sal e

.

Si gni fi cant Di st urbance . Disturbance of surface resources, includi ng soil, water and vegetation, which has th e p o t en tial to d e g r ad e water q u a lity to a lev e l req u i rin g co rrectiv e actio n

.

Site Prep aratio n . A general t e rm for rem ovi ng unwant e d veget a t i on, sl ash, and even root s and st ones from a site before reforestation. It is generally accom p lished by either m echanical, chem i cal, or biological

m eans, or cont rol l e d fi re.

Site Sp ecific . Pert ai ns t o a di scerni bl e, defi nabl e area or poi nt on t h e ground where a project or act i v i t y will (or is proposed) to occur.

Soi l and W a t e r C onservat i on Pract i ces (SW C P) . The set of pract i ces whi c h, when appl i e d duri ng im plem entation of a project, ensures that soil productivity is m a intained , soil loss and water quality im pacts

are m i nim i zed, and water-related benefi cial uses are protected. These pr actices can take several form s. Som e are defi ned by St at e regul at i on or m e m o randa of underst a ndi ng bet w een t h e Forest Servi ce and t h e St at es and thus are recogni zed as B e st M a nagem e nt Pr act i ces (B M P s). Others are defi ned by t h e Forest i n t e rdi s ci pl i n ary t eam s or descri bed i n Forest Servi ce M a nual s and Handbooks. B o t h ki nds of SW C P s are i n cl uded i n t h e Forest Pl ans as Forest wi de st andards or are referenced i n t h e pl ans. A t h i r d ki nd of SW C P is id en tifiedb y th e in terd iscip lin ary team fo r ap p li cat i on t o speci fi c m a nagem e nt areas. These are included as M a nagem e nt Area St andards i n t h e appropri a t e m a nagem e nt areas i n th e Forest Pl an. A fourth ki nd, si t e speci fi c SW C P s, are based on project l e vel eval uat i on a nd represent the m o st effective and practical m eans of accom p lishing the soil and water resource goals and pr otecting the beneficial us es of a specific area. These si t e speci fi c conservat i on pract i ces suppl em ent t h e Forest Pl an for speci fi c project s. In Idaho, t h ese

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site specific SW CP' s are recognized as specialized Best Managem e nt Practices in the State' s W a ter Quality Regulations. This handbook will aid in the de velopm ent of the fourth kind of SW CP.

Soi l Product i v i t y . The capaci t y of a soi l t o produce a speci fi c crop such as fi ber and forage, under defi ned l e vel s of m a nagem e nt . It i s gene ral l y dependent on avai l abl e soi l m o i s t u re, nut ri ent s , t e xt ure, st ruct ure, organi c m a t t e r, and l e ngt h of growi ng season.

Special Use Perm it . A perm i t i ssued under est abl i s hed l a ws and regul at i ons t o an i ndi vi dual

, organi zat i on,

or com p any for occupancy or use of Nat i onal Forest Sy st em l a nds for som e speci al purpose.

Specified Road . A fo rest d e v e lo p m en t tran sp o r tatio n system ro adth at is id en tifiedin an dto b e co n s tru c ted
or reconst r uct e d under a Forest Servi ce t i m ber sal e cont ract

.

Stream or Stream course . A n a tu ral ch an n e l with d e fin e db e dan db a n k s . It m a y b e p e ren n i al, in term itten t
, or ephem e ral

.

St ream si de M a nagem e nt Zone (SM Z ) . A designated zone that consists of the stream and an adjacent area

o f

v a ryin g wid t h wh ere m a n a g e m e n t p r actices th at m i g h t affect water q u a lity, fish , o r o t h e r aq u a tic

resources are m odi fi ed. The SM Z i s not a zone of excl usi on, but a zone of cl osel y m a naged act i v i t y . It i s a

zo n e wh ich acts as an effectiv e filter an dab so rp tiv e zo n e fo r sed i m e n t; m a in tain s sh ad e; p r o t ects aq u a tic and terrestrial riparian habitats; protects channel and stream banks; a nd prom otes floodplain stability. The SMZ m a y be wider than the riparian area.

W e tlan d s . Those areas that are inundated by surface or groundwater with a frequency sufficient to support, and under norm a l ci rcum st ances do or woul d support a prev al ence of veget a t i on or aquat i c l i f e th at requi res sat u rat e d or seasonal l y sat u rat e d soi l condi t i ons for growth and reproduct i on. W e t l a nds general l y i n cl ude

swam ps, m a rshes, bogs, and si m i l a r areas such as sl oughs, pot hol es, wet m eadows, ri ver overfl ows, m ud fl at s, and nat u ral ponds.

W i ndrowi ng. To pi l e sl ash or debri s i n a row al ong th e cont our of th e sl ope.

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CHAPTER 10 - SOIL AND W A TER CONS ERVATION PRACTICES DOCUM ENTATION C ont ent s

10.10 Int r oduct i o n 10.20 Devel opm ent C onsi d erat i ons 10.30 Ap p licatio n 10.40 Feedback Mechanism 10.50 Form at

11 W A TERSHED M ANAGEM E NT 11.01 Determ in atio n o f Cu m u lativ e W a tersh e dEffects 11.02 Soi l and W a t e r R e source M oni t o ri ng and Eval uat i o n 11.03 W a t e rshed Im provem e nt Pl anni ng and Im pl em ent a t i o n 11.04 Fl oodpl ai n Anal y s i s and Eval uat i o n 11.05 W e t l a nds Anal y s i s and Eval uat i o n 11.06 Publ i c Suppl y W a t e rshed M a nagem e nt 11.07 Oil and Hazardous Substance Spill Contingency Planning 11.08 Co n t ro l o f Activ ities Un d e r Sp ecial Use Perm it 11.09 M a nagem e nt by C l osure t o Use 11.10 W a t e r W e l l C onst r uct i on and M a nagem e nt 11.11 Petro l eu m Sto r ag e an dDeliv ery Facilities Man a g e m e n t 11.12 Adm i ni st rat i v e Si t e Pl anni ng and M a nagem e nt 11.13 Sani t a ry Gui d el i n es for C onstr uct i on or Tem porary Labor, Spi k e, Loggi ng, and Fi re C a m p s, and Si m i l a r Inst al l a t i ons 11.14 M a nagem e nt of Snow Survey Si t e s

12 RECREATION 12.01 Recreation 12.02 Mo n ito rin g an dEv alu a tio n o f W a ter Qu ality at Desig n a tedSwimm i n g Sites 12.03 Sani t a ry Survey s t o Augm ent t h e Eval uat i on of Desi gnat e d Swi mm i ng Areas 12.04 Provi di ng Safe Dri nki ng W a t e r Suppl i e s 12.05 Do cu m e n t atio n o f Po tab l e W a ter Qu ality Data 12.06 Man a g e m e n t o f San itatio n Facilities 12.07 C ont rol of R e fuse Di sposal 12.08 Assu rin g Pro p e r San itatio n an dW a ter Sup p lies fo r Sp ecial Use Facilities 12.09 Sani t a t i on at Hy drant s and W a t e r Faucet s W i t h i n Devel oped R ecreat i on Si t e s 12.10 M a nagem e nt of O ff-Road Vehicle Use 12.11 Pro t ectio n o f W a ter Qu ality W ith in Dev e lo p e dan dDisp ersedRecreatio n Areas 12.12 Location of Pack and Riding Stock Facilities in W ilderness, Prim itive, and Backcountry Areas

13 VEGETATION M ANIPULATION 13.01 Operat i ng Seedi ng and Land Preparat i on Equi pm ent on t h e C ont our 13.02 Sl ope Li m i t a t i ons for Tract or Operat i o n 13.03 Tract or Operat i on Excl uded from W e t l a nds, B ogs, and W e t M eadows 13.04 Revegetation of Surface Disturbed Areas 13.05 Soi l Prot ect i on Duri ng and Aft e r Sl ash W i ndrowi n g 13.06 So il Mo istu re Lim itatio n s fo r Tracto r Op eratio n 13.07 Pl anni ng and Use of Pest i c i d e 13.08 Appl y Pest i c i d es Accordi ng t o Label and EPA R e gi st rat i on Di rect i ons 13.09 Pest i c i d e Appl i cat i on M oni t o ri ng and Eval uat i o n 13.10 Pesticid e Sp ill Co n tin g e n c y Plan 13.11 C l eani ng and Di sposal of Pest i c i d e C ont ai ners and Equi pm ent 13.12 Prot ect i on of W a t e r, W e t l a nds, and R i pari an Areas Duri ng Pest i c i d e Spray i ng 13.13 Co n t ro llin g Pesticid e Drift Sp ray Ap p licatio n

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14 TIMBER 14.01 Ti m b er Sal e Pl anni ng 14.02 Tim b er Harvest Unit Design 14.03 Use of Sal e Area M a ps for Desi gnat i ng Soi l and W a t e r Prot ect i on Needs 14.04 Lim itin g th e Op eratin g Perio do f Tim b er Sale Activ ities 14.05 Prot ect i on of Unst abl e Areas 14.06 Riparian Area Designation 14.07 Det e rm i n i ng Tract or Loggabl e Ground 14.08 Tract or Ski ddi ng Desi gn 14.09 Suspended Log Yardi ng i n Ti m b er Harvest i n g 14.10 Log Landi ng Locat i on and Desi gn 14.11 Log Landi ng Erosi on Prevent i on and C ontrol 14.12 Erosi on Prevent i on and C ontrol M easures Duri ng Ti m b er Sal e Operat i ons 14.13 Sp ecial Ero s io n Prev en tio n Measu r es On Areas Distu r b e db y Harv est Activ ities 14.14 Rev e g e tatio n o f Areas Distu r b e db y Harv est Activ ities 14.15 Erosi on C ont rol of Ski dTrai l s 14.16 M eadow Prot ect i on Duri ng Ti m b er Harvest i n g 14.17 St ream course Prot ect i on (Im pl em ent a t i on and Enforcem ent ) 14.18 Erosi on C ont rol St ruct ure M a i n t e nance 14.19 Acceptance of Tim b er Sale Erosion C ontrol Measures Before Sale Closure 14.20 Slash Treatm e n t in Sen s itiv e Areas 14.21 No n -recu rrin g "C" Pro v i sio n s Th at Can b e Usedfo r W a ter Qu ality Pro t ectio n 14.22 M odi fi cat i on of th e Ti m b er Sal e C ontract 14.23 R e forest at i on R e qui rem e nt

15 ROADS AND TRAILS 15.01 General Gui d el i n es for Transport a t i on Pl anni ng 15.02 Gen e ral Gu id elin es fo r th e Lo cati on and Desi gn of R o ads and Trai l s 15.03 R o ad and Trai l Erosi on C ont rol Pl an 15.04 Tim i n g o f Co n s tru c tio n Activ ities 15.05 Sl ope St abi l i zat i on and Prevent i on of M a ss Fai l u res 15.06 Mitigation of Surface Erosion and Stabilization of Slopes 15.07 C ontrol of Perm anent R o ad Drai nage 15.08 Pi oneer R o ad C onst r uct i o n 15.09 Ti m e l y Erosi on C ont rol M easures on Incom p l e t e R o ad and Stream crossi ng Project s 15.10 Control of Road Construction Excavation and Sidecast Material 15.11 Servi c i ng and R e fuel i ng of Equi pm ent 15.12 C ont rol of C onst r uct i on i n R i pari an Areas 15.13 C ont rol l i ng In-C hannel Excavat i o n 15.14 Di versi on of Fl ows Around C onst r uct i on Si t e s 15.15 St ream crossi ngs on Tem porary R o ads 15.16 B r i dge and C u l v ert Inst al l a t i on (Di s posi t i on of Surpl u s M a t e ri al and Prot ect i on of Fi sheri e s) 15.17 R e gul at i on of B o rrow Pi t s , Gravel Sources and Quarri es 15.18 Di sposal of R i ght -of-W ay and R o adsi de Debri s 15.19 St ream bank Prot ect i o n 15.20 W a ter So u r ce Dev e lo p m en t Co n s isten t with W a ter Qu ality Pro t ectio n 15.21 M a i n t e nance of R o ads 15.22 Road Surface Treatm e nt to Prevent Loss of Materials 15.23 Traffic Control During W e t Periods 15.24 Snow R e m oval C ont rol s 15.25 Ob literatio n o f Tem p o r ary Ro ad s 15.26 Surface Erosion Control at Facility Sites 15.27 Trail Main ten a n ce an dReh ab ilitatio n

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16 MI N E RA LS 16.01 Adm i ni st rat i on of t h e General M i ni ng Law (Act of M a y 10, 1872) for M i neral Expl orat i on and Ext r act i on on Nat i onal Forest Sy st em Lands 16.02 Adm i ni st rat i on of B u reau of Land M a nagem e nt Issued Perm i t s or Leases for M i neral Expl orat i on and Extr act i on on Nat i onal Forest Sy st em Lands 16.03 Adm i ni st rat i on of C o mm on Vari et y M i neral Operat i ons 16.04 Perm i t s and Adm i ni strat i on of Geophy si cal Operat i ons 16.05 M i neral Act i v i ty C oordi nat i on Anal y s i s 16.06 Reclam atio n o f Oil an dGas W e ll Sites 16.07 R e serve Pi t Locat i on, Desi gn, Operation and Reclam ation 16.08 Oi l and Gas W e l l B l owout C ont i ngency Pl an 16.09 Abandoned M i ne Land R ecl am at i o n

17 RANGE 17.01 Ran g e an alysis, Allo tm en t Man a g e m e n t Plan, Grazing Perm it System , and Perm ittee Operating Plan 17.02 C ontrol l i ng Li vest ock Num b ers and Season of Use 17.03 C ont rol l i ng Li vest ock Di st ri but i o n 17.04 R a ngel a nd Im provem e nt s

18 FIRE SUPPRESSION AND FUELS M ANAGEM E NT 18.01 Fire an dFu el Man a g e m e n t Activ ities 18.02 Form ul at i on of Fi re Prescri p t i ons 18.03 Prot ect i on of Soi l and W a t e r from Prescri b ed B u rni ng Effect s 18.04 M i ni m i zi ng W a t e rshed Im pact s from Fi re Suppressi on Effort s 18.05 St abi l i zat i on of Fi re Suppressi on R e l a t e d W a t e rshed Dam a ge 18.06 Em erg e n c y Reh ab ilitatio n o f W a tersh e dFo llo win g W ild fires

10.10 - Intr oduct i on. Soil and water resources and water-related beneficial uses are best protected during land disturbing activities from nonpoint source pollution by use of site specific, soil and water conservation Practices. These are developed in an interdiscip linary process. This process places em phasis for

m a i n t e nance and prot ect i on of th ese resources and uses on the application of the site specific practices,

m o n ito rin g su ccesses an dfailu res, an dad j u stin g th e p r actices an d/ o r ev alu a tio n criteria u n til th e reso u r ces are prot ect ed. Thi s handbook descri bes th i s process a nd provi des som e exam pl es of proven soi l and wat e r conservat i on pract i ces for consi d erat i on. To de vel op and i m pl em ent si t e speci fi c pract i ces, desi gn standards and risks, environm ental effects, practicality, and instituti onal, political, social, econom ic, and tech n i cal feasib ility m u st b e co n s id ered . Th e su b s eq u e n t d i scu ssio n o n th e p r o cess in 1 0

. 1

- 1 0

. 4 is supported and additional desc ribed by W

. C.Harper in "A Resour ce Agency' s Perspective On Nonpoint So u r ce Man a g e m e n t " (Sym p o s iu m o n Mo n ito rin g , Mo d e lin g , an dMed i atin g W a ter Qu ality, Am erican W a t e r R e sources Associ at i on, M a y 1987, pages 641-652).

The soil and water conservation practices that are presented in this handbook are generally the initial developm ent stage for site specific practices. They were com p iled from Forest Service m a nuals, handbooks, cont ract and perm i t provi si ons, and pol i c y st at em ent s . Thei r use or m odi fi cat i on as m o re si t e sp ecific co n s erv a tio n p r actices will d i rectly o r in d i r ectly im p r o v e water q u a lity, p r o t ect b e n e ficial u s es, reduce losses in soil erosion and productivity, and abat e or m itigate m a nagem e nt effects, while m eeting
ot her resource goal s and object i v es.

These soi l and wat e r conservat i on pract i ces i n t h i s handbook are of t h ree basi c form s: adm i ni st rat i v e, preventive, and corrective. They are not det a i l e d sol u t i ons for speci fi c probl em s. However, i n som e instances, specific exam ples and prac t i ces are provi ded. For th e m o st part , t h ey are purposel y broad t o

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ensure si t e speci fi c adapt a t i on pri o r t o t h ei r use. In addi t i on, th ey i d ent i f y m a nagem e nt requi rem e nt s and consi d erat i ons t o be addressed pri o r t o and duri ng th e form ul at i on of al t e rnat i v es and th e project im p l em en tatio n o f lan dm a n a g e m e n t activ ities.

10.20 - Devel opm ent C onsi d erat i ons. Th e effects o f lan dm a n a g e m e n t activ ities o n so il an dwater resources and water-related be neficial uses vary considerably . The extent of these m a nagem e nt effects on
t h ese resources and uses i s a funct i on of:

a. The physical, m e teorologic, hy drologic, and biologic environm ent where the activity takes place (t opography , phy si ography , preci pi t a t i on, channel densi t y , geol ogy , soi l type, veget a t i v e cover, etc.).

b. The specific water-related beneficial use(s), th e im portance to various publics, and the sensitivity
t o m a nagem e nt i n fl uences.

c. The type of act i v i t y i m posed on a gi ven envi ronm ent (recreat i on, m i neral expl orat i on, t i m ber

m a nagem e nt , et c.) and i t s real ext e nt and m a gni t ude.

d. The m e t hod of appl i cat i on and t h e durat i on of t h e act i v i t y (grazi ng sy st em used, t ypes of silv icu ltu ral p r actice u s ed , co n s tan t u s e v s . s easonal use, recurrent appl i cat i on or one-t i m e application, etc.).

e. The season of the year that th e activ ity o ccu rs o r is ap p lied

.

These fact ors vary wi t h i n t h e Nat i onal Forest Sy st em l a nds i n t h e Nort hern and Int e rm ount ai n R e gi ons and fro m site to site. It fo llo ws th en th at th e ex ten t a

nd kind of im pacts are variable, as are the abatem ent and

m itigation m easures. No specific practice, m e thod, or technique is best for all circum stances. Thus, the soil and water conservation practices presented in this handbook include such phrases as "according to design," "as prescribed," "suitabl e for," "within acceptable lim its," a nd sim ilar qualifiers. The actual speci fi cat i ons, desi gns, and si t e speci fi c conservat i on pract i ces m u st be th e resul t of eval uat i on and devel opm ent by professi onal personnel t h rough i n t e rdi s ci pl i n ary i nvol vem e nt i n th e NEPA process. Thi s

resu lts in co n s erv a tio n p r actices th at are tailo redto m eet local resource requirem e nts and needs for site specific conditions.

Area u n i v e rsities an dResearch h a v e g e n e ratedm u ch in fo rm atio n th at can b e u tilizedfo r d e v e lo p m en t o f appropri a t e conservat i on pract i ces. However, t h i s i n fo rm at i on t e nds t o be devel oped for a speci fi c si t e

. W h i l e such i n form at i on i s val u abl e , i t shoul d be used wi t h caut i on when devel opi ng conservat i on pract i ces. Thi s i n form at i on m a y not adequat e l y refl ect si t e speci fi c condi t i ons associ at ed wi t h ot her project s or lo catio n s , o r co n s id er sp atial an dtem p o r al d i strib u tio n o f o t h e r lan dm a n a g e m e n t activ ities.

Additionally, it is im portant to estab lish an acceptable level of risk asso ciated with failure in developing si t e speci fi c conservat i on pract i ces. Si nce l a nd m a nagers m u st wo rk with th e n a tu ral en v i ro n m en t, all its

com p lexities, and therefore uncertainty, it is necessary to accept som e level of risk with any design. An im portant but difficult task is to agree on an acceptabl e level of risk for give n projects based on possible im pacts on other resources, and the need to conduct the m a nagem e nt activity for m u ltiple uses. It m u st be recognized that acceptance of risk di ctates that there will be som e pr ojects which will fail to m eet an absol u t e st andard. Through t h e process of m oni t o ri ng, eval uat i on, and adjust m e nt of SW C P ' S , soi l and water resources and water-rela ted beneficial uses can be m a intained and protected.

NEPA and Int e rdi s ci pl i n ary Invol vem e nt

.

The NEPA process and interdiscip linary involvem e nt is critical for the developm ent of site specific
conservat i on pract i ces. Di rect i on for th e NEPA pro cess (envi ronm ent a l anal y s i s and docum ent a t i on) i s

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cont ai ned i n Forest Servi ce Pol i c y and Procedures th at are found i n FSM 1950 and FSH 1909-15. They al so provi de di rect i on t o i n corporat e th e i n t e rdi s ci pl i n ary process i n pl anni ng and deci si on m a ki ng.

The soil and water conservation practices detailed in this handbook were utilized inForest Planning in the Nort hern and Int e rm ount ai n R e gi ons and now suppl em ent al l Forest Pl ans. The i n t e rrel a t i onshi ps betw een Forest Pl anni ng and Forest Pl an Im pl em ent a t i on (proj ect i d ent i f i cat i on/ organi zat i on, desi gn/ preparat i on, and execut i on/ adm i ni st rat i on) are descri bed i n FSM 1922.5 and FSH 1909.12, and bei ng further refi ned by i n form at i onal and awareness effort s i n bot h R e gi ons. Duri ng Forest Pl an Im pl em ent a t i on, t h e Soi l and W a t e r C onservat i on Pract i ces Handbook t oget h er wi t h th e Forest Pl an are used by t h e i n t e rdi s ci pl i n ary t eam t o devel op si t e speci fi c conservat i on pract i ces.

In NEPA, interdisciplinary involvem e nt is essential to the success of the process. In terdisciplinary i nvol vem e nt i s t h e use of a t eam of i ndi vi dual s who represent tw o or m o re areas of professi onal knowl e dge, learn i n g , an d/ o r sk ill. Th ey co n cen trate o n th e sam e su b j ect, su ch as d e v e lo p m en t o f co n s erv a tio n practices, to derive a comm on resolution or product. The team is not necessarilya fixed assortm e nt of professionals. Team m e m b ers represent the skills nece ssary to provide input for alternative form ulation, eval uat i on, and conservat i on pract i ce devel opm ent

. They are identified by either a core team of technical staffs, the Staff Officer, the Line Officer or a com b in atio n o f all th ree. Th e fin a l team co m p o s itio n is approved by t h e Li ne Offi cer wi t h project approval aut hori t y

.

The Forest Service utilizes interdis ciplinary involvem e nt to investigat e problem s, evaluate alternatives, anal y ze envi ronm ent a l consi d erat i ons, devel op si t e speci fi c pract i ces, and ai d deci si on m a ki ng. The responsibility for m a king the decision lies with the Line Officers (i.e., District Range rs, Forest Supervisors, etc.), not the team . The team ' s responsibility is to pr ovide the responsible offici al with alternatives and evaluations needed to m a ke a reasonable decision.

10.30 - Appl i cat i o n . Aft e r devel opm ent of si t e speci fi c conservat i on pract i ces, th ey are Im pl em ent e d on the ground along with other specific requi rem e nts, controls, and considerati ons that were built into a project activ ity.

A tr ai ni ng and i n form at i on program for personnel t h at ar e i nvol ved i n appl i cat i on of conservat i on pract i ces is critical to ensure m a xim u m effec t i v eness of th e pract i ce i n m a i n t e nance and prot ect i on of soi l and wat e r resources and wat e r-rel a t e d benefi ci al uses. Thi s t r ai ni ng and i n form at i on program shoul d i nvol ve Forest Service resource staff, Line Offi cers, and State W a ter Quality pers onnel. It should cover resource protection, water quality and beneficial use m a nagem e nt opportunities, cause and effect relationships, and the relevance of conservation practices, their legal aspect s, and t h ei r appl i cat i on. In addi t i on t o C ont ract i ng Officers, Engineering Representatives, and certified Sa le Adm i nistrators, disciplines involved in activities which have the potential to affect water quality, benefi cial uses, and soil resources should be offered m o re in ten s iv e train i n g

.

10.40 - Feedback Mechanism . Fol l o wi ng appl i cat i on of si t e speci fic conservation practices, trey are

m oni t o red and eval uat e d. Subsequent adjust m e nt s and m odi fi cat i ons are m a de t o t h e conservat i on practices and/or evaluation criteria until the soil and wa ter resources and water-rela ted beneficial uses are prot ect ed. Thi s feedback m echani s m i s absol u t e l y necessary t o ensure sound l a nd st ewardshi p by th e Forest Service.

M oni t o ri ng

M oni t o ri ng i s t h e fi rst st ep of t h e feedback m echani s m

. It i s desi gned t o answer quest i ons about si t e speci fi c conservat i on pract i ce devel opm ent
, appl i cat i on, and effect i v eness. Speci fi c quest i ons m a y be:

-W ere t h e appropri a t e conservat i on pract i ces i n cl uded i n t h e project ?

-Didth e p r o j ect fo llo w th e p l an ?

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-Are the conservation practices technically sound and appropriate for the specific site conditions?

-Is t h ere a bet t e r conservat i on pract i ce t o appl y whi c h i s t echni cal l y sound, aconom i cal l y feasi b l e , with in in stitu tio n a l au th o r ity, an dp r o t ects th e reso u r ces?

-W ere personnel

, equi pm ent
, funds, or t r ai ni ng l acki ng whi c h resul t e d i n i n com p l e t e or i n adequat e appl i cat i on?

-How effective were the site specific conserva tion practices in m eeting the evaluation criteria?

M oni t o ri ng al so i s desi gned t o seek answers about t h e appropri a t e ness of pract i ces i n m a i n t a i n i ng or protecting soil and water resources and water-relate d beneficial uses. So m e questions m a y be:

-Are the practices protecting the soil a nd wat e r resources and benefi ci al uses?

-Do t h e param e t e rs t h at are m oni t o red est abl i s h t h e ri ght i ndi ces t o i ndi cat e prot ect i on of resources

or uses?

-Is there a cause and effect relationship betw een th e conservat i on pract i ces and soi l and wat e r resources and benefi ci al uses?

-W as the hydrologic risk that was built into the practice exceeded?

To m oni t o r al l aspect s of si t e speci fi c conservat i on pract i ces, an appropri a t e m i x of bot h ext e nsi v e and in ten s iv e m o n ito rin g is n eed edan dp e rfo rm edat estab lish e din terv als. Ex ten s iv e m o n ito rin g is th e p r im ary

m ean s th at th e Fo rest Serv ice will u s e to ev alu a te th e d e v e lo p m en t, ap p licatio n , an deffectiv en ess o f

co n s erv a tio n p r actices. It can b e ch aracterizedb y u s e o f p r o j ect rev i ews an dco llectio n o f b o t h q u a n titativ e

an dq u a litativ e in fo rm atio n o n n early all p r o j ect activ ities. In ten s iv e m o n ito rin g ten d s to b e d e term in atio n of cause/ e ffect rel a t i onshi ps and speci fi c conserva tion practice effectiveness both on a representative

sam p le b a sis. Th is typ e o f m o n ito rin g o b t ain s m o stly q u a n titativ e in fo rm atio n

. Bo th ex ten s iv e an d i n t e nsi v e l e vel s of m oni t o ri ng are descri bed and furt her di scussed i n Forest Servi ce m a nual s and handbooks.

Ev alu a tio n

Eval uat i on i s th e second st ep i n th e feedback m echani s m

. To eval uat e m oni t o ri ng i n form at i on and judge the effectiveness of site specific conservation practices , eval uat i on cri t e ri a m u st be defi ned. The Forest Plan stan d a rd s an dState W a ter Qu ality Stan d a rdCrite ria h a v e b een d e v e lo p e dto serv e as th e ev alu a tio n criteria. These criteria should be defined in quantitativ e term s, whenever possible. However, they should avoid instantaneous m easurem ents given the dynam i c nature of nonpoint source conditions. These criteria shoul d recogni ze and consi d er th e at t r i but es and charact eri s t i c s of t h e part i c ul ar resource or use, nat u ral variability and background, lim its of acceptable change in m a gnitude and duration, transport m echanism s and path way s , t i m e del a y e d effect s, and ri sk.

In desi gn of m oni t o ri ng and duri ng eval uat i on, cert a i n el em ent s i n th e appl i cat i on of soi l and wat e r conservat i on pract i ces m u st be recogni zed and acknowl e dged. The fi rst of t h ese i s t h at a cert a i n ri sk of failure is inherent in each site sp ecific conservation practice utilized. Th is risk is a balance between the value of the resources) to be protected and the cost of addi t i onal uni t s of prot ect i on. M oni t o ri ng and eval uat i on m u st not onl y m easure effect s but m u st det e rm i n e when a desi gn fai l u re poi nt has been exceeded. This has been discussed earlier inthis chapter (Developm ent Considerations).

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An o t h e r co n s id eratio n is reco g n itio n th at th e lin k b e tween lan dm a n a g e m e n t activ ities an dth e resu ltin g i m pact s on soi l and wat e r resources and wat e r-rel a t e d benefi ci al uses i s not al way s wel l underst ood. M oni t o ri ng and eval uat i on m u st be desi gned t o i m prove our knowl e dge of t h i s l i nk and t o provi de an earl y

warn in g system wh ere little research in fo rm atio n ex ists fo r g u i d a n ce. W h ere ad eq u a te research i n form at i on exi s t s for si m i l a r condi t i ons, t h e use of si t e speci fi c conservat i on pract i ces t h at are desi gned and based on th i s i n form at i on can be reasonabl y exp ected to protect the soil and water resources and benefi ci al uses. In t h i s case, m oni t o ri ng and eval uat i on need not be so i n t e nsi v e.

Th e u s e o f so m e tim es in ap p r o p r iate, State W a ter Qu ality Stan d a rdCriteria in ev alu a tio n is an o t h e r elem en t
t o recogni ze. W i t h exi s t i ng t echnol ogy , i t i s extr em el y di ffi cul t t o det e rm i n e t h e nat u ral background l e vel s and variability to a level of precisi on and accuracy necessary for direct control by num eric, State W a ter Quality Standards. This difficulty is particularly evident when cons idering the trem endous tem poral and spatial variability of soil and water resources and wa ter-related beneficial uses . Because m a ny existing water quality standards do not recognize this variability, they m a y be of lim ited value as an evaluation criteria for nonpoint source activities. For this very reason, State W a ter Qua lity Standards for nonpoint sources i n conjunct i on wi t h conservat i on pract i ces ar e also m onitored, evaluated, and adjusted, if necessary. W ithout any adjustm e nt, there is a dange r that site specific conservation practices will be required that are technica lly sound and feasible but are of little or no value in protecting soil and water resources and benefi ci al uses.

Adjustm e nt

The last step of the feedback m echani s m i s adjust m e nt . If m oni t o ri ng and eval uat i on i ndi cat es eval uat i on criteria not being m e t, an adjustm e nt of the site speci fic conservation practices are needed. This adjustm e nt will vary dependent upon the type and severity of the im pact to the so il and water resource or beneficial use. For m i nor or m oderate im pacts, the conservati on practice will be redesigned or upgraded to assure the criteria are not exceeded. W h en the im pact is m a j o r, the proj ect activity will be reevaluated, redesigned, or dropped, or th e appl i cat i on process for pract i ces and ot her project requi rem e nt s revi sed. C o rrect i v e act i ons to p r ev en t o r m i n i m i ze th e im p act will b e in itiatedimm e d i ately. Ad d itio n a lly, th e ap p r o p r iate ev alu a tio n criteria are reviewed for adjustm e nt.

Thi s feedback m echani s m i s an i t e rat i v e t ype pro cess. Through th e cont i nuous cy cl e of m oni t o ri ng, eval uat i on, and adjust m e nt of conservat i on pract i ces and/ or eval uat i on cri t e ri a , th e si t e speci fi c

co n s erv a tio n p r actices will leadto ach iev e m e n t o f ev alu a tio n criteria (i.e., State W a ter Qu ality Stan d a rd s and Forest Pl an st andards) and prot ect i on of soi l and wat e r resources and benefi ci al uses.

10.50 - Form at . The general form at used to present each of the conservation practices in this handbook is as fo llo ws:

Heading C ont ext PRACTICE -Incl udes t h e sequent i a l num ber of th e pract i ce

an da b r ief title. Th e n u m b e rin g o f th e activ ities does not have any i n t e nded si gni fi cance. OBJECTIVE -Describ es th e d e siredresu lts o r attain m e n t o f th e p r actice as it relates to so il an dwater reso u r ce o r benefi ci al use prot ect i on. EXPLANATION -Fu r th er d e fin e s th e b r ief title an dex p r esses h o w th e p r actice is ap p lied

. Describ e s criteria o r standards used when applicable. IMPLEMENTATION -Describes where the prac tice is ap p lies, wh o is responsi b l e for appl i cat i on, di rect i on and supervi s i on, and when t h e pract i ce i s em pl oy ed.

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REFERENCES -Ident i f i e s t h e Forest Servi ce m a nual

, Handbook,
cont ract or perm i t provi si on, C ode of Federal R e gul at i on, pol i c y st at em ent and/ or ot her references where the practice is further docum ent e d. The references l i s t i ngs are not al l in clu s iv e.

Soi l and wat e r conservat i on pract i ces are grouped by m a nagem e nt act i v i t y for ease of present a t i on and understanding. The activities are: (11) W a tershed Managem e nt, (12) Recrea tion, (13) Vegetation M a ni pul at i on, (14) Ti m b er, (15) R o ads and Trai l s , ( 16) M i neral s , (17) R a nge, and (18) Fi re Suppressi on and Fuel s M a nagem e nt . Al t hough a pract i ce m i ght be shown under onl y one act i v i t y desi gnat i on, i t m a y appl y t o another act i v i t y . A num ber of th e pract i ces are referenced to m o re than one activity, and som e ap p l y to all activ ities.

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11 - W A TERSHED M ANAGEM E NT. W a t e rshed m a nagem e nt i s th e pract i ce of prot ect i ng and

m a intaining soil and water resources and water-related be neficial uses. M a nagem e nt is oriented toward

m a i n t a i n i ng or enhanci ng wat e rshe d condi t i ons favorabl e for opt i m um wat e r y i el d and t i m i ng, wat e r quality, and soil productivity. W a tershed m a nagem e nt includes the im provem e nt of soil and water resources on Nat i onal Forest l a nds dam a ged by cat ast r ophi c event s or degraded by past use.

PRACTICE: 1 1

. 0 1 - Determ in atio n o f Cu m u lativ e W a tersh e dEffects

OBJECTIVE: To d e term in e th e cu m u lativ e effects o r im p acts o n b e n e ficial water u s es b y m u ltip le lan d

m a nagem e nt activities. Past, present, or reasonably fo reseeable future actions in a watershed are evaluated relative to natural or undisturbed conditions. Cum u lativ e im pacts are a change in beneficial water uses caused by the accum u lation of indivi dual im pacts over tim e and space. R ecovery does not occur before the
next i ndi vi dual pract i ce had begun.

EXPLANATION: The Northern a nd Interm ountain Regions will m anage watersheds to avoid irrev e rsib le effects o n th e so il reso u r ce an dto p r o du ce water o f q u a lity an dq u a n tity su fficien t to m a in tain b e n e ficial u s es in co m p lian ce with State W a ter Qu ality Stan d a rd s. Ex am p l es o f p o t en tial cu m u lativ e effect s are: 1) reduced nat u ral woody debri s i nput t o st ream channel s t h at m a y cause reduct i ons i n fi sh habi t a t ; 2) excess sedi m e nt product i on t h at m a y reduce fi sh habi t a t and other benefi ci al uses; 3) wat e r tem p erature and nutrient increases that m a y affect benefi cial uses; 4) com p acted or disturbed soils that m a y cause si t e product i v i t y l o ss and i n creased soi l erosi on; and 5) i n creased wat e r y i el ds and peak fl ows th at

m a y d e stab ilize stream ch an n e l eq u ilib riu m

.

IMPLEMENTATION: As p a rt o f th e NEPA p r o cess, th e Fo rest Serv ice will co n s id er th e p o t en tial

cu m u lativ e effects o f m u ltip le lan dm a n a g e m e n t activ ities in a watersh e dwh ich m a y fo rce th e so il resource' s capacity or the stream ' s physical or biological sy stem beyond the ability to recover to near

n a tu ral co n d itio n s . A watersh e dcu m u lativ e effects feasib ility an alysis will b e req u i redo f p r o j ects i nvol vi ng si gni fi cant veget a t i on rem oval

, pri o r t o i n cl udi ng t h em on i m pl em ent a t i on schedul es, t o ensure that the project, considered with other activities, will not increase sedi m e nt or water yields beyond or fishery habitat below acceptable lim its . The Forest Plan will define these acceptable lim its. The Forest Service will also coordinate and cooperate with St ates and private landowners in assessing cum u lative effects in m u ltip le o w n e rsh i p watersh e d s

.

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R E FER E NC ES: 40 C F R 1508.7; for port i ons of M ont ana--M ont ana Depart m e nt of St at e Lands Cum u lative W a tershed Effects Cooperative; for Idaho Forests--Idaho Forest Practices W a ter Quality Managem e nt Plan, 1987; R. N. Coats and T. 0. Miller. 1981. Cum u lative Silvicultural Im pacts on W a t e rsheds: A Hy drol ogi c and R e gul at ory Di l e mm a . Envi r. M g t

. 5(2): 147-160.

PR AC TIC E 11.02 - Soi l and W a t e r R e source M oni t o ri ng and Eval uat i o n

OBJECTIVE: To determ ine effects of land m a nage m e nt activities on soil productivity and beneficial
water u s es; to m o n ito r b a selin e watersh e dco n d itio n s fo r co m p ariso n with State stan d a rd s, Fo rest Plan
st andards, and est i m at i on of l ong-t e rm tr ends; t o ensure t h e heal t h and safet y of wat e r users; t o eval uat e SW CPs effectiveness; and to determ ine the adequacy of data, assum p tions, and coefficients in the Forest Plans.

EXPLANATION: The Northern a nd Interm ountain Regions will m anage watersheds to avoid irrev e rsib le effects o n th e so il reso u r ce an dto p r o du ce water o f q u a lity an dq u a n tity su fficien t to m a in tain b e n e ficial u s es in co m p lian ce with State W a ter Qu a lity Stan d a rd s. Mo n ito rin g an dev alu a tio n are n eed ed as feed b ack m ech an ism s to co m p are th e resu lts o f m a n a g e m e n t activ ities an dSW CPs o n so il an dwater resources with previous conditions , desired end products, and State st andards. To accom p lish this, a

co m p ariso n will b e m a d e , o n a rep r esen tativ e sam p le b a sis, o f effects o n so ils an dwater o v e r tim e. Previ ous m oni t o ri ng and eval uat i on has i n cl uded, for exam pl e:

a. B u l k densi ty , soi l di st urbance, and/ or tr ee growth t o eval uat e soi l product i v i t y

.

b. Fecal coliform and pH to m onitor swimm i ng sites.

c. Sed i m e n t , tu rb id ity, an dwater tem p eratu r e to ev alu a te d o m estic water sup p lies.

d. Sedi m e nt , di ssol v ed oxy gen, wat e r t e m p erat ure, pH, cobbl e em beddedness, percent fi nes i n subst r at e, and channel cross sect i ons t o m oni t o r effect s on fi sheri e s.

IMPLEMENTATION: Fo rest Plan s will p r o v i d e watersh e dm o n ito rin g p l an s th at are fo cu sedo n benefi ci al wat e r uses such as dom est i c suppl i e s, recr eat i on, and fi sheri e s, and on soi l l o ss and product i v i t y

. Reg i o n a lly ap p r o v e dm o n ito rin g tech n i q u e s will b e u s ed . Sp ecific m o n ito rin g p l an s will b e co o r d i n a ted

am ong adjacent National Forests and with State water quality agencies. Specific m onitoring and evaluation
p l an s will in clu d e su ch item s as:

a. M oni t o ri ng object i v es,

b. R e vi ew of exi s t i ng dat aand i n form at i on,

c. Locat i on of m oni t o ri ng si t e s,

d

. So il o r water q u a lity ch aracteristics th at are to b e m o n ito redan dev alu a ted

,

e. Type(s) or t echni ques) of m oni t o ri ng,

f. Intensity of m onitoring (frequency and duration),

g. Responsibilities and roles of m onitoring personnel,

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h. M e t hodol ogy for anal y s i s and eval uat i on,

i. Estim ated cost, and

j. R e port preparat i on.

W h en ch an g e s an deffects fro m m a n a g e m e n t activ ity are d e tected , th e Fo rest Serv ice will ev alu a te th eir sig n i fican ce an dd e term in e ap p r o p r iate actio n

. W h ere p r o j ect lev e l activ ities will n o t m eet Fo rest Plan o r State standards, they will be re designed, resche duled or dropped.

The EPA com puterized STORET system is the accepte d repository for water quality data collected to

m onitor and evaluate Forest program s and m a nagem e nt activities. W a ter quality data will be placed in this

com put er sy st em for st orage, m a ni pul at i on and revi ew.

R E FER E NC ES: FSM 1922, 2525, 2532, and 2554; SW C P Handbook 10.40 Feedback M echani s m ; Land and R e source M a nagem e nt Pl anni ng Handbook, C h apt e r 6 (FSH 1909.12); 36 C F R 219; Sol o m on, R

. A. and Avers, P.E., 1987. A W a ter Quality Monitoring Fram ework to Satisfy Legal Requirem e nts. AW RA Sym posium on Monitoring, Modeli ng, and Mediating W a ter Qua lity. pp. 231.242; Soil Monitoring Handbook (FSH 2509.18); State W a ter Qua lity Standards; for Idaho Forest s--Idaho Forest Practices W a ter Quality Managem e nt Plan, 1987; SW CP 12.02, 12.03 and 13.09; S. L. Ponce. 1980. W a ter Quality M oni t o ri ng Program s. USDA, Forest Servi ce, W S DG Tech. Paper - 00002. 66 pp.; for R

- 4--R -4 Techni cal Guide for Preparing W a ter Quality Monito ring Plans, USDA, Forest Service, 1981.

PR AC TIC E 11.03 - W a t e rshed Im provem e nt Pl anni ng and Im pl em ent a t i o n

OB JEC T IVE: To i m prove degraded wat e rshed cond i t i ons, t o m i ni m i ze soi l erosi on, and t o i m prove water av ailab ility o r q u a lity. EXPLANATION: W a tershed im provem e nt is a correc tive m easure. Factors considered in the eval uat i on of soi l and wat e r resource probl em s and s ubsequent i m provem e nt are: predi c t e d changes i n water quality and its associated effects on beneficial uses, downstream values, on-site productivity, threat to l i f

e and propert y , di rect and i ndi rect econom i c ret u rn s, and soci al and sceni c benefi t s . Exam pl es of
wat e rshed i m provem e nt m easures are st ream bank st abi l i zat i on, debri s rem oval

, soi l ri ppi ng, seedi ng, and fertilizin g

.

IM PLEM ENTATION: Thi s conservat i on pract i ce i s typi cal l y i m pl em ent e d t h rough th e devel opm ent of a soi l and wat e r resource i m provem e nt i nvent ory , th e a pproval of cost effect i v e pl ans, and th e fundi ng of
th e pl an and subsequent i m provem e nt act i on. If a soi l and wat e r resource probl em i s observed and docum ented by Line Officers, an in terdisciplinary team will assess each site, develop the necessary actions
t o correct t h e probl em and i n t e grat e t h em i n t o t h e Forest Pl anni ng process for fundi ng and execut i on. The NEPA p r o cess will b e fo llo wedin th e p l an n i n g an dim p l em en tatio n o f im p r o v e m e n t m easu r es. Th e actu a l i m pl em ent a t i on work m a y be done by Forest Servi ce crews or cont ract . Effect i v eness of i m provem e nt

m easu r es will b e m o n ito redan dev alu a ted

.

R E FER E NC ES: FSM 2522; W a t e rshed Im provem e nt Handbook (FSH 2509.15); NFM A

.

PR AC TIC E : 11.04 - Foodpl ai n Anal y s i s and Eval uat i o n

OB JEC T IVE: To prot ect fl oodpl ai n val u es and avoi d, where possi bl e, th e l ong and short

- t e rm adverse i m pact s t o soi l and wat e r resources associ at ed w i th t h e occupancy and m odi fi cat i on of fl oodpl ai ns.

EXPLANATION: A flood hazard analys is and evaluation will be m a de prior to acquisition or exchange of land within floodplains. A floodplain analysis and evaluation will be m a de when sites within

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floodplains are being considered for structures, developm ents, or m a na gem e nt activities. Environm ental quality, ecological effects, and individual safety and health are c onsidered. Flood frequencies, watershed conditions, clim atic and environm ental factors associ ated with past flood even ts, flood flow quantities and speci fi c fl ood boundari es are al l eval uat e d.

IM PLEM ENTATION: The R e gi onal Forest er i s responsi b l e for ensuri ng consi d erat i on of fl oodpl ai n hazards and values in all NEPA planning processes. The Forest Supervisor, th rough use of his technical
st affs, i s responsi b l e for:

a. Determ ining if proposed facilities ar e within 100 and 500 y ear floodplain boundaries

b. Det e rm i n i ng i f dat acurrent l y exi s t about fl oodpl ai n boundari es;

c. Docum e nting analysis of floodplai n hazards and m a nagem e nt options;

d. Requiring flood hazard eval uations prior to issuance of special-use perm its;

e. Ensuring that floodplain hazards , m a nagem e nt considerations, a nd appropriate restrictions are i n cl uded i n aut hori z i ng docum ent s ;

f. Designing, constructing, or re habilitating National Forest real pr operty in accordance with criteria outlined in the National Flood Insurance Program

.

g. Provi di ng for conspi cuous m a rki ng of hi ghest pa st and probabl e fut u re fl ood hei ght s on perm anent
struct ures i n cl udi ng those i n devel oped recreat i on si t e s.

R E FER E NC ES: EO 11988, Fl oodpl ai n M a nagem e nt ; FSM 2527; M a xwel l

, J. and LaFay e t t e , R ., 1986. Gui d el i n es for M a ki ng Fl oodpl ai n and W e t l a nd Eval uat i ons for Land Exchanges. USDA, Forest Servi ce, Sout hwest e rn R e gi on Hy drol ogy Not e No. 19a.

PR AC TIC E : 11.05 - W e t l a nds Anal y s i s and Eval uat i o n

OB JEC T IVE: To m a i n t a i n wet l a nd funct i ons and avoi d adverse soi l and wat e r resource i m pact s associ at ed wi t h t h e dest ruct i on or m odi fi cat i on of wet l a nds.

EXPLANATION: The Forest Service does not pe rm it the im plem entation of activities and new
const r uct i on i n wet l a nds whenever t h ere i s a pract i cal al t e rnat i v e. Through t h e NEPA process, a wet l a nd analysis and evaluation will be m a de prior to acquis ition or exchange of wetlands . Evaluation of proposed actions in wetlands will consider factors relevant to the proposal' s effect on the survival and quality of the wetlands. Factors to be considered include water supply, water quality, rechar ge areas, flood and storm hazards, flora and fauna species, soil types, hab itat diversity and stability , and hydrologic utility.

IM PLEM ENTATION: The R e gi onal Forest er i s responsi b l e for i n suri ng wet l a nd val u es are consi d ered and docum ent e d as an i n t e gral part of al l pl anni ng process. The Forest Supervi s or, th rough use of hi s technical staffs, will determ ine whet her proposed actions should be located in wetlands and, if so, whether there is a practicable alternative. If th ere are n o v i ab le altern ativ es, th e Fo rest Sup e rv iso r m u st in su re th at all m itig atin g m easu r es are in co rp o r atedin to th e p l an s an dd e sig n s an dth at th e actio n s m a in tain th e funct i on of th e wet l a nds. Ident i f i cat i on and m a ppi ng of wet l a nds are part of th e Forest Pl anni ng process.

R E FER E NC ES: EO 11990, Prot ect i on of W e t l a nds; FSM 2527; M a xwel l

, J. and LaFay e t t e , R ., 1986. Gui d el i n es for M a ki ng Fl oodpl ai n and W e t l a nd Eval uat i ons for Land Exchanges. USDA, Forest Servi ce, Sout hwest e rn R e gi on Hy drol ogy Not e No. 19a.

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PR AC TIC E 11.06 - Publ i c Suppl y W a t e rshed M a nagem e nt

OB JEC T IVE: To m a nage comm uni t y and noncomm un i ty publ i c suppl y wat e rsheds t o com p l y wi th State water q u a lity stan d a rd s.

EXPLANATION: The Northern and Interm ountain Regions will m a na ge public supply watersheds fo r m u ltip le u s e with sp ecial em p h a sis o n p r o v i d i n g water su itab l e fo r h u m an co n s u m p tio n with in th e realm of State W a ter Quality Standards, water s upply regulations, and Fo rest Plan standards.

IMPLEMENTATION: W a tersheds identified by the States as public supply watersheds will be recognized in Forest Plans. Forest Plans will include m a nagem e nt goals and standards which will guide the

m a n a g e m e n t o f th e watersh e dan dresu lt in co m p lian ce with State W a ter Qu ality Stan d a rd s. All p r o j ect plans will be reviewed through the NE PA process which includes review by the appropriate State agency and by t h e wat e r users and t i e red t o di rect i on i n t h e Forest Pl ans and EIS.

R E FER E NC ES: FSM 2542; St at e Dri nki ng W a t e r St andards; St at e Publ i c W a t e r Suppl y R e gul at i ons; 36 C F R 251.

PRACTICE 11.07 - Oil and H azardous Substance Planning

OBJECTIVE: To m i nim i ze contam ination of wate rs from accidental spills by prior planning and developm ent of Spill Prevention C ontrol and Counterm easure Plans.

EXPLANATION: A contingency plan is an imm e diate reporting and action plan that contains a predeterm i ned organization to be im plem ented in the event of a hazardous s ubstance spill. Factors considered for each spill are: the sp ecific substance spilled, the quantity, its toxicity, proxim ity of spill to waters, and the hazard to life, property, and the environm ent.

The Spill Prevention Control & Count erm easure (SPCC) plan is a docum ent which requires appropriate

m easures to prevent oil, petroleum products, or known hazardous m a terials th at could be spilled from
ent e ri ng th e navi gabl e wat e rs of th e Uni t e d St at es. An SPC C pl an i s needed i f th e t o t a l

, above ground storage of oil, petroleum products, or known hazar dous m a terials exceeds the appropriate "reportable quantity" and if these facilities could reasonably be exp ected to discharge these hazardous substances into surface waters in th e event of a spill.

IMPLEMENTATION: Each Forest is responsible for designating em ergency spill coordinators and docum enting nam e s and telephone num bers of agencies to call regarding no tification and clean-up of spills. In d i v i du a l Fo rests m a y m a in tain an in v e n t o ry o f m a terials to u s e du r in g th e clean -up o f a sp ill. Disp o s al sites will be coordinated with EPA, State, and local officials responsib le for safe disposal.

If a sp ill is fro m a Fo rest Serv ice facility o r o p e ratio n , th e Fo rest Serv ice is th e "p erso n in ch arg e " an dis responsible for all reporting and i mm e diate response actions, as appropriate. If the spill is from a third party operation, the Forest Service will only respond a nd report the spill if the th ird party fails to take
ap p r o p r iate actio n

. Th e Fo rest Serv ice will g e n e rally tu rn its in cid e n t co mm a n dro le o v e r to au th o r ized

, Fed e ral On -Scen e Co o r d i n a to rs o r o t h e r au th o r ized , State o r lo cal au th o r ities after th eir arriv i n g at th e sp ill si t e , and provi de support servi ces.

SPCC p l an s are req u i redfo r Fo rest Serv ice o w n e dan dsp ecial u s e p e rm ittedfacilities, an din clu d e tim b e r sal e operat o rs and other constr uct i on cont ract ors. Al l SPC C pl ans m u st be revi ewed and cert i f i e d by a regi st ered professi onal engi neer.

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R E FER E NC ES: FSM 6740, 7442, 7443, and 7460; 40 C F R 112; Heal t h and Safety C ode Handbook (FSH 6709.011); Safet y and Heal t h Program Handbook (FSH 6709.12); R

- 1 and R

- 4 Em ergency and Di sast er Plan; Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Continge ncy Plan for EPA Regions 8 and 10, 7/26/85; State Hazardous W a ste Managem e nt Plan s; SW CP 11.11, 13.07, and 13.10.

PRACTICE 1 1

. 0 8 - Co n t ro l o f Activ ities Un d e r Sp ecial Use Perm it

OBJECTIVE: To protect surface and subsurface soil and water resources from physical, chem ical, and biological pollutants resulting from activ ities that are under special use perm it.

EXPLANATION: Many activities and uses take place on National Forest lands which are not directly related to Forest Service m a nagem e nt activ ities. Som e exam ples are: hydropower plants, water di versi ons and wat e r t r ansm i ssi on sy st em s, el ect roni c si t e s, hi ghway and rai l r oad ri ght s-of-way , wast e wat e r t r eat m e nt and di sposal , sol i dwast e di sposal , and power t r ansm i ssi on l i n es. There are ot her uses which are recognized Forest Servi ce land m a nagem e nt activities which are achieved through perm its to a publ i c or pri v at e agency , group, or i ndi vi dual

. Exam pl es of t h ese t ypes of uses are: organi zat i on cam ps, recreation residence tracts, and ski areas.

M a nagem e nt object i v es and Forest Servi ce author i t y m a y be l i m i t e d on l a nds wi t hdrawn under Federal Energy R e gul at ory C o mm i ssi on (FER C ) aut hori t y . W h en the FERC license is renewed, the Forest Service

m a kes a com p lete reevaluation of water quality and qua ntity needs, values, and effects, and updates the

m a n a g e m e n t co n tro ls with in wh ich th e p e rm ittee m u st co m p ly.

IM PLEM ENTATION: The speci al use perm i t under whi c h th ese agenci es, groups, or i ndi vi dual s

o p e rate, d e tails th e co n d itio n s th at th ey m u st m eet to cont i nue operat i ng. The perm i t t ees are requi red t o conform to all applicable State a nd local regulations govern ing water quality and sanitation. Failure on the
p a rt o f th e p e rm ittee to m eet th e co n d itio n s o f th e sp ecial u s e p e rm it m a y resu lt in th e p e rm it b e in g revoked. R e l e vant SW C P s from t h i s and ot her sect i ons m a y be requi red: 11.01, 11.04, 11.05, 11.07, 11.10, 11.11, 12.04, 12.06, 12.07, 12.08, 13.04, 13. 07-13.13, 14.12-14.14, 14.20, 15.01-15.18, 15.21.

R E FER E NC ES: FSM 2700.

PR AC TIC E : 11.09 - M a nagem e nt by C l osure t o Use

OBJECTIVE: To ex clu d e activ ities th at co u l dresu lt in d a m a g e s to facilities o r d e g r ad atio n o f so il an d
water resources.

IM PLEM ENTATION: C l osures (seasonal

, t e m porary , or perm anent ) are m a de when th e responsi b l e Lin e Officer d e term in es th at a p a rticu l ar reso u r ce o r facility n eed s p r o t ectio n fro m u s e. Th e d ecisio n to cl ose an area i s m a de aft e r an eval uat i on of al t e rnat i v e m e t hods of prot ect i on.

REFERENCES: EO 11644, Use of Off-Road Vehi cl es on th e Publ i c Lands, and 11989, Off-Road Vehi cl es on Publ i c Lands; SW C P 12.10.

PR AC TIC E : 11.10 - W a t e r W e l l C onst r uct i on and M a nagem e nt

OBJECTIVE: To protect ground wa ter resources from contam ination transm itted from water well devel opm ent s

.

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EXPLANATION: Ground water wells and facilities will be com p leted in a m a nner that reduces the pot ent i a l of cont am i n at i on of th e ground wat e r aqui fe r. Properl y desi gned wel l casi ng program s and above ground well collars will m i nim i ze the risk of incident al contam ination from grazing livestock and hum an activ ities.

IMPLEMENTATION: W a ter well d e sig n stan d a rd s will co n t ain m easu r es to ex clu d e liv esto ck fro m th e imm e diate vicinity of the well bore and to preven t the accidental or purposef ul introduction of toxic substances into the well bore by hum ans. Protective m easures m a y include grading to direct surface waters
away from t h e wel l bore, cem ent i ng or grout i ng around t h e casi ng pi pe, wel l covers a nd seal s, fenci ng, and im posing m i nim u m distances between wells and sewage system s. Abandoned wells will be perm anently sealed in com p liance with local and state requirem e nts.

R E FER E NC ES: St ruct ural R a nge Im provem e nt Handbook (FSH 2209.22); W a t e r Devel opm ent s and Sani t a t i on Handbook (FSH 7409.11); Engi neeri ng Fi el d M a nual for C onservat i on Pract i ces, 1969, U.S. Soi l C onservat i on Servi ce, C h apt e r 12, Spri ngs and W e l l s ; R ecomm e nded St andards for W a t e r W o rks (Ten States Standards), New York Hea l t h Educat i on Servi ce; St at e Dri nki ng W a t e r St andards; St at e W e l l C onst r uct i on St andards.

PRACTICE: 1 1

. 1 1 - Petro l eu m Sto r ag e an dDeliv ery Facilities an dMan a g e m e n t

OBJECTIVE: To protect surface and subsurface soil and water resources from petroleum fluid

co n t am in atio n resu ltin g fro m leak in g p e tro l eu m d e liv ery system s an dsto r ag e facilities.

EXPLANATION: Petroleum delivery and storage fac ilities will be located, designed, constructed, and m a intained in a m a nner that m i nim i zes the poten tial for contam ination of surface and subsurface soil and wat e r resources from l eaki ng fl owl i n es, pi pel i n es and st orage t a nks. R o ads, veget a t i v e m a ni pul at i on, and other considerations should be evaluated in the constructi on and m a intenance of these facilities.

IMPLEMENTATION: Th e sitin g an do p e ratio n o f p e tro l eu m d e liv ery system s an dsto r ag e facilities will fo llo w ap p licab le Fed e ral (EPA) an dstate g u i d e lin es an dreq u i rem e n t s with reg a rdto :

a. Design/Location

b. C onst r uct i o n

c. In stallatio n

d. Operat i on procedures

e. Testin g

f. Release detection system s

g. R ecordkeepi ng requi rem e nt s

h

. Leak /sp ill rep o r tin g req u i rem e n t s

i

. Abandonm ent

Sto r ag e facilities an dd e liv ery system s o n Natio n a l Fo rest lan d s will req u i re a licen se an d/ o r sp ecial u s e perm i t

. Li censes and perm i t s requi re th e project t o com p l y wi t h al l St at e and l o cal st andards. R e l e vant

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SW C P s from t h i s and ot her sect i ons m a y be requi red: 11.04, 11.05, 11.07, 11.08, 11.10, 13.04, 13.07- 13.13, 14.12-14.14, 14.20, 15.01-15.18, 15.21.

R E FER E NC ES: R e source C onservat i on and R ecovery Act of 1976, (90 St at . 2795), as am ended; Underground Storage Tank Regulations (40 CFR Part 280); State Hazar dous W a ste Managem e nt Plans; FSM 7460.

PR AC TIC E : 11.12 - Adm i ni st rat i v e Si t e Pl anni ng and M a nagem e nt

OB JEC T IVE: To l o cat e, desi gn and m a nage adm i ni st rat i v e si t e s t o prevent wat e r pol l u t i on and ot her adverse envi ronm ent a l and heal t h i m pact s.

EXPLANATION: Several types of facilities m a y be lo cated on Forest Service land to facilitate the adm i ni strat i on of vari ous program s. These m a y i n cl ude Ranger and Research sta tions, work centers, fire d e p o t s an dn u r sery o ffices. So m e facilities in clu d e liv i n g q u a rters with wastewater system s. Mo st in clu d e potable water system s. W a ter quality and potential health im pacts should be a m a jor factor in determ ining th e size, typ e , an dlo catio n o f n e w o r ex p a n d e dfacilities.

IMPLEMENTATION: New or expande d facilities should not be located within floodplains, wetlands, or riparian areas. Individual facilities should be located to m i nim i ze sedim e nt production and the

m ovem e nt of potential pollutants (oil, gas, etc.) in to surface and ground waters. All potable water and
sewag e treatm e n t system s will m eet State an dlo cal sta n d a rd s. Reg i o n a l Fo rest Serv ice p r o g r am s th at g u i d e operation and m a intenance of wastewater facilities will be im plem ented by qualified sanitary personnel. R e l e vant SW C P s from t h i s and ot her sect ons m a y be requi red: 11.04, 11.05, 11.10, 11.11, 12.04, 12.06, 12.07, 15.26.

R E FER E NC ES: FSM 7420, 7430, 7440, and 7460.

PR AC TIC E : 11.13 - Sani t a ry Gui d el i n es for C onst r uct i on of Tem porary Labor, Spi k e, Loggi ng, and Fire Cam p s an dSim ilar In stallatio n s

OBJECTIVE: To elim in ate water p o llu tio n an do t h e r p o t en tial en v i ro n m en tal an dh ealth im p acts fro m t h e di sposal of hum an wast e and wast ewat er from t e m porary cam ps of al l t ypes.

EXPLANATION: Environm ental and health im pacts a ssociated with these cam ps can be adverse if care is n o t tak e n to p r o p e rly p l an , lo cate, an dd e sig n wastewater facilities. In estab lish i n g site lo catio n s , sewage di sposal consi d erat i on shoul d not be overl ooked. Despi t e t h e som e t i m es urgent devel opm ent of a si t e , wast ewat er desi gn shoul d be a pri m ary consi d erat i on. Thi s shoul d resul t i n adequat e sewage di sposal facilities, an dlittle o r n o h ealth an dwater p o llu tio n th reats.

The sam e appl i e s t o t h e urgent est abl i s hm ent of fi re cam ps. Suffi ci ent care shoul d al way s be gi ven t o t h e p o t en tial Im p acts asso ciatedwith h u m an waste an dwa stewater d i sp o s al. Disp o s al facilities at ex istin g st at i ons or work cent e rs can be overl oaded by fi re cr ews. If th i s occurs, sept i c t a nks m a y be overl oaded, sol i d s m a y overfl ow and pl ug drai nfi e l d s, and drai nfi e l d s m a y be dam a ged. Surfaci ng effl uent becom e s a potential pollution and health hazard.

IMPLEMENTATION: Appropriate pla nning will be required and com p lete d for each site by com p etent tech n i cal reso u r ce staffs. System s will b e d e sig n e dto m eet req u i rem e n t s o f ap p licab le Fed e ral, State an d lo cal reg u l atio n s . Fo rest Sup e rv iso r ap p r o v a l will b e o b t ain e dp r io r to co n s tru c tio n

.

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W a stewater treatm e n t an dd i sp o s al system s at ad m i n i strativ e sites will b e ev alu a tedas to th eir cap acity to handl e fi re, em ergency , or ot her crews. Em ergency m easures such as chem ical t o i l e t s and port abl e showers will b e co n s id eredas an altern ativ e to u s e o f o n

- site system s.

Latrines or pits for cam ps will be located at least 150 feet downstream from the cam p, 100 feet from surface water, and 4 feet above high gr oundwater. Latrines will be replaced with chem ical toilets or sim ilar uni t s as soon as pract i cabl e

.

R E FER E NC ES: Heal t h and Safety C ode Handbook (FSH 6709.11, C h apt e r 7-9); FSM 7420, 7430, and 7440; SW C P 12.04, 12.06, 12.07, and 12.09.

PR AC TIC E : 11.14 - M a nagem e nt of Snow Survey Si t e s

OB JEC T IVE: To prot ect snow courses and rel a t e d dat asi t e s from effect s by l a nd m a nagem e nt activ ities.

EXPLANATION: Snow survey sites are invaluab le for forecasting wate r yields from m ountain watersh e d s an dp r ed ictin g th e av ailab ility an dtim in g o f stream flo w . Th ese sites can co n s ist o f sn o w courses, snow pillows, precipitation ga uges, snow depth m a rkers, and soil m o isture stations with or without radi o t e l e m e try and radi o repeat ers. Form al M e m o randum of Underst a ndi ng, speci al use perm i t s , or other

m echani s m s have been devel oped bet w een t h e Soi l C onservat i on Servi ce (SC S ) and Forest Servi ce t o p r o t ect th ese sites ag ain s t activ ities o r d i stu r b i n g in flu e n ces th at wo u l dd a m a g e th eir v a lu e.

IMPLEMENTATION: Du rin g th e NEPA p r o cess fo r lan dd i stu r b i n g activ ities, th e in terd iscip lin ary team will co n s u lt lan dstatu s reco rd s, sp ecial u s e p e rm its, an do t h e r so u r ces to in su re id en tificatio n o f an y snow survey sites within the assessm ent area. If sites are identified, th ey will be protected according to the

t e rm s of th e m e m o randum of underst a ndi ng, speci al use perm i t
, or other m echani s m

. Li ne Offi cers shoul d request assi st ance from t h e SC S i n desi gni ng m easur es to protect and buffer these sites. The Forest Service and SCS will also cooperate on the elim ination of ineffective sites and installation of additional snow courses or sites to im prove the reliability of runoff forecasts. If it becom e s necessary to conduct activ ities wh ich m a y affect a sn o w co u r se o r relatedd a ta site, Lin e Officers m u st co n s u lt th e SCS an d fo llo w th e In stru ctio n s of the agreem ent.

R E FER E NC ES: FSM 2530 and 2720; FSM 1541.1--1t o 7 (FSM 1/ 87 R

- 1 Supp. 50) or FSM 2504.2--9 t o 16 (FSM 2/ 79 R

- 4 Supp. 56).

1 2 - RECREATION . R ecreat i on on Nat i onal Forest Sy st em l a nds fal l s i n t o t w o general cat egori e s: devel oped and di spersed. Devel oped recreat i on i s th e t e rm used to describe recreation areas that have been designed and built to provide som e facilities to the us er. These are cam pgrounds where tables, fire places,
to ilets, etc., h a v e b een p r o v i d e d

. Recreatio n a l resid e n ces, reso rts, sk i areas, an do th e r sim ilar facilities are consi d ered devel oped recreat i on.

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Di spersed recreat i on i s out door recreat i on use whi c h o ccurs out si de of si t e s devel oped or m a naged for

co n cen tratedrecreatio n u s e. Facilities are, h o w ev er, so m e tim es req u i redto safeg u a rdv i sito rs, p r o t ect

reso u r ces, en h a n ce th e q u a lity o f v i sito r ex p e rien ces, an d d i sp erse u s ers. Disp ersedrecreatio n also in clu d e s the table-under-the-tree type of fac ility, portable toilets in otherwise undeveloped sites, trailheads, and trails.

PRACTICE: 1 2

. 0 1 - Recreatio n Facilities Plan n i n g

OBJECTIVE: To in tro du ce so il an dwater reso u r ce co n s id eratio n s in to Recreatio n Facilities Plan n i n g

.

EXPLANATION: Recreation facilities include devel oped sites such as cam pgrounds, picnic areas, b o a t ram p s, etc., an dsp ecial u s e facilities su ch as sk i areas, su mm e r h o m es, an do r g a n i zatio n a l cam p s

. Individual site plans are prepared for each facility.

IMPLEMENTATION: An in terd iscip lin ary team id en tifies p o t en tial im p acts to water q u a lity an dso il productivity during the NEPA process. The NEPA process iden tifies m itigating m easures needed to protect soil and water resources. Considera tion should be given to appropriate location and design of facilities and
t o t h e secondary i m pact s due t o cont i nui ng use.

R E FER E NC ES: NFM A ; NEPA; FSM 2332 and 2333.

PRACTICE: 1 2

. 0 2 - Mo n ito rin g an dEv alu a tio n o f W a ter Qu ality at Desig n a tedSwimm i n g Sites

OBJECTIVE: To in su re th e h ealth an dsafety o f wat e r cont act recreat i oni st s at desi gnat e d Nat i onal Forest Swimm i ng Sites.

EXPLANATION: The m onitoring and evaluation for bacterial contam ination of water quality is

reco mm e n d e dat all d e sig n a tedswimm i n g sites. An alysis v a lu es are testedag ain s t State W a ter Qu ality Standards for prim ary contact recreation.

IMPLEMENTATION: As a p a rt o f SW CP 1 1

. 0 2

, th e water q u a lity fo r swimm i n g sites is m o n ito redan d evaluated. If State Standards are exceeded, the area w ill be closed to all contact recreation use until the cause or causes have been i d ent i f i e d and rem e di ed.

Closure is the responsibility of the Fore st Supervisor or the District Ranger.

REFERENCES: FSM 2532 and 2335; St ate W a ter Quality Standards.

PR AC TIC E : 12.03 - Sani t a ry Survey s t o Augm ent t h e Eval uat i on of Desi gnat e d Swi mm i ng W a t e rs

OBJECTIVE: To provide inform ati on regarding potential hazards or th e cause of an existing problem which is a health hazard.

EXPLANATION: This practice is designed to augm ent the m onitoring and evaluation of swimm i ng waters (SW C P 12.03). Adjacent areas and th e aquatic environm ent are exam ined to detect potential or existing health hazards. The survey provides inform ation n eeded in defining the cause(s) of
contam ination, if evaluation of swimm i ng waters shows standards have been exceeded.

IMPLEMENTATION: A sanitary survey will be m a de prior to the developm ent of plans for each new swimm i ng facility. All areas where swimm i ng is sp ecifically encouraged or perm itted should have a sanitary survey as soon as practical . Subsequent surveys will be rep eated periodically. Results of the
survey are docum ent e d and provi ded t o t h e Forest Supervi s or and Di stri ct R a nger for eval uat i on and appropri a t e act i on.

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R E FER E NC ES: FSM 2532 and 2335; SW C P 11.02.

PR AC TIC E : 12.04 - Provi di ng Safe Dri nki ng W a t e r Suppl i e s

OBJECTIVE: To provide safe dri nking water to Forest Service f acilities such as cam pgrounds, picnic grounds, trailheads, Visitor Inform ation Centers, wi nter sport areas, and developed roadside facilities.

EXPLANATION: Adm i nistrative guidelines for wa ter source location and developm ent; testing frequency and l i m i t a t i on for bact eri o l ogical, chem ical, and phy sical contam inants; perform ance of sanitary
survey s; cl osi ng, correct i on, and reopeni ng of def ect i v e wat e r sy st em s; and docum ent a t i on of dat aare provi ded i n t h e St at e Dri nki ng W a t e r St andards.

IMPLEMENTATION: Lo catio n , d e sig n , sam p lin g , an d san itary su rv eys will b e p e rfo rm edb y q u a lified individuals who are fam iliar with drinking water supply system s and requirem e nts. Coordination and cooperation will be pursued with State and local health departm e nt repres entatives in all phases of drinking water system m a n a g e m e n t . Prev en tiv e m easu r es will b e tak e n in th e lo catio n , co n s tru c tio n , o p e ratio n , an d

m a intenance of water supply system s to m i nim i ze possibilities of contam ination.

Sam p lin g an dtestin g o f d r in k i n g water q u a lity will b e req u i red

. If State an dlo cal h ealth d e p a rtm e n t s d o not perform t h e wat e r anal y s i s , St at e approved l aborat ori e s m u st be used. W h en t e st resul t s i ndi cat e t h at State Standards are exceeded, the water supply will be closed or treatm e nt required until the problem is

co rrectedan dsatisfacto ry resu lts are o b t ain e d

. Seaso n a l system s will b e testedan dp r o v e n to b e sat i s fact ory pri o r t o openi ng.

REFERENCES: Safe Drinking W a ter Act (P.L. 95-190); State W a ter Quality Standards; State Drinking W a t e r St andards; 40 C F R Part s 141, 142, and 143; Heal t h and Safet y C ode Handbook (FSH 6709.11); FSM 2332, 2333, and 7420; SW C P 11.10 and 12.05.

PRACTICE: 1 2

. 0 5 - Do cu m e n t atio n o f Po tab l e W a ter Qu ality Data

OBJECTIVE: To assu re th e av ailab ility o f water q u a lity d a ta an drelatedin fo rm atio n wh en m a k i n g

an alysis an din terp retatio n s with resp ect to p o t ab le water system s.

EXPLANATION: An inventory of the location of all designated potable water supplies will be
p r ep aredan dm a in tain edd o c u m en tin g p e rtin en t site in fo rm atio n su ch as d a tes an dresu lts o f all water
q u a lity tests an dsu rv eys. Th is is an ad m i n i strativ e p r actice o f reco rdk eep in g to estab lish a reco rdo f cau se and effect t o ai d i n i d ent i f y i ng any sources of cont am i n at i on.

IMPLEMENTATION: Fo rests will u s e th e co m p u t er-b ased"Po t ab le W a ter System Man a g e m e n t Pro g r am " fo r site d o c u m en tatio n

. All lab o r ato ry resu lts will b e filedo n th e Fo rest fo r a m i n i m u m o f fiv e years. Data will be stored, edited, and summ a rized annually.

R E FER E NC ES: FSM 2532, 7421.24, and 7421.25.

PRACTICE: 1 2

. 0 6 - Man a g e m e n t o f San itatio n Facilities

OBJECTIVE: To protect surface and subsurface soil and water resources from bacteria, nutrients, and chem i cal pol l u t a nt s resul t i ng from t h e col l ect i on, t r ansm i ssi on, t r eat m e nt , and di sposal of sewage at Forest Serv ice facilities. EXPLANATION: Toilet facilities are provided at so m e recreation sites. The type and num ber d e p e n d s o n site u tilizatio n an dth e cap acity o f a g i v e n site. San itatio n facilities wh ich m a y v a ry fro m a p it

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to ilet to a treatm e n t p l an t will b e p l an n e d

, lo cated , d e sig n e d

, co n s tru c ted

, o p e rated

, in sp ectedan d

m a in tain edto m i n i m i ze th e p o ssib ility o f so il an dwater co n t am in atio n

.

IMPLEMENTATION: Th e lo catio n , d e sig n , in sp ectio n , o p e ratio n an dm a in ten a n ce will b e p e rfo rm ed

o r

co n tro lledb y q u a lifiedo p e rato rs wh o are fam iliar with san itatio n system s an dg u i d e lin es. State an d local authorities should be consulted pr ior to the installation of new san itation facilities or m odifications of

ex istin g facilities to assu re co m p lian ce with all ap p licab le State an dlo cal reg u l atio n s . Co o r d i n a tio n an d cooperat i on shoul d be pursued wi t h St at e and l o cal Heal t h Depart m e nt s.

Disp o s al o f sewag e at d e sig n a tedsewag e treatm e n t p l an ts will b e req u i red

, wh en feasib le. W h ere d i sp o s al at sewag e treatm e n t p l an ts is n o t feasib le, sp ecially d e sig n a tedsites will b e id en tified

. Th ese areas will b e id en tifiedin th e d i sp o s al co n tract o r ag reem en t. San itary en g i n eers will d e sig n a te all areas o n Fo rest propert y where unt reat ed effl uent m a y be di sposed of . Sewage shoul d be buri e d at l east 300 feet away from all surface water sources.

State an dlo cal h ealth d e p a rtm e n t s will b e co n s u ltedas to co n cern s , req u i rem e n t s, an dreg u l atio n s

.

R E FER E NC ES: W a t e r Devel opm ent s and Sani t a t i on Handbook (FSH 7409.11); FSM 2331, 2332, 2333, 7430, 7440, and 7460; State a nd local codes; State W a ter Quality Standards.

PR AC TIC E : 12.07 - C ont rol of R e fuse Di sposa l

OBJECTIVE: To protect surface and subsurface soil and water resources from nutrients, bacteria, and chem icals associated with soil waste disposal.

EXPLANATION: The users of National Forest recrea tion facilities are encouraged to cooperate in the proper disposal of garbage and trash. Users are en couraged to burn their com bustible trash in fireplaces or stoves. Receptacles are provide d for unburnable garbage and trash at som e developed sites. Garbage and t r ash m u st be packed out by t hose who use di spersed and wi l d erness areas.

IMPLEMENTATION: The public edu cation effort is a continuing process accom p lished through the use of si gns, pri n t e d i n form at i on, m a ss m e di a, a nd personal cont act . Publ i c cooperat i on i s vi t a l

.

Each Natio n a l Fo rest will fo llo w th eir so lidwaste d i sp o s al p l an wh ich d e scrib e s th eir co llectio n , rem o v a l, and final disposal m e thods. Garbag e containers are placed in areas wh ich are convenient for recreationists

an dare easily m a in tain ed . On -site enforcem ent m a y be necessary.

Th e fin a l d i sp o s al o f co llectedg a rb ag e will b e at a p r o p e rly d e sig n e dan do p e ratedsan itary lan d f ill. Each landfill site will be located where gr oundwater and surface waters are at a safe distance as prescribed by State and local codes.

R E FER E NC ES: FSM 2332, 2333, and 7460; St at e and l o cal codes.

P R A C T I C E : 1 2

. 0 8 - Assu rin g Pro p e r San itatio n an dW a ter Sup p lies Fo r Sp ecial Use facilities

OBJECTIVE: To protect the qualityof water both consum ed by a nd discharged from facilities under Special Use Perm it.

EXPLANATION: Special Use facilities m u st com p ly with State and local sanitation ordinances. Buildings and grounds will be supplied with at leas t the m i nim u m sanitary facilities required by local codes. W a ter system s m u st provi de an adequate volum e of acceptabl y pure water for drinking, cooking,

an dg e n e ral san itatio n

. Stru ctu r es d e sig n e dwith to ilets, sh o w ers, an dwash b a sin s will b e p l an n e dto serv e th e facility's n eed s an dcap acity.

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IMPLEMENTATION: Managem e nt controls and requirem e nts pr otecting water quality through installation and m a intenance of prope r sanitation and water supply facilitie s will be incorpor ated into the Sp ecial Use Perm it fo r th e facility. Perm ittees are req u i redto co n f o r m with all ap p licab le State an dlo cal regulations governing wa ter quality and sanitation. Perm ittees ar e required to inspect their facilities and

t e st pot abl e wat e r suppl i e s t o ensure a safe wat e r suppl y and proper sani t a t i on. C opi es of t h e t e st resul t s will b e p r o v i d e dto th e ap p r o p r iate Fo rest Officer, as sp ecifiedin th e Sp ecial Use Perm it.

REFERENCES: FSM 2342 and 2343; SW CP 11.08, 12.04, 12.06 and 12.07; Stat e W a ter Quality and Dri nki ng W a t e r St andards.

PR AC TIC E : 12.09 - Sani t a t i on at Hy drant s and W a t e r Faucet s W i th i n Devel oped R ecreat i on Si t e s

OBJECTIVE: To m a intain water quality standards ar ound hydrants and faucets which provide water for

consum pt i v e use i n devel oped recreat i on si t e s.

EXPLANATION: This practice prohibits the cleani ng or washing of any pe rsonal property

, fish, ani m al , or food at a hy drant or at a wat e r faucet not provi ded for th at purpose. The publ i c m u st be inform ed of their responsibilities concerning sanitary regulations.

Acceptable designated areas are those that are located away form consum ptive water sources and where effl uent from t h e washi ng operat i on can be di sposed of properl y

.

IMPLEMENTATION: The authorized Forest Officer will inform the public of their sanitary responsibilities by posting signs on bulletin boards or at hydrants or faucet s, by notices in newspapers, and by personal contact. On-site enforcem ent by the Forest Officer m a y be necessary for vi ol at ors.

R E FER E NC ES: FSM 2334, 7410, 7420, and 7430.

PRACTICE: 12.10 - M a nagem e nt of Off-Road Vehicle Use

OBJECTIVE: To control Off-Roa d Vehicle (ORV) use which is causing soil erosion and adverse effects o n water q u a lity an dto id en tify co rrectiv e m easu r es.

EXPLANATION: Areas or trails where ORV use is causing degradation of water quality or soil erosi on shoul d be i d ent i f i e d. It shoul d be det e rm i n ed t h rough m oni t o ri ng and eval uat e d i f degradat i on i s beyond acceptable lim its, as de fined by Forest Plans.

IMPLEMENTATION: Mo n ito rin g resu lts will b e ev alu a tedag ain s t Fo rest Plan stan d a rd s fo r so il an d
wat e r resources and th e m a nagem e nt object i v es for th e area. If considerable adverse effects are occurring or are l i k el y t o occur, correct i v e act i on shoul d be t a ken (SW C P 11-03). C o rrect i v e act i ons m a y i n cl ude, but are not l i m i t e d t o , redi st ri but i on i n t h e am ount of OR V use, devel opm ent of a Forest wi de Travel Pl an, si gni ng or barri ers t o redi stri but e use, part i a l cl osi ng of areas, rot a t i on of use on areas, cl osure t o causat i v e vehi cl e t ypes or t o t a l cl osure, and st ruct ural sol u t i ons such as cul v ert s and bri dges.

C l osure i s done by authori t y of th e Forest Supervi s or (SW C P 11.09).

REFERENCES: SW CP 11.02; EO 11644, Use of Off-Roa d Vehi cl es on t h e Publ i c Lands, and EO 11989, Off-Road Vehi cl es on Publ i c Lands; 36 CFR 295.5; FSM 2352 and 2355.

PRACTICE: 1 2

. 1 1 - Pro t ectio n o f W a ter Qu ality W ith in Dev e lo p e dan dDisp ersedRecreatio n Areas

OBJECTIVE: To p r o t ect water q u a lity b y reg u l atin g th e d i sch a rg e an dd i sp o s al o f p o t en tial p o llu tan t s.

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EXPLANATION: Thi s pract i ce prohi bi t s pl aci ng i n or near a stream , l a ke, or other wat e rbody

, m a terials or substances which m a y degrade water qua lity. The actual safety di stance from each water body is at least 100 feet, or greater if warranted by local conditions. This includes, but is not lim ited to, hum an and anim al waste, oil, and other hazardous substances. Areas

m a y be cl osed i n order t o restri ct use i n probl em areas.

IMPLEMENTATION: W ithin developed sites, authorized Forest Officer s will inform the public of their responsibility through signs, bulletin boards, newspapers or personal contact. Pa m phlets, brochures and other m a terial will be used to encourage public cooperation in protecting water quality in dispersed areas. Forest Officers can issue ci t a t i ons t o vi ol at ors.

R E FER E NC ES: FSM 2323, 2332, 2333, 2334, 2335, and 2502; SW C P 11.02 and 11.07; W i l d erness M a nagem e nt Handbook (FSH 2309.19).

PRACTICE: 1 2

. 1 2 - Lo catio n o f Pack an dRid i n g Sto c k Facilities in W ild ern e ss, Prim itiv e, an d B ackcount ry Areas

OBJECTIVE: To av o i dd e g r ad atio n o f water q u a lity fro m p ack an drid i n g sto c k facilities.

EXPLANATION: This practice directs the location of pack and riding stock facilities at safe locations away from springs, stream s, lakes, wet m eadows, and any other surface waters.

IM PLEM ENTATION: The Forest Supervi s or m a y aut hori ze t h e const r uct i on and i n st al l a t i on of si m p l e tem porary facilities in backcountry or designated areas, such as corrals or hitchrails, but excluding cabins, if they are necessary to direct p ack stock use away from surface waters.

Public education is essential to establish accepta ble use patterns. Signs, br ochures, organized public edu catio n p r o g r am s, an dp e rso n a l co n t acts will b e u s edto g a in co m p lian ce. W ild ern e ss p a tro l m e n will check com p liance with use.

R E FER E NC E: FSM 2323.63; W i l d erness M a nagem e nt Handbook (FSH 2309.19).

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13 - VEGETATION M ANAGEM E NT . Veget a t i on m a nagem e nt on Nat i onal Forest Sy st em l a nds i s conduct e d i n t h e course of forest re generat i on, brushl and conversi on t o grass for fuel s reduct i on, brushl and conversion to forests, utility tr ansm ission corridor m a intenance, rangeland im provem e nt, water yield i m provem e nt , and wi l d l i f e habi t a t i m provem e nt . M eans of conversi on are: chem i cal , m echani cal , burni ng, and bi ol ogi cal . Each project i s eval uat e d t h rough t h e NEPA process by an i n t e rdi s ci pl i n ary t eam

.

PR AC TIC E : 13.01 - Operat i ng Seedi ng and Land Preparat i on Equi pm ent on t h e C ont our

OB JEC T IVE: To reduce soi l erosi on and l o sses i n soi l product i v i t y and t o m i ni m i ze sedi m e nt product i on and t u rbi d i t y

.

EXPLANATION: This m easure is im plem ented to pr ovide a m eans of rapid infiltration and surface water detention, so that infiltration can take place. The factors evaluated are slope, infiltration rate,
p e rm eab ility, so il d e p t h

, clim atic v a riab les, an dso il water h o l d i n g cap acity. Th ese fieldev alu a tio n s are

m a de by t echni cal st affs duri ng project pl anni ng.

IM PLEM ENTATION: Appropri a t e contract provi si ons and/ or m a nagem e nt control s are i d ent i f i e d i n t h e NEPA process. The project supervi s or i s respons i b l e for enforci ng th ese m a nagem e nt requi rem e nt s th at deal wi th cont our operat i ons on In-Servi ce project s. The C ontract i ng Offi cer i s responsi b l e for enforci ng provi si ons of contract s. C ont our operat i ons, where l i m i t e d by st eepness of sl ope (usual l y great er th an 30 percent), m a y require other m e thods of stabili zation such as hydroseed ing or hand operations.

R E FER E NC ES: FSM 2245 (Nat i onal Grassl ands); see references i n "B est M a nagem e nt Pract i ces" Defi ni t i on (05--2 and 3).

PR AC TIC E : 13.02 - Sl ope Li m i t a t i ons for Tract or Operat i o n

OB JEC T IVE: To reduce gul l y and sheet erosi on and associ at ed sedi m e nt product i on.

EXPLANATION: This m easure lim its surface disturbance and keeps surface runoff water from concentrating. This practice rest ri ct s t r act or operat i on t o sl opes wh ere corrective m easures for proper drainage such as water bars are easily in stalledan deffectiv e. Criteria th at m a y b e u s edto d e term in e slo p e restrictio n s are so il stab ility, m a ss stab ility, in filtratio n rate, an dso il water h o l d i n g cap acity. Th is d a ta m a y be i n t e rpret e d from soi l and l a ndt yp e i nvent ori e s, geol ogi c m a ps, and cl i m at i c and hy drol ogi c i n form at i on. Subsequent fi el d veri fi cat i on m a y be necessary

.

IM PLEM ENTATION: R ecomm e nded provi si ons and m a na gem e nt control s for operat i ng m achi n ery on st eep sl opes i s i d ent i f i e d duri ng t h e NEPA process. These provi si ons shoul d be i n cl uded i n t h e cont ract

. The C ontract i ng Offi cer i s responsi b l e for ensuri ng i m pl em ent a t i on of th ese contract provi si ons. For InServi ce project s, t h e project supervi s or i s responsi b l e for enforcem ent of m a nagem e nt requi rem e nt s and for i d ent i f i cat i on of addi t i onal areas where operat i ons shoul d be l i m i t e d.

REFERENCES: SW CP 14.07; see references in "Best M a nagem e nt Pract i ce" Defi ni t i on (05--2 and 3).

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PRACTICE: 13.04 - Revegetati on of Surface Disturbed Areas

OBJECTIVE: To protect soil productivity a nd water quality by m i nim i zing soil erosion.

EXPLANATION: This practice is designed to prev ent soil puddling, com p action and displacem ent, and the concentration of surface water and soil erosi on, which m a y lead to rill or gully erosion and

su b s eq u e n t water q u a lity d e g r ad atio n

. Th is m easu r e is in ten d e dto p r ev en t o r redu ce th e n eed fo r co rrectiv e

m easures t o sol v e wat e r concentr at i on probl em s due t o tr act or use.

IM PLEM ENTATION: Appl i cat i on i s m a ndat o ry on al l veget a t i on m a ni pul at i on project s unl ess speci fi cal l y excl uded i n t h e NEPA process. C ont ract speci fi cat i ons and cont rol s and requi rem e nt s are i d ent i f i e d i n th e envi ronm ent a l anal y s i s . The project supervi s or and/ or C ontract i ng Offi cer are responsi b l e for i d ent i f y i ng wet l a nds and m eadows not previ ousl y recogni zed i n t h e NEPA process, and for fol l o wi ng

m a nagem e nt cont rol s and cont ract provi si ons pert ai ni ng t o wet l a nds and m eadows.

R E FER E NC ES: EO 11990, Prot ect i on of W e t l a nds; FSM 2527; SW C P 11.05 and 14.16; see references i n "B est M a nagem e nt Pract i ce" Defi ni t i on (05--2 and 3).

PRACTICE: 13.04 - Revegetati on of Surface Disturbed Areas

OBJECTIVE: To protect soil productivity a nd water quality by m i nim i zing soil erosion.

EXPLANATION: This practice is used to stabili ze the surface of the disturbed area through the in flu e n ce o f v e g e tatio n

. Th e v e g e tatio n will b e selectedto m eet m a n y o r m o st o f th e m a n a g e m e n t objectives for the area --range, wildlife, tim ber, fuels, m i nerals, aesthetics, etc. Grass or browse species

m a y be seeded between recen tly planted trees for erosion prevention, wildlife habitat enhancem ent, or other

m a nagem e nt needs.

Th e facto r s ev alu a tedare so il fertility, slo p e , asp ect, lan d t yp e ch aracteristics, so il water h o l d i n g cap acity, clim atic factors, vegetation species characteristics, a nd project objectives. These are field determ inations

an do ffice in terp retatio n s m a d e b y an in terd iscip lin ary team

.

IMPLEMENTATION: Th e id en tificatio n o f d i stu r b e dareas an dsp ecies m i x will b e d e term in eddu r in g t h e NEPA process. The responsi b l e Li ne Offi cer assi gns speci fi c Indi vi dual s t o execut e t h e project

. Project s are subsequent l y m oni t o red t o assess t h e reve get a t i on effect i v eness, and need for fol l o w-up act i on.

R E FER E NC ES: FSM 2522, 2405, 2472, and 7721; SW C P 11.02, 11.03, and 14.13; see references i n "B est M a nagem e nt Pract i ce" Defi ni t i on (05--2 and 3).

PR AC TIC E : 13.05 - Soi l Prot ect i on Duri ng and Fol l o wi ng Sl ash W i ndrowi n g

OBJECTIVE: To prevent rem oval or severe disr uption of the productive surface soil and to m i nim i ze losses from erosion.

EXPLANATION: W i ndrowing is a comm on m e thod of slash treatm e nt rem oval and surface scarification. On slopes the m a teri al should be windrowed on the contour to act as a filter barrier which
cat ches sedi m e nt and det a i n s runoff wat e r. On m a ny forest soi l s , great care m u st be t a ken t o preserve th e surface soil layer during the windrowing operation.

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IM PLEM ENTATION: R ecomm e ndat i ons on sl ash wi ndrowi ng are i d ent i f i e d duri ng t h e NEPA process. The project supervi s or i s responsi b l e for enforci ng a ppl i cabl e m a nagem e nt requi rem e nt s. The C ontract i ng Offi cer i s responsi b l e for enforci ng cont ract cl auses.

REFERENCES: SW CP 13.01; see references in "Best M a nagem e nt Pract i ce" Defi ni t i on (05--2 and 3).

PRACTICE: 1 3

. 0 6 - So il Mo istu re Lim itatio n s fo r Tracto r Op eratio n

OBJECTIVE: To m i nim i ze soil com p action, puddling, rutting, and gullying with resultant sedim e nt product i on and l o ss of soi l product i v i t y

.

EXPLANATION: This m easure m i nim i zes surf ace disturbance during high soil m o isture conditions which would result in co m p action, puddling, rutting, and gu llying problem s. This practice redu ces th e n eedto co rrect th ese so il an dwater reso u r ce p r o b l em s later. So il ero d i b ility, co m p actib ility, clim atic facto r s, so il/water, relatio n s h i p s , an dm a ss stab ility, ev alu a te tracto r lim itatio n s du r in g th e NEPA
process. IM PLEM ENTATION: C ontract provi si ons and m a nagem e nt requi rem e nt s for soi l m o i s t u re l i m i t a t i ons are i d ent i f i e d duri ng t h e envi ronm ent a l anal y s i s . The project supervi s or and/ or C ont ract i ng Offi cer are responsible for determ ining when the soil surface is unstable and susceptible to dam a ge and is then responsi b l e for suspendi ng or t e rm i n at i ng operat i ons.

REFERENCES: FSM 2522; see references in "Best Mana gem e nt Practices" Definition (05--2 and 3); In R

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PR AC TIC E : 13.07 - Pest i c i d e Use Pl anni ng

OBJECTIVE: To in co rp o r ate water q u a lity an dh y d r o l o g i c co n s id eratio n s in to th e Pesticid e Use Pl anni ng Process.

EXPLANATION: The pesticide use planning process will be used to identify problem areas and the objectives of the project, estab lish th e ad m i n i strativ e co n t ro ls, id en tify treatm e n t s an dp r ev en tiv e

m easures, and i n corporat es t h e hy drol ogi c consi d erat i ons cont ai ned i n SW C P 13.08 t h rough 13.13. The NEPA p r o cess ad d r esses th ese co n s id eratio n s in term s o f im p acts, m itig atio n m easu r es, an daltern ativ e t r eat m e nt m easures. Project work and safety pl ans speci fy m a nagem e nt di rect i on.

Fact ors consi d ered i n pest i c i d e sel ect i on are: purpose of t h e project , appl i cat i on m e t hods avai l abl e, t a rget speci es, t i m i ng of t r eat m e nt , pest l o cat i on, si ze of treatm e nt area, and need for repeated treatm e nt. Practicability of application consid ers: registration rest rictions, form and m e thod of application, topographic relief and areas to be avoided, and social acceptance of the project. The degree of risk considers: hazard to hum ans, m e thod of application, transportation and handling hazards, carriers needed, and chem ical persistence.

IMPLEMENTATION: Th e in terd iscip lin ary team ev alu a tes th e p r o j ect in term s o f p o t en tial site response, potential social and envir onm ental im pacts, m itigating m easures needed to protect water quality, and t h e need and i n t e nsi t y of m oni t o ri ng and eval uat i on. The responsi b l e Li ne Offi cer t h en prepares t h e necessary NEPA docum ent a t i on, Project Pl an, and Sa fet y Pl an. Dependi ng on t h e pest i c i d e use, (FSM 2151.04) t h e Forest pest i c i d e-use coordi nat o r or Int e grat ed Pest M a nagem e nt W o rki ng Group or R e gi onal IPM W G revi ews t h e docum ent s al ong wi t h t h e Pest i c i d e-Use Proposal , form FS-2100-2, and m a kes

recomm e ndat i ons for or agai nst approval of th e project

.

REFERENCES: NFMA; NEPA; FSM 2150 and 2323; Stat e Hazardous W a ste Managem e nt Plans; see references i n "B est M a nagem e nt Pr act i ce" Defi ni t i on (05--2 and 3).

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PR AC TIC E : 13.08 - Appl y Pest i c i d es Accordi ng t o Label and EPA R e gi strat i on Di rect i ons

OB JEC T IVE: To avoi d wat e r cont am i n at i on by com p l y in g with all lab e l in stru ctio n s an drestrictio n s

.

EXPLANATION: Label directions for each pesticid e are detailed and specific, and include legal requirem e nts for use.

IMPLEMENTATION: Co n s train t s id en tifiedo n th e lab e l and other l e gal requi rem e nt s of appl i cat i on are incorporated into project plans and contracts. Responsibility for ensuring that label di rections and other
ap p licab le req u i rem e n t s are fo llo wedrests with th e Fo re st Supervi s or or a desi gnat e such as th e Forest Pesticide-Use Coordinator. For c ontracted projects, it is the respons ibility of the Contacting Officer to
ensure th at l abel di rect i ons and al l ot her requi rem e nt s are fol l o wed.

REFERENCES: FSM 2150; see references in "Best Ma nagem e nt Practice" Defi nition (05--2 and 3).

PR AC TIC E : 13.09 - Pest i c i d e Appl i cat i on M oni t o ri ng and Eval uat i o n

OBJECTIVE: To d e term in e an dd o c u m en t th at p e sticid es have been appl i e d safel y and t o provi de an earl y warni ng for any cont am i n at i on of wat e r or non-t a rget areas or resources. EXPLANATION: This practice provides feedback on the placem ent accuracy, application am ount, and any water contam ination that m i ght occur from pesticide use, so as to m i nim i ze or elim inate hazards to
non-t a rget areas or resources. M oni t o ri ng and eval uat i on m e t hods i n cl ude spray cards, dy e t r aci ng, and di rect m easurem ent of pest i c i d e i n or near wat e r. Type of pest i c i d e, equi pm ent
, appl i cat i on di ffi cul t y , p u b lic co n cern , b e n e ficial u s es, m o n ito rin g d i fficu lty, av ailab ility o f co m p eten t lab o r ato ry an alysis an d applicable Federal, State, and lo cal laws and regulations are factor s co n s id eredwh en d e term in in g th e

m oni t o ri ng and eval uat i on needs.

IM PLEM ENTATION: The m oni t o ri ng and eval uat i on of pest i c i d e appl i cat i on i s a com ponent of SW C P 11.02. The need for a m oni t o ri ng pl an i s i d ent i f i e d duri ng th e Pest i c i d e Use Pl anni ng Process/ NEPA
p r o cess. If d e term in edn ecessary, th is m o n ito rin g an dev alu a tio n p l an will co n s id er th e sam e item s as in SW CP 1 1

. 0 2

. A tech n i cal staff fam iliar in p e sticid e m o n ito rin g will ev alu a te an din terp ret th e m o n ito rin g

resu lts in term s o f co m p lian ce, State water q u a lity stan d a rd s an dad eq u acy o f p r o j ect sp ecificatio n s

.

REFERENCES: FSM 2150; see references in "Best Ma nagem e nt Practice" Defi nition (05--2 and 3).

PRACTICE: 1 3

. 1 0 - Pesticid e Sp ill Co n tin g e n c y Plan n i n g

OBJECTIVE: To reduce contam ination of water from accidental pesticide spills.

EXPLANATION: A contingency plan that contains a predeterm i ned organization and imm e diate actions to be im plem ented in the event of a hazardous substance spill w ill be prepared. The plan lists

n o tificatio n req u i rem e n t s, tim e req u i rem e n t s fo r th e n o tificatio n , h o w sp ills will b e h a n d l ed , an dwh o will be responsible for clean-up. Factors considered for each spill are: specific substance spilled, quantity, toxicity, proxim ity of spill to waters, and the hazard to life, property, and the environm ent.

IMPLEMENTATION: Th e Pesticid e Sp ill Co n tin g e n c y Plan will b e in co rp o r atedin to th e Pro j ect Safety Plan. The NEPA process will provide the m eans for including public and other agency involvem e nt in plan preparation. The plan will list the responsible authorities.

REFERENCES: SW CP 11.07; Pesticide Storage, Tr ansportation, Spills, and Disposal Handbook (FSH 2109.12); FSM 6740, 7442, 7443, and 7460; Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan for EPA R e gi ons 8 and 10, 7/ 26/ 85; R

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PR AC TIC E : 13.11 - C l eani ng and Di sposal of Pest i c i d e C ont ai ners and Equi pm ent

OB JEC T IVE: To prevent wat e r cont am i n at i on and ri sk t o hum ans from cl eani ng and di sposal of pest i c i d e cont ai ners.

EXPLANATION: The cl eani ng and di sposal of pes t i c i d e cont ai ners and equi pm ent m u st be done in accordance with Federal, State, and local laws, re gulations, and directives, and in a m a nner which will safeguard publ i c heal t h , t h e benefi ci al uses of wat e r, a quat i c organi sm s, and wi l d l i f e. C ont ai ners are ri nsed

t h ree t i m es, t h e ri nse wat e r appl i e d on t h e project area as soon as pract i cal , and t h e cont ai ners t a ken t o t h e desi gnat e d di sposal si t e . Appl i cat i on equi pm ent i s al so ri nsed and ri nse wat e r appl i e d t o t h e project si t e before t h e equi pm ent i s m oved from t h e project area.

IM PLEM ENTATION: W h en t h e pest i c i d e i s appl i e d by In-Servi ce personnel

, t h e Forest or Di st ri ct Pesticid e Use Co o r d i n a to r will lo cate p r o p e r rin s in g an dd i sp o s al sites, an dwill arran g e fo r co n t ain e r di sposal i n an approved di sposal si t e . W h en th e pest i c i d e i s appl i e d by a contract or, th e contract or i s responsible for proper clean-up and c ontainer disposal in accordance with label directions and Federal, State, and local laws.

The Project Contracting Officer will docum ent th at the proper disposal m e thods were followed.

REFERENCES: FSM 2150; Pesticide Storage, Tran sportation, Spills, and Disposal Handbook (FSH 2109.12); Heal t h and Safety C ode Handbook (FSH 6709. 11); Safety and Heal th Program Handbook (FSH 6709.12); SW CP 11.07 and 11.08; see references in "Bes t Managem e nt Practice" De finition (05--2 and 3).

PR AC TIC E : 13.12 - Prot ect i on of W a t e r, W e t l a nds, and R i pari an Areas Duri ng Pest i c i d e Spray i ng

OBJECTIVE: To m i nim i ze the risk of a pesticide entering surface or subsurface waters or affecting ri pari an areas, wet l a nds, and ot her non-t a rget areas.

EXPLANATION: W h en applying pestic ides, an untreated buffer stri p will be left alongside surface
wat e rs, wet l a nds, and ri pari an areas. Fact ors cons i d ered i n est abl i s hi ng buffer stri p wi dt hs bey ond

m i nim u m s established by FSM and NEPA docum ents are: beneficial water uses, adjacent land use, rainfall,
t e m p erat ure, wi nd speed, wi nd di rect i on, t e rrai n , sl ope, soi l s and geol ogy , veget a t i v e t ype, and aquat i c l i f e. Other considerations include: persistence, m obility, t oxicity, and form ulation of the pesticide, m e thod of appl i cat i on, equi pm ent used, spray pat t e rn, dropl et si ze, appl i cat i on hei ght , and appl i cat i on pat t e rn.

IMPLEMENTATION: Pro t ectedareas will b e id en tifie dan dm a p p e db y an in terd iscip lin ary team an d

t h e Forest Pest i c i d e Use C oordi nat o r duri ng t h e NEPA process. Prot ect i on of unt reat ed areas i s t h e responsibility of the project supervisor for In-Service projects and the Contracti ng Officer for contracted project s. The cert i f i e d comm e rci a l appl i cat ors are bri e fed about l o cat i on of prot ect i on areas. These areas are fl agged or otherwi s e m a rked when necessary t o ai d i n boundary i d ent i f i cat i on.

R E FER E NC ES: FSM 2526, 2527, 2245, and 2150; see re ferences i n "B est M a nagem e nt Pract i ce" Defi ni t i on (05--2 and 3).

PRACTICE: 1 3

. 1 3 - Co n t ro llin g Pesticid e Drift Du rin g Sp ray Ap p licatio n

OB JEC T IVE: To m i ni m i ze t h e ri sk of pest i c i d e cont am i n at i ng non-t a rget areas.

EXPLANATION: Pesticide spray applications w ill be accom p lished according to a prescription that specifies the following: areas to be left untreated, buffer areas, type of spray and associated m a terials, equi pm ent and m e t hod t o be used, dropl et si ze, spray hei ght , appl i cat i on pat t e rn, fl ow rat e , t e rrai n and

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m e teo r o l o g i cal co n s id eratio n s . Han dsp rayin g , with less asso ciatedrisk , will h a v e fewer ap p licatio n restrictio n s fo r d r ift co n t ro l th an aerial ap p licatio n

.

IMPLEMENTATION: The prescription is prepared by an interdiscip linary team and the Forest or Di st ri ct Pest i c i d e Use C oordi nat o r duri ng th e NEPA process. The Li ne Offi cer i s responsi b l e for desi gnat i ng a project supervi s or who i s responsi b l e for ensuri ng t h at t h e prescri p t i on i s fol l o wed duri ng application and for term inating appli cation if the standards are exceeded.

R E FER E NC ES: FSM 2150 and 2245; SW C P 13.12; see re ferences i n "B est M a nagem e nt Pract i ce" Defi ni t i on (05--2 and 3).

14 - TIMBER . Tim b er harvesting and reforestation are the cul m i n at i on of several y ears of t i m ber resource

assessm en t an dd e tailedp r o j ect p l an n i n g

. Th e actu a l Ph ysical activ ities co n s ist o f fellin g , b u c k i n g , sk id d i n g , yard in g , lo ad in g an dh au lin g , site p r ep aratio n , tree p l an tin g , an do t h e r activ ities asso ciatedwith
stan destab lish m en t.

Pl anni ng general l y st art s 5 t o 10 y ears before th e t i m be r is so ldfo r h a rv estin g

. First, th e lan dm u st b e suitable for and allocated to tim ber resource activities in the Forest Plan. The proposed sale m u st follow th e stan d a rd s, g u i d e lin es, an dd i rectio n with in th e Fo rest Plan . Nex t , a cu m u lativ e effects feasib ility anal y s i s i s conduct e d pri o r t o i n cl udi ng t h e project on t h e i m pl em ent a t i on schedul e t o ensure t h at t h e project will not im pact soil, water, and other res ources beyond acceptable lim its. A position statem ent is

th en prepared whi c h docum ent s t h e i n t e nt and sc hedul e t o harvest and offers t e nt at i v e harvest i ng al t e rnat i v es. The harvest proposal i s next consi d ered by an i n t e rdi s ci pl i n ary t eam whi c h conduct s an

en v i ro n m en tal an alysis. Basedo n th e an alysis resu lts, th e ap p r o p r iate NEPA d o c u m en t wh ich is tieredto
t h e Forest Pl an i s prepared docum ent i ng th e est i m at ed effect s of th e proposed t i m ber project . Thi s i s used by th e appropri a t e Li ne Offi cer i n deci si on m a ki ng. W h en th e sal e pl an i s approved, th e t i m ber project i s i m pl em ent e d under t e rm s of th i s deci si on. The Ti m b er Sal e C ontract and apprai sal are th en prepared by

u s in g co n t ract p r o v i sio n s th at were selectedto satisfy m a n a g e m e n t co n s train t s an dm itig atio n m easu r es in th e en v i ro n m en tal an alysis. Th e tim b e r is n o w ad v e rtisedan dso ldto th e su ccessfu l b i d d e r. Fin a lly, th e t e rm s of t h e Ti m b er Sal e C ont ract , i n cl udi ng harvest i ng, are adm i ni st ered on t h e ground by t h e cert i f i e d Sale Ad m i n i strato r an dFo rest Serv ice Rep r esen tativ e.

Success of a good harvest i s m easured by com p ari ng th e on-th e-ground resul t s t o th e m a nagem e nt object i v es and const r ai nt s i d ent i f i e d and addressed in the environm ental analysis and Forest Plan.

PR AC TIC E : 14.01 - Ti m b er Sal e Pl anni ng

OB JEC T IVE: To i n corporat e soi l and wat e r resource consi d erat i ons i n t o Ti m b er Sal e Pl anni ng.

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EXPLANATION: Tim b er Sale Planning is acco m p lished through the NEPA process. The

en v i ro n m en tal an alysis will ev alu a te th e p o t en tial fo r im p acts to an dth e cu m u lativ e effects o n th e so il an d
water reso u r ces. If a sig n i fican t p o t en tial ex ists, th e en v i ro n m en tal an alysis will: (1 ) co n s id er h o w to

m i ni m i ze pot ent i a l effect s duri ng and fol l o wi ng t h e sa l e l a y out and subsequent l oggi ng operat i ons; (2) in clu d e m itig atio n o f effects fo r th o s e treatedareas wh ere im p acts are u n a v o i d ab l e; (3 ) an did en tify environm entally sensitive areas where im pacts from pr oposed treatm e nts can not be m itigated to conform with standards.

IMPLEMENTATION: Du rin g th e NEPA p r o cess, an in terd iscip lin ary team will ev alu a te watersh e d charact eri s t i c s and est i m at e response of soi l and wat e r resources t o proposed t i m ber harvest and rel a t e d activ ities. Th e NEPA p r o cess id en tifies m itig atin g m easu r es n eed edto p r o t ect so il an dwater reso u r ces. Th e su b s eq u e n t co n tract will in clu d e p r o v i sio n s to m eet water q u a lity, so ils, an do t h e r reso u r ce p r o t ectio n requi rem e nt s as di rect ed by the environm ental analysis.

R E FER E NC ES: NFM A ; NEPA; FSM 1950, 2431.1, 2431.2, 2511, and 2531; t h e Ti m b er Sal e C ont ract ; i ndi vi dual Forest Pl ans; SW C P 11.01, 11.02, 11.03, 11. 04, 11.05, 11.06, 11.07; and 11.14; Sal e Preparat i on Handbook (FSH 2409.18).

PRACTICE: 14.02 - Tim b er Harvest Unit Design

OBJECTIVE: To insure that tim ber harvest unit desi gn will secure favorable conditions of water flow,

m a intain water quality and soil productivity, and reduce soil erosi on and sedim e ntation.

EXPLANATION: Thi s i s an adm i ni st rat i v e and prevent i v e pract i ce. The proposed t i m ber harvest uni t s are eval uat e d t o est i m at e t h e response on t h e affect ed wat e rsheds. Thi s i nvol ves fi el d exam i n at i on, utilization of existing data, analysis of potential wate rshed response (i.e., water yield and sedim e nt yield anal y s i s ), and professi onal judgm ent

. C h aract eri s t i c s t o be eval uat e d can i n cl ude: (1) th e recovery from past harvests; (2) the allowable area that can be harv est e d; (3) t h e prot ect i on of st ream channel s ; (4) t h e erosion potential of the area; (5) la ndform characteristics; (6) the num be r, size, shape, and location of harvest uni t s ; (7) est i m at ed l o cat i on and si ze of roads and ski dtr ai l s ; (8) l oggi ng sy st em desi gn; and (9) th e potential natural recovery rate of the watershed. W h ere adverse water quality and soil productivity im pacts or undesi rabl e st ream fl ows m a y resul t
, t h e harvest uni t desi gn shoul d be m odi fi ed, i ndi vi dual uni t s del e t e d, and/or the natural recovery rate accelerated by using watershed im provem e nt m easures.

IMPLEMENTATION: The watershed evaluation of proposed tim ber harvest is accom p lished by the i n t e rdi s ci pl i n ary t eam duri ng t h e NEPA process of Ti m b er Sal e Pl anni ng. Prescri p t i ons t o assure acceptable protection of soil and water resources are inco rporated into the environm ental analysis. On-theground accom p lishm ent of the direction in the environm enta l analysis is carried out by the Presale Forester,
t h e cert i f i e d Sal e Adm i ni strat o r, th e Project Engi neer, and th e adm i ni st rat o r of post sal e sl ash di sposal and

cu ltu ral activ ities, with rev i ew b y tech n i cal reso u r ce staffs. Th e n eedfo r m o n ito rin g an dev alu a tio n will b e id en tifiedin th e en v i ro n m en tal an alysis wh en n ecessary.

REFERENCES: NFM A (Sect i on 3091-6 F, III-V, and Sect i on 219.10); Ti m b er Sal e Adm i ni strat i on Handbook (FSH 2409.15) and Sal e Preparat i on Handbook (FSH 2409.18); FSM 2471 and 2405.13; SW C P 11.01, 11.02, 11.03, and 11.14.

PR AC TIC E : 14.03 - Use of Sal e Area M a ps for Desi gnat i ng Soi l and W a t e r Prot ect i on Needs

OB JEC T IVE: To del i n eat e t h e l o cat i on of prot ect i on areas and available water sources and to insure

t h ei r recogni t i on, proper consi d erat i on, and prot ect i on on t h e ground.

EXPLANATION: The following features are designa ted on the Sale Area M a p (and described in associ at ed contract provi si ons), whi c h i s an i n t e gral part of th e Ti m b er Sal e C ontract

.

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a. Lo catio n o f stream co u r ses to b e p r o t ected(p eren n i al, in term itten t , an dep h e m e ral)

b. W e t l a nds and R i pari an Areas (m eadows, l a kes, pot hol es, et c.) t o be prot ect ed

c. B oundari es of harvest uni t s

d. Specified roads

e. R o ads where l og haul i ng i s prohi bi t e d or rest ri ct ed

f. St ruct ural i m provem e nt s

g. Areas for di fferent ski ddi ng and y a rdi ng m e t hods

h. Sources of rock for road work, ri prappi ng, et c.

i. W a ter sources available for Purchaser' s use

j. Ot her feat ures requi red by Di vi si on "C " C ont ract Provi si ons

k. Dom e st i c or publ i c wat e r suppl y source.

IMPLEMENTATION: Th e in terd iscip lin ary team id en t i f i e s and del i n eat es th ese and other feat ures on

m a ps which are included in the project design along with a discussion of each feature. The Presale Forester includes them on the Sale Area Map at the tim e of contr act preparation. The features are reviewed on the ground by t h e Purchaser and t h e cert i f i e d Sal e Adm i ni st rat o r pri o r t o harvest i ng.

R E FER E NC ES: Ti m b er Sal e C ontract Provi si ons B 1 .1, B 6 .5, B 6 .6, C 6 .5l (R -1); FSM 2431.1-.3 and 2471; Ti m b er Sal e Adm i ni st rat i on Handbook (FSH 2409.15) and Sal e Preparat i on Handbook (FSH 2409.18).

PRACTICE: 1 4

. 0 4 - Lim itin g th e Op eratin g Perio do f Tim b er Sale Activ ities

OB JEC T IVE: To m i ni m i ze soi l erosi on and sedi m e nt at i on and l o ss i n soi l product i v i t y by i n suri ng th at
t h e Purchaser conduct s hi s operat i ons, i n cl udi ng erosi on c ont rol road m a i n t e nance, et c., i n a t i m el y m a nner, with in th e tim e o f th e Tim b er Sale Co n t ract.

EXPLANATION: Tim b er is purchasedby individuals or com p anies who either harvest the tim ber th em selv es o r co n t ract h a rv est to o t h e r p a rties. Th erefo r e, it is n ecessary to in su re th at Pu rch a sers underst a nd and adhere t o soi l and wat e r resource recomm e ndat i ons det e rm i n ed i n t h e NEPA process. Thi s is accom p lished by setting forth the Purchaser' s responsibilities in the Tim b er Sale Contract.

The C 6 .3 "Pl a n of Operat i on" provi si on i s requi red i n al l Ti m b er Sal e C ont ract s. Thi s provi si on st at es t h at the Purchaser m u st subm it a general plan of operation which will set fort h planned periods for and m e thods of road const r uct i on, t i m ber harvest i ng, com p l e t i on of sl ash di sposal , erosi on cont rol work, and ot her

co n t ractu a l req u i rem e n t s. Fo rest Serv ice written ap p r o v a l o f th e Plan o f Op eratio n is a p r ereq u i site to

comm e ncem ent of t h e Purchaser' s operat i on.

The cont ract provi si on B 6 .31 "Operat i on Schedul e" re qui res th at th e Purchaser shal l provi de an annual sch e du l e o f an ticip atedactiv ities su ch as ro adm a in ten a n ce an dero s io n co n t ro l wo rk

.

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C ont ract provi si on C 6 .31 "Li m i t e d Operat i ng Peri od" m a y be used i n a cont ract t o l i m i t t h e Purchaser' s operations to specified periods of th e year. Provision B6.6 can be used to control operations because of wet
weat her, hi gh wat e r, et c., i n order t o prot ect resources.

IM PLEM ENTATION: Li m i t e d operat i ng peri ods are i d ent i f i e d and recomm e nded duri ng t h e

en v i ro n m en tal an alysis b y th e in terd iscip lin ary team

. The Presale Forester prepares the contract to include provi si on C 6 .31. Provi si ons B 6 .3, B 6 .31, and C 6 .3 are al l m a ndat o ry provi si ons of th e Ti m b er Sal e C ont ract . Provi si on C 6 .3 i s onl y m a ndat o ry for sal e s over a tw o y ear contract peri od. The Purchaser m u st subm i t hi s general pl an and annual pl ans t o th e Fore st Servi ce. The Purchaser m a y comm e nce operat i ons only after written Forest Service appr oval of the general plan under C6.3.

R E FER E NC ES: Ti m b er Sal e C ont ract Provi si ons B 6 .3, B 6 .31, B 6 .65, B 6 .6, C 6 .3; FSM 2451 and 2453.2; Sal e Preparat i on Handbook (FSH 2409.18).

PR AC TIC E : 14.05 - Prot ect i on of Unst abl e Areas

OB JEC T IVE: To prot ect unst abl e areas and t o avoi d t r i ggeri ng m a ss m ovem e nt s of th e soi l m a nt l e and resul t a nt erosi on and sedi m e nt at i on.

EXPLANATION: This m a nagem e nt practice is an adm i nistrative and preventive control. W h ere unst abl e areas cannot be m a naged wi t hout i rreversi b l e effect s, th ey are t a ken out of sui t abl e forest l a nd base i n t h e Forest Pl an and are recl assi fi ed as unsui t abl e forest l a nd. Usi ng exi s t i ng harvest i ng technologies, these lands are not m a naged for tim be r production because irreversible dam a ge to soil productivity or watershed conditions would result. Ti m b er harvesting is deferred until im proved harvesting
t echnol ogi es are devel oped and proven.

IMPLEMENTATION: The interdiscip lin ary team du r in g th e en v i ro n m en tal an alysis id en tifies u n s tab l e areas by utilizing input provi ded by various tec hnical resource staffs. W h ere unstable areas are presently cl assi fi ed as sui t abl e forest l a nds and harvest cannot be desi gned wi thout causi ng i rreversi b l e effect s, th ey are ch an g e dto th e classificatio n o f u n s u itab l e fo rest lan d s . If th e in terd iscip lin ary team d e term in es th at current or prospective logging m e t hods would result in unacceptable watershed im pact, the harvest is deferred.

R E FER E NC ES: FSM 2405.13.

PR AC TIC E : 14.06 - R i pari an Area Desi gnat i o n

OBJECTIVE: To m i nim i ze the adverse effects on Ripari an Areas with prescriptions that m a nage nearby logging and related land disturbance activities.

EXPLANATION: The Riparian Area is not a zone of exclusion, but an ar ea of closely m a naged activ ity. It acts as (1 ) an effectiv e filter an dab so rp tiv e zo n e fo r sed i m e n t; (2 ) m a in tain s sh ad e; (3 ) p r o t ects aquat i c and t e rrestri al ri pari an habi t a t s ; (4) prot ect s channel and stream banks; and (5) prom ot es fl oodpl ai n stab ility. As a p r ev en tiv e m easu r e, ro ad s, sk idtrails, lan d i n g s , an do t h e r tim b e r h a rv estin g facilities will b e kept out of these areas when feasible or at a pres cribed distance from stream s and wetlands. Factors such
as stream class, ch an n e l stab ility, sid e slo p e steep n e ss, slo p e stab ility, reso u r ces d e p e n d e n t o n th ese areas, and st andards, gui del i n es, and di rect i on from Forest Pl ans are consi d ered i n det e rm i n i ng t h e m a nagem e nt of activities and width of Riparian Areas. Fisherie s habitat condition and its estim ated response to the proposed t i m ber sal e are al so eval uat e d.

IMPLEMENTATION: The Riparian Ar ea requi rem e nt s are i d ent i f i e d duri ng t h e envi ronm ent a l anal y s i s b y th e in terd iscip lin ary team . Th e tim b e r sale p r o j ect is d e sig n e dto in clu d e site sp ecific reco mm e n d a tio n s for the prevention of sedim e ntati on and other stream dam a ge from l ogging activities. The environm ental analysis will provide for planning of harvests to insu re long-term health and re vegetation of the Riparian

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Areas, wh ile m eetin g sh ad in g , d e b r is recru itm en t, and ot her m a nagem e nt object i v es. As appropri a t e , m o n ito rin g an dev alu a tio n will b e id en tifiedin th e en v i ro n m en tal an alysis d o c u m en tatio n

. Th e Presale Forest er i s responsi b l e for t h e i n cl usi on of t h e R i pari an Areas i n t h e Ti m b er Sal e C ont ract and on t h e Sal e Area M a p. The cert i f i e d Sal e Adm i ni st rat o r i s responsi b l e for cont ract com p l i a nce duri ng harvest operat i ons.

R E FER E NC ES: FSM 2405.13, 2453.2, 2526, and 2471; NEPA; NFM A ; Ti m b er Sal e C ontract Provi si on C 6 .5 (R -1), C 5 .421; SW C P 11.02, 11.05, 13.03, and 14.03; Ti m b er Sal e Adm i ni st rat i on Handbook (FSH 2409.15) and Sal e Preparat i on Handbook (FSH 2409.18); s ee references i n "B est M a nagem e nt Pract i ce" Defi ni t i on (05--2 and 3).

PR AC TIC E : 14.07 - Det e rm i n i ng Tract or Loggabl e Ground

OBJECTIVE: To protect water qua lity from degradation caused by tractor logging ground disturbance.

EXPLANATION: This practice is intended to m i ni m i ze soil erosion and subs equent sedim e ntation and water quality degradation. Tr actor loggable ground is a product of local slope lim itations, the volum e

o f

tim b e r to b e h a rv estedfro m th e site, an dth e soi l

, l a nd t ype, geol ogi c, cl i m at i c , and hy drol ogi c characteristics of the site. On-the-g round reconnaissance m a y be necessary.

IM PLEM ENTATION: The det e rm i n at i on of tr act or l oggabl e ground i s perform ed by t h e i n t e rdi s ci pl i n ary t eam duri ng t h e t r ansport a t i on pl anni ng port i on of t h e Ti m b er Sal e Pl anni ng Process. The

resu lts o f th is d e term in atio n are p r esen tedin a NEPA docum ent. These results are considered during the sel ect i on of l oggi ng and si l v i c ul t u ral m e t hods and are us ed i n det e rm i n i ng t h e i n t e nsi t y of and rest ri ct i ons for land disturbance activities. Provisions in the Tim b er Sale Contract specify the areas and conditions upon whi c h t r act ors can operat e (e.g., requi ri ng t r act or l oggi ng on snow i n ri pari an areas).

R E FER E NC ES: Ti m b er Sal e C ontract ; FSM 2522; SW C P 13.02 and 13.03; Sal e Preparat i on Handbook (FSH 2409.18); see references in "Best Manage m e nt Practice" Defin ition (05--2 and 3).

PR AC TIC E : 14.08 - Tract or Ski ddi ng Desi gn

OB JEC T IVE: To m i ni m i ze erosi on and sedi m e nt at i on and prot ect soi l product i v i t y by desi gni ng sk id d i n g p a ttern s to b e st fit th e terrain

.

EXPLANATION: This is a preventive practice. The watershed factor s that are considered include slo p e , asp ect, so il stab ility, v e g e tativ e co v e r, Rip a rian Areas, m ead o w s, an do t h e r facto r s th at m a y affect
th e fl ood and sedi m e nt y i el d pot ent i a l of th e l a nd. The careful control of ski ddi ng pat t e rns serves t o avoi d

o n s ite an dd o w n s tream ch an n e l im p acts, th e b u ildup o f d e stru ctiv e ru n o ff flo w s, ero s io n in sen s itiv e wat e rshed areas such as m eadows and R i pari an Areas, and a reduct i on i n soi l product i v i t y

.

Two com p l e m e nt ary m e t hods of prot ect i ng soi l and wat e r resources by t r act or ski dt r ai l desi gn are:

a. End-Lining. This m e thod invol ves winching the log di rectly out of the sensitive areas (such as

m ead o w s an dRip a rian Areas) with a cab le o p e ratedfro m o u t sid e th e sen s itiv e area. In th is m a n n e r, lo g s

can b e rem o v e dfro m th e sen s itiv e areas wh ile av o i d i n g en cro ach m e n t b y h eav y eq u i p m en t an dasso ciated si t e dam a ge.

b. Felling to the Lead. This m e t hod involves felling trees toward a pr edeterm i ned skid pattern. This
p r o cedu r e facilitates an u n c o m p licatedap p r o ach o f th e tracto r o p e ratin g b e tween th e lo g an dth e sk idtrail.

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Soi l di st urbance and com p act i on are consequent l y l e ssened and resi dual st and and si t e i m pact s are mi n i mi z e d

.

IMPLEMENTATION: Fo r sk idtrail d e sig n , sen s itiv e areas are id en tifiedan dev alu a tedin th e envi ronm ent a l anal y s i s duri ng t h e Ti m b er Sal e Pl anni ng Process. If necessary , prescri p t i ons can be i n cl uded i n t h e Ti m b er Sal e C ont ract th rough th e use of a speci al provi si on. The cert i f i e d Sal e Adm i ni st rat o r th en execut e s t h e prescri p t i on on th e ground by l o cat i ng t h e ski dtr ai l s wi t h th e t i m ber purchaser or by agreei ng t o th e Purchaser' s proposed l o cat i ons pri o r t o constr uct i on.

R E FER E NC ES: Ti m b er Sal e C ont ract Provi si on B 6 .422, B 6 .424, and C 6 .6; FSM 2524 and 2451; Sal e Preparat i on Handbook (FSH 2409.18) and Ti m b er Sal e Adm i ni st rat i on Handbook (FSH 2409.15); see references i n "B est M a nagem e nt Pract i ce" Defi ni t i on (05--2 and 3); In R

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- 4 Techni cal Gui d e Erosi on Prevent i on and C ont rol on Ti m b er Sal e Areas, M a y 1981.

PR AC TIC E : 14.09 - Suspended Log Yardi ng i n Ti m b er Harvest i n g

OBJECTIVE: To protect the soil from excessive dist urbance and accelerated erosion and to m a intain th e in teg r ity o f th e Rip a rian Area an do t h e r sen s itiv e watersh e dareas.

EXPLANATION: Suspended log y a rd ing includes all y a rding sy stem s which suspend logs either part i a l l y or whol l y off of th e ground. These sy st em s i n cl ude hi l ead, sky l i n e, hel i c opt er, and bal l oon y a rders. The sy st em s are used on st eep or unst abl e sl opes and i n R i pari an Areas where tr act ors cannot

o p e rate. All o f th e system s resu lt in less so il d i stu r b a n ce sin ce h eav y m ach in ery is n o t u s edo v e r th e sale area. In m o st cases, these system s require fewer ro ads because of longer skiddi ng distances. Fewer roads

an dless so il d i stu r b a n ce will resu lt in less im p act o n th e so il an dwater reso u r ce.

IMP LEMENTATION: Areas where suspende d log y a rding is to be used are determ ined and identified in the environm ental analy s is . The specific system s are included in the c ontract and desi gnat e d on th e Sal e Area M a p by t h e Presal e Forest er. The cert i f i e d Sal e Adm i ni st rat o r oversees t h e project operat i on usi ng t h e gui del i n es and st andards est abl i s hed i n t h e Ti m b er Sa le Co n t ract with referen ce to th e en v i ro n m en tal anal y s i s docum ent a t i on.

R E FER E NC ES: Ti m b er Sal e C ont ract Provi si ons B 6 .42 and C 6 .4; Sal e Preparat i on Handbook (FSH 2409.18) and Ti m b er Sal e Adm i ni st rat i on Handbook (FSH 2409.15); see references i n "B est M a nagem e nt Pract i ce" Defi ni t i on (05--2 and 3); In R

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- 4 Techni cal Gui d e - Erosi on Prevent i on and C ont rol on Ti m b er Sal e Areas, M a y 1981.

PR AC TIC E : 14.10 - Log Landi ng Locat i on and Desi gn

OBJECTIVE: To lo cate lan d i n g s in su ch a way as to av o i dso il ero s io n an dwater q u a lity d e g r ad atio n

.

EXPLANATION: This practice is both adm i nistra tive and preventive. Location of all landing clearin g lim its sh all b e ag reedto b y th e Fo rest Serv ice an dPu rch a ser p r io r to co n s tru c tio n

. Th e fo llo win g criteria are used in evaluating landings:

a. The cleared or excavated size of landing shall not exceed that needed for safe and efficient skidding, decki ng, and l o adi ng operat i ons. Every l a ndi ng m u st m eet t h e safet y requi rem e nt s of t h e Occupat i onal Safety and Heal th Adm i ni strat i on.

b. W h ere a choi ce exi s t s , l a ndi ng l o cat i ons are sel ect ed whi c h i nvol ve t h e l east am ount or excavat i on and th e least ero s io n p o t en tial.

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c. W h ere possi bl e, l a ndi ngs are l o cat ed near th e poi nt s of ri dges so th at fel l e d t i m ber l y i ng betw een drai nages can be ski dded t o t h e l a ndi ng wi t hout crossi ng channel s or i m pact i ng R i pari an Areas.

d. Landings are located where the least num ber of skid roads are required and sidecast will enter d r ain a g e s n o r d a m a g e o t h e r sen s itiv e areas.

e. If p o ssib l e, lan d i n g s are p o s itio n e dsu ch th at th e sk idro adap p r o ach will b e n early lev e l.

f. Locat e l a ndi ngs t o m i ni m i ze t h e num ber of t r act or roads ent e ri ng a gi ven l a ndi ng.

g. Som e l a ndi ngs are desi gned and constr uct e d as part of speci fi ed roads.

h. Landi ngs are shaped t o drai n i n a pl anned di r ect i on and m a nner t o m i ni m i ze erosi on and sedi m e nt delivery to stream courses.

i. Major landings, such as those fo r helicopter logging, are treated to restore soil infiltration rates when

u s e is co m p leted

.

IM PLEM ENTATION: Landi ng l o cat i ons chosen by t h e Purchaser m u st be agreed t o by t h e cert i f i e d Sale Ad m i n i strato r. Th e Sale Ad m i n i strato r can n e g o tiate with th e Pu rch a ser's rep r esen tativ e to select

m

u tually acceptable landing locations. Acceptable la ndings m u st m eet the a bove criteria. Should
agreem ent not be reached, the decisi on of the Forest Service shall prev ail within the lim itations of law.

R E FER E NC ES: Ti m b er Sal e C ont ract Provi si ons B 6 .422; Ti m b er Sal e Adm i ni st rat i on Handbook (FSH 2409.15); see references in "Best Managem e nt Practice" Definition (05--2 and 3) ; In R-4: R-4 Technical Gui d e - Erosi on Prevent i on and C ont rol on Ti m b er Sal e Areas, M a y 1981.

PR AC TIC E : 14.11 - Log Landi ng Erosi on Prevent i on and C ont rol

OBJECTIVE: To reduce the im pacts of erosion and subsequent sedi m e nt at i on from l og l a ndi ngs through the use or m itigating m easures.

EXPLANATION: This practice em ploy s adm i nistrativ e, preventive, and corrective controls to

m eet t h e object i v e. Ti m b er Sal e C ont ract requi rem e nt s provi de for erosi on prevent i on and cont rol

m easures on al l l a ndi ngs. Provi si ons are m a de i n t h e Ti m b er Sal e C ont ract for l a ndi ngs t o have proper drai nage. Aft e r l a ndi ngs have served t h e Purchase r' s purpose, t h e Purchaser shal l di t c h or sl ope t h e l a ndi ngs t o perm i t th e drai nage and di spersi on of wat e r. Provi si ons are al so m a de for reveget a t i on. Other provi si ons m a y i n cl ude scari f y i ng, sm oot hi ng and sl opi ng constr uct i on of drai nage di t c hes, prevent i on of water draining off roads from reaching a landing, spread ing slash, covering with wood chips, or applying
straw m u lch. Unless agreed otherwise, cut and fill banks around landings shall be sloped to rem ove overhangs and otherwise m i nim i ze erosion. The sp ecific work needed on each landing will depend on the actual ground conditions.

IMPLEMENTATION: The Presale Forester and certif ied Sale Adm i nistrator assess the need for stabilization with technical resource staff input as needed. It is th e responsibility of the certified Sale Adm i ni st rat o r t o i n sure t h at t h i s pract i ce i s properl y i m pl em ent e d on t h e ground.

R E FER E NC ES: Ti m b er Sal e C ont ract Provi si ons B 6 .6, B 6 .63 B 6 .422, C 6 .4, C 6 .6, C 6 .601; FSM 2405.13; Ti m b er Sal e Adm i ni st rat i on Handbook (FSH 2409.15); s ee references i n "B est M a nagem e nt Pract i ce" Defi ni t i on (05--2 and 3); In R

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- 4 Techni cal Gui d e - Erosi on Prevent i on and C ont rol on Ti m b er Sal e Areas, M a y 1981.

PR AC TIC E : 14.12 - Erosi on Prevent i on and C ont rol M easures Duri ng Ti m b er Sal e Operat i ons

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OB JEC T IVE: To ensure th at th e Purchaser' s opera t i ons shal l be conduct e d reasonabl y t o m i ni m i ze soi l erosi on.

EXPLANATION: Tim b er is purchasedby individuals or com p anies who either harvest the tim ber

t h em sel v es or cont ract harvest t o ot her part i e s. Therefore, it is necessary to insure that purchasers underst a nd and adhere t o soi l and wa t e r resource prescri p t i ons arri ved at i n t h e Ti m b er Sal e Pl anni ng Process. This is accom p lished by setting forth the Pu rchaser' s responsibilities in the Tim b er Sale Contract.

IMPLEMENTATION: Equipm ent shall not be operated when ground conditi ons are such that excessive im pacts will result. The kinds and intensity of contro l work done by Purchaser shall be adjusted to ground and weat her condi t i ons and t h e need for cont rol l i ng runo ff. The cert i f i e d Sal e Adm i ni st rat o r i s responsi b l e for insuring that the Purchaser conduc ts his operations according to the Tim b er Sale Contract. Erosion control work shall be kept current imm e diately preceding expected s easonal periods of precipitation or runoff. If th e Purchaser fai l s t o do erosi on cont rol work pri o r t o any seasonal peri od of preci pi t a t i on or runoff, the Forest Service m a y tem porarily assum e responsibility for the work and any unencum bered deposi t s (perform ance bonds) m a y be used by t h e Forest Servi ce t o do t h e work.

R E FER E NC ES: Ti m b er Sal e C ont ract Provi si ons B 4 .225, C 6 .3, C 6 .3l 2 , C 6 .6, C 6 .601; FSM 2451, 2453.2, and 2522; SW C P 14.04; Ti m b er Sal e Adm i ni st rat i on Handbook (FSH 2409.15); In R

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- 4 Techni cal Gui d e Erosi on Prevent i on and C ont rol on Ti m b er Sal e Areas, M a y 1981; see references i n "B est M a nagem e nt Pract i ce" Defi ni t i on (05--2 and 3).

PRACTICE: 1 4

. 1 3 - Sp ecial Ero s io n Prev en tio n Meas u r es o n Areas Distu r b e db y Harv est Activ ities

OB JEC T IVE: To prevent erosi on and sedi m e nt at i on on di st urbed areas.

EXPLANATION: W h ere soil is disturbed by Purchase r' s operations on tractor roads, skid trails, landings, tem porary road fills, and ot her logging sites, the Purchaser sha ll provide adequate treatm e nt to protect exposed soils. This m a y be accom p lished by sp reading slash or wood chips, m u lching, establishing an adequate cover of grass or othe r vegetation acceptable to the Forest Se rvice, or perform ing other agreed
st abi l i zat i on m easures. Thi s provi si on i s t o be used onl y for sal e s whi c h cont ai n speci al soi l st abi l i zat i on probl em s and are not expect ed t o be reveget a t e d by t h e norm a l m e t hods prescri b ed under t h e st andard Tim b er Sale Contract.

IMPLEMENTATION: Th e in terd iscip lin ary team w ill id en tify areas n eed in g sp ecial stab ilizatio n

m easu r es du r in g th e Tim b er Sale Plan n i n g Pro cess. Tr eatm e n t areas will b e v e rifieddu r in g sale layo u t an d th e estim ate o f wo rk n eed edwill b e carriedto th e tim b e r sale ap p r aisal. Sp ecific lo catio n s to b e treated will be designated on the gr ound by the Forest Service.

The Forest Servi ce, upon request , shal l provi de advi ce as t o soi l preparat i on and t h e appl i cat i on of sui t abl e seed m i xtures, m u lch, and fertilizer, and the tim ing of such work. It is the re sponsibility of the certified Sal e Adm i ni st rat o r t o m a ke sure th at st abi l i zat i on work i s done correct l y and i n a t i m el y m a nner.

R E FER E NC ES: Ti m b er Sal e C ont ract Provi si ons B 6 .6, C 6 .6, and C 6 .601; SW C P 14.04; Ti m b er Sal e Adm i ni st rat i on Handbook (FSH 2409.15) and Sal e Preparat i on Handbook (FSH 2409.18). PRACTICE: 1 4

. 1 4 - Rev e g e tatio n o f Areas Distu r b e db y Harv est Activ ities

OB JEC T IVES: To est abl i s h a veget a t i v e cover on di st urbed si t e s t o prevent erosi on and sedi m e nt at i on.

EXPLANATION: W h ere soil has been severely di sturbed by Purchaser' s operations and the
est abl i s hm ent of veget a t i on i s needed t o m i ni m i ze eros i on, t h e Purchaser shal l t a ke appropri a t e m easures

norm a lly used to establish an adequate cover of gra ss or other vegetation acceptabl e to Forest Service or

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take other agreed stabilization m easures. This m easur e is ap p liedin co n t racts where it is expected that d i stu r b e dso ils in p a rts o f th e sale area will req u i re v e g e tativ e co v e r fo r stab ilizatio n an dth e p r o b l em s will

n o t b e m itig atedb y o t h e r co n t ract p r o v i sio n s

.

IMPLEMENTATION: An estim ate of th e n eedis in clu d e din th e en v i ro n m en tal an alysis an dtim b e r sal e apprai sal

. The Forest Servi ce shal l annual l y desi gnat e on t h e ground t h e di st urbed soi l s , such as l oggi ng areas and t e m porary roads, th at m u st be tr eat ed.

The Forest Servi ce, upon request , shal l provi de advi ce as t o soi l preparat i on and t h e appl i cat i on of sui t abl e seed m i xtures, m u lch, and fertilizer, and the tim ing of such work. It is the re sponsibility of the certified Sal e Adm i ni st rat o r t o m a ke sure t h at reveget a t i on work i s done correct l y and i n a t i m el y m a nner.

R E FER E NC ES: Ti m b er Sal e C ont ract Provi si ons B 6 .6, C 6 .6, and C 6 .601; SW C P 14.13; Ti m b er Sal e Adm i ni st rat i on Handbook (FSH 2409.15) and Sal e Preparat i on Handbook (FSH 2409.18).

PR AC TIC E : 14.15 - Erosi on C ont rol on Ski dTrai l s

OBJECTIVE: To p r o t ect water q u a lity b y m i n i m i zin g ero s io n an dsed i m e n t atio n d e riv e dfro m sk id trails.

EXPLANATION: This practice em ploys preventive c ontrols to reach the obj ective. The Tim b er Sal e C ont ract requi res t h e i n st al l a t i on of erosi on cont rol m easures on ski dt r ai l s , t r act or roads, and
t e m porary roads. Norm al l y , th e work i nvol ves constr uct i ng cross di t c hes and wat e r spreadi ng di t c hes. Ot her m e t hods such as backbl adi ng m a y be agreed t o i n l i e u of cross drai ns. Grass seedi ng m a y al so be requi red by a l i c i t provi si on whi c h m a y be added t o t h e Ti m b er Sal e C ont ract . Areas i n need of erosi on cont rol m easures are shown on th e Sal e Area M a p and desi gnat e d on th e ground annual l y as l oggi ng and
tem porary access construction progresses.

IM PLEM ENTATION: Locat i on of al l erosi on cont rol m easures are desi gnat e d and agreed t o on t h e ground by t h e cert i f i e d Sal e Adm i ni st rat o r. The Ti m b er Sal e Adm i ni st rat i on Handbook cont ai ns gui del i n es for spaci ng of cross drai ns, const r uct i on t echni ques, and cross drai n hei ght s. The Sal e Adm i ni st rat o r can use t h ese gui del i n es on t h e ground t o i d ent i f y si t e speci fi c prevent i v e work t o be requi red of t h e Purchaser. Th e Pu rch a ser is o b lig atedto co m p lete an dm a in tain erosi on cont rol work as specified in contract provi si ons.

R E FER E NC ES: Ti m b er Sal e C ont ract Provi si ons B 6 .422, B 6 .6, B 6 .66, and C 6 .601; Ti m b er Sal e Adm i nistration Handbook (FSH 2409.15); s ee references in "Best Managem e nt Practice" Definition (05--2 and 3); In R

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- 4 Techni cal Gui d e - Erosi on Prevent i on and C ont rol on Ti m b er Sal e Areas, M a y 1981.

PR AC TIC E : 14.16 - M eadow Prot ect i on Duri ng Ti m b er Harvest i n g

OB JEC T IVE: To avoi d dam a ge t o t h e gr ound cover, soi l

, and wat e r In m eadows.

EXPLANATION: This is an adm i nistrative and pr eventive action. Unauthorized operation of vehi cul a r or ski ddi ng equi pm ent on m eadows desi gnat e d on Sal e Area M a ps and m a rked on t h e ground i s prohi bi t e d. Vehi cul a r or ski ddi ng equi pm ent shal l not be used on m eadows except where roads, l a ndi ngs, and tr act or roads are approved. Unl e ss otherwi s e agr eed, tr ees fel l e d i n t o m eadows shal l be rem oved by end-l i n i ng, and resul t i ng l oggi ng sl ash shal l al so be rem oved.

IM PLEM ENTATION: The concerns and constr ai nt s m e nt i oned above are set forth i n Ti m b er Sal e C ont ract requi rem e nt s. Dam a ge t o m eadows, st ream courses, and R i pari an Areas caused by unauthori zed Purchaser' s operat i ons shal l be repai r ed by t h e Purc haser in a tim ely and agreed m a nner to restore and prevent further dam a ge.

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This provision shall not apply when the dam a ge is caused by fire suppression activities.

R E FER E NC ES: Ti m b er Sal e C ont ract Provi si ons B 6 .61; E.O. 11990, Prot ect i on of W e t l a nds; SW C P 13.03, 14.03, 14.06, 14.08, and 14.17; Ti m b er Sal e Adm i ni st rat i on Handbook (FSH 2409.15); see references i n "B est M a nagem e nt Pr act i ce" Defi ni t i on (05--2 and 3).

PR AC TIC E : 14.17 - St ream C h annel Prot ect i on (Im pl em ent a t i on and Enforcem ent )

OB JEC T IVES: (1) To prot ect th e nat u ral fl ow of stream s; (2) t o provi de unobstr uct e d passage of
st orm f l o ws; (3) t o reduce sedi m e nt and other pol l u t a nt s from ent e ri ng stream s; and (4) t o rest ore t h e nat u ral course of any st ream as soon as pract i cabl e i f t h e st ream i s di vert ed as a resul t of t i m ber m a nagem e nt activ ities.

EXPLANATION: This m a nagem e nt practice em ploy s adm i nistrative, prev entive, and corrective

m easures t o m eet t h e object i v es. The fol l o wi ng poi nt s are fundam e nt al t o prot ect i ng st ream channel s :

a. Locat i on and m e t hod of st ream crossi ngs m u st be agreed upon pri o r t o const r uct i on. Thi s i s done wh en lo catio n s o f sk idtrails, tracto r ro ad s, an dtem porary roads are agreed on by the Forest Service and the Purchaser.

b. Purchaser shal l repai r al l dam a ge t o a st r eam course caused by Purchaser' s operat i ons, i n cl udi ng dam a ge to banks and channel to an acceptable condition as agreed to by the certified Sale Adm i nistration and Purchaser' s represent a t i v e.

c. All p r o j ect d e b r is sh all b e rem o v e dfro m stream co u r se an din an ag reedm a n n e r th at will cau se th e l east di st urbance,

d. W h eel ed or tr ack l a y i ng equi pm ent shal l not operat e wi t h i n 50 feet sl ope di st ance of th e apparent hi gh
wat e r m a rk of stream courses desi gnat e d for prot ect i on i n the Tim b er Sale Contract , except as agreed to by th e certifiedSale Ad m i n i strato r an dth e Pu rch a ser.

e. W h en ground skidding system s are em ployed, logs will be end-lined out of stream side and Riparian Areas. Eq u i p m en t is p e rm ittedto en ter stream sid e areas o n l y at lo catio n s an dtim es ag reedto b y th e certifiedSale Ad m i n i strato r an dth e Pu rch a ser.

f. W a ter b a rs an do th e r ero s io n co n tro l stru ctu r es will b e lo catedto p r ev en t water an dsed i m e n t fro m bei ng channel e d Int o st ream courses, and t o di ssi pat e concentr at ed fl ows.

g. M a t e ri al from t e m porary road and ski dt r ai l st ream crossi ngs i s rem oved and st ream banks rest ored t o an acceptable condition, as agreed to by the certified Sale Adm i nistra tor and Purchaser' s representative.

h. Logs or product s shal l be ful l y suspended above t h e ground when crossi ng st ream courses desi gnat e d for prot ect i on i n t h e Ti m b er Sal e C ont ract

.

IMPLEMENTATION: The certified Sale Adm i nistrator wo rk s with th e Pu rch a ser's rep r esen tativ e to i n sure t h at t h e Ti m b er Sal e C ont ract cl auses coveri ng t h e above i t e m s are carri ed out on t h e ground. Techni cal resource st affs can be consul t e d t o hel p t h e Sale Ad m i n i strato r with decisions. In the event Purchaser causes debri s t o ent e r stream courses i n am ount s whi c h adversel y affect t h e nat u ral fl ow of th e stream , water quality, or fishery resources, Purchaser sh all rem ove such debris within 48 hours and in an
ag reedm a n n e r th at will cau se th e least d i stu r b a n ce to stream co u r ses.

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R E FER E NC ES: FSM 2405.13 and 2452; Ti m b er Sal e Adm i ni st rat i on Handbook (FSH 2409.15); Ti m b er Sal e C ontract Provi si ons B 6 .5, B 6 .6 , C6.5 (R-1), C6.6, C6.51(R-1), a nd C 6 .53(R

- 1); see references i n "B est M a nagem e nt Pract i ce" Defi ni t i on (05--2 and 3) ; In R

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- 4 Techni cal Gui d e - Erosi on Prevent i on and C ontrol on Ti m b er Sal e Areas, M a y 1981.

PR AC TIC E : 14.18 - Erosi on C ont rol St ruct ure M a i n t e nance

OB JEC T IVE: To i n sure t h at const r uct e d erosi on cont rol st ruct ures are st abi l i zed and worki ng effectively.

EXPLANATION: Erosi on cont rol st ruct ures are onl y effect i v e when t h ey are i n good repai r and stab le co n d itio n

. On ce th e ero s io n co n t ro l stru ctu r es are co n s tru c tedan dseed ed , th ere is a p o ssib ility th at
t h ey m a y not becom e adequat e l y veget a t e d or th ey m a y becom e dam a ged from subsequent harvest activities. It is necessary to provi de follow-up inspection and structural m a intenance order to avoid these probl em s and i n sure adequat e erosi on control

.

IM PLEM ENTATION: Duri ng t h e peri od of t h e Ti m b er Sal e C ont ract , t h e Purchaser shal l provi de

m a in ten a n ce Of So il ero s io n co n tro l stru ctu r es co n s tru c tedb y th e Pu rch a ser u n til th ey b eco m e stab ilized

, but not for m o re th an one y ear aft e r th ei r constr uct i on. Aft e r 1 y ear, erosi on control work needed i s

accom p lished through W a tershed Im provem e nt Practices (SW C P 11-03).

The Forest Servi ce m a y agree t o perform such st ruct ure m a i n t e nance under B 4 .225 (C ooperat i v e Deposi t s ), if requested by the Purchaser, subject to agreem en t o n rates. If th e Pu rch a ser fails to d o seaso n a l

m a intenance work, the Forest Serv ice m a y assum e the responsibility a nd charge the Purchaser accordingly.

R E FER E NC ES: Ti m b er Sal e C ont ract Provi si ons B 6 .6, B 6 .66, and B 4 .225; Ti m b er Sal e Adm i ni strat i on Handbook (FSH 2409.15).

PRACTICE: 14.19 - Acceptance of Tim b er Sale Er osion Control Measures Before Sale Closure

OBJECTIVE: To assure the adequacy of re qui red erosi on control work on t i m ber sal e s.

EXPLANATION: The effectiveness of soil erosion pr evention and control m easures is determ ined by t h e resul t s found aft e r sal e areas have been exposed one or m o re y ears t o th e el em ent s . Al t hough a careful check is required before a tim ber sale is clos ed t o assure t h at pl anned erosi on work has been

com p l e t e d t o t h e st andard prescri b ed, t h e erosi on prevent i on work done i n previ ous y ears shoul d be
p e rio d i cally in sp ecteddu r in g th e life o f th e tim b e r sale. Th ese in sp ectio n s will h e lp d e term in e wh eth e r th e p l an n e dwo rk was ad eq u a te, if m a in ten a n ce wo rk is n eed ed , th e p r acticab ility o f th e v a rio u s treatm e n t s used, and th e necessi t y for m odi fy i ng present st andards or procedures.

IMPLEMENTATION: "Acceptable" er osion control m eans only m i nor deviation from established
st andards, provi ded no m a jor or l a st i ng i m pact i s cau sedto so il an dwater reso u r ces. CertifiedSale Adm i nistrators will not accept as com p lete erosion c ontrol, m easures which fail to m eet this criteria.

R E FER E NC ES: FSM 2451, 2452, 2453, and 2456; Ti m b er Sal e C ont ract Provi si ons B 6 .6, B 6 .63, B 6 .64, B 6 .65, B 6 .66, and C 6 .6 ; SW C P 11.02; Ti m b er Sal e Adm i ni st rat i on Handbook (FSH 2409.15).

PRACTICE: 1 4

. 2 0 - Slash Treatm e n t in Sen s itiv e Areas

OBJECTIVE: To p r o t ect water q u a lity b y p r o t ectin g sen s itiv e trib u t ary areas fro m d e g r ad atio n wh ich woul d resul t from usi ng m echani zed equi pm ent for sl ash di sposal

.

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EXPLANATION: Special slash treatm e nt m a y be pres cribed in sensitive areas to facilitate slash di sposal wi t hout use of m echani zed equi pm ent

. M eadows, wet l a nds, R i pari an Areas, and l a ndsl i d e areas are typically sensitive areas where equipm ent use is norm a lly prohibited. Slas h treatm e nt m e thods are indicated for each harvest unit on the Slash Treatm e nt Map and referenced in associated contract provi si ons.

IMPLEMENTATION: Sen s itiv e areas n eed in g p r o t ectio n ar e id en tifiedb y th e in terd iscip lin ary team in

t h e Ti m b er Sal e Pl anni ng Process. R e sul t s are docum ent e d duri ng t h e envi ronm ent a l anal y s i s and id en tifiedin th e Tim b er Sale Co n tract an do n th e Slash Treatm e n t Map

. Th e certifiedSale Ad m i n i strato r inspects the treatm e nt for correct and sa tisfactory slash disposal accom p lishm ent.

R E FER E NC ES: Ti m b er Sal e C ont ract ; SW C P 14.08, 14.16, and 14.17; Ti m b er Sal e Adm i ni st rat i on Handbook (FSH 2409.15) and Sal e Preparat i on Handbook (FSH 2409.18).

PR AC TIC E : 14.21 - Non-recurri ng "C " Provi si ons For Soi l and W a t e r Prot ect i o n

OB JEC T IVE: To exerci se t h e opt i on of i n sert i ng non-recurri ng (Speci al ) "C " provi si ons i n t o t h e Ti m b er Sal e C ontract t o prot ect soi l and wat e r resources, where st andard "B " or "C " provi si ons do not appl y or are i n adequat e t o prot ect wat e rshed val u es.

EXPLANATION: Non-recurring "C" provisions are som e tim es needed to m eet m a nagem e nt objectives on a particular sale area. They require R e gi onal Forest er approval and m a y onl y be i n cl uded i n t h e sal e for whi c h approval was gi ven. Thi s pract i ce can be used for a vari ety of speci al si t u at i ons whi c h

m a y occur on any tim ber sale. There are no standard or set provisions that can be referenced, since each Speci al "C " provi si on i s uni que and speci fi c t o one sal e

.

IM PLEM ENTATION: The need for non-recurri ng "C " provi si ons i s i d ent i f i e d duri ng th e Ti m b er Sal e Pl anni ng Process and envi ronm ent a l anal y s i s by th e i n t e rdisciplinary team . The Pr esale Forester prepares
t h e non-recurri ng "C " provi si on and subm i t s i t t h rough Li ne Offi cers t o t h e R e gi onal Forest er for approval

. Th e Reg i o n a l Fo rester in su res th at th e wo rd in g co m p lem e n t s th e Tim b er Sale Co n t ract an dretu rn s it to th e Di st ri ct wi t h approval

. The non-recurri ng "C " provi si on i s appl i e d by t h e cert i f i e d Sal e Adm i ni st rat o r i n t h e sam e m a nner as t h e st andard cont ract provi si ons.

R E FER E NC E: FSM 2431.2, 2431.3, and 2431.4; Sal e Preparat i on Handbook (FSH 2409.18).

PR AC TIC E : 14.22 - M odi fi cat i on of t h e Ti m b er Sal e C ont ract

OBJECTIVE: To m odify the Tim b er Sale Contract if new circum stances or condi t i ons i ndi cat e th at th e tim b e r sale will cau se irrev e rsib le d a m a g e to so il, water, o r watersh e dv a lu es.

EXPLANATION: Once tim ber sales are sold, they are harvested as described in the Tim b er Sale Contract. However, it m a y be necessa ry to m odify a tim ber sale contr act because of new concerns about the effects of the sale on soil and water resources.

IMPLEMENTATION: If evidence indi cates that unacceptable im pacts would occur to soil and water

reso u r ces if th e sale was h a rv estedas p l an n e d

, th e Fo rest Serv ice Rep r esen tativ e will req u e st th e Contracting Officer to gain Re gional Forester advice and approval to proceed with a resource

en v i ro n m en tal m o d i ficatio n , m u tu al can cellatio n , o r u n ilateral can cellatio n o f th e Tim b er Sale Co n t ract. On ce th e d ecisio n to tak e actio n is ap p r o v e db y th e Reg i o n a l Fo rester, th e ap p r o p r iate Lin e Officer will assig n an in terd iscip lin ary team to m a k e reco mm e n d a tio n s fo r im p l em en tatio n

.

R E FER E NC ES: NFM A , Sect i on 6; Ti m b er Sal e C ontract Provi si on B 8 .3; SW C P Handbook 10.40, Feedback Mechanism

.

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PR AC TIC E : 14.23 - R e forest at i on R e qui rem e nt

OB JEC T IVE: To prom ot e prom pt

reforest at i on and t o l i m i t di st urbance on areas wi t h l i m i t e d regenerat i on pot ent i a l

.

EXPLANATION: Forested lands will not be pl anned for tim ber harvest production objectives unless there is reasonable assurance that these sites can be adequat e l y rest ocked wi t h i n 5 y ears aft e r fi nal harvest

, based on exi s t i ng t echnol ogy and knowl e dge. Th e 5-y ear t i m e fram e begi ns at di fferent t i m es for di fferent si l v i c ul t u ral sy st em s. R e st ocki ng i s adequat e when th e cut area cont ai ns t h e m i ni m u m num ber, si ze, di stri but i on, and speci es com posi t i on of regenerat i on as speci fi ed i n t h e si l v i c ul t u ral prescri p t i on. Si t e preparat i on, speci es sel ect i on, and seedl i ng prot ect i on are critical factors that need consideration for

su ccessfu l reg e n e ratio n

. Th e im p l em en tatio n o f th is p r actice affects so il an dwater reso u r ces b y stab ilizin g soils, increasing ground cover, im proving infiltr ation and reducing su rplus water yields.

In m eetin g o v e rall reso u r ce o b j ectiv es, so m e tim b e r stan d s m a y b e h a rv estedto ach iev e m u ltip le reso u r ce object i v es ot her t h an t i m ber product i on. Del a y i ng i mm e di at e regenerat i on m a y be desi rabl e for m eet i ng th e o v e rall o b j ectiv es.

IMPLEMENTATION: During the Tim b er Sale Plan n i n g Pro cess, th e in terd iscip lin ary team assesses th e resource objectives of the proposed ar eas and the capability to achieve refo restation within the prescribed peri od. The envi ronm ent a l anal y s i s cont ai ns th e i n t e rdi s ci pl i n ary t eam det e rm i n at i ons and

reco mm e n d a tio n s . Past an dp r esen t refo restatio n activ ities will b e ev alu a ted

.

R E FER E NC ES: R e forest at i on Handbook (FSH 2409.26b); NFM A (36 C F R 219.27 c(3)); FSM 2472; SW C P 11.02.

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15 - ROADS AND TRAILS . Transport a t i on sy st em s are devel oped t o serve t h e t r ansport a t i on needs of Nat i onal Forest Sy st em l a nds and resource m a nagem e nt program s. Transport a t i on pl anni ng i s a com p l e x process that assures that roads and trails are planne d, l o cat ed, desi gned, const r uct e d, and m a i n t a i n ed t o

m eet t h ese l ong-t e rm Forest m a nagem e nt needs a nd object i v es. General object i v es are devel oped by l e gi sl at i on, pol i c y , and di rect i v es and addressed i n Fo rest Plans. Specific objec t i v es are devel oped by an i n t e rdi s ci pl i n ary t eam duri ng th e NEPA process i n project pl anni ng.

Transport a t i on pl anni ng i s norm a l l y conduct e d on a Forest or area-wi de basi s wi t h t h e object i v e of l o cat i ng roads for i ndi vi dual t i m ber sal e areas and l ong range t r ansport a t i on needs. Al t e rnat i v e road corri dors are

m a pped or fl agged on th e ground aft e r consi d erat i on of m a nagem e nt object i v es and resource i n form at i on. The interdisciplinary team review s t h ese corri dors and m a kes recomm e ndat i ons for road desi gn cri t e ri a,

m odi fi cat i ons of th e corri dor l o cat i on, use of exi s t i ng roads, and upgradi ng i n adequat e roads.

The envi ronm ent a l effect s, econom i c anal y s i s , and recomm e ndat i ons from t h e i n t e rdi s ci pl i n ary t eam are considered prior to selecting a pref erred al t e rnat i v e by t h e Li ne Offi cer. The appropri a t e NEPA docum ent resul t i ng from t h e envi ronm ent a l anal y s i s est abl i s hes desi gn cri t e ri a whi c h i s used t o devel op desi gn st andards, erosi on control m easures, and th e roadoperat i on and m a i n t e nance st andards. Addi t i onal i n t e rdi s ci pl i n ary t eam i nput m a y be requi red i n t h e desi gn phase t o ensure m eet i ng t h e m a nagem e nt objectives.

Duri ng road constr uct i on, th e C ontract Offi cer and/ or Engi neeri ng R e present a t i v e shal l be assi gned t o t h e project. These personnel assure that the project is constructed according to c ontract specifications and drawi ngs. Int e rdi s ci pl i n ary t eam m e m b ers m a y be request ed t o revi ew proposed desi gn m odi fi cat i ons duri ng const r uct i on.

Subsequent t o and upon road com p l e t i on, peri odi c revi ews of sel ect ed project s are m a de by in terd iscip lin ary team m e m b ers to ev alu a te th e c onstruction perform ance, the effectiveness of specific desi gn feat ures or tr eat m e nt s t o cont rol erosi on, and th e appropri a t e ness of th e l e vel of m a i n t e nance. These revi ews provi de a feedback m echani s m t o i m prove fut u re road const r uct i on and m a i n t e nance by m odi fy i ng desi gn or erosi on cont rol pract i ces.

PR AC TIC E : 15.01 - General Gui d el i n es for Transport a t i on Pl anni ng.

OBJECTIVE: To in tro du ce so il an dwater reso u r ce consi d erat i ons i n t o Transport a t i on Pl anni ng.

EXPLANATION: Transportation Planni ng shall be included as an in tegral part of the Forest Plan n i n g p r o cess. In so m e cases, a tran sp o r tatio n facility m a y itself req u i re an ap p r o p r iate NEPA d o c u m en t. Tran sp o r tatio n system s will b e p l an n e dto ach iev e an o p tim u m b a lan ce o f m i n i m u m envi ronm ent a l effect s at m i ni m u m , overal l l ong-t e rm cost , whi l e m eet i ng th e l a nd and resource

m a nagem e nt object i v es.

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Transport a t i on Pl anni ng shal l devel op and eval uat e al t e rnat i v e m e thods of provi di ng needed tr ansport servi ces. Al t e rnat i v e m e t hods m a y i n cl ude al t e rnat i v e m odes, rout es, geom et ri c feat ures, m a t e ri al s st andards, or som e com b i n at i on t h ereof. Eval uat i on shal l i n cl ude det e rm i n i ng t h e soci al , envi ronm ent a l

, and econom ic characteristics of each alternative. Sel ection of a recomm e nded alternative shall be by the responsible Line Officer and the decision shall be docum ented. No im plem enting activities shall be undert aken pri o r t o t h e approval by th e responsi b l e offi ci al

.

IMPLEMENTATION: An in terd iscip lin ary team du r in g th e NEPA p r o cess will ev alu a te watersh e d charact eri s t i c s and est i m at e th e response of soi l and wat e r resources t o proposed t r ansport a t i on al t e rnat i v es

an dactiv ities. Th e NEPA p r o cess will id en tify m itig atin g m easu r es n eed edto p r o t ect so il an dwater

reso u r ces. Th e su b s eq u e n t co n t ract will in clu d e p r o v i sio n s to m eet water q u a lity, so il, an do th e r resource prot ect i on requi rem e nt s as di rect ed by t h e envi ronm ent a l anal y s i s

.

R E FER E NC ES: FSM 1950, 7700, and 7710; NFM A ; NEPA; i ndi vi dual Forest Pl ans; SW C P 11.01, 11.02, 11.03, 11.04, 11.05, 11.06, 11.09, and 11.14. s ee references in "Best Managem e nt Practice" Defi ni t i on (05--2 and 3); In R

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PRACTICE: 1 5

. 0 2 - Gen e ral Gu id elin es fo r th e Locat i on and Desi gn of R o ads and Trai l s

.

OBJECTIVE: To lo cate an dd e sig n ro ad s an dtrails with m i n i m a l so il an dwater reso u r ce im p act wh ile consi d eri ng al l desi gn cri t e ri a.

EXPLANATION: There are several considerations wh ich m u st be incorporat ed into the location

an dd e sig n o f ro ad s an dtrails. Th ese facto r s d i rectly affect p r o t ectio n o f water q u a lity, so il, an do t h e r

reso u r ce v a lu es. Th e fo llo win g co o r d i n a tio n in stru ctio n s ap p l y to all tran sp o r tatio n activ ities:

a. Area Tran sp o r tatio n An alysis an dp r o j ect p l an n i n g will b e co m p letedu s in g an in terd iscip lin ary p r o cess, an dth e ap p r o p r iate NEPA d o c u m en t will b e p r ep aredan dtieredto th e Fo rest Plan . Area Tran sp o r tatio n An alysis is an ex trem ely effective tool to reduce overal l road m i l eages and, t hus,

m i nim i ze potential resource im pacts.

b

. Lo catio n , d e sig n , an dco n s tru c tio n activ ities sh all u tilize ap p r o p r iate tech n i cal reso u r ce staffs, wh en

n eed ed , to ev alu a te effects o f tran sp o r tatio n d e v e lo p m en t an do p e ratio n s , an d reco mm e n d m itig atin g

m easures to m i nim i ze adverse im pacts.

c. Ro ad s an dtrails will b e lo catedan dd e sig n e dto facilitate co m p letio n o f th e tran sp o r tatio n system
, serve speci fi c resource m a nagem e nt needs, fi t t h e t e rrai n , and m i ni m i ze dam a ge t o i m provem e nt s and resources. Fragile, unstable, sensitiv e, or special areas should be avoided.

d. R o ads and tr ai l s shoul d be desi gned based on tr a ffi c and safety requi rem e nt s of ant i c i p at ed use and

t o m eet t h e overal l tr ansport a t i on pl an. The desi gn shall incorporate features to prevent or m i nim i ze soi l m ovem e nt and sedi m e nt at i on as we l l as undue di srupt i on of wat e r fl ow.

e. Stream cro ssin g stru ctu r es sh all b e d e sig n e dto p r o v i d e th e m o st efficien t d r ain a g e facility co n s isten t wi t h resource prot ect i on, i m port a nce of t h e road, l e gal obl i g at i ons, and t o t a l cost s. The desi gn m a y involve a hydrologic analysis to determ ine runoff rates and volum es, flood conditions, velocities, scour, open channel shapes, appro ach topography, m a terials-foundati on condition, and fish passage, as requi red. An econom i c com p ari s on of vari ous fl ood frequenci e s versus st ruct ure si zes and t ypes is also considered.

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f. Locat e and desi gn roads and tr ai l s t o drai n nat u ral l y by appropri a t e use of out sl opi ng or i n sl opi ng with cro ss d r ain a g e an dg r ad e ch an g e s, wh ere p o ssib l e. Relief cu lv erts an dro ad sid e d itch e s will b e designed whenever reliance upon natural draina ge would not protect the running surface,
excavat i on, or em bankm ent

. R o ad and tr ai l drai na ge shoul d be channel e d t o effect i v e buffer areas
to m a x i m i ze sed i m e n t d e p o s itio n p r io r to en try in to liv e water.

IMPLEMENTATION: Du rin g th e en v i ro n m en tal an alysis , an in terd iscip lin ary team will b e u s edto i n sure th at m a nagem e nt needs, object i v es, requi rem e nt s, and controls are incorporated in the location and d e sig n o f ro ad s an dtrails. Mitig atio n m easu r es n eed edto p r o t ect so il an d water reso u r ces will b e id en tified in th e NEPA p r o cess. Co n t ract p r o v i sio n s will b e p r ep aredth at m eet th e so il an dwater reso u r ce p r o t ectio n requi rem e nt s.

R E FER E NC ES: FSM 7710 and 7720; R o ad Preconst r uct i on Handbook (FSH 7709.56); SW C P 15.01. see references i n "B est M a nagem e nt Pract i ce" Defi ni t i on ( 05--2 and 3); In R

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PR AC TIC E : 15.03 - R o ad and Trai l Erosi on C ont rol Pl an

OBJECTIVE: To p r ev en t, lim it, an dm itig ate ero s io n , sed i m e n t atio n , an dresu ltin g water q u a lity degradation prior to the initiation of construction and m a intenance activities through effective contract adm i ni st rat i on duri ng const r uct i on and t i m el y i m pl em ent a t i on of erosi on cont rol pract i ces.

EXPLANATION: Land disturbing activitie s usually result in at least short-term erosion. Poorly desi gned, l o cat ed, const r uct e d, and m a i n t a i n ed roads a nd t r ai l s are usual l y responsi b l e for t h e m a jori t y of
st ream sedi m e nt at i on probl em s associ at ed wi t h forest m a nagem e nt pract i ces. B y effect i v el y pl anni ng for erosi on cont rol

, sedi m e nt at i on can be m i ni m i zed.

Ro ad s an dtrails req u i re a v a riety o f ero s io n co n t ro l m easu r es. Man y ero s io n co n t ro l p r actices will n o t o n l y p r o t ect water q u a lity b u t also m a in tain ro adp r ism in teg r ity, redu ce m a in ten a n ce co sts, an dim p r o v e trafficab ility. Th e lo catio n o f th e ro ado r trail with resp ect to stream s, b e n e ficial u s es o f th at water, so il, and geologic inform ation a nd other site factors govern the degree of stabilization require d. Stabilization usual l y i n cl udes a com b i n at i on of pract i ces t h at pr om ot es th e reest abl i s hm ent of veget a t i on on exposed slopes, provides physical pr otection to exposed surfaces, prevents the downslope m ovem e nt of soil, or
cont rol s road drai nage.

Si nce a newl y constr uct e d road i s m o st suscept i b l e t o erosi on from seasonal preci pi t a t i on, th e t i m i ng of erosion control practices is of prim ary concern. T hose practices that can be accom p lished concurrent with road constr uct i on shal l be favored as a m eans of i mm e di at e prot ect i on of th e wat e r resource.

IMPLEMENTATION: Ero s io n co n t ro l o b j ectiv es an dd e tailedm itig atio n m easu r es are d e v e lo p e du s in g an i n t e rdi s ci pl i n ary approach duri ng th e envi ronm ent a l analysis. These m easures and objectives shall be reflected in the contract sp eci fi cat i ons and provi si ons for t h e road or t r ai l

. W h en st andard speci fi cat i ons do

n o t p r o v i d e th e d e g r ee o f m itig atio n req u i red

, sp ecial p r o j ect sp ecificatio n s will b e d e v e lo p e db y th e in terd iscip lin ary team

.

Pri o r t o t h e st art of constr uct i on, t h e Purchaser sh al l subm i t a schedul e for proposed erosi on cont rol work as requi red i n t h e St andard Speci fi cat i ons. The schedul e sh all in clu d e all ero s io n co n t ro l item s id en tifiedin the specifications. The schedule shall consi d er erosi on cont rol work necessary for al l phases of t h e project

. Th e Pu rch a ser's co n s tru c tio n sch e du l e an dp l an o f o p e ratio n will b e rev i ewedin co n j u n c tio n with th e

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ero s io n co n t ro l p l an to in su re th eir co m p atib ility b e fo re an y sch e du l es are ap p r o v e d

. No wo rk will b e p e rm ittedo n th e p r o j ect u n til all sch e du l es h a v e b een ap p r o v e db y th e Co n t ractin g Officer.

The C ontract i ng Offi cer or Engi neeri ng R e present a t i v e shall ensure that erosion control m easures are im plem ented according to the approved schedule and are com p leted in a acceptable fashion. Field reviews

an do n

- site in sp ectio n b y th e Lin e Officer an d/ o r Fo rest En g i n eer will id en tify an y ad d itio n a l ero s io n cont rol m easures requi red t o prot ect t h e stream s t h at were not recogni zed duri ng pl anni ng or desi gn. Necessary correct i on m easures shal l be i m pl em ent e d i mm e di at el y t h rough norm a l adm i ni st rat i v e channel s

.

An i n t e rdi s ci pl i n ary t eam shoul d revi ew sel ect ed road constr uct i on project s or exi s t i ng roads t o eval uat e the effectiveness of erosion control m easures and pr oper m a i n t e nance i n prot ect i ng t h e wat e r resource. Knowledge gained through these evaluations will im pr ove future contract speci fications and provisions.

The fol l o wi ng i t e m s m a y be consi d ered as erosi on cont rol m easures when constructed in a tim ely m a nner. To m a xim i ze effectiveness, erosion control m easures m u st be in place and functional prior to seasonal preci pi t a t i on or runoff.

a. Measures to reestablish vegetation on exposed soils. This is usually accom p lished by seeding

su itab l e g r ass an dleg u m e sp ecies in co n j u n c tio n with m u lch i n g an dfertilizatio n

. In so m e situ atio n s , t r eat m e nt s m a y i n cl ude t r ee seedl i ng pl ant i ng or spri ggi ng of ot her woody speci es.

b. Measures which physically prot ect the soil surface from detachm e nt or m odify the topography to

m i nim i ze erosion. These treatm e nts m a y include the us e of dust oi l or gravel on th e road tr avel way and d itch e s an dth e u s e o f m u lch e s, rip r ap , ero s io n m a ts, an dterracin g o n cu ts, fills, an dd itch e s. Tem p o r ary waterb ars in areas o f u n c o m p l etedro ad s an dtrails can b e effectiv ely u tilizedto redu ce sed i m e n t atio n

.

c. M easures whi c h phy si cal l y i nhi bi t th e downsl ope m ovem e nt of sedi m e nt s t o stream s. These m a y in clu d e th e u s e o f slash filter win d r o w s o n o r b e lo w th e fill slo p e s, b a ledstraw in d itch e s o r b e lo w fillslo p e s, catch b a sin s at cu lv ert in lets, an dsed i m e n t b a sin slash filter win d r o w s m a y b e u tilizedin liv e wat e r drai nages where fi sh passage i s not requi red and where peak fl ows are l o w.

d. M easures th at reduce th e am ount of soi l di st urba nce i n or near st ream s. These m easures m a y i n cl ude dewat e ri ng culvert installation or other construction s ites, and imm e diate placem ent of perm anent culverts during road pioneering. Tem porary pipe s should not be allowed unless positive control of sedim e ntation can be accom p lished duri ng installation, use, and rem oval.

e. Measures that control the concentration and flow of surface and subsurface water. These m a y i n cl ude i n sl opi ng, out sl opi ng, di t c hes, cross drai ns, under drai ns, t r enches, et c.

R E FER E NC ES: FSM 7721, 7722, and 7723; Ti m b er Sal e C ont ract Provi si ons B 6 .31, B 6 .5, B 6 .6, and C6.3; see references in "Best Managem e nt Practice" De fi ni t i on (05--2 and 3); In R

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. J. and J.G. Ki ng. 1983 Co n s tru c tio n Co st an dEro s io n Co n t ro l Effectiv en ess o f Filter W i n d r o w s o n Fill Slo p e s. USDA Fo rest Servi ce R e search Not e , INT-335; SW C P Handbook 10.40 Feedback M echani s m ; Drai nage St ruct ures Handbook (FSH 7709.56b).

PRACTICE: 1 5

. 0 4 - Tim i n g o f Co n s tru c tio n Activ ities

OB JEC T IVE: To m i ni m i ze erosi on by conduct i ng operat i ons duri ng m i ni m a l runoff peri ods.

EXPLANATION: Erosi on and sedi m e nt at i on are di rec t l y rel a t e d t o runoff. Schedul i ng operat i ons during periods when the probabilities for rain and runoff are low is an essential elem ent of effective erosion

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cont rol

. Purchasers shal l sche dul e and conduct operat i ons t o preven t erosi on and sedi m e nt at i on. Equipm ent shall not be operated when ground conditions are such that exce ssive im pacts will result. Such condi t i ons are i d ent i f i e d by t h e C ont ract i ng Offi cer or Engi neeri ng R e present a tive with assistance from technical resource staffs as needed. Tem porary eros i on control m easures m a y be requi red t o prevent
, co n t ro l, an dm itig ate ero s io n an dsed i m e n t atio n

.

In addi t i on, i t i s i m port a nt t o keep perm anent erosi on cont rol work as current as pract i cabl e wi t h ongoi ng

o p e ratio n s . Co n s tru c tio n o f d r ain a g e facilities an dp e rfo rm an ce o f o t h e r co n t ract wo rk wh ich will
cont ri but e t o t h e cont rol of erosi on and sedi m e nt at i on shal l be carri ed out concurrent wi t h eart h work operat i ons or as soon t h ereaft e r as pract i cabl e . Li m i t a t i on of t h e am ount of area bei ng graded at a si t e at
any one t i m e, and m i ni m i zat i on of t h e t i m e t h at an area i s l a i dbare shoul d be a consi d erat i on i n cont ract preparat i on. Erosi on control work m u st be kept cu rrent when road const r uct i on occurs out si de of t h e

norm a l operat i ng season.

IM PLEM ENTATION: Det a i l e d erosi on control m easures are devel oped by an i n t e rdi s ci pl i n ary t eam during the environm ental analysis and are incorporated into the contract specifi catio n s . Co m p lian ce with pl ans, speci fi cat i ons, and th e operat i ng pl an i s assu red by t h e C ont ract i ng Offi cer and/ or Engi neeri ng Representative.

R E FER E NC ES: FAR 52.236-.15; Ti m b er Sal e C ont ract Provi si ons C 6 .3, C 6 .36, and B 6 .31; SW C P 15.03; see references in "Best Managem e nt Pract i ce" Defi ni t i on (05--2 and 3).

PR AC TIC E : 15.05 - Sl ope St abi l i zat i on and Prevent i on of M a ss Fai l u res

OB JEC T IVE: To reduce sedi m e nt at i on by m i ni m i zi ng t h e chances for road-related m a ss failures, i n cl udi ng l a ndsl i d es and em bankm ent sl um ps.

EXPLANATION: Road construction in m ountainous terrain require s cutting and loading natural Sl opes whi c h m a y l ead t o l a ndsl i d es and/ or em bankm ent fai l u res dependi ng on th e soi l strength, geol ogy , vegetation, aspect, and groundwater regim e . Landslides and em bankm en t failures are undesirable because they interrupt traffic, are costly to repair, visually unacceptable, and generate large quantities of erosion and sedi m e nt at i on.

Roadways m a y drastically change the subsurface drainage characteristics of a slope. Since the angle and height of cut and fill slopes increase the risk of in stability, it is often necessary to provide subsurface drai nage t o avoi d m o i s t u re sat u ra t i on and subsequent sl ope fai l u re. W h ere i t i s necessary , hori z ont al drains, drainage trenches, or draina ge blankets m a y be used to lower the subsurface water levels and to prevent groundwat er from ent e ri ng em bankm ent s

.

In areas wi t h hi gh l a ndsl i d e pot ent i a l

, t h e com posi t i on and charact eri s t i c s of em bankm ent s m a y be controlled since they are essentially e ngi neered st ruct ures. C a re m u st be t a ken t o prevent t h e i n corporat i on of const r uct i on sl ash or ot her organi c m a t e ri al and the em bankm ent m a terial should be placed by one of

t h e fol l o wi ng m e t hods.

a. Layer placem ent.

b. C ontrol l e d com p act i on.

c. C ont rol l e d com p act i on usi ng densi t y cont rol l e d st ri ps.

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d. C o m p act i on cont rol l e d wi t h a special project specification.

IMPLEMENTATION: In areas with in trin sic slo p e stab ility p r o b l em s, ap p r o p r iate tech n i cal reso u r ce staffs m u st be involved in an interdisciplinary approach to route locati on. Sufficient subsurface in v e stig atio n an dlab o r ato ry testin g m u st b e p e rfo rm edto g e n e rate d e sig n p a ram e ters an dm itig atin g features which will m eet the constraints and requirem e nts developed th rough the NEPA process.

In cont ract ed project s, com p l i a nce wi t h envi ronm ent a l anal y s i s requi rem e nt s and cont rol s whi c h have been provi ded for i n t h e speci fi cat i ons i s assured by enforcem ent of t h e Ti m b er Sal e C ont ract Provi si ons by t h e C ontract i ng Offi cer and/ or Engi neeri ng R e present a t i v e.

R E FER E NC ES: FSM 7706.11, 7706.12, 7710, and 7720; St andard Speci fi cat i ons 203, 212, 605, 613, 619, 630, and 631; Ti m b er Sal e C ont ract Provi si ons B 6 .31, B 6 .62, C 5 .2, C 5 .4, and C 6 .36; Transport a t i on Engi neeri ng Handbook (FSH 7709.11) and Drai nage St ruct ures Handbook (FSH 7709.56b); see references i n "B est M a nagem e nt Pract i ce" Defi ni t i on (05--2 and 3); In R

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PRACTICE: 15.06 - Mitigation of Surface Erosion and Stabili zation of Slopes.

OBJECTIVE: To m i n i m i ze so il ero s io n fro m ro adcu tslo p e s, fillslo p e s, an dtrav elway.

EXPLANATION: Road const r uct i on exposes fresh, l oose soi l t o t h e erosi v e force of wi nd, wat e r, and traffic. Surface erosion from roads is greatest dur ing the first year followi ng construction. It is d e sirab l e to m i n i m i ze ero s io n du e to th e ad v e rse im p acts o n water q u a lity, v e h i cle m a in ten a n ce, ro ad

m a in ten a n ce, an dsafety. Ero s io n can o ccu r o n cu tslo p e s, fillslo p e s, an d/ o r trav elway. Each o f th e th ree surfaces has unique erosion consider ations which are outlined below:

Stab ilizatio n

- Mitig atio n Surface G e n e r a l Characteristics Measures

C u t s l ope St eeper, undi st urbed, and Veget a t i v e and m echani cal

m o re sterile so il stab ilizatio n

Fillslo p e Flatter, lo o s e, an dm o re Veg e tativ e an dm ech an ical fertile so il stab ilizatio n

Travelway Flattest, com p act (due Surface Stabilization
to traffic)

Vegetative m easures include seeding herbaceous species (grass, l e gum es, or browse speci es) or th e pl ant i ng of brush or t r ees.

Fertilization, m u lching, watering, and/or erosion netting a nd fabrics m a y be required to insure success.

Mechanical m easures include constr uct i on of sl ash wi ndrows, straw bal e dam s , erosi on net t i ng and fabri c s, terraces, or benching, ripra pping, tackifiers, and gunnite.

Surface stabilization includes wateri ng, dust oiling, dust pallatives, a ggregate layer, bitum i nous surface
t r eat m e nt , or asphal t pavi ng dependi ng on t r affi c, soi l s , and cl i m at i c fact ors.

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An integrated system of collection control, and dispersion of concentrat ed surface water is very im portant in o r d e r to p r ev en t ero s io n o n fillslo p e s, trav elways, an dn a tu ral slo p e s b e lo w cro ss d r ain s an dcu lv erts.

IMPLEMENTATION: Du rin g th e NEPA p r o cess, d e ta iledm itig atio n m easu r es an dslo p e stab ilizatio n techniques are incorporated into the design package by the interdis ciplinary team

. Co m p lian ce with envi ronm ent a l anal y s i s cont rol s and requi rem e nt s i s obt ai ned by t h e C ont ract i ng Offi cer and/ or Engi neeri ng R e present a t i v e t h rough t h e St andard Speci fi cat i ons and/ or Ti m b er Sal e C ont ract Provi si ons.

R E FER E NC ES: FSM 7706.11, 7706.12, 7706.13, and 7720; ' S t a ndard Speci fi cat i ons 50.4, 203, 204, 206A, 210, 212, 412, 619, 625, 626, 629 and 630; Ti m b er Sal e C ont ract Provi si ons B 6 .31, B 6 .6, B 6 .62, B 6 .65, B 6 .66, C 5 .2, C 5 .23, C 5 .4, C 5 .441, C 5 .46, R

- 1 C 6 .36, C 6 .52, C 6 .6, C 6 .601, and C 6 .622; SW C P 15.03 and 15.04; see references i n "B est M a nagem e nt Pract i ce" Defi ni t i on (05--2 and 3); In R

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PR AC TIC E : 15.07 - C ont rol of Perm anent R o ad Drai nage

OBJECTIVE: To m i nim i ze the erosive effects of c oncentr at ed wat e r and th e degradat i on of wat e r q u a lity b y p r o p e r d e sig n an dco n s tru c tio n o f ro add r ain a g e system s an dd r ain a g e co n t ro l stru ctu r es.

EXPLANATION: Degradation of wa ter quality by sedim e nt and th e erosive effects of surface runoff can be m i nim i zed by stabilizing the road pr ism and adj acent disturbed areas from erosion. Velo cities in th e ro add r ain a g e system can b e d i ssip a tedb e fo re en try in to th e n a tu ral system b y d e sig n an d
const r uct i on of cont rol st ruct ures.

A num ber of m easures can be used al one or i n com b i n at i on t o cont rol t h e det r i m ent a l effect s of road drainage. Methods used to contro l water and reduce erosion m a y incl ude: properly spaced culverts, cross drai ns, wat e r bars, rol l i ng di ps, energy di ssi pat e rs, apr ons, gabi ons, and arm o ri ng of di t c hes and drai n i n l e t s and outlets. Dispersal of runoff can also be acco m p lished by rolling the grad e, insloping, outsloping, crowni ng, cont our tr enchi ng, i n st al l a t i on of wat e r spreadi ng di t c hes, et c.

IM PLEM ENTATION: Project l o cat i on, desi gn cri t e ri a, drai nage cont rol feat ures, and det a i l e d

m itig atio n m easu r es are d e term in eddu r in g th e NEPA p r o cess b y an in terd iscip lin ary ap p r o ach

. C o m p l i a nce wi t h pl ans, speci fi cat i ons, and operat i ng pl ans i s assured by t h e C ontract i ng Offi cer or Engi neeri ng R e present a t i v e.

R E FER E NC ES: SW C P 15.02, 15.03, 15.06; Ti m b er Sal e C ontract Provi si ons B 6 .6, B 6 .66, C 6 .3, C 6 .6, and C 6 .601; FSM 7721, 7723, 7706.11, and 7706.12; Dr ai nage Struct ures Handbook (FSH 7709.56b); see references i n "B est M a nagem e nt Pract i ce" Defi ni t i on ( 05--2 and 3); In R

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PR AC TIC E : 15.08 - Pi oneer R o ad C onstr uct i o n

OB JEC T IVE: To m i ni m i ze sedi m e nt product i on and m a ss wast i ng associ at ed wi th pi oneer road
const r uct i on.

EXPLANATION: Pioneer roads are built to allow equipm ent access for construction of planned roadway s . Pi oneeri ng i s usual l y done wi t h i n th e corri dor of th e pl anned road. To m eet th e object i v e of

m i ni m i zi ng sedi m e nt , t h e fol l o wi ng const r ai nt s shoul d be fol l o wed:

a. C onstr uct i on of pi oneer roads shal l be confi n edto th e ro ad way co n s tru c tio n lim its u n l ess o t h e rwise approved by t h e C ont ract i ng Offi cer.

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b. Pioneering shall be conducted so as to prevent undercutting of the designate d final cut slope, prevent avoidable deposition of m a te rials outside the designated roadway lim its, and accomm odate drainage with
t e m porary cul v ert s or l og crossi ngs unl ess approved otherwi s e.

c. Ero s io n co n t ro l wo rk will b e co m p letedco n c u rren t with co n s tru c tio n activ ity o r p r io r to th e wet seaso n

.

d

. Liv e stream s cro ssedb y p i o n eer ro ad s will b e d e wateredb y d i v e rsio n d e v i ces.

IM PLEM ENTATION: The C ont ract i ng Offi cer or Engi neeri ng R e present a t i v e are responsi b l e for enforci ng cont ract speci fi cat i ons, drawi ngs, and pl ans. The Purchaser i s responsi b l e fo r su b m ittin g fo r approval an operat i ng pl an th at i n cl udes erosi on control m easures.

R E FER E NC ES: SW C P 15.02, 15.03, 15.04, 15.05, and 15.06; St andard Speci fi cat i on 201, 203; FSM 7721; Ti m b er Sal e C ont ract Provi si on B 6 .6, B 6 .65, C 6 .3; see references i n "B est M a nagem e nt Pract i ce" Defi ni t i on (05--2 and 3).

PR AC TIC E : 15.09 - Ti m e l y Erosi on C ont rol M easures on Incom p l e t e R o ads and St ream crossi ng Projects

OB JEC T IVE: To m i ni m i ze erosi on of and sedi m e nt at i on from di st urbed ground on i n com p l e t e project s.

EXPLANATION: The best drainage design and erosion control m easur e can be useless if projects are in co m p lete at th e en do f th e n o r m a l o p e ratin g seaso n

. Affectedareas can in clu d e ro ad s, fills, tracto r trails, sk idtrails, lan d i n g s , stream cro ssin g s , b r id g e ex cavations, and firelines. Preventive m easures include:

a. The rem oval of t e m porary cul v ert s , cul v ert pl ugs, di versi on dam s , or el evat ed stream crossi ng causeways;

b. The i n st al l a t i on of t e m porary cul v ert s , si de drai ns, fl um es, cross drai ns, di versi on di t c hes, energy d i ssip a ters, d i p s , sed i m e n t b a sin s , b e rm s, d e b r is rack s, o r o t h e r facilities n eed edto co n t ro l ero s io n

.

c. The rem oval of debri s , obstr uct i ons, and spoi l m a t e ri al from channel s and fl oodpl ai ns.

d. Grass seedi ng, pl ant i ng deep root ed veget a t i on, and/ or m u l c hi ng.

IM PLEM ENTATION: Prot ect i v e m easures m u st be appl i e d t o al l areas of di st urbed, erosi on-prone, unprotected ground that is not to be further disturbed in the presen t year. W h en conditions perm it operat i ons out si de th e Norm al Operat i ng Season, eros i on control m easures m u st be kept current wi th ground disturbance, to the extent th at the affected area can be rapidl y "closed," if weather conditions det e ri orat e. Areas m u st not be abandoned for t h e wi nt er wi t h rem e di al m easures i n com p l e t e

.

Pro j ect lo catio n an dm itig ativ e m easu r es are d e v e lo p e din th e NEPA p r o cess u s in g an in terd iscip lin ary approach. C o m p l i a nce wi t h envi ronm ent a l anal y s i s cont rol s and requi rem e nt s, cont ract speci fi cat i ons, and operat i ng pl ans are assured by th e C ontract i ng Offi cer or Engi neeri ng R e present a t i v e.

R E FER E NC ES: FSM 7721; St andard Speci fi cat i on 206; Ti m b er Sal e C ont ract Provi si ons B 6 .31, B 6 .6, C 6 .6; FAR 52.213-3, 52.236-15, and 4G-52.236-107; SW C P 15.03 and 15.04; see references i n "B est M a nagem e nt Pract i ce" Defi ni t i on (05--2 and 3).

PRACTICE: 15.10 - Control of Road Cons truction Excavation and Sidecast Material

OBJECTIVE: To reduce sedim e nta tion from unconsolidated excavated and sidecast m a terial caused by road const r uct i on, reconst r uct i on, or m a i n t e nance.

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EXPLANATION: Unconsol i d at ed m a t e ri al from ro ad constr uct i on i s frequent l y exposed on cut and fillslopes, can be difficult to stabilize, and repres ents a m a jor sedim e nt source. The area of exposed

m a terial is o f ten redu cedwh en th e cu t an dfillslo p e s an dro ad b e dare co n s tru c tedto th e lin es, g r ad es, an d di m e nsi ons shown on t h e drawi ngs or desi gnat e d on t h e ground. The C ont ract i ng Offi cer and/ or Engi neeri ng R e present a t i v e i n sures th at constr uct i on Is wi t h i n t o l e rances, part i c ul arl y on sect i ons of hi gh erosion or stability hazards. In som e cases laye r placem ent and/or benchi ng m a y be necessary for stab ilizatio n an dto o b t ain th e p r o p e r d i m e n s io n s an dfill slo p e ratio s. En dh au lin g an dretain in g stru ctu r e

m a y be necessary to prevent thin layers of uncons olidated m a terial from be ing sidecast on steep slopes where com p act i on i s i m pract i cal . Pri o r t o comm e nci ng const r uct i on, reconst r uct i on, or m a i n t e nance activities, waste areas should be located where excess m a terial can be deposited and stabilized. If waste areas are located on steep slopes, sidecast m a terials s hould be consolidated and stabilized. Disposal of slide debris should be in areas where it can be stabili zed. The purchaser m a y be required to rem ove excess

m a terial not placed according to the c ontract and/or restore dam a ged areas.

Norm al erosion control such as s eeding should be supplem ented with sp ecial m itigation m easures such as jut e net t i ng, erosi on cl ot h, m u l c hi ng, sl ash wi ndrow s, sedi m e nt ponds, hay bal e dam s , and rock gabi ons, when such m easures are determ in ed necessary for local conditions.

IMPLEMENTATION: Pro j ect lo catio n , selectedd i sp o s al areas, an dm itig ativ e m easu r es are d e v e lo p e d

t h rough th e NEPA process, usi ng an i n t e rdi s ci pl i n ary approach. Forest Servi ce supervi s ors are responsi b l e for i n suri ng t h at In-Servi ce project s m eet desi gn st andards and project requi rem e nt s. For cont ract ed project s, com p l i a nce wi t h speci fi cat i ons and operat i ng pl ans i s assured by th e C ont ract i ng Offi cer and/ or Engi neeri ng R e present a t i v e.

R E FER E NC ES: FSM 7720.3, 7706.11, and 7721; FAR 52.236-09; St andard Speci fi cat i on 203; SW C P 15.03, 15.05, 15.06, and 15.09; Ti m b er Sal e C ont ract Provi si ons C 6 .221 and C 5 .4; see references i n "B est M a nagem e nt Pract i ce" Defi ni t i on (05--2 and 3).

PR AC TIC E : 15.11 - Servi c i ng and R e fuel i ng of Equi pm ent

OBJECTIVE: To prevent contam ination of waters fro m accidental spills of fuel s, lubricants, bitum e ns, raw sewage, wash water, a nd ot her harm ful m a t e ri al s.

EXPLANATION: Duri ng servi c i ng or refuel i ng, pol l u t a nt s from l oggi ng or road constr uct i on eq u i p m en t m a y en ter a waterco u r se. Th is th reat is m i ni m i zed by sel ect i ng servi ce and refueling areas well away from wet areas and surface watercourses and byusing berm s around such sites to contain spills.

IMPLEMENTATION: The Contracti ng Offi cer, Engi neeri ng R e present a t i v e, or cert i f i e d Sal e Ad m i n i strato r will d e sig n a te th e lo catio n , size an dallo wab l e u s es o f serv ice an drefu elin g areas. Th ey will also be aware of actions to be taken in case of a hazardous spill, as outlined in the Forest Hazardous Su b s tan ce Sp ill Co n tin g e n c y Plan (SW C P 1 1

- 0 7 )

.

R E FER E NC ES: SW C P 11.07; Ti m b er Sal e C ontract Provi si ons B 6 .34, C 6 .341, and C 6 .34; St andard Speci fi cat i ons 204.42; Ti m b er Sal e Adm i ni st rat i on Handbook (FSH 2409.15); see references i n "B est M a nagem e nt Pract i ce" Defi ni t i on (05--2 and 3).

PR AC TIC E : 15.12 - C ont rol of C onst r uct i on i n R i pari an Areas

OBJECTIVE: To m i nim i ze the adverse effect s on Riparian Areas from roads and trails.

EXPLANATION: Except at designated stream cro ssings, road and trail construction will avoid
p l acin g fill m a terials o r stru ctu r es in Rip a rian Areas th at will d i rectly affect th e eco lo g i cal v a lu es o f th e

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stream . Occasionally exceptions m a y occur. These instances should be identified by the interdisciplinary
team in th e NEPA p r o cess an dth e fin a l lo catio n d e si gned to create the m i nim u m im pact possible. Factors

su ch as stream class, ch an n e l stab ility, sid e slo p e steep n e ss, slo p e stab ility, reso u r ces d e p e n d e n t o n th ese areas and st andards, gui del i n es, and di rect i on from Forest Plans are consider edin d e term in in g th e

m a nagem e nt of activities and width of Riparian Areas. Mitigation m easures should be used to the optim um t o i n s u r e mi n i mu m i m p a c t

.

IM PLEM ENTATION: R i pari an Area requi rem e nt s are i d ent i f i e d duri ng th e envi ronm ent a l anal y s i s by th e in terd iscip lin ary team . Th e ro ado r trail p r o j ect is d e sig n e dto in clu d e site sp ecific reco mm e n d a tio n s fo r th e p r ev en tio n o f sed i m e n t atio n an do t h e r stream d a m a g e fro m ro ad/trail activ ities. As ap p r o p r iate,

m o n ito rin g an dev alu a tio n will b e id en tifiedin th e NEPA d o c u m en tatio n

. Fo rest Serv ice sup e rv iso r s are responsi b l e for i n suri ng th at In-Servi ce project s m eet desi gn st andards and project requi rem e nt s. On
cont ract ed project s, com p l i a nce wi t h project requi rem e nt s, contract speci fi cat i ons and operat i ng pl ans i s assured by t h e C ont ract i ng Offi cer or Engi neeri ng R e present a t i v e.

R E FER E NC ES: SW C P 11.02, 14.03, and 14.06; FSM 7706.11, 7706.12, 7706.14 and 7710; Ti m b er Sal e C ont ract Provi si ons B 6 .5, B 6 .61, C 6 .51, and C 6 .52; see references i n "B est M a nagem e nt Pract i ce" Defi ni t i on (05--2 and 3).

PR AC TIC E : 15.13 - C ont rol l i ng In-C hannel Excavat i o n

OB JEC T IVE: To m i ni m i ze st ream channel di st urbances and rel a t e d sedi m e nt product i on.

EXPLANATION: During the construction of road s and the installation of stream crossing
st ruct ures, i t m a y be necessary for const r uct i on e qui pm ent t o cross, operat e i n , or operat e near stream co u r ses. Ho wev e r, th is will b e allo wedo n l y at cro ssin g s d e sig n a tedb y th e Fo rest Serv ice o r as necessary i n t h e constr uct i on or rem oval of cul v ert s and bri dges. C l ose coordi nat i on i s needed wi t h t h e Purchaser t o m i ni m i ze dam a ge t o t h e st ream and aquat i c resources.

Also, excavation during the installa tion of stream side structures s hould be accom p lished in the following

m a n n e r in o r d e r to p r o t ect water q u a lity. Un less o t h e rwise ap p r o v e d

, n o ex cav atio n sh all b e m a d e o u t sid e of caissons, cribs, cofferdam s, or sheet piling, and the natural stream bed adjacent to the structure shall not be di st urbed wi t hout approval of th e Engi neeri ng R e present a t i v e or C ontract i ng Offi cer. If any excavat i on or dredging is m a de at the site of the structure befo re caissons, cribs, or cofferdam s are sunk in place, all such excavations will be restored to the original ground surface or the stream bed will be protected with sui t abl e st abl e m a t e ri al . M a t e ri al deposi t e d wi t h i n t h e st ream area from foundat i on or ot her excavat i on sh all n o t b e d i sch a rg edd i rectly in to liv e stream s b u t sh all b e p u m p e dto settlin g areas sh o w n o n th e drawi ngs or approved by t h e Engi neeri ng R e present a t i v e or C ontract i ng Offi cer. If th e channel i s dam a ged duri ng constr uct i on, i t shoul d be rest ored as nearl y as possi bl e t o i t s ori g i n al confi gurat i on wi thout causi ng addi t i onal dam a ge t o t h e channel

. Excavat i ons for stream crossi ngs shoul d be st art e d earl y enough i n th e

su mm e r so th at th e in stallatio n is co m p lete b e fo re win t er.

IMPLEMENTATION: Pro j ect lo catio n an dm itig atio n m easu r es are d e v e lo p e db y th e in terd iscip lin ary team during the NEPA process and are inserted into the contract. Com p liance with the m a nagem e nt requi rem e nt s, contract speci fi cat i ons, and operat i ng pl ans i s assured by th e C ontract i ng Offi cer or Engi neeri ng R e present a t i v e.

R E FER E NC ES: FAR 52.213-3, 52.236-15, and 4G-52.236-107; FSM 7721 and 2505.1; St andard Speci fi cat i ons 206; Ti m b er Sal e C ont ract Provi si ons C 6 .36, C 6 .52, and B 6 .5; EO 11988, Fl ood Pl ai n M a nagem e nt ; SW C P 11.04, 11.05, 14.03, 14.06, and 15.12; see references in "Best Mangem e nt Practice" Defi ni t i on (05--2 and 3); In R

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PR AC TIC E : 15.14 - Di versi on of Fl ows Around C onst r uct i on Si t e s

OB JEC T IVE: To m i ni m i ze downstr eam sedi m e nt at i on by i n suri ng th at al l st ream di versi ons are careful l y pl anned.

EXPLANATION: Fl ow m u st som e t i m es be gui ded or pi ped around project si t e s. Typi cal

ex am p l es are b r id g e an dd a m co n s tru c tio n

. Flo w in stream co u r ses will b e d i v e rtedif th e Fo rest Serv ice deem s it necessary for the Purchaser to do t h e job. Such a di vert ed fl ow shal l be rest ored t o t h e nat u ral
st ream course as soon as pract i cabl e and, i n any event
, pri o r t o t h e m a jor st orm season or fi sh m i grat i on

seaso n

. Stream ch an n e ls im p actedb y co n s tru c tio n activ ity will b e resto r edto th eir n a tu ral g r ad e, condi t i on, and al i gnm ent as soon as possi bl e.

IMPLEMENTATION: Th e in terd iscip lin ary team du r i n g th e en v i ro n m en tal an alysis will id en tify wh ere d i v e rsio n s are req u i redan dth e p r o j ect d e sig n will in clu d e m itig ativ e m easu r es to p r o t ect fish ery v a lu es an d
ot her downstr eam uses. The NEPA process m a y requi re pr oject revi ew by ot her Federal

, St at e, and/ or l o cal agencies and private parties, to in sure that all factors are considered . For In-Service projects, Forest Servi ce supervi s ors are responsi b l e for i m pl em ent i ng desi gn st andards and m a nagem e nt requi rem e nt s. On
cont ract ed project s, com p l i a nce wi t h contract speci fi cat i ons and operat i ng pl ans i s assured by t h e C ontract i ng Offi cer or Engi neeri ng R e present a t i v e.

R E FER E NC ES: Ti m b er Sal e C ontract Provi si ons B 6 .5, C 6 .3, C 6 .51, C 6 .52, and C 6 .6; FSM 2505.1 and 7721; FAR 52.213-3, 52.236-15, and 4G-52.236-107; Drai nage St ruct ures Handbook (FSH 7709.56b); EO 11988, Fl ood Pl ai n M a nagem e nt ; SW C P 11.04, 11.05, 14. 03, 14.06, 15.12, and 15.13; see references i n "B est M a nagem e nt Pract i ce" Defi ni t i on (05--2 and 3).

PR AC TIC E : 15.15 - St ream crossi ngs on Tem porarv R o ads

OB JEC T IVE: To keep t e m porary roads from undul y dam a gi ng stream s, di st urbi ng channel s , or obstr uct i ng fi sh passage.

EXPLANATION: Culverts, tem porary bridges, low water crossings, or fords will be required on
tem p o r ary ro ad s at all lo catio n s wh ere it is n ecessary to cro ss stream co u r ses. Su ch facilities sh all b e desi gned and i n st al l e d t o provi de unobst r uct e d st ream fl ow and fi sh passage, and t o m i ni m i ze dam a ge t o stream courses.

The num ber of crossings shall be kept to the m i nim u m needed for access. Channel crossings should general l y be as perpendi cul a r t o stream courses as po ssi bl e. St ream bank excavat i on shal l be kept t o t h e

m i nim u m needed for use of the crossings.

Crossing facilities shall be rem oved when the facility ha s served its purpose and is no longer needed. Fills

asso ciatedwith th ese facilities sh all also b e rem o v e d

.

IM PLEM ENTATION: Project l o cat i on and prot ect i v e m easures are devel oped by t h e i n t e rdi s ci pl i n ary team du r in g th e NEPA p r o cess. Th o s e d e v e lo p e db y th e Pu rch a ser will b e rev i ewedan dap p r o v e db y th e cert i f i e d Sal e Adm i ni strat o r or C ontract i ng Offi cer. Forest Servi ce supervi s ors are responsi b l e for i n suri ng t h at In-Servi ce project s m eet m a nagem e nt object i v es and requi rem e nt s. For contract ed project s,

com p l i a nce wi th speci fi cat i ons and operat i ng pl ans i s assured by th e C ontract i ng Offi cer, cert i f i e d Sal e Adm i ni st rat o r, or Engi neeri ng R e present a t i v e.

R E FER E NC ES: Ti m b er Sal e C ontract Provi si ons B 6 .5 , B6.62, B6.65, C6.3, C6.51, C6.52, C6.6, and C 6 .753; Ti m b er Sal e Adm i ni st rat i on Handbook (FSH 2409.15); FSM 2505.1 and 7721 FAR 4G-52.236- 107; SW C P 11.04, 11.05, 14.03, 14.06, 14.17, 15.12, 15.13, and 15.14; see references i n "B est M a nagem e nt Pract i ce" Defi ni t i on (05--2 and 3); In R

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PR AC TIC E : 15.16 - B r i dge and C u l v ert Inst al l a t i on (Di s posi t i on of Surpl u s M a t e ri al and Prot ect i on of Fisheries)

OB JEC T IVE: To M i ni m i ze Sedi m e nt at i on and Turbi d i t y R e sul t i ng from Excavat i on for In-C hannel Structures.

EXPLANATION: Excavation in or near stream course is a comm on requirem e nt for the installation of bri dges, cul v ert s , and ot her st ream si de st ruct ures su ch as wei r s, check dam s , ri prappi ng, or fi sh passage
struct ures. Surpl u s m a t e ri al shoul d not obstr uct t h e stream course i n cl udi ng th e fl oodpl ai n nor th e efficiency of the associated struct ure. Preventive m easures include:

a. Di vert i ng stream fl ow around project si t e s duri ng constr uct i on i n order t o m i ni m i ze erosi on and downst r eam sedi m e nt at i on.

b. Easi l y erodi bl e m a t e ri al shal l not be deposi t e d i n t o l i v e st ream s.

c. Any m a terial stockpiled on floodpl ains shall be rem oved before ri sing waters reach the stockpiled

ma t e r i a l

.

d. During excavation in or near the stream course , it m a y be necessary to use suitable coffer dam s , caissions, cribs or sheet piling. This will usuallybe the case where groundwater is contributing a si gni fi cant am ount of wat e r t o t h e i mm e di at e excavat i on area. If any of t h e aforem ent i oned devi ces are

u s ed , th ey will b e p r actically watertig h t an dn o ex cav atio n will b e m a d e imm e d i ately o u t sid e o f th em . If water from subsurface strata is not significant, pum ping m a y be used , provided the sedim e nt from the
p u m p e dwater can b e d i sp o s edo f wh ere it will n o t re-en t er th e stream du r in g h i g h flo w s.

e. W a t e r pum ped from foundat i on excavat i on shal l not be di scharged di rect l y i n t o l i v e st ream s, but shall be pum ped into settling ponds.

f. W h en needed, bypass roads shoul d be l o cat ed t o have th e m i ni m a l di st urbance on th e stream course.

g. The construction activity in or adj acent to the stream will be lim ited to specific tim es to protect benefi ci al wat e r uses (i.e., fisheries).

h. Operation of m echanical equipm ent in live stream s shall be kept to the am ount necessary to avoid im p acts to aq u a tic reso u r ces. IMPLEMENTATION: Pro j ect lo catio n an dd e tailedm itig ativ e m easu r es are d e v e lo p e din th e

en v i ro n m en tal an alysis an dare d e tailedin th e ap p r o p r iate NEPA d o c u m en t u s in g an in terd iscip lin ary team approach. Forest Servi ce supervi s ors are responsi b l e for i n suri ng th at In-Servi ce project s m eet th e desi gn st andards. For cont ract ed project s, com p l i a nce wi th contract speci fi cat i ons and operat i ng pl ans Is assured by t h e C ont ract i ng Offi cer or Engi neeri ng R e present a t i v e.

R E FER E NC ES: FAR 52.213-3, 52.236-15, and 4G-52. 236-107; St andard Speci fi cat i ons 206 and 206A; Ti m b er Sal e C ont ract Provi si on C 6 .5; FSM 2505.1; see references i n "B est M a nagem e nt Pract i ce" Defi ni t i on (05--2 and 3).

PR AC TIC E : 15.17 - R e gul at i on of B o rrow Pi t s , Gravel Sources and Quarri es

OB JEC T IVE: To m i ni m i ze sedi m e nt product i on from borrow pi t s , gravel sources, and quarri es, and l i m i t channel di st urbance i n t hose gravel sources sui t abl e for devel opm ent i n fl oodpl ai ns.

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EXPLANATION: Borrow pits, gravel sources, and quarri es are often susceptible to erosion due to
st eep si de sl opes, l ack of veget a t i on, and/ or t h ei r proxi m i t y t o wat e r courses. W h enever possi bl e, t h e t op soil should be rem oved and stockpile d for use as surface dressing during the reclam ation phases, prior to excavation of the site.

Drai nage desi gn for th e excavat i on shoul d consi d er t e m porary erosi on control m easures duri ng th e l i f e of th e m a terial so u r ce an dp e rm an en t d r ain a g e co n tro l m easu r es after th e site h a s b een reh ab ilitated

. W h en

ex cav atio n o f th e site h a s b een co m p letedo n all o r p a rt o f th e area, an dth e site will n o t b e u s edag ain

, th e sid e s will b e slo p e d

, g r ad ed , o r scaledan dth e g e n e ral p it area sm o o t h e dan dstab ilized . Ov ersize m a terial, i f

pl anned for fut u re use as ri prap or derri ck rock, shoul d be st ockpi l e d. If not , i t shoul d be scat t e red or buri e d. Fi ner m a t e ri al , i f avai l abl e, shoul d be spread over th e bot t o m of th e pi t pri o r t o spreadi ng stockpiled or im ported topsoil. Seed ing, m u lching, and/or pl anting should be carried out. If the site will be used again, the above requirem e nts will be lim ited to those essential to resource protection between uses. Access roads t o t h e si t e shoul d al so have t e m porary or perm anent drai nage desi gn for erosi on cont rol dependi ng on t h e l i f e of t h e pi t or th e roads shoul d be ri pped, drai ned, bl ocked t o t r affi c, and seeded,

m

u l c hed, and/ or pl ant e d unl ess other uses are pl anned.

B o rrow pi t s and gravel sources l o cat ed i n fl oodpl ai ns requi re speci al at t e nt i on. M a t e ri al deposi t e d i n fl oodpl ai ns or al ong channel sect i ons duri ng st orm runo ff oft e n provi de excel l e nt and i n expensi v e sand and gravel. Because of easy access, these deposits are of ten in dem a nd. W ith car eful planning and design,

t h ese deposi t s can be rem oved wi t h m i ni m a l i m pact on wat e r resources. Under som e ci rcum st ances, sand and/or gravel rem oval m a y alter stream flow char acteristics and consequently affect stream channel stability and create a new sedim e nt s ource. Excavation of these deposits within stream channels should be l i m i t e d t o those above th e wat e rl i n e whi c h i s norm a l for th e peri od of th e excavat i on. If th e borrow area i s subject t o peri odi c fl oodi ng, l e vel i ng, shapi ng, or ot her speci al drai nage feat ures shal l be provi ded.

Excavation in floodplains s hould not take place below the water tabl e unless sedim e nt basins are built to
cont ai n or cat ch t h e resul t i ng sedi m e nt . Sedi m e nt ba si ns shoul d not be subject t o washout s. If excess sedim e nt accum u lates in basins, it should be excavated to clean the basin and th e sedi m e nt rem oved t o an approved si t e

.

W a sh wat e r or wast e from concret e bat c hi ng or aggreg at e operat i ons shal l not be al l o wed t o ent e r st ream s p r io r to treatm e n t b y filtratio n , flo ccu latio n , settlin g an d/ o r o t h e r m ean s. Th e p o t en tial p o llu tio n o f adjacent water resources by blasting agents in quarry ope rations shall be addressed in the pit operation plan.

IMPLEMENTATION: Pro j ect feasib ility, lo catio n , su itab ility, an dth e lim its fo r d i stu r b a n ce an d sedim e nt production will be identified through the NEPA process using an interd isciplinary approach. Detailedm itig ativ e m easu r es are d e v e lo p e db y th e d e sig n en g i n eer u s in g criteria fro m th e en v i ro n m en tal anal y s i s and th rough consul t a t i on wi th t echni cal resour ce st affs when needed. Devel opm ent of borrow pi t s or gravel sources in the floodplain will be coordinated with State and local agencies.

Special-use perm its issued for borro w pits, gravel sources, and quarries will include the above requirem e nts and Di stri ct R a ngers or th ei r represent a t i v es are responsi b l e for i n suri ng com p l i a nce. Forest Servi ce supervi s ors are responsi b l e for i m pl em ent i ng In-Servi ce project s t o desi gn st andards. For contract ed project s, com p l i a nce wi th m a nagem e nt requi rem e nt s, speci fi cat i ons, and operat i ng pl ans i s assured by th e C ontract i ng Offi cer or Engi neeri ng R e present a t i v e.

R E FER E NC ES: FSM 2511, 2505.1, 7706.11, 7706.12, 7721; Transport a t i on Engi neeri ng Handbook (FSH 7709.11) and R o ad Preconst r uct i on Handbook (FSH 7709. 56); FAR 52.236-09; St andard Speci fi cat i ons 203, 210, 611, 624, 625, 626, and 629; Ti m b er Sal e C ont ract Provi si ons B 6 .31, B 6 .6, B 6 .62, B 6 .65 and B 6 .66, C 5 .2, C 5 .23, C 5 .4, C 6 .36, C 6 .52, C 6 .6, C 6 .60l , C 6 .622; W a t e r Pol l u t i on C ontrol Act

, 33 USC 466; NEPA; Montana W a ter Quality Act and Hardrock Act; Idaho Dredge and Placer Mi ning Act, Title 47, Ch. 13; SW C P 11.04, 11.05, 15.03; see references i n "B es t M a nagem e nt Pract i ce" Defi ni t i on (05--2 and 3).

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PR AC TIC E : 15.18 - Di sposal of R i ght -of-W ay and R o adsi de Debri s

OB JEC T IVE: To i n sure th at debri s generat e d duri ng road constr uct i on i s kept out of stream s and t o prevent sl ash and debri s from s ubsequent l y obstr uct i ng channel s

.

EXPLANATION: As a preventive m easure, construc tion debris and other newly generated slash devel oped al ong roads near stream s shal l be di sposed of by t h e fol l o wi ng m eans as appl i cabl e :

a. On -Site

1. W i ndrowi ng (SW C P 15.03)

2. Scat t e ri ng

3. B u ry i n g

4. C h i ppi ng

5. Di sposal i n C u t t i ng Uni t s

6. Pi l i ng and B u rni n g

b. R e m oval t o agreed upon l o cat i ons.

c. A com b i n at i on of th e above.

d. Large l i m bs and cul l l ogs m a y be bucked i n t o m a nageabl e l e ngths and pi l e d al ongsi d e th e road for fuel wood.

IM PLEM ENTATION: C r i t e ri a for t h e di sposal of R i ght -of-W ay and roadsi de debri s are est abl i s hed i n th e en v i ro n m en tal an alysis b y an in terd iscip lin ary team . Pro j ect lo catio n an dd e tailedm itig ativ e m easu r es are al so devel oped. Forest Servi ce supervi s ors are responsi b l e for i n suri ng t h at In-Servi ce project s m eet desi gn st andards. For contract ed project s, com p l i a nce wi th pl ans, speci fi cat i ons, and operat i ng pl ans i s assured by t h e C ont ract i ng Offi cer, Engi neeri ng R e present a t i v e, or cert i f i e d Sal e Adm i ni st rat o r.

R E FER E NC ES: Ti m b er Sal e C ontract ; SW C P 13.05, 14.20, and 15.03, see references i n "B est M a nagem e nt Pract i ce" Defi ni t i on (05--2 and 3).

PR AC TIC E : 15.19 - St ream bank Prot ect i o n

OB JEC T IVE: To m i ni m i ze sedi m e nt product i on from st ream banks and st ruct ural abut m e nt s i n nat u ral waterway s.

EXPLANATION: The stabilization of stream em bankm ents disturbed by the construction of a water crossing or a roadway fill parallel to a stream cour se, is necessary to prevent erosion of the m a terial duri ng nat u ral stream fl ow. To reduce sedi m e nt and channel bank degradat i on, i t i s necessary t o i n corporat e "arm ori ng" i n t h e desi gn of a struct ure t o al l o w t h e wat e r course t o st abi l i ze aft e r constr uct i on. R i prap, gabi on struct ures, and other

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m easures are comm only used to arm o r stream banks a nd drai nage way s from t h e erosi v e forces of fl owi ng water. These m easures m u st be sized and installed in such a way that they effec tiv ely resist ero s iv e water velocities. Stone used for riprap should be free from weakly structured rock, soil, organic m a terial and

m a t e ri al s of i n suffi ci ent si ze, al l of whi c h are not resi st ant t o st ream fl ow and woul d onl y serve as sedi m e nt

so u r ces. Ou tlets fo r d r ain a g e facilities in ero d i b l e so ils co mm o n l y req u i re rip r ap p i n g fo r en erg y di ssi pat i on.

IMPLEMENTATION: Project locati on and detailed m itigative m easures are developed through the NEPA process t o m eet t h e object i v es and requi rem e nt s of t h e m a nagem e nt . Forest Servi ce supervi s ors are responsi b l e for i m pl em ent i ng In-Servi ce project s t o de si gn st andards and m a nagem e nt requi rem e nt s. For
cont ract ed project s, com p l i a nce wi t h contract speci fi cat i ons and operat i ng pl ans i s assured by t h e C ontract i ng Offi cer or Engi neeri ng R e present a t i v e.

REFERENCES: SW CP 15.03; see references in "Best Ma nagem e nt Pract i ce" Defi ni t i on (05--2 and 3); In R

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PRACTICE: 1 5

. 2 0 - W a ter So u r ce Dev e lo p m en t Co n s isten t W ith W a ter Qu ality Pro t ectio n

OB JEC T IVE: To suppl y wat e r for road const r uc t i on and m a i n t e nance and fi re prot ect i on whi l e

m a in tain in g water q u a lity.

EXPLANATION: W a t e r source devel opm ent i s norm a l l y needed t o suppl y wat e r for road construction, dust control, m i xing su rface, com p action, planting and for fire control requirem e nts of the

t i m ber Purchaser. W a t e r source devel opm ent shoul d ai m t o ward th e constr uct i on of durabl e , l ong t e rm wat e r sources rath er th en t h e constr uct i on of hast y , expedi ent devel opm ent s . Perm anent l y desi gned sources, such as tanks, will result in the lowest, long term im pact to the affected stream s.Other consi d erat i ons i n t h e devel opm ent of wat e r sources shoul d be:

a. Downst ream fl ow shoul d not be reduced so as t o det r i m ent a l l y affect aquat i c resources, fi sh passage, or ot her uses.

b. Tem porary cofferdam s shoul d be const r uct e d of sandbags cont ai ni ng sand or cl ean gravel , or of other m a terials and m eans which will not induce sedim e nt in the stream

.

c. Overfl ow shoul d go di rect l y back i n t o t h e stream

.

d

. All tem p o r ary facilities fo r g a th erin g water will b e rem o v e dp r io r to cau sin g an y reso u r ce d a m a g e

.

IM PLEM ENTATION: C e rt i f i e d Sal e Adm i ni st rat o rs and Engi neeri ng R e present a t i v es i n conjunct i on wi t h t echni cal resource st affs shoul d eval uat e st ream s i n whi c h wat e r devel opm ent s m a y be constr uct e d. Pro j ect lo catio n an dd e tailedm itig ativ e m easu r es are d e v e lo p e db y th e in terd iscip lin ary ap p r o ach du r in g t h e envi ronm ent a l anal y s i s . Forest Servi ce supervi s or s are responsi b l e for i n suri ng th at In-Servi ce project s

m eet desi gn st andards and m a nagem e nt requi rem e nt s. For contract ed project s, com p l i a nce wi t h contract speci fi cat i ons and th e operat i ng pl an i s assured by t h e C ont ract i ng Offi cer and/ or Engi neeri ng Representative.

Any dam a ge to resources caused by Purchaser' s operations or fire suppression activities shall be repaired by Purchaser or fi re suppressi on crews i n a t i m el y and ag reed m a nner t o t h e ext e nt pract i cal t o rest ore and prevent further resource dam a ge.

R E FER E NC ES: St andard Speci fi cat i on 207; Ti m b er Sal e C ont ract Provi si ons; SW C P 14.03; Ti m b er Sal e Adm i nistration Handbook (FSH 2409.15); s ee references in "Best Managem e nt Practice" Definition (05--2 and 3).

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PR AC TIC E : 15.21 - M a i n t e nance of R o ads

OB JEC T IVE: To m a i n t a i n al l roads i n a m a nner whi c h provi des for soi l and wat e r resource prot ect i on by m i nim i zing rutting, failures, sidecasti ng, and blockage of drainage facilities.

EXPLANATION: Roads norm a lly deteriorate becau se of use and weather im pacts. This det e ri orat i on can be m i ni m i zed t h rough proper and t i m el y m a i n t e nance and/ or rest ri ct i on of use (SW C P 1 1

. 0 9 ) . All system ro ad s will b e m a in tain edto at least th e fo llo win g lev e l: Pro v i d e th e b a sic cu sto d i al care required to protect the road investm e nt and to insure that dam a ge to adjacent land and resources is held to

m i ni m u m

. Thi s l e vel of m a i n t e nance oft e n requi res an annual i n spect i on t o det e rm i n e what work, i f any , i s

n eed edto k eep d r ain a g e fu n c tio n a l an dth e ro adstab le. Th is lev e l is th e n o r m a l p r escrip tio n fo r ro ad s th at are closed to traffic. As a m i nim u m m easure, m a intenance m u st protect drainage facilities and runoff pat t e rns. Hi gher l e vel s of m a i n t e nance m a y be chos en to reflect greater use or resource adm i nistrative needs. Addi t i onal m a i n t e nance m easures coul d i n cl ude resurfaci ng, out sl opi ng, cl eari ng debri s from di ps and cross drai ns, arm o ri ng of di t c hes, spot rocki ng, and drai nage i m provem e nt

.

Maintenance needs will be reflected in an annual road m a intenance plan developed to include all roads under Forest Service control. Indi vidual m a intenance plans will be deve loped annually for each tim ber sale and for each cost share area outlining perform ance standards, responsibilities, and tim ing.

For m a i n t e nance of roads on act i v e t i m ber sal e s, t h e Fo rest Servi ce and th e Purchaser shal l annual l y agree at the beginning of the operating season on an Annual Road Maintena nce Plan outlining responsibilities

an dtim in g

. If th e ro adis su b j ectedto co mm e rcial u s e, th e Fo rest Serv ice m a y co llect d e p o s its to facilitate road m a intenance and to equitably a ssess m a intenance cost of each user.

In addition to tim ely perform ance of regular m a intena nce, each Forest should have an em ergency action
p l an wh ich id en tifies p r o cedu r es to b e u s eddu r in g p e rio d s o f h i g h ru n o ff to p r o t ect facilities an dredu ce resource dam a ge.

IM PLEM ENTATION: The work i s cont rol l e d t h rough t h e Forest Engi neer who i s responsi b l e for t h e developm ent of the annual road m a intenance plan ba sed on condition surveys. Maintenance levels are established for each road and m a intenance perform ed in accordance with standard s. On tim ber sales,

m a intenance is a Purchaser responsibility and com p lian ce with standards is assu red by the Contracting Officer, Engineering Representative, or cert i f i e d Sal e Adm i ni st rat o r. On sy st em roads out si de of act i v e tim b e r sales, ro ad m a i n t e nance i s i n sured by t h e Engi neeri ng R e present a t i v e or C ontract i ng Offi cer.

R E FER E NC ES: FSM 7730.2, 7732 and 7735; Ti m b er Sal e Adm i ni st rat i on Handbook (FSH 2409.15) and Transport a t i on Sy st em M a i n t e nance Handbook (FSH 7709.15); Ti m b er Sal e C ont ract Provi si on C 5 .4; SW C P 11.09; see references i n "B est M a nage m e nt Pract i ce" Defi ni t i on (05--2 and 3).

PRACTICE: 15.22 - Road Surface Treatm e nt to Prevent Loss of Materials

OBJECTIVE: To m i nim i ze the erosion of road surf ace m a terials and consequently reduce the likelihood of sedi m e nt product i on.

EXPLANATION: Unconsolidated road surface m a terial is susceptible to erosion during precipitation events. Likewise, dus t derived from road use m a y settle onto adjacent water bodies. On

t i m ber sal e roads, t h e Purchaser shal l undert ake m easures t o prevent excessi ve l o ss of road m a t e ri al i f th e need for such action has been id entified. Road surface treatm e nts m a y include: water, dust oiling, penetr at i on oi l i ng, seal i ng, aggregat e surfaci ng, chi p -seal i ng, or pavi ng.

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IMPLEMENTATION: Pro j ect lo catio n an dd e tailedm itig ativ e m easu r es are d e v e lo p e db y an in terd iscip lin ary ap p r o ach to m eet environm ental analysis criteria. Forest Service supervisors are responsi b l e for i n suri ng t h at In-Servi ce project s m eet desi gn st andards and m a nagem e nt requi rem e nt s. On
cont ract ed project s, com p l i a nce wi t h contract speci fi cat i ons, and operat i ng pl ans i s assured by t h e C ontract i ng Offi cer or Engi neeri ng R e present a t i v e.

R E FER E NC ES: Ti m b er Sal e C ont ract ; Ti m b er Sal e Adm i ni st rat i on Handbook (FSH 2409.15).

PR AC TIC E : 15.23 - Traffi c C ont rol Duri ng W e t Peri ods

OBJECTIVE: To reduce the potentia l for road Surface disturbance dur ing wet weather and to reduce sed i m e n t atio n p r o b ab ility.

EXPLANATION: The unrestricted use of m a ny Na tional Forest roads during wet weather often results in rutting and churning of the road surfaces. Runoff from such disturbed ro ad surfaces often carries a hi gh sedi m e nt l o ad. The dam a ge/ m ai nt enance cy cl e for roads th at are frequent l y used duri ng wet peri ods can create a disturbed road surface and sedim e nt source.

Roads that m u st be used during we t periods should have a stable surf ace and sufficient drainage to allow such use wi t h a m i ni m u m of resource i m pact . R o cki ng, oi l i ng, pavi ng, and arm o ri ng are m easures th at

m a y be necessary to protect the road surface and redu ce erosion potential. Roads not constructed for all
weat her use shoul d be cl osed duri ng th e wet season. W h ere wi nt er fi el d operat i ons are pl anned, roads m a y need t o be upgraded and m a i n t e nance i n t e nsi f i e d t o handl e th e tr affi c wi thout creat i ng excessi ve erosi on and dam a ge to the road surfaces.

IM PLEM ENTATION: R o ad cl osures (SW C P 11-09) and tr affi c control m easures shoul d be i m pl em ent e d on al l roads when dam a ge woul d occur as a resul t of use duri ng wet weather. Project

associ at ed i m pl em ent a t i on procedures can be enforced by Di stri ct personnel

. Haul i ng act i v i t y can be

co n t ro lledb y th e certifiedSale Ad m i n i strato r with in activ e tim b e r sales. Th e d ecisio n fo r clo s u r e is m a d e when the responsible Line Officer determ ines that a particular resource or facility needs protection from

use.

Detailed m itigative m easures are developed by an interd isciplinary approach as n ecessary. Forest Service supervisors are responsible for im plem enting In-Ser vice projects according to design standards. For contracted projects, com p liance with plans, specifications, and operat i ng pl ans i s assured by th e C ontract i ng Offi cer or Engi neeri ng R e present a t i v e.

R E FER E NC ES: FSM 7731.4, SW C P 11.09, 13.06, and 14.04; Ti m b er Sal e C ont ract Provi si ons B 5 .12, B 6 .22, and C 5 .12; Ti m b er Sal e Adm i ni strat i on Handbook (FSH 2409.15); see references i n "B est M a nagem e nt Pract i ce" Defi ni t i on (05--2 and 3).

PR AC TIC E : 15.24 - Snow R e m oval C ontrol s

OBJECTIVE: To m i nim i ze the im pact of snow m e lt on road surfaces and em bankm ents and to reduce the probability of sedim e nt production resulting from snow rem oval operations.

EXPLANATION: This is a preventive m easure used to protect resources and indirectly to protect water quality. Forest roads are som e tim es used throughout the winter for a variety of reasons. For such roads, the following m easures are em ployed to m eet the objectives of this practice:

a. The Purchaser is responsible for snow rem ova l in a m a nner which will pr otect roads and adjacent

resources.

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b. R o cki ng or other speci al surfaci ng and/ or dr ainage m easures m a y be necessary, before the

o p e rato r is allo wedto u s e th e ro ad s.

c. Duri ng snow rem oval operat i ons, banks shal l not be undercut nor shal l gravel or other sel ect ed surfacing m a terial be bladed off the roadway surface. Ditches and culver ts shall be kept functional during and following roadway use. If the roadsurface is dam a ge d, the Purchaser shall replace lost surface m a terial with sim ilar q u a lity m a terial an drep a ir stru ctu r es d a m a g e din b l ad in g o p e ratio n s

.

d. Snow berm s shall not be left on the road surf ace or shall be placed to avoid channelization or
concentr at i on of m e l t wat e r on th e road or erosi v e sl opes. B e rm s l e ft on th e shoul der of th e road shal l be

rem oved and/ or drai nage hol es opened at th e end of wi nt er operat i ons and before th e spri ng breakup. Drainage holes shall be spaced as required to obtain satisfactory su rface drainage without discharge on

ero d i b l e fills. On in slo p e dro ad s, d r ain a g e h o l es sh all also b e p r o v i d e do n th e d itch sid e , b u t care tak e n to in su re th at cu lv erts an dcu lv ert in lets are n o t d a m a g e d

.

IMPLEMENTATION: Pro j ect lo catio n an dd e tailedm itig ativ e m easu r es are d e v e lo p e db y th e in terd iscip lin ary team du r in g th e NEPA p r o cess. Co n tracted projects are im plem ented by the Purchaser. Co m p lian ce with criteria in th e contract specifications and operat i ng pl an i s assured by t h e C ontract i ng Officer or Engineering Representative.

R E FER E NC ES: Ti m b er Sal e C ontract Provi si on C 5 .46; St andard Speci fi cat i on 203.09; see references i n "B est M a nagem e nt Pract i ce" Defi ni t i on (05--2 and 3).

PRACTICE: 1 5

. 2 5 - Ob literatio n o f Tem p o r ary Ro ad s

OBJECTIVE: To redu ce sed i m e n t g e n e ratedfro m tem p o r ary ro ad s b y o b literatin g th em at th e

com p l e t i on of t h ei r i n t e nded use.

EXPLANATION: Tem porary roads are constructed fo r a specific short-term purpose, e.g., ski area devel opm ent roads, l oggi ng spurs on a t i m ber sal e , et c. In order t o prevent cont i nued l o w l e vel casual use,

su ch ro ad s are o b literatedat th e co m p letio n o f th eir in ten d e du s e. Du e to sh o r t-term n a tu re o f tem p o r ary roads, cont i nued m a i n t e nance funds can not be used for work on t e m porary roads. Tem porary roads th at are al l o wed t o rem a i n i n use bey ond t h ei r prescri b ed t i m e are subject t o cont i nued, uncorrect ed dam a ge, and they can becom e chronic sedim e nt sources.

Effective obliteration is generally achieved th rough a com b ination of the following m easures:

a. R o ad effect i v el y drai ned and bl ocked.

b. Tem porary cul v ert s and bri dges rem oved and nat u ral drai nage confi gurat i on re-est abl i s hed.

c. R o ad ret u rned t o resource product i on th rough reveget a t i on (grass, browse, or tr ees).

d. Si desl opes reshaped and st abi l i zed.

IM PLEM ENTATION: For t i m ber sal e s, t e m porary road cl osure, st abi l i zat i on and rem oval of t e m porary structures are accom p lished by the Tim b er Purchase r. Com p liance with plans and the Tim b er Sale C ontract i s assured by t h e cert i f i e d Sal e Adm i ni st rat o r. Forest Servi ce supervi s ors are responsi b l e for i n suri ng t h at ot her t e m porary roads devel oped byt h e Forest Servi ce m eet desi gn st andards and

m a nagem e nt requi rem e nt s. Tem porary road devel opm ent on Forest Servi ce l a nds t h at are al l o wed th rough
sp ecial u s e p e rm its an d/ o r easem en ts are su b j ect to th e sam e o b literatio n req u i rem e n t s as tem p o r ary ro ad s

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on tim ber sales. District Rangers or their representatives are respons ible for assuring the obliteration of such roads is accom p lished.

R E FER E NC ES: Ti m b er Sal e C ontract Provi si ons B 6 .62, B 6 .5, C 6 .6, C 6 .601; FSM 2522; SW C P 11.03, 11.08, 11.09, 13.04, 14.12-.14, 14.19 and 15.03; NFM A ; Ti m b er Sal e Adm i ni st rat i on Handbook (FSH 2409.15); see references in "Best Managem e nt Practice" Definition (05--2 and 3).

PRACTICE: 15.26 - Surface Erosi on Control at Facility Sites

OB JEC T IVE: To m i ni m i ze th e am ount of erosi on and sedi m e nt at i on at devel oped si t e s.

EXPLANATION: On l a nds devel oped for adm i ni strat i v e si t e s, ski areas, cam pgrounds, parki ng areas, or wast e di sposal si t e s m u ch ground i s cl eared of veget a t i on. Erosi on cont rol m e t hods need t o be i m pl em ent e d t o st abi l i ze t h e soi l and t o reduce t h e am ount of st ream sedi m e nt at i on. Som e exam pl es of erosi on cont rol m e t hods t h at coul d be appl i e d: grass seed, jut e m e sh, t acki f i e rs, hy drom ul ch, pavi ng, or rocki ng of roads, wat e r bars, cross drai ns, or ret a i n i ng wal l s

.

To control erosi on and sedi m e nt at i on, th e nat u ral dr ai nage pat t e rn of t h e area shoul d not be changed. Sedim e nt basins and sedim e nt filters should be established to filte r surface runoff. Diversion ditches and berm s should be built to divert surface runoff ar ound bare areas. Construc tion activities should be schedul ed t o avoi d peri ods of heavy preci pi t a t i on or runoff.

IMPLEMENTATION: Mitig ativ e m easu r es are d e v e l o p e db y th e in terd iscip lin ary team du r in g th e NEPA process and i n corporat ed i n th e project by th e desi gn engi neer. Forest Servi ce supervi s ors are responsi b l e for i m pl em ent i ng In-Servi ce project s t o de si gn st andards and m a nagem e nt requi rem e nt s. For
cont ract ed project s, com p l i a nce wi t h pl ans, speci fi cat i ons, and operat i ng pl ans i s assured by th e C ontract i ng Offi cer or Engi neeri ng R e present a t i v e. R E FER E NC ES: SW C P 11.08, and 11.12; FSM 2522; see references i n "B est M a nagem e nt Pract i ce" Defi ni t i on (05--2 and 3).

PRACTICE: 1 5

. 2 7 - Trail Main ten a n ce an dReh ab ilitatio n

OBJECTIVE: To m i n i m i ze so il ero s io n an dwater q u a lity p r o b l em s resu ltin g fro m trail ero s io n

.

EXPLANATION: Trai l s oft e n have erosi on probl em s due t o poor l o cat i on, i m proper m a i n t e nance, and th e am ount or type of use. Thi s det e ri orat i on can oft e n be m i ni m i zed by proper m a i n t e nance, restri ct i on of cert a i n types of use, and/ or rel o cat i on.

M a i n l i n e and heavy use t r ai l s shoul d have a funct i onal drai nage sy st em s (wat erbars, cul v ert s at sm al l
stream crossings, corduroy, punche on or boardwalks in boggy areas). Additional m easures (lateral di t c hi ng, t r ai l rel o cat i on, reconst r uct i on, et c.) m a y be requi red i n heavy use or probl em areas.

IMPLEMENTATION: Each District will d e v e lo p a trail m a in ten a n ce p l an wh ich d e term in es lev e l, tim ing and frequency of m a intenance. The need for closures will be identified through Forest Transport a t i on Pl anni ng. C l osure i s done by authori ty of th e Forest Supervi s or (SW C P 11.09).

R E FER E NC ES: SW C P 11.03, 11.09, 15.01, 15.02, and 15.03; Drai nage St ruct ures Handbook (FSH 7709.56b).

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16 - M I NER A LS . M i neral s (i ncl udi ng oi l

, gas and geot he rm al resources) expl orat i on and devel opm ent activ ities o n Natio n a l Fo rest System lan d s fall in to g e n e rally o n e o f th e fo llo win g categ o r ies:

a. Locat abl e . The General M i ni ng Law of 1872, as am ended, governs th e prospect i ng for and th e appropriation of m e tallic and m o st non-m e tallic m i nera ls with a distinct and special value on National Forest System lands that were rese rved from the public dom ain. This a pplies to m o st hard rock and placer

m i neral deposi t s

.

b. Leasabl e . The M i neral Leasi ng Act of February 25, 1920, as am ended and suppl em ent e d, subject
cert a i n m i neral and energy resources t o di sposal th rough l easi ng act i ons. These energy and m i neral resources i n cl ude, but are not l i m i t e d t o , coal , oi l

, gas, geotherm al , oi l shal e, pot assi um , sodi um , and phosphat e . The M i neral Leasi ng Act for Acqui red Lands of August 7, 1947, m a kes al l m i neral s on acqui red (purchased) Nat i onal Forest Sy st em l a nds, unl e ss ot herwi s e reserved or hel das out st andi ng ri ght s, subject t o t h e provi si ons of t h e 1920 M i neral s Leasi ng Act

.

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c. C o mm on Vari ety M i neral s . The M a t e ri al s Act of Jul y 31, 1947, provi des di sposal and use of

comm on vari et y m i neral m a t e ri al s such as sand, st one, gravel , pum i ce, ci nders and cl ay l o cat ed on Nat i onal Fo rest System lan d s . Disp o s al can b e b y sale o r fr ee u s e p e rm it to p r iv ate en tities o r Fed e ral, State, an d l o cal uni t s of governm e nt , when consi s t e nt wi t h good publ i c l a nd m a nagem e nt and i n t h e publ i c i n t e rest

PR AC TIC E : 16.01 - Adm i ni st rat i on of t h e General M i ni ng Law (Act of M a y 10, 1872) for M i neral Expl orat i on and extr act i on on Nat i onal Forest Sy st em Lands

OBJECTIVE: To p r o t ect water q u a lity fro m d e g r ad atio n b y p h y sical an dch em ical co n s titu en ts wh ich

m a y resu lt fro m m i n i n g an dasso ciatedactiv ities.

EXPLANATION: Si x i n st rum e nt s are i nvol ved i n anal y z i ng and approvi ng l o cat abl e m i ni ng activ ities wh ich co u l daffect water q u a lity o n Natio n a l Fo rest System lan d s . In stru m e n t s d ., e., an df. ma y not be necessary in every case. The instrum e nts are listedin seq u e n tial o r d e r if all are n eed ed :

a. Notice of Intent to Operate

b. Pl an of Operat i ons

c. Envi ronm ent a l Anal y s i s

d. Special Use Perm it(s)

e. Road Use Perm its

f. State an d/ o r o t h e r Fed e ral Ag en cy Perm it(s) / Certificatio n

The Notice of Intent to Operate is required from those who propose to conduct m i ning related activities which m i ght cause disturbance of surface resources on National Forest System lands. The notice is subm itted to the appropriate responsib le official, norm a lly the District Ranger. The proposed operations d e scrib e din th e n o tice m u st b e ev alu a tedb y th e District Ran g e r, wh o will in fo rm th e o p e rato r with in 1 5 days after the notice is received that either his ope ration is exem pt from the re quirem e nt for an operating plan or one is required. If the Di strict Ranger determ ines that significant disturba nce of surface resources will likely result from the proposed ope rations, the District Ranger will in form the operator to prepare a Plan of Operations.

A written Plan o f Op eratio n s is req u i redfro m all o p e rato rs wh o will lik ely cau se a sig n i fican t d i stu r b a n ce of surface resources. Prior to approval of the Plan of Operations, the operator m a y be required to furnish a guarant ee i n t h e form of an approved surety bond or ot her securi t y t o perform recl am at i on work. If hazardous m a terials are to be used or generated, doc um entation that com p liance w ith applicable State or

o t h e r Fed e ral ag en cy p e rm its/certificatio n h a v e b een m e t is req u i red

. Th e o p e ratin g p l an sh all b e su b m itted
t o th e Di stri ct R a nger who

will review the plan and prepare an e nvironm ental analysis within 30 days after the receipt of the plan. The

en v i ro n m en tal an alysis eith er resu lts in th e p l an o f operat i ons not bei ng requi re d, bei ng approved, needi ng changes or additions, needing m o re review tim e (Environm ental Assessm ent) but not exceeding an ad d itio n a l 6 0 d a ys, o r b e in g d e ferredu n til an En v i ro n m en tal Im p act Statem en t (EIS) h a s b een p r ep aredan d filedb y th e Fo rest Serv ice.

Plans of Operation and/or Special Use Perm its m a y be requi red and i ssued for const r uct i on or reconstruction of roads for access to m i ning claim s or across National Forest System lands on which the operator has no m i ning claim

. Howeve r, when an operating plan is re quired, and does not include access,

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the plan m u st be approved prior to issuance of a sp ecial use perm it regulating acce ss. Special use perm its

m a y also b e req u i redan dissu edfo r water d i v e rsio n s , water tran sm issio n facilities, an delectric
tran sm issio n lin es n eed edfo r m i n i n g activ ities.

R o ad Use Perm i t s m a y be requi red and i ssued for co mm e rcial u s e o f Natio n a l Fo rest System ro ad s. State an d/ o r o t h e r Fed e ral Ag en cy Perm its/Certifica tio n m a y b e req u i redan dissu edfo r air q u a lity, water
q u a lity, reclam atio n , d i sp o s al an dtreatm e n t o f so lidwa stes, etc. W h en req u i red

, th e Fo rest Serv ice will advise the operator to obtain the a ppropriate perm its or certification. If the proposed operation will involve the use or generation of hazardous substances, the ope rator will be required to incorporate the perm itting requi rem e nt s of t h e appropri a t e regul at ory agenci es before approval of th e Pl an of Operat i ons.

IMPLEMENTATION: A No tice o f In ten t o r Plan o f Op eratio n s is req u i redto b e su b m ittedb y th e operator prior to operations. Preventive m easures shoul d be set forth within the notice or plan which will

co n t ro l sed i m e n t fro m lan dd i stu r b i n g activ ities, co n t ro l ch em ical seep ag es fro m m i n e s an dtailin g s , an d prevent and correct hazardous substan ce spills. Locations for spoil and ta iling disposal are also specified. The pl an i s revi ewed by an i n t e rdi s ci pl i n ary t eam

. Any needed changes are convey e d t o th e operat o r and negot i a t e d pri o r t o fi nal pl an approval

.

Through t h e use of t h e Not i ce of Int e nt , Pl an of Operat i ons and provi si ons i n any Speci al Use Perm i t i ssued, t h e responsi b l e e Forest Offi cer, usual l y t h e Di st ri ct R a nger, checks for com p l i a nce wi t h prescri b ed

m easures. Legal rem e di es are avai l abl e i f m u t

u al cooperat i on fai l s . A court m a y grant Injunct i v e or

m a ndat o ry rel i e f, and award dam a ges t o th e ext e nt of property dam a ged. There m a y be other rem e di es for vi ol at i on of Federal

, St at e and l o cal stan d a rd s fo r air an dwater q u a lity an dfo r th e d i sp o s al o f so lid wastes.

R E FER E NC ES: 36 C F R 228, 36 C F R 251, and 30 USC 612; NEPA; FSM 1950, 2725, 2726, 2730.3, 2734.3, 7720, 2810, 2817 and 2850; Land M a nagers Ha ndbook on M i neral s M a nagem e nt (FSH 2809.11) and M i neral s Pl anni ng Handbook (FSH 2809.12); SW C P 11.01, 11.02, 11.04, 11.05, 11.06, 11.07, 11.08, 11.11, 11.13, 12.06, 12.07, 12.08, 13.04, 15.01, 15.02, and 15.03.

PR AC TIC E : 16.02 - Adm i ni st rat i on of B u reau of Land M a nagem e nt Issued Perm i t s , Li censes, or Leases for M i neral Expl orat i on and Ex t r act i on on Nat i onal Forest Sy st em Lands

OB JEC T IVE: To prot ect soi l and wat e r resource va l u es duri ng m i neral expl orat i on, extr act i on, processing and reclam ation activities that are conducted on National Forest System lands under the term s of B u reau of Land M a nagem e nt prospect i ng perm i t s , coal exploration licenses, and m i neral leases.

EXPLANATION: Through th e NEPA process, th e Forest Servi ce (FS) and Bureau of Land M a nagem e nt (B LM ) m a ke a det e rm i n at i on as t o whether or not a perm i t
, l i cense, or l ease shoul d be i ssued by t h e B L M

. The FS and B L M devel op t h e perm i t
, l i cense, or l ease st i pul at i ons needed t o prot ect wat e r q u a lity an do t h e r reso u r ce v a lu es.

IMPLEMENTATION: Detailedm itig ativ e m easu r es are d e v e lo p e db y an in terd iscip lin ary team du r in g th e en v i ro n m en tal an alysis an dare written in to th e sp ecial stip u l atio n s sectio n o f th e p e rm it, licen se, o r l ease. C ondi t i ons of approval are al so devel oped by t h e i n t e rdi s ci pl i n ary t eam t o be i n cl uded i n t h e operat i ng pl an.

B y i n t e rdepart m ent a l agreem ent
, al l appl i cat i ons t o l ease l a nds under FS juri sdi c t i on are referred t o t h e FS for review, recomm e ndation, and deve lopm ent of special stipulations to protect the surface resources. Technical adm i nistration of BLM perm its , licenses, and leases is the res ponsibility of the BLM. Therefore,

com p liance inspections are the re sponsibility of the BLM unless th e FS is authorized to conduct

com p l i a nce i n spect i ons t h rough an i n t e ragency agreem en t or M OU. The Forest Servi ce m a y i n spect and refer si t u at i ons of non-com p l i a nce wi t h operat i ng pl ans t o t h e B L M for act i on.

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R E FER E NC ES: Land M a nagers Handbook on M i neral s M a nagem e nt (FSH 2809.11) and M i neral s Pl anni ng Handbook (FSH 2809.12); FSM 2725, 2726, 2734, a nd 2820; M i neral Leasi ng Act (41 St at . 437,

as am ended; 30 USC 181); Federal C o al Leasi ng Am endm ent s Act (90 St at . 1083; 30 USC 201 (b) and 207; 16 USC 1276); Act of M a rch 4, 1917 (39 St at . 1150, as suppl em ent e d; 16 USC 520); Sect i on 402 of R e organi zat i on Pl an No. 3, of Jul y 16, 1946 (60 St at . 1097, 1099; 5 USC Appendi x); Act of August 7, 1947 (61 St at . 913; 30 USC 351, 352, 354, 359) as am ended by PL 167 and t h e Geot herm al St eam Act (PL 91- 581); SW C P 11.01, 11.02, 11.04, 11.05, 11.06, 11.07, 11.08, 11.11, 11.13, 12.06, 12.07, 12.08, 13.04, 15.01, 15.02, and 15.03.

PR AC TIC E : 16.03 - Adm i ni st rat i on of C o mm on Vari et y M i neral Operat i ons

OBJECTIVE: To assu re p r o t ectio n o f water q u a lity an do t h e r reso u r ce v a lu es wh en co mm o n v a riety

m i neral m a terials are used for bot h In-Servi ce and Out

- Servi ce.

EXPLANATION: Comm on variety m i neral m a terials su ch as sand, stone, gravel, pum ice, cinders and cl ay m a y be di sposed of and devel oped when t h ei r use i s consi s t e nt wi t h good publ i c l a nd m a nagem e nt

an din th e p u b lic in terest. Use au th o r izatio n s will req u i re reaso n ab l e ero s io n co n t ro l, an dreh ab ilitatio n an d revegetation of the surface ' Rem oval m a y be approve d if adequate m easures can be accom p lished to
p r ev en t ero s io n o r stream p o llu tio n an dsatisfacto ry arran g e m e n t s can b e m a d e fo r reh ab ilitatio n an d
resto r atio n as o u tlin edh e re an din SW CP 1 5

. 1 3

, 1 5

. 1 4 an d1 5

. 1 7

.

IMPLEMENTATION: A p r o j ect p l an o r Min e ral Material Perm it id en tifies th e lo catio n an dco n d itio n s of m i neral m a terial rem oval and disposal. Both will be preceded by an environm ental analysis. Proj ect location, the scope of the proposal, and detaile d m itigative m easures are developed using an i n t e rdi s ci pl i n ary approach. The project or perm i t i s approved by th e Di stri ct R a nger or Forest Supervi s or. C o m p l i a nce wi t h t h e project desi gn st andards, th e t e rm s and condi t i ons of th e perm i t
, and appl i cabl e Federal and St at e regul at i ons i s assured by t h e District Ranger or Forest Service representative.

R E FER E NC ES: 36 C F R 228, Subpart C ; FSM 2725, 2726, 2734, 2814, 2817, and 2850; M i neral s Program Handbook (FSH 2809.13) and Transport a t i on Engi neeri ng Handbook (FSH 7709.11); Act of Jul y 31, 1947 (61 St at . 681), as am ended by t h e Act of August 31, 1950 (64 St at . 571), and t h e Act of Jul y 23, 1955 (69 St at . 367; 30 USC 601-603), and pursuant t o t h e Act of June 11, 1960 (74 St at . 205), and t h e Act of Sept em ber 25, 1962 (76 St at . 587); SW C P 11.04, 11.05, 11.07, 11.08, 15.01, 15.02, 15.03, 15.13, 15.14, and 15.17.

PR AC TIC E : 16.04 - Perm i t s and Adm i ni st rat i on of Geophy si cal Operat i ons

OBJECTIVE: To protect the quality of surface and ground water from degr adation resulting from geophysical activities on Nationa l Forest System lands.

EXPLANATION: Geophysical activities will be m a na ged in a m a nner that is both tim ely and

o ffers p r o t ectio n to o t h e r m u ltip le u s e v a lu es an dm a n a g e m e n t o b j ectiv es. Man y activ ities h a v e n o effects. However, if effects are identified, standard seism i c hole plugging procedures will be followed to prevent
contam ination of ground water resour ces, and shot hole placem ent will be exam ined for potential im pacts
to o th e r reso u r ce v a lu es (SW C P 1 1

. 1 0 ) . New ro adco n s tru c tio n , if allo wed

, will b e lo cated , co n s tru c ted

, and m a i n t a i n ed t o prot ect th e soi l and wat e r resources (SW C P 15.01, 15.02, and 15.03).

IMPLEMENTATION: Du rin g th e en v i ro n m en tal an alysis , an in terd iscip lin ary team will b e assem b led
t o prepare th e appropri a t e NEPA doc u m en t th at ev alu a tes p o t en tial im p acts, including cum u lative, and any needed m itigation m easures for the geophysical prosp ecting perm it. The use of water resources for the
p r o s p ectin g activ ities m a y req u i re No n

- Fo rest Serv ice au th o r izatio n s o r p e rm its.

R E FER E NC ES: Organi c Act of 1897 (30 St at . 34, as am ended, 16 USC 472, 475-478, 480-482, 551); Multiple Use--Sustained-Yield Act of 1960 (74 Stat . 215, 16 USC 528-531); RPA, as am ended (88 Stat.

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476; 16 USC 1600-1614); FSM 2860; M i neral s Program Handbook (FSH 2809.13); In R

- 1: A Procedural Gui d e for Oi l and Gas Adm i ni strat i on, USDA-Forest Servi ce, R

- 1, C u st er NF; SW C P 11.01, 11.07, 11.08, 11.10, 13.04, 15.01, 15.02, and 15.03.

PR AC TIC E : 16.05 - M i neral Act i v i t y C oordi nat i on Anal y s i s

OB JEC T IVE: To prot ect t h e soi l and wat e r resource from degradat i on duri ng devel opm ent of m i neral s

resources.

EXPLANATION: One essential function of a m i nera ls m a nagem e nt program is to forecast what, where and when m i neral activity will occur. W h ile the Forest Service has lim ited ability to control the pace and l o cat i on of m i neral devel opm ent
, t h e Forest Servi ce has th e aut hori t y t o i n fl uence t h e process

co n s id erab ly. Th e Activ ity Co o r d i n a tio n An alysis a pproach for m i neral expl orat i on, devel opm ent and product i on i s a prudent approach th at assi st s i n m i ni m i zi ng adverse i m pact s t o th e soi l

, wat e r, and other

resources.

IMPLEMENTATION: Th e sp ecific lan darea req u i rin g an Activ ity Co o r d i n a tio n An alysis will b e identified. This will n ecessitate the delineation of the study area based on typical oil and gas spacing intervals, pipeline, prim ary and a lternative recovery installation loca tions, directional drilling opportunities,

sen s itiv e areas fo r water an do t h e r reso u r ces, an do t h e r en v i ro n m en tal co n cern s . An in terd iscip lin ary team will co llect an dan alyze d a ta, p r ep are an en v i ro n m en tal an alysis, an dd e v e lo p a m a n a g e m e n t d e sig n th at will b e st m itig ate im p acts to so il an dwater reso u r ces as well as o t h e r reso u r ce v a lu es. Tech n i cal staffs fam iliar with the com ponents of cons truction, developm ent, and production of an oil and gas field will be

u tilized

.

REFERENCES: In R-1: A Procedural Guide for Oil a nd Gas Adm i ni st rat i on, USDA-Forest Servi ce, R

- 1, C u st er NF; M i neral s Program Handbook (FSH 2809.13); NEPA; SW C P 11.01, 11.02, 11.04, 11.05, 11.07, 11.10, 11.11, 13.04, 15.01, 15.02, and 15.03.

PR AC TIC E : 16.06 R ecl am at i on of Oi l and Gas W e l l Si t e s

OB JEC T IVE: To prot ect soi l and wat e r resources th rough th e devel opm ent of recl am at i on pl ans pri o r t o th e ap p r o v a l o f an Ap p licatio n fo r Perm it to Drill.

EXPLANATION: Reclam ation of oil and gas well site s is necessary to protect the soil and water resources, both on and off-site. Revegeta tion with plants or grasses, forbs, shrubs and trees that provide the best protective ground cover s hould be utilized to prevent erosion and stream sedim e ntation. Revegetation speci es shoul d, however, be sel ect ed th at provi de for an i mm e di at e ground cover and al l o w for th e reest abl i s hm ent of th e desi rabl e speci es over th e l ong-t e rm . For both produci ng and non-produci ng wel l sites, reclam atio n will n o r m a lly co mm e n ce with in th e first g r o w in g seaso n fo llo win g co m p letio n o f th e drilling activities. In the case of a producing well site , only those portions of th e site not required for production need be reclaim e d. Any n ecessary drainage or eros ion control structures to prevent erosion and degradation of water quality should be installed during re habilitation of the site. Tem porary roads used to access oil and gas well sites are also reclaim e d and obliterated upon com p letion of their intended use.

IMPLEMENTATION: Detailedero s io n co n t ro l an dm itig ativ e m easu r es are d e v e lo p e db y an in terd iscip lin ary team du r in g th e en v i ro n m en tal an alysis and are incorporated into the Plan of Operations. C o m p l i a nce wi t h perm i t s and th e operat i ng pl an i s assured by t h e Di stri ct R a nger or Forest Servi ce represent a t i v e. Non-com p l i a nce wi t h approved ope rat i ng pl ans are referred t o t h e B u reau of Land M a nagem e nt for act i on.

R E FER E NC ES: 43 C F R 3164; FSM 2840; In R

- 1: A Procedural Gui d e for Oi l and Gas Adm i ni st rat i on, USDA Forest Service, R-1, Custer NF; SW CP 13. 01, 13.04, 15.05, 15.06, and 15.25; Surface Operating

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St andards for Oi l and Gas Expl or at i on and Devel opm ent
, 1978, B u reau of Land M a nagem e nt , U.S. Geologic Survey, and USDA, Forest Service; Surface Environm ent and Mining (SEAM) Reclam ation User Guides.

PR AC TIC E : 16.07 - R e serve Pi t Locat i on, Desi gn, Operat i on and R ecl am at i o n

OBJECTIVE: To protect the quality of surface a nd ground water from degrad ation by physical and ch em ical co n t am in an ts o r ig in atin g fro m th e co n s tru c tio n an do p e ratio n o f reserv e p its at d r illin g sites.

EXPLANATION: Under current technol ogy, a reserve pit is norm a lly u tilized to collect, store, and recycle d r illin g flu i d s in o il an dg a s well d r illin g o p e ratio n s . Reserv e p its m u st b e lo cated , o p e rated

, an d reclaim e d so as to prevent adverse effects on the surface and ground water resources. Reserve pits should b e d e sig n e dan dco n s tru c tedu tilizin g th e fo llo win g stan d a rd s:

a. Reserve pits should be located in the cut portion of the drill pad and not at the edge of steep slopes.

b

. Sp ecial m easu r es m a y b e req u i redto in su re th e co n t ain m en t o f d r illin g flu i d s wh ere th e reserv e p it

m

u st be placed in a sensitive location or in porous m a terial. These m easures m a y consist of lining the

reserv e p it with an im p e rm eab le m a terial subst a nce such as pl ast i c or bent oni t e or th e use of a cl osed m ud system

.

c. The pi t shoul d be const r uct e d so as t o prevent sl oughi ng and t o m a i n t a i n t h e i n t e gri t y of t h e l i n er. Fill m a terial m a y be used and laid down to provide better consolidation thanfrom natural, in-place

ma t e r i a l s

.

d. The use of non-toxic drilling fluids s hould be encouraged whenever possible.

e. Du m p in g trash in th e reserv e p it will b e p r o h i b ited

.

f. Reserve pit reclam ation m e thods will be utili zed that provide positive protection to both ground and surface water.

IMPLEMENTATION: An in terd iscip lin ary ap p r o ach du r in g th e NEPA p r o cess will d e v e lo p an d
sp ecify th e p r o j ect lo catio n , d e sig n featu r es, o p e ratin g req u i rem e n t s, m itig ativ e m easu r es, an dreclam atio n needed. C o m p l i a nce wi t h perm i t s and t h e operat i ng pl an i s assured by t h e Di st ri ct R a nger or Forest Service representative.

REFERENCES: In R-1: A Procedural Guide for Oil a nd Gas Adm i ni st rat i on, USDA-Forest Servi ce, R

- 1, Custer NF; Surface Operating Standards for Oil and Gas Explorati on and Developm ent, 1978, B u reau of Land M a nagem e nt , U.S. Geol ogi c Survey , and USDA, Forest Servi ce.

PR AC TIC E : 16.08 - Oi l and Gas W e l l B l owout C ont i ngency Pl an

OB JEC T IVE: To prot ect t h e soi l

, wat e r and other resources from oi l and gas wel l bl owout i m pact s.

EXPLANATION: Al though i n frequent , uncontrol l e d em i ssi ons from oi l and gas wel l s can occur. Flu i d s em ittedcan b e o il, fresh water, salt water, o r a co m b in atio n th ereo f. A W e ll Blo w o u t Co n tin g e n c y Plan is n ecessary in o r d e r to m i n i m i ze im p acts to so il an dwater reso u r ces.

IM PLEM ENTATION: Indi vi dual operat o rs are requi re d t o provi de B l owout C ont i ngency Pl ans for

em ergency situations. The plans m u st m eet the following item s :

a. List o f ag en cies, in stitu tio n s an dp e rso n s to n o tify (SW C P 1 1

- O7 ).

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b. A "pl a n of at t ack" t o handl e t h e vari ous l e vel s of em ergenci e s.

c. So il an dwater p r o t ectio n m easu r es to b e in stitu tedwh ile th e b l o w o u t is o ccu rrin g an d i mm e di at el y fol l o wi ng t h e cont rol of th e wel l bl owout

.

d

. Estab lish e db l o w o u t o r to x i c sp ill d a m a g e assessm en t tim e g a tes an dg o a ls (SW C P 1 1

. 0 7 )

.

e. Th e fram e wo rk n ecessary to estab lish an in terd iscip lin ary t eam t o devel op and i m pl em ent a reclam ation plan.

R E FER E NC ES: 43 C F R 3160; In R

- 1: A Procedural Gui d e for Oi l and Gas Adm i ni st rat i on, USDA-Forest Service, R-1, Custer NF; FSM 7442 and 7443; 40 CFR 112; Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan for EPA Regions 8 and 10, 7/26/85; SW CP 11.07 a nd 11.11; Surface Environm ent and Mining (SEAM) Reclam ation User Guides.

PR AC TIC E : 16.09 - Abandoned M i ne Land R ecl am at i o n

OBJECTIVE: To redu ce ero s io n an dwater q u a lity d e g r ad atio n b y sed i m e n t an dto x i c su b s tan ces fro m abandoned m i ned l a nds t h rough recl am at i on of t h ese l a nds. EXPLANATION: Abandoned m i ned l a nds are frequent l yerosi v e, bare of veget a t i on, or are exudi ng t oxi c subst a nces and/ or sedi m e nt i n t o nearby stream s. Som e si t e s m a y pose a th reat t o publ i c health or safety. Reclam ation pl ans for reducing im pacts to soil and water resources are needed for each abandoned m i ne. Speci fi c pract i ces m a y vary from s i t e t o si t e , rangi ng from si m p l e reveget a t i on or reshapi ng wi t h eart h -m ovi ng equi pm ent
, t o rest orat i on t o predi s t u rbance condi t i ons. Al l ground di st urbi ng activities should com p ly with SW CP 11.03, 13.01, 13.04, 15.05 and 15.06.

It is im portant that the site be revegetated with pl ant species that accom p lish the purposes of reclam ation. Sp ecies m a y b e n a tiv e o r in tro du cedan dm a y b e b o t h liv e p l an ts o r seed . Fertility o f so il/sp o il m a terials

an dclim ate will affect sp ecies selectio n an dsu rv iv al, an dso il am en d m en t reco mm e n d a tio n s

.

IM PLEM ENTATION: Thi s pract i ce i s t ypi cal l y i m pl em ent e d th rough th e devel opm ent of an i nvent ory of al l abandoned m i ned l a nds, and for i n cl usi on of thos e l a nds needi ng recl am at i on wi t h i n SW C P 11.03. If

a so il an dwater reso u r ce p r o b l em area is o b s erv e dan dd o c u m en ted

, an in terd iscip lin ary team will assess that abandoned m i ne site, develop the necessary actions to correct the pr oblem , and integrate them into the Forest Planning process fo r funding and execution. The NEPA pro cess will be followed in the planning and i m pl em ent a t i on of recl am at i on m easures. The Forest Servi ce shoul d work t o ward i n cl usi on of t h e

m o re i m port a nt abandoned m i ned l a nds i n St at e i nvent ori e s and recl am at i on pl ans, si nce bot h t h e St at e and th e Office of Surface Mining (OSM) can provide funding for State projects.

R E FER E NC ES: FSM 2522, 6740, 7442, 7443, and 7460; W a t e rshed Im provem e nt Handbook (FSH 2509.15); NFM A ; SW C P 11.03, 13.01, 13.04, 15.05 a nd 15.06; Abandoned M i ne Lands R ecl am at i on Control Handbook, Office of Surface Mi ning; Surface Environm ent and Mi ning (SEAM) Reclam ation User Guides.

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17 - RANGE. R a nge m a nagem e nt i nvol ves ra nge and resource anal y s i s , al l o t m ent m a nagem e nt pl anni ng, and a grazi ng perm i t sy st em . It i n cl udes cont rol l i ng overal l l i v est o ck num bers and season of use,
cont rol l i ng l i v est o ck di st ri but i on, st ruct ural and non-st ruct ural i m provem e nt s, provi di ng for wi l d l i f e needs, and rest orat i on of det e ri orat ed range l a nds.

The hi st ori cal use Of Nat i onal Forest Sy st em l a nds i n th e Northern and Int e rm ount ai n R e gi ons for grazi ng general l y predat es t h e act ual est abl i s hm ent of i ndi vi dual Forest s. Duri ng th i s earl y peri od, grazi ng use was typi cal l y uncontrol l e d wi th general l y an excessi ve num ber of ani m al s usi ng th ese l a nds and produci ng

num erous soi l and wat e r resource probl em s. The curre nt si t u at i on i s m u ch i m proved over t h at whi c h exi s t e d hi st ori cal l y . M o st al l o t m ent s m a i n t a i n t h e product i v e st at us of t h e l a nd and prot ect underl y i ng soils. There are, however, som e a llo tm en ts wh ere th e ran g e rem a in s in a deteriorated condition. These SW C P ' s are desi gned t o rest ore det e ri orat ed range and m a i n t a i n al l range i n a product i v e st at e.

PR AC TIC E : 17.01 - R a nge Anal y s i s , Al l o t m ent M a nagem e nt Pl an, Grazi ng Perm i t Sy st em and Perm ittee Operating Plan

OB JEC T IVE: To m a i n t a i n and prot ect soi l and wat e r resources t h rough sust ai ned forage product i on

an dm a n a g e dm u ltip le u s e o f ran g e fo rag e

.

EXPLANATION: An anal y s i s of pot ent i a l and/ or exi s t i ng range i s conduct e d by an interdisciplinary team to evaluate productive capabilities, inherent hazards, resource values, and uses. Based on this analysis, the Forest Service, in coope ration with the perm ittee and other users, prepares a written allo tm en t m a n a g e m e n t p l an an dissu es a p e rm it to au th o r ize liv esto ck g r azin g as p e r stip u l atio n s in th e p l an . Th ese d o c u m en ts in clu d e m easu r es to p r o t ect o t h e r reso u r ce v a lu es, su ch as water q u a lity an d

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ri pari an areas, and t o coordi nat e l i v est o ck grazi ng wi t h other resource uses. Speci fi c m e thods for controlling when, where, am ount of u tilization, and num bers of livestock to be grazed are covered in the pl an. R a ngel a nd i m provem e nt s and an i m pl em ent a t i on sc hedule are also included. Perm ittees are required

t o contri but e a port i on of th e cost of new i m provem e nt s and t o m a i n t a i n th e exi s t i ng i m provem e nt s on an allo tm en t.

A perm i t t ee operat i ng pl an i s prepared, revi ewed and re vi sed annual l y t o refl ect di rect i on i n th e al l o t m ent

m a nagem e nt plan, to account for current allotm ent c onditions and trends, and to adjust for unexpected resource probl em s (e.g., drought ). The am ount of l i v est o ck use i s det e rm i n ed pri m ari l y t h rough

m easurem ent of v e g e tativ e u tilizatio n

. Allo wab l e u s e is d e term in edb y research , v e g e tativ e tren d s , an d experience.

IM PLEM ENTATION: The Di st ri ct R a nger i s responsi b l e for anal y s i s of range al l o t m ent s , com p l e t i on of t h e envi ronm ent a l anal y s i s , preparat i on of al l o t m ent m a nagem e nt pl ans, and processi ng grazi ng appl i cat i ons. The Forest Supervi s or approves al l o t m ent m a nagem e nt pl ans and i ssues grazi ng perm i t s wi th requi red st i pul at i ons and condi t i ons. M o st perm i t s are issu edfo r ten year term s. Allo tm en t m a n a g e m e n t pl ans are revi sed as needed. Perm i t t ee operat i ng pl an s are prepared or revi sed annual l y , t o adjust for
current al l o t m ent condi t i ons and tr ends, and t o i n cor porat e seasonal i n st ruct i ons. The perm ittee carries out
t h e pl ans under t h e di rect i on and supervi s i on of t h e Di st ri ct R a nger or Forest Servi ce represent a t i v e. C o rrect i v e act i on i s t a ken i f a perm i t t ee does not com p l y wi t h grazi ng perm i t condi t i ons desi gned t o prot ect th e so il an dwater reso u r ces.

R E FER E NC ES: FSM 2203, 2204, and 2323.2 - .24; R a nge M a nagem e nt Inform at i on Sy st em Handbook (FSH 2209.12), C r azi ng Perm i t Adm i ni st rat i on Handbook (FSH 2209.13), and Servi ce-wi de R a nge Anal y s i s and M a nagem e nt Handbook (2209.14); NE PA; SW C P 11.01, 11.02, 11.03, and 11.05.

PR AC TIC E : 17.02 - C ont rol l i ng Li vest ock Num b ers and Season of Use

OB JEC T IVE: To m a i n t a i n and prot ect soi l and wat e r resources t h rough m a nagem e nt of l i v est o ck

num bers and season of use.

EXPLANATION: In addition to the proper stocking rate a nd season of use specified in the grazing
perm i t
, annual fi el d checks are m a de t o i d ent i f y needed adjust m e nt s i n di st ri but i on, season of use, and liv esto ck n u m b e rs. An alysis in clu d e s:

a. Range readiness evaluations to a ssu re th at th e so il is n o t to o wet an dth at su fficien t fo rag e g r o w th h a s occurred.

b. Livestock counts to assure that only th e perm itted livestock en ter the allotm ent.

c. Fo rag e an db r o w se u tilizatio n m easu r em en ts to p r o v i d e d a ta fo r im p r o v e dliv esto ck d i strib u tio n an d
st ocki ng.

d. Peri odi c assessm ent of rangel a nds t o veri fy soi l and veget a t i v e condi t i on and t r end.

Stan d a rdm easu r em en t tech n i q u e s fo r allo wab l e u tilizatio n h a v e b een estab lish e dfo r k e y v e g e tativ e typ e s. Sp ecific stan d a rd s an dg u i d e lin es h a v e b een estab lish e dp r escrib in g p r o p e r u tilizatio n lev e ls b y v e g e tativ e t ype. Li vest ock num bers and season of use are adju sted to reflect the resu lts of these field checks.

IMPLEMENTATION: Allotm ents ar e adm i nistered by the Distri ct Ranger or Forest Service represent a t i v e. Perm i t provi si ons are carri ed out by the grazing perm ittee, as directed in the perm it and

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annual operat i ng pl an. Appeal s are m a de t o t h e Forest Supervi s or. Fi el d checks and m easurem ent s are

m a de peri odi cal l y by t h e Forest Servi ce. Num b ers, seasons, and use pat t e rns m a y be changed annual l y t o refl ect current al l o t m ent condi t i ons and tr ends and, i f necessary, the perm it m a y be m odified, cancelled, or suspended i n whol e or i n part

.

R E FER E NC ES: FSM 2210, 2230, 2240, 2250, and 2323.25; Servi ce-wi de R a nge Anal y s i s and M a nagem e nt Handbook (FSH 2209.14) and R a nge An al y s i s and M a nagem e nt Handbook (FSH 2209.21); SW C P 11.02.

PR AC TIC E : I7.03 - C ont rol l i ng Li vest ock Di stri but i on

OB JEC T IVE: To m a i n t a i n and prot ect soi l and wat e r resources i n cl udi ng ri pari an areas th rough
cont rol l i ng l i v est o ck di st ri but i on.

EXPLANATION: Livestock use within allotm ents is typically not uniform due to variations in topography, water availability, vegeta tion type, and forage condition. Several techniques are used to ach iev e p r o p e r liv esto ck d i strib u tio n an dredu ce th e im p act o n areas wh ich are sen s itiv e o r n a tu rally overused. These t echni ques i n cl ude:

a. C onstr uct i on of fences and i m pl em ent a t i on of seasonal or past ure sy st em s of m a nagem e nt

.

b. Placing of water developm ents in areas that receive little use and cl osure of wat e r devel opm ent s when proper use has been achi e ved.

c. Rid i n g an dh e rd in g to sh ift liv esto ck lo catio n s

.

d. Pl aci ng sal t or suppl em ent s away from wat e r i n forage areas wi t h l i ght grazi ng use t o at t r act liv esto ck

.

e. In stallatio n o f ran g e im p r o v e m e n t s su ch as co n s tru c tio n o f sh ad e stru ctu r es, fertilizatio n , p r escrib ed burni ng, or seedi ng.

f. Moving livestock when prescrib ed utilization levels are reached.

Open herding, lim iting trailing, and use of new bed gr ounds nightly are additional techniques used for goats and sheep. Developing sufficient wa tering places is one way to lim it th e am ount of trailing. Livestock di stri but i on needs are det e rm i n ed th rough ev alu a tio n s o f ran g e co n d itio n s an dtren d s , in clu d i n g u tilizatio n st

udi es.

IM PLEM ENTATION: Li vest ock di st ri but i on pract i ces are carri ed out by t h e perm i t t ee under supervi s i on of th e Di stri ct R a nger or Forest Servi ce rep r esen tativ e. Directio n is in co rp o r atedin to th e al l o t m ent m a nagem e nt pl an and th e annual operat i ng pl an. The annual operat i ng pl an becom e s an i n t e gral part of t h e grazi ng perm i t and provi des current Forest Serv ice in stru ctio n s . Th ese instructions reflect
current al l o t m ent condi t i ons and veget a t i v e tr ends.

R E FER E NC ES: FSM 2210, 2230, 2240, 2250, and 2323.25; Servi ce-wi de R a nge Anal y s i s and M a nagem e nt Handbook (FSH 2209.14) and R a nge An al y s i s and M a nagem e nt Handbook (FSH 2209.21); SW C P 11.02.

PR AC TIC E : 17.04 - R a ngel a nd Im provem e nt s

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OB JEC T IVE: To m a i n t a i n and prot ect soi l and wat e r resources th rough th e use of rangel a nd i m provem e nt s.

EXPLANATION: Rangeland im provem e nts are used to im prove m a nagem e nt and restore or im p r o v e fo rag e q u a lity, q u a n tity, o r av ailab ility. Th ese m a y co n s ist o f p r o v i d i n g ran g e lan drest an d/ o r deferm ent th rough rot a t i on grazi ng, fenci ng, or l i ght er grazi ng use by changi ng th e grazi ng season, ki nd, class, o r p e rm ittedn u m b e r o f liv esto ck . Oth e r m easu r es m a y in clu d e stream ch an n e l stab ilizatio n effo rts such as riprapping, gully plugging, planting, or m ech anical treatm e nts such as pitting, chiseling, or furrowing. Reseeding and/or fertili zation m a y be done individually or in conjunction with any of these

m easures. W a t e r devel opm ent s are oft e n i n cl uded i n rangel a nd i m provem e nt project s. Im provem e nt efforts are directed at increasing th e ability of the range to produce forage and protect and provide for other resources at a specified ecological se ri al st age. Pract i ces used for i m provem e nt of wat e rshed condi t i ons, whi c h m a y i n cl ude th e excl usi on of l i v est o ck, are descri bed i n SW C P ' s 11-03 (W at ershed Im provem e nt Pl anni ng and Im pl em ent a t i on) and 11.09 (M anagem ent by C l osure t o Use). Al l range wat e r i m provem e nt s constructed should protect the water quality of both surface and ground water sources.

IM PLEM ENTATION: The perm i t t ee i s a cooperat o r i n rangel a nd i m provem e nt s and m a y com p l e t e t h e work under Forest Servi ce di rect i on. Im pl em ent a t i on m a y al so be done by Forest Servi ce crews. R a nge i m provem e nt needs are recogni zed In th e R a nge Al l o t m ent Pl anni ng Process and are schedul ed for im p l em en tatio n in th e allo tm en t m a n a g e m e n t p l an . An in terd iscip lin ary team p r o v i d e s co n s u ltatio n an d hel p i n t h e devel opm ent of i m provem e nt program s.

R E FER E NC ES: FSM 2210, 2240, 2250, and 2323.26; St ruct ural R a nge Im provem e nt Handbook (FSH 2209.22) and Nonstr uct u ral R a nge Im provem e nt Handbook (FSH 2209.23); SW C P 11.02, 11.03, and 11.09.

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18 - FIRE SUPPRESSION AND FUELS M ANAGEM E NT. Em ergency fire ssuppression activities on Nat i onal Forest Sy st em l a nds are conduct e d t o reduce erosi on and t h e l o ss of soi l Product i v i t y , degradat i on of water quality, and threats to life and property bot h on-site and off-site. Suppression activities include fireline and access road construction, firing operations, and fire retardant drops. W a ter quality and soil erosi on and product i v i t y object i v es are wei ghed w i th t h e need for rapi d suppressi on duri ng th e developm ent of suppression strategi es. Since som e watershed dam a ge will likely result from suppression activities, an objective of the fire suppression progr am is to rehabilitate suppression-related dam a ge.

Fu els m a n a g e m e n t activ ities are in ten d e dto redu ce th e size, co st, an dd a m a g e o f wild fire. Fu els

m a nagem e nt i s a form of Veget a t i on M a ni pul at i on (C hapt er 13). Veget a t i on i s m a ni pul at ed by changi ng fuel t ype, creat i ng fuel breaks, or by reduci ng or al t e ri ng fuel s over ext e nsi v e areas. Fuel s m a nagem e nt i s al so concerned wi t h t h e m a ni pul at i on of dead fuel s such as cull logs and slash. These m a terials m a y be

u tilized , rem o v e d

, o r b u rn e dto redu ce fu el lo ad in g

.

PRACTICE: 1 8

. 0 1 - Fire an dFu el Man a g e m e n t Activ ities

OB JEC T IVE: To reduce publ i c and pri v at e l o sses, a nd/ or subsequent fl oodi ng and erosi on by reduci ng th e freq u e n c y, in ten s ity an dd e stru ctiv en ess o f wild fire.

EXPLANATION: These adm i nistrative, corrective a nd preventive m easures include: (1) fuelbreak
const r uct i on; (2) type conversi ons; (3) greenbel t est abl i s hm ent t o separat e urban areas from wi l d l a nds; (4) fuel reduction blocks; (5) access roads for rapid ingress and egress; (6) fi re suppression activities; (7) fuel

u tilizatio n an d m odi fi cat i on program s; and (8) publ i c i n form at i on and educat i on program s.

IM PLEM ENTATION: Fuel M a nagem e nt i s i m pl em ent e d t h rough norm a l program pl anni ng and budget i ng, Forest Pl anni ng, and NEPA processes. Ot her resource areas such as Ti m b er, R a nge, and W ildlife m a y initiate projects that also benefit Fire Managem e nt th rough fuel m odification. Fuel

m a nagem e nt project s are eval uat e d by an i n t e rdi s ci pl i n ary t eam . The m a nagem e nt object i v es and requirem e nts, and m u ltiple resource protection prescriptions are docum ented through the NEPA process. Application of controls and prescriptions are the re sponsibility of the project o fficer. Suppression activities are conduct e d i n response t o fi res as th ey occur.

R E FER E NC ES: FSM 1950, 5102, 5103, 5121, 5150.2, 5150.3, and 5151; NEPA; NFM A ; SW C P 11.02 and 11.06.

PR AC TIC E : 18.02 - Form ul at i on of Fi re Prescri p t i ons

OB JEC T IVE: To provi de for soi l and wat e r res ource prot ect i on whi l e achi e vi ng th e m a nagem e nt object i v e t h rough t h e use of prescri b ed fi re.

EXPLANATION: Prescription elem ents will include such factors as fi re weather, slope, aspect, soil

m o istu re, an dfu el m o istu re wh ich in flu e n ce th e fire Intensity. These elem ents have a direct effect on wh eth e r o r n o t a litter layer rem a in s after b u rn i n g an dwh eth e r o r n o t a water rep e llen t layer is fo rm ed

. Th e

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am ount of rem a ining litter and induced water repellency can significantlyaffect erosion rates, water quality, and runoff volum es.

IMPLEMENTATION: The prescription elem ents are de fin e db y th e in terd iscip lin ary team du r in g th e environm ental analysis. Field investigations are c onducted to identify site specific conditions which m a y affect t h e prescri p t i on. B o t h t h e opt i m um and t o l e rabl e l i m i t s for soi l and wat e r resource needs shoul d be estab lish e d

.

R E FER E NC ES: FSM 5140, 5150.3, 5151, and 5153.

PR AC TIC E : 18.03 - Prot ect i on of Soi l and W a t e r from Prescri b ed B u rni ng Effect s

OB JEC T IVES: To m a i n t a i n soi l product i v i ty , m i ni m i ze erosi on, and prevent ash, sedi m e nt , nutri ent s , and debris from entering surface water.

EXPLANATION: Som e of the techniques used to prevent soil erosion and water quality degradat i on are: (1) const r uct wat e r bars i n fi re l i n es ; (2) reduce fuel l o adi ngs i n drai nage channel s ; (3)

m a in tain th e in teg r ity o f th e Rip a rian Area; (4 ) av o i din ten s e fires, wh ich m a y p r o m o t e water rep e llen c y, nutrient leaching, and erosi on; (5) retain or plan for sufficient ground cover to prevent erosion of the burned si t e s; and (6) rem oval of al l de bri s added t o st ream channel s as a resul t of prescri b ed burni ng, unl ess d e b r is is p r escrib edto im p r o v e fish eries h ab itat.

IMPLEMENTATION: Forest Service and/ or other crews are used t o prepare th e uni t s for burni ng. Thi s in clu d e s water b a rrin g firelin es an dredu c in g fu el co n cen tratio n s . Th e in terd iscip lin ary team id en tifies Rip a rian Areas an dso ils with water rep e llen t te ndenci e s as part of th e envi ronm ent a l anal y s i s

.

R E FER E NC ES: FSM 5140, 5142, 5150.3, 5151, and 5153; SW C P 11.02, 11.05, 11.06, and 13.04.

PR AC TIC E : 18.04 - M i ni m i zi ng W a t e rshed Im pact s from Fi re Suppressi on Effort s

OB JEC T IVES: To avoi d wat e rshed i m pact s i n excess of t h at whi c h woul d be caused by t h e fi re i t s el f.

EXPLANATION: Heavy equipm ent operation on frag ile soils, sensitive areas, and steep slopes should be avoided when possi ble. Major project fires utilize a Res ource Advisor to advise the Incident C o mm a nder on resource val u es duri ng th e suppressi on e ffort . Nat i onal fi re m a nagem e nt pol i c i e s were changed i n 1978, t o provi de i n part th at an Escaped Fi re Si t u at i on Anal y s i s shal l be prepared for al l fi res which escape initial suppression action. The analysis w ill be prepared by a Line Officer with Incident M a nagem e nt Team i nput . W a t e rshed consi d erat i ons m u st be part of th e anal y s i s

.

IM PLEM ENTATION: A R e source Advi sor i s assi gned by t h e Forest Supervi s or and works for th e Inci dent M a nagem e nt Team . Techni cal resource st a ffs are n o r m a lly av ailab l e to id en tify frag ile so ils,

sen s itiv e areas, an du n s tab l e areas an dwo u l db e assig n e dto th e fire as tech n i cal ex p e rts.

R E FER E NC ES: Fi re M a nagem e nt Anal y s i s and Pl anni ng Handbook (FSH 5109.19); FSM 5130.3 and 5132; see references in "Best Managem e nt Practice" Definition (05-- 2 and 3).

PR AC TIC E : 18.05 - St abi l i zat i on of Fi re Suppressi on R e l a t e d W a t e rshed Dam a ge

OBJECTIVE: To stabilize all areas that have had th ei r erosi on pot ent i a l si gni fi cantly increased, or their drai nage pat t e rn al t e red by suppressi on rel a t e d act i v at es.

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EXPLANATION: Treat m e nt s for fi re-suppressi on dam a ges i n cl ude, but are not l i m i t e d t o : (1) i n st al l i ng wat e r bars and other drai na ge diversions in fire roads, fi relines, and other cleared areas; (2) seed in g , p l an tin g an dfertilizin g to p r o v i d e v e g e tativ e co v e r; (3 ) sp read in g slash o r m u lch to p r o t ect b a re

so il; (4 ) rep a irin g d a m a g e dro add r ain a g e facilities; an d(5 ) clearin g stream ch an n e ls o f d e b r is th at is deposited by suppression activities.

IM PLEM ENTATION: Thi s work i s done by t h e fi re fi ght i ng forces ei t h er as a part of th e suppressi on effort or before m e n and equi pm ent are t a ken off t h e fi re l i n es. The Inci dent C o mm a nder i s responsi b l e under th e di rect i on of th e l o cal Li ne Offi cer fo r repai r of suppressi on rel a t e d resource dam a ge.

REFERENCES: Burned-Area Em ergency Re habilitation Handbook (FSH 2509.13); FSM 2523 and 5130.2; SW C P 11.13, 13.04, 15.03, 15.06, and 15.11; s ee references i n "B est M a nagem e nt Pract i ce" Defi ni t i on (05--2 and 3).

PR AC TIC E : 18.04 - M i ni m i zi ng W a t e rshed Im pact s from Fi re Suppressi on Effort s

OB JEC T IVES: To avoi d wat e rshed i m pact s i n excess of t h at whi c h woul d be caused by t h e fi re i t s el f.

EXPLANATION: Heavy equipm ent operation on frag ile soils, sensitive areas, and steep slopes should be avoided when possi ble. Major project fires utilize a Res ource Advisor to advise the Incident C o mm a nder on resource val u es duri ng th e suppressi on e ffort . Nat i onal fi re m a nagem e nt pol i c i e s were changed i n 1978, t o provi de i n part th at an Escaped Fi re Si t u at i on Anal y s i s shal l be prepared for al l fi res which escape initial suppression action. The analysis w ill be prepared by a Line Officer with Incident M a nagem e nt Team i nput . W a t e rshed consi d erat i ons m u st be part of th e anal y s i s

.

IM PLEM ENTATION: A R e source Advi sor i s assi gned by t h e Forest Supervi s or and works for th e Inci dent M a nagem e nt Team . Techni cal resource st a ffs are n o r m a lly av ailab l e to id en tify frag ile so ils,

sen s itiv e areas, an du n s tab l e areas an dwo u l db e assig n e dto th e fire as tech n i cal ex p e rts.

R E FER E NC ES: Fi re M a nagem e nt Anal y s i s and Pl anni ng Handbook (FSH 5109.19); FSM 5130.3 and 5132; see references in "Best Managem e nt Practice" Definition (05-- 2 and 3).

PR AC TIC E : 18.05 - St abi l i zat i on of Fi re Suppressi on R e l a t e d W a t e rshed Dam a ge

OBJECTIVE: To stabilize all areas that have had th ei r erosi on pot ent i a l si gni fi cantly increased, or their drai nage pat t e rn al t e red by suppressi on rel a t e d act i v at es.

EXPLANATION: Treat m e nt s for fi re-suppressi on dam a ges i n cl ude, but are not l i m i t e d t o : (1) i n st al l i ng wat e r bars and other drai na ge diversions in fire roads, fi relines, and other cleared areas; (2) seed in g , p l an tin g an dfertilizin g to p r o v i d e v e g e tativ e co v e r; (3 ) sp read in g slash o r m u lch to p r o t ect b a re

so il; (4 ) rep a irin g d a m a g e dro add r ain a g e facilities; an d(5 ) clearin g stream ch an n e ls o f d e b r is th at is deposited by suppression activities.

IM PLEM ENTATION: Thi s work i s done by t h e fi re fi ght i ng forces ei t h er as a part of th e suppressi on effort or before m e n and equi pm ent are t a ken off t h e fi re l i n es. The Inci dent C o mm a nder i s responsi b l e under th e di rect i on of th e l o cal Li ne Offi cer fo r repai r of suppressi on rel a t e d resource dam a ge.

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REFERENCES: Burned-Area Em ergency Re habilitation Handbook (FSH 2509.13); FSM 2523 and 5130.2; SW C P 11.13, 13.04, 15-03, 15.06, and 15.11; s ee references i n "B est M a nagem e nt Pract i ce" Defi ni t i on (05--2 and 3).

PRACTICE: 1 8

. 0 6 - Em erg e n c y Reh ab ilitatio n o f W a tersh e d s Fo llo win g

OBJECTIVES: To m i nim i ze the loss of soil and on-s ite productivity, the deterioration of water quality, and threats to life and propert y , both on-site and off-site.

EXPLANATION: Em ergency rehabilitation is a corr ective m easure that involves a variety of
t r eat m e nt s. Treat m e nt s m a y i n cl ude: (1) seedi ng grasse s or ot her veget a t i on t o provi de a prot ect i v e cover as soon as possible; (2) fertilizing; (3) fencing to protect new vegetati on from livestock; (4) clearing debris from st ream channel s ; and (5) const r uct i ng t r ash racks, channel st abi l i zat i on st ruct ures and debri s ret e nt i on stru ctu r es. Treatm e n t s are selectedo n th e b a sis o f o n

- site v a lu es, d o w n s tream v a lu es, p r o b ab ility o f successful i m pl em ent a t i on, soci al and envi ronm ent a l c onsiderations, and cost as com p ared to benefits.

IMPLEMENTATION: Burned-area surv ey s shal l be perform ed prom pt l y t o det e rm i n e If wat e rshed

em ergency rehabilitation treatm e nt is needed. Surveys of all fires that exceed 300 acres shall be conducted by an i n t e rdi s ci pl i n ary t eam . The responsi b l e offi ci al , t ypi cal l y t h e Di st ri ct R a nger, m a y requesta burnedarea survey by an interdis ciplinary team for sm aller fires if si gni fi cant resource dam a ge has occurred. Team m e m b ers norm a l l y i n cl ude a hy drol ogi st , a soi l sci e nt i s t
, and ot her t echni cal resource st affs, as needed. They are typically designate dp r io r to th e fire seaso n to b eco m e reacq u a in tedwith Fo rest Serv ice policy and direction. The survey and proposed rehabilitation treatm e nt m easures will be delivered to the R e gi onal Offi ce and/ or t h e W a shi ngt on Offi ce for approval wi t h i n t h ree day s of cont rol of t h e fi re. If t h e rehabilitation project is funded, a project supervisor a nd restoration team will begi n work with the objective

o f

p r o j ect co m p letio n b e fo re d a m a g i n g sto r m s o ccu r. Reh ab ilitatio n p r o j ects are ev alu a ted fo llo win g m a j o r storm s and runoff events and at least annually until th e watershed is stabilized. The evaluation determ ines th e effectiv en ess o f th e reh ab ilitatio n m easu r es an din d i cates if fo llo w-up actio n s are n eed ed

.

In si t u at i ons where Nat i onal Forest Sy st em and other i n t e rm i ngl ed l a nds are i nvol ved i n si m i l a r em ergency reh ab ilitatio n effo rts fro m larg e wild fires, in terag e n c y reh ab ilitatio n team s, if ap p licab le, m a y b e req u e sted

t o conduct burned area survey s. Pri o r coordi nat i on and agreem ents are necessa ry to insure each land owner' s needs and objectives are m e t.

REFERENCES: FSM 2523 and 2323.43b; Burned-A rea Em ergency Rehabilitation Handbook (FSH 2509.13); SW CP 11.02, 11.03, and 11.06; In Montana: Interagency Em ergency W a tershed Rehabilitation Procedures, Draft

, Jul y 1987.

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