1

Georgia’s

Best 

Management

Practices

for Forestry
2

Foreword

Georgia’s Best Management Practices for Forestry

The purpose of this manual is to inform landowners, foresters, timber 

buyers, loggers, site preparation and reforestation contractors, and others involved 

with silvicultural operations about common-sense, economical and effective practices to minimize non-point source pollution (soil erosion and stream sedimentation) 

and thermal pollution. These minimum practices are called BEST MANAGEMENT 

PRACTICES and are commonly referred to as BMPs. They were initially 

developed in 1981 by a Forestry Non-Point Source Pollution Technical Task Force 

as required by the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. That act mandated 

states to develop a program to protect and improve the physical, chemical, 

and biological integrity of the nation’s waters so they remain “fishable” and 

“swimmable” for today’s and future generations. 

Due to changes in technology and the rules and regulations governing land 

disturbing activities, the forestry community and regulators encouraged a revision of the 1981 BMPs. A separate set of wetland BMPs were developed in 1989 

which were incorporated into the 1999 comprehensive manual by a similar task 

force. Since 1999, additional guidance has been developed. This 2009 manual 

represents the collective best efforts to establish sound, responsible, guiding 

principles for silvicultural operations in the State of Georgia.

Note: Words in Italics are found in the glossary.

 Legal justice scale denotes mandated law or requirement.

 A “no” symbol indicated practices to avoid.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

 The Georgia Environmental Protection Division, the Georgia Forestry 

Commission and the Georgia Forestry Association wish to express appreciation to those organizations and individuals that contributed to the development and review of this publication. These 

individuals are listed under Contributors and Sources of Information (See page 71).

THE PUBLICATION OF THIS DOCUMENT WAS SUPPORTED BY THE GEORGIA ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION 

DIVISION AND WAS FINANCED IN PART THROUGH A GRANT FROM THE U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 

UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 319(h) OF THE FEDERAL WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ACT, AS AMENDED.

MAY 2009
3

Table of Contents

Foreword........................................................................................................2

Acknowledgments ........................................................................................2

Section 1.0 Introduction ..............................................................................4

Section 2.0 Planning for Water Quality ......................................................6

Section 2.1 Streamside Management Zones .............................................8

Section 2.2 Special Management Areas ...................................................12

Section 3.0 Road Location, Construction, Stream Crossings 

 Maintenance, and Retirement ............................................................26

Section 4.0 Timber Harvesting ..................................................................38

Section 5.0 Site Preparation and Reforestation ......................................44

Section 6.0 Management and Protection .................................................52

Section 7.0 Additional Management Objectives .....................................56

Section 8.0 Appendix Containing Federal, State and Local Laws .........58

Glossary .......................................................................................................66

Contributors and Sources of Information ................................................71
Georgia’s 24.2 million acres of commercial forests provide a variety of benefits for the people of the state. In addition to forest products, forests 

provide clean water, clean air, soil conservation, wildlife habitat, flora

and fauna, and opportunities for recreation, aesthetics, education, and research. 

These forests are managed by landowners with varying objectives and their 

individual management decisions may be designed to support a broad variety 

of specific focused benefits related to the list above and others from Section 

7.0. Figure 1-A shows the percentage of forest land in the state and Figure 1-B 

indicates the ownership makeup of that forest land.

Georgia has 44,056 miles of perennial streams (approximately 4,000 miles of 

which are designated as mountain trout waters), 23,906 miles of intermittent streams

and 603 miles of ditches and canals for a total of 68,565 stream miles. The state 

also has 425,382 acres of public lakes and reservoirs, 4.8 million acres of wetlands

(nine percent tidally affected), 854 square miles of estuaries and 100 miles of 

coastline. This document emphasizes the protection of the state's water resources, when conducting forestry operations, through Best Management Practices

(BMPs) in controlling or minimizing soil erosion and stream sedimentation. BMPs

are the most appropriate or applicable practices to attain a silvicultural goal while 

protecting the physical, chemical, and biological integrity of the state’s waters.

4

Section 1.0

Introduction

Figure 1-B

Georgia’s Commercial Forest Ownership

Figure 1-A

Georgia’s Land Use

Other 

corporate 

16%

Reserved

Timberland 

1%

Non-Forested 

Acres 34%

Commercial 

Forest Land 

65%

Forest

industry

18%

Other 

public 5%

1.2

14.3

4.3

.6

National 

forests 3%

Family

forests 58%

Note: Numbers on pie chart represent million acres.
5

 By using proper forest management and 

sound conservation practices including BMPs, 

forests can continue to provide benefits for 

future generations. Failure to follow BMPs 

may result in civil and criminal fines and 

penalties. Some counties already require plan 

reviews, permits, fees, performance bonds 

and compliance audits. See Appendix 8.3, page 65. Therefore, to prevent any 

potential water quality problems, it is in the best interest of everyone involved 

in silvicultural operations to properly plan and supervise their operations. 

By consistently following BMPs, problems can be avoided or corrected as 

soon as possible. 

 Since 1978, the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) has been designated by 

the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (GAEPD) as the lead agency to 

coordinate the forest water quality program. The program’s primary responsibilities include: educating the forestry community on BMPs through training and 

demonstrations; conducting BMP use and effectiveness monitoring surveys; and 

investigating and mediating forestry water quality complaints. 

“It is in the best 

interest of everyone 

involved in sivicultural 

operations to properly 

plan and supervise 

their operations by 

consistently following 

BMPs to prevent 

any potential water 

quality problems.”

For more information about BMPs, contact the 

Georgia Forestry Commission, P.O. Box 819, Macon, GA, 31202, 

1-800-GA-TREES or visit us at www.gatrees.org.
6

Section 2.0

Planning for Water Quality

Any forest management activity, regardless of potential impact on 

water quality, should be thoroughly planned. Whether the activity 

involves seasoned timber buyers or landowners selling timber for the 

first time, the planning process should address the objectives of the proposed 

activity as well as potential impacts of all actions that disturb the soil surface 

or impact water quality. The planning process should help identify sensitive 

areas and applicable BMPs to be used during timber sales, road construction, 

stream crossings, harvesting, site preparation, reforestation, and herbicide applications. The planning process should help identify terms and conditions of a 

written contract for any forestry practice. While BMPs do not specifically 

require written plans, it is generally a sound practice to maintain written 

records of any forest management activity on the land. Plans should include:

s HISTORYOFTHESITEINCLUDINGPASTLANDUSE

s IDENTIlCATIONOFSENSITIVEAREASSUCHASperennial and intermittent streams, 

ephemeral areas, lakes, ponds, wetlands, steep slopes, highly erosive or hydric 

soils, active gully systems, etc., 

s REGULATIONSANDORPERMITTINGREQUIREMENTSANDLOCATIONTYPETIMING

and logistics of each activity.

Useful resources for planning forest operations include United States Geologic Survey (USGS) topographic maps, Natural Resource Conservation Service 

(NRCS) county soil survey maps with interpretations, aerial photographs and tax 

maps. These maps can help users locate tract boundaries and sensitive areas. 

Because no map is 100 percent accurate, they should be used as a reference to 

identify potentially sensitive areas that must then be verified and plotted during 

field reconnaissance to minimize impacts on them before silvicultural operations 

begin. Except for tax maps, the GFC maintains these documents at all District 

Offices. The NRCS maintains soil and topographic maps at local field offices 

where field personnel can assist in map and resource information interpretation. 

These maps can be accessed by visiting www.websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov or 

www.gis.state.ga.us.

Water quality protection begins with recognizing watercourses and water 

bodies. According to the federal Clean Water Act, “waters of the U.S.” include lakes, 

rivers, perennial and intermittent streams, wetlands, sloughs or natural ponds. Georgia 
7

law (OCGA 12-7-3.13) defines “waters of the state” to mean all rivers, streams, creeks, 

branches, lakes, reservoirs, ponds, drainage systems, springs, wells, and other 

bodies of surface or subsurface water, natural or artificial, lying within or forming part of the boundaries of the state that are not entirely confined and retained 

completely upon the property of a single individual, partnership or corporation.

Identifying stream types (perennial, intermittent, or ephemeral) is important in 

prescribing the level of protection through the implementation of BMPs listed 

in this manual. USGS topographic maps and NRCS county soil maps can be 

used as a reference to identify stream types. Where available, they should be 

cross-referenced and field verified. See Figure 2-A.

Figure 2-A:

The following examples illustrate 

the same tract of land showing 

how streams are identified as 

they appear in different types of 

available maps. Left, USGS topo 

map. Bottom left, NRCS county soil 

survey map. Bottom right, NRCS 

web soil survey map.
8

Stream Types

Perennial streams flow in a well-defined channel throughout most of the 

year under normal climatic conditions. Some may dry up during drought periods or due to excessive upstream uses. They are usually identified as solid 

blue lines on USGS topographic maps and as either solid black or black lines 

separated by one dot on NRCS soil maps. Aquatic organisms are normally 

present and easily found in these streams.

Intermittent streams flow in a well-defined channel during wet seasons of 

the year but not for the entire year. They generally exhibit signs of water velocity 

sufficient to move soil material, litter and fine debris. They are usually identified 

as blue lines separated by three dots on USGS topographic maps and as black 

lines separated by two or more dots on NRCS soil maps. Aquatic organisms 

often are difficult to find or not present at all in these streams.

Ephemeral areas can direct stormflow into surface waters. Care should 

be taken to minimize these areas from becoming sources of pollutants. For a 

more detailed description and BMPs for ephemeral areas, see page 18.

The landowner or manager may be familiar with a stream’s flow characteristics and make the determination of stream type. In some cases there may be 

uncertainty. For example, ephemeral areas may be difficult to locate when they 

are not actively flowing. In such situations, consult a qualified professional.

2.1 STREAMSIDE MANAGEMENT ZONES (SMZs)

Streamside Management Zones (SMZs) are buffer strips adjacent to perennial or intermittent streams or other bodies of water (lakes, ponds, reservoirs, etc.) that should 

be managed with special considerations to protect water quality. Trees and other 

vegetation in the SMZ provide shade that buffers water temperatures; woody debris vital to the aquatic ecosystem; natural filtration of sediment and other pollutants 

(nutrients and pesticides): and travel corridors and habitat for wildlife. SMZs also 

provide some flood protection by dissipating the velocity of moving water. 

When planning and laying out harvest or treatment areas, SMZs should 

be identified on maps or aerial photos and clearly designated in the field with 

paint or flagging. You should also identify local, state or federal regulations 

that may supersede or mandate the use of BMPs, such as those for protected 

water-supply reservoirswatersheds or protected river corridors. 

Section 2.0

Planning for Water Quality
9

2.1.1 Perennial and Intermittent Stream SMZ Width Recommendations 

There is no uniform formula to determine the appropriate width of an 

SMZ. In general, however, the steeper the slope and more erosive the soil, the 

wider the SMZ should be. Slope should be determined at 100-feet perpendicular to the streambank. Therefore, SMZ widths may vary along a stream’s course 

and on opposite sides of the same stream. SMZs should be measured along 

the ground from the streambank on each side of the stream and not from the 

centerline of the stream (Refer to Figure 2-B and Table 2-A).

Note: Words in 

italics are found 

in the glossary.

Note: % slope =

rise in vertical feet

horizontal run in feet

Example: 23' vertical over 100’ horizontal 

distance equals 23% slope

100'

23'

21%-40% 

 Slope

 (Moderate)

0%-20% 

 Slope (Slight)

41%+ 

 Slope (Steep)

Figure 2-B. Diagram Showing How to Determine Slope 

Slope Class Minimum Width (ft) of SMZ on Each Side

 Perennial (feet) Intermittent (feet) Trout (feet)

Slight (<20%) 40 20 100

Moderate (21%-40%) 70 35 100

Steep (>40%) 100 50 100

Table 2-A. SMZ Widths by Slope Class and Stream Type
10

Remember that these are recommended minimum widths, and conditions 

such as unstable or erosive soils or lack of ground cover may warrant a wider 

SMZ for adequate water quality protection. SMZs also have a limited filtering 

capacity and are not intended to correct problems created by poor upslope or 

adjacent practices.

2.1.1.1 BMPs for Perennial and Intermittent Stream SMZs 

 (Does NOT include trout streams. Trout stream BMPs are discussed in 2.1.2)

Management activities may occur within an SMZ provided that the disturbance to soil or ground cover is minimized. Water quality objectives should 

prevent movement of soil or other potential pollutants from within the SMZ 

into the watercourse and protect streambank integrity. The BMPs associated 

with typical silvicultural activities are listed below.

s )DENTIFYANYLOCALSTATEORFEDERALREGULATIONSTHATMAYSUPERSEDEOR

mandate the use of BMPs. 

s $ETERMINEANDDESIGNATETHEAPPROPRIATE3-:WIDTHSONSITEPRIORTO

conducting any timber sale or forest practice.

s !LONGperennial streams, leave an average of 50 square feet of basal area per 

acre evenly distributed throughout the zone or at least 50% canopy cover

after a harvest to provide shade. 

s !LONGintermittent streams, leave an average of 25 square feet of basal area per 

acre evenly distributed throughout the zone or at least 25% canopy cover

after a harvest to provide shade. 

s -INIMIZESTREAMCROSSINGS3EE3ECTIONPAGEANDPAGE	

s %XCEPTATPLANNEDSTREAMCROSSINGSLOCATENEWaccess roads outside the SMZ. 

s -AINTAINEXISTINGROADSWITHIN3-:SWITHADEQUATEwater control structures

and stabilization measures as needed. (See Section 3.2 page 27) If not 

possible, consider relocating road.

s ,OCATElog decks, staging areas, and skid trails outside the SMZ, preferably on 

well-drained, stable soils. 

s 7HEREUSEDfirebreaks should be installed parallel to streams and outside 

SMZs. (See Section 5.5 page 49) 

s -INIMIZETHEINTENSITYOFAprescribed fire in the SMZ to maintain forest floor 

cover and protect the soil surface.

Section 2.0

Planning for Water Quality
11

s 0ERIODICALLYINSPECTTHE3-:ANDEVALUATETHEEFFECTIVENESSOFTHE"-0S

adjusting practices when necessary. 

2.1.1.2 Practices to Avoid Within SMZs of Perennial and 

 Intermittent Streams 

s #UTTINGSTREAMBANKTREES

s 5NNECESSARYaccess roads and main skid trails. 

s Log decks. 

s 0ORTABLESAWMILLS

s 3IGNIlCANTSOILCOMPACTIONANDRUTTINGBYHARVESTINGEQUIPMENT

s 2EMOVALOFGROUNDCOVERORUNDERSTORYVEGETATION

s Felling trees into the streambed or leaving logging debris in the stream. 

s 3ERVICINGORREFUELINGEQUIPMENT

s -ECHANICALsite preparation and site preparation burning. 

s -ECHANICALTREEPLANTING

s "ROADCASTAPPLICATIONOFpesticides or fertilizers.

s (ANDLINGMIXINGORSTORINGTOXICORHAZARDOUSMATERIALSFUELSLUBRICANTS

solvents, pesticides, or fertilizers).

2.1.2 Trout Streams 

Trout require cool (less than 70oF), high-quality water. They, and the 

insects they eat, are extremely sensitive to sediment and thermal pollution (elevated water temperatures). Therefore, trout streams require additional protection. 

Streams designated as Primary Trout Waters are waters supporting a selfsustaining population of rainbow, brown or brook trout. Streams designated 

as Secondary Trout Streams are those in which trout can survive but there is 

no evidence of natural trout reproduction. The Georgia DNR Wildlife 

Resources Division publishes a list of Georgia’s trout streams, available at 

www.georgiawildlife.com. For regulation purposes, the Georgia EPD maintains 

a list of trout streams at www.gaepd.org. 

2.1.2.1 SMZ Width Recommendation and BMPs for Trout Streams

s %STABLISH
FEET3-:SONBOTHSIDESOFDESIGNATEDSTREAMSANDTRIBUTARies according to the following options:

Option A: A minimum 100-feet SMZ that includes a no-harvest zone within the 
12

first 25-feet of primary or secondary trout streams. Timber harvests within the 

remaining 75-feet of the SMZ should leave an average of 50 square ft of basal area

per acre or at least 50% canopy cover.

Option B: Within the 100-ft. SMZ, leave an average of 50 square feet of basal area

per acre evenly distributed throughout the zone to provide shade. Option B may 

be selected if a qualified professional is consulted. 

s &OLLOWALLOTHER"-0SFORperennial and intermittent streams noting the 

100-ft. zone.

2.1.2.2 Practices to Avoid Within SMZ of Trout Streams

s !NYFORESTRYACTIVITYWITHINFEETOFTHESTREAMUNLESSUSING/PTION"

s -ECHANICALsite preparation and high intensity burns on ephemeral areas above 

trout waters.

2.2 SPECIAL MANAGEMENT AREAS 

Some water bodies in upland and bottomland areas have particular characteristics or regulatory requirements that require different management 

approaches. These include, but are not limited to canals and ditches, floodplain

features, headwater areas, lakes and ponds, protected mountain tops, protected river 

corridors, sinkholes, water supply reservoirs/watersheds, and wetlands. In such situations, consult a qualified professional. 

2.2.1 Canals and Ditches 

Minor drainage to temporarily lower the water level on a wetland site 

during road construction, timber harvesting and site preparation is considered 

normal and exempt from 404 permitting. Most canals were established for 

flood control purposes prior to Section 404 guidance. Today, the construction 

of canals would most likely be considered major drainage and require Section 

404 permits. 

Construction of minor drainage ditches in wetlands is exempt from Section 

404 permitting, provided: 

s ITDOESNOTRESULTINTHEIMMEDIATEORGRADUALCONVERSIONOFAWETLANDTOA

non-wetland; 

Section 2.0

Planning for Water Quality
13

s ITDOESNOTFACILITATETHECONVERSIONFROMONEWETLANDUSETOANOTHER

s ITDOESNOTSIGNIlCANTLYMODIFYASTREAMLAKESWAMPBOGORANYOTHER

wetland or aquatic area constituting waters of the U.S.; 

s ITISNOTLOCATEDINA3-:

2.2.1.1 BMPs for Canals and Ditches

s -AINTENANCEOFEXISTINGcanals and ditches (C&Ds) is allowed, provided the 

original dimensions are not exceeded. This is normally conducted at the 

end of each timber stand rotation. 

s )NORDERTOCONDUCTMAINTENANCEDREDGINGACCESSFOREQUIPMENTANDTHE

placement of spoil materials (sidecasting) is permitted along banks. 

Therefore, there may not be a tree canopy on one or both sides immediately adjacent to C&Ds. 

s Ditches constructed through non-wetland areas are not normally associated 

with natural stream channels. They dry out and water temperature violations 

should not be a problem. Therefore, no SMZ with basal area requirements is 

practical. 

s 7HERE#$SWEREESTABLISHEDINOLDPERENNIALANDintermittent stream 

channels that are now acting as the stream, the establishment of SMZs with 

basal area requirements is appropriate. Evaluate on a case by case basis.

s -AINTENANCESHOULDOCCURDURINGTHEDRYSEASONTOPREVENTturbidity 

problems. If sediment is likely to move from C&Ds into a stream, 

consideration should be given to stabilization and sediment control 

measures, such as sloping and grassing of ditch banks and spoil piles. 

The need for sediment control will be determined by soil type, the 

distance to a stream, and the amount of vegetated filter between the ditch

and the stream.

2.2.1.2 Practices to Avoid in Canals and Ditches

s Bedding that channels surface runoff into C&Ds, including road ditches. 

s 0LACINGLOGGINGANDsite preparation debris in C&Ds.

s %XCESSIVECROSSINGSWHERENECESSARYlLLOVERculverts should be stabilized.

s !PPLYINGCHEMICALSTHATARENOTLABELEDFORAQUATICAPPLICATIONSDIRECTLY

to C&Ds with standing or flowing water.
14

2.2.2 Floodplain and Riparian Landforms 

Floodplains support a wide variety of fluvial features, which perform 

diverse hydrologic, biological, and ecological functions. The objectives of this 

guidance are to better characterize floodplain features in terms of hydrology, 

geomorphology, and biology and also to provide better BMP guidance to 

protect water quality and biological integrity of these features. 

Section 2.0

Planning for Water Quality

Figure 2-C: Schematic of Floodplain Physiographic Features and Elevational Cross-Section

(Modified from Mitsch and Gooselink, 1993 and Hodges, 1998.)
15

The general goals of this guidance are to:

s 0REVENTMOVEMENTOFSOILFERTILIZERANDherbicide from forest operation areas into the surface water system.

s -AINTAINWATERTEMPERATURESANDDISSOLVEDOXYGENLEVELSADEQUATEFOR

biotic survival.

s -AINTAININPUTOFORGANICMATTERANDCOARSEWOODYDEBRISINTOWATERBODIES

s -AINTAINSTRUCTURALINTEGRITYOFmOODPLAINFEATURES

Floodplain Features

Overbank mainstem flows, mainstem backwater flow, floodplain groundwater 

drainage, and tributary inflows create many different features in floodplains 

(Figure 2-C). Such features include the main river channel, upland tributaries, 

springs and seeps, continuous side channels, braided streams, drainage channels, floodway, 

river bottom flats, discontinuous side channels, backwater paleo channels, backwater swamps, 

ISOLATEDDEPRESSIONSOXBOWSPONDSFRONTBARSNATURALLEVEESANDRIDGES

Although many of these features are broadly described as “sloughs,” there is obviously great variation in their origin and form.

The water quality effects of silvicultural activities along these features depend 

on the flood frequency and durations, flow regime or energy, and the types of 

forestry operations conducted. All of these factors should be considered when 

evaluating floodplain management. For example, if a discontinuous side channel

is rarely connected to perennial streams, then it may serve as breeding habitat for 

amphibians, but is unlikely to serve as fish habitat. In this case, maintaining a 

stringer of bank trees to protect the stability of the feature and to provide some 

woody debris input is desired, but a larger streamside management zone (SMZ) for 

shade or for chemical adsorption and filtration is not necessary. 

 Determining all the relevant water body characteristics in a single site 

visit can be difficult. For guidance in determining the appropriate floodplain 

feature, see Figure 2-D. (The corresponding BMPs for each can be found 

in Table 2-B: Summary Characteristics of Floodplain Features and the 

Corresponding BMPs, on page 18.) These water types are:

s Tributaries that originate in uplands and flow across floodplain: These 

usually well-defined channels with sandy substrate originate in the uplands and 

flow across the floodplain to the main river in continuous channel features. 

s Springs and Seeps: Water emerges from these features within the flood-
16

plain and flows all or part of year in most years. Channel structure and 

substrate of springs are usually well defined and sandy, but those of seeps

are less defined and mixed. If they flow all year long, treat them as perennial 

streams or otherwise as intermittent.

s Continuous side channels and Braided streams: These less distinct 

channels and banks flow intermittently and are connected to the main 

channel network at both ends. The channels often contain mixed substrates 

(sand, organics, fine sediments). Treat each channel individually, depending 

upon whether the stream is perennial, intermittent or ephemeral. These unique 

streams require highly site-specific management planning and recommendations. In some cases, the potential for wind throw of trees left in the SMZ will 

dictate variances in the removal of the canopy cover. Seek the assistance of a 

qualified professional. 

s Drainage channels: These less distinct channels begin on the floodplain 

and usually flow intermittently during periods of high water tables via a 

continuous linear drainage system to the main river. The channels often contain mixed substrates (sand, organics, fine sediments).

s Floodway and River bottom flats: Area of floodplain with significant water 

velocities during frequent overbank flows (flows less than the two-year low 

flow). Evidence of scour and debris movement can be found. The floodway

is usually identified on FEMA floodplain maps. Smaller floodway or riparian 

areas in minor streams are also called river bottom flats.

s Discontinuous side channels: Channel features that may or may not be 

connected, on at least one end, to medium or higher flow energy channels. 

May have distinct or indistinct channel features, but the channel features 

disappear and reappear.

s Backwater paleo channels: Usually well-defined deep channel features 

that are remnants of earlier river and side channel configurations. Mixed 

channel substrates (sand, organics, fine sediments). Flow usually backs into 

these features from the main river. Organic debris is often found piled 

against the “wrong” side of obstructions.

s Backwater swamps. Backwater swamps are wetland areas formed in old 

overflow channels on the margins of floodplains at the base of the adjacent 

slopes. They feature wetland vegetation, hydric soils, and fine and organic 

substrates, but they may show evidence of scour and debris movement. 

Section 2.0

Planning for Water Quality
17

Figure 2-D. Decision Tree for Application of Forestry Best Management Practices to Floodplain and Riparian Landforms in Georgia.

Note:1. All flow regimes are based on normal flow 

conditions. Appropriate adjustment should be made for excessively dry or wet conditions.

2. Refer floodplain feature descriptions or 

characteristics (written section and Table 1) for more detailed information.
18

Hydroperiod Floodplain Feature Flow Energy1

Channel Characteristics 

(Bank Structures, 

Substrate Materials, 

and Other Features)

Biological Values

Floodplain Protection Measures 

/ SMZs2

Mechanical 

Site Prep. 

w/in SMZs3

Herbicide, 

Fertilizer, and 

Burning w/in 

SMZs

Perennial

tTributaries originating 

in uplands and flowing across floodplain

tSprings

HighMedium Well defined channel, sandy substrate. Aquatic fauna Perennial stream BMPs No Not allowed 

Intermittent

tTributaries originating 

in uplands and flowing across floodplainSeeps, v

tContinuous side 

channels,

tBraided stream, or tDrainage channels 

Medium 

-Low

Less distinct channel, mixed substrate (sand, organics, fines). These may be connected to the mainstem directly or indirectly.

Aquatic and terrestrial fauna, Off channel rearing habitat, High-flow refugia

For tributaries, intermittent stream BMPs. For other floodplain features, at minimum, leave 50% canopy cover within banks and leave bank trees.

No Not allowed 

Ephemeral

tFloodwaytRiver bottom flats

HighMedium Area of floodplain. Occasional evidence of scour and debris movement. Terrestrial fauna N/A Low impact Avoid 

tDiscontinuous side 

channels

Medium 

-Low

Channels appear and disappear, and may or may not be connected on at least one end. Terrestrial fauna

Leave bank trees if one end is connected and/or has a clearly defined bank.

Low impact Avoid 

tBackwater paleo 

channels

Medium 

-Low

Well defined, deep channel. Mixed substrate (sand, organics, fines). Debris piled on “wrong” side of obstructions.

Terrestrial fauna, High flow refugia

Maintain trees on banks, maintain channel stability No Avoid 

Ponded

tBackwater swamps Medium -Low

Located on floodplain margins. Usually no channel. Wetland vegetation. Hydric soils. Organic and fine substrate. Sometimes evidence of debris movement.

Aquatic and terrestrial fauna, Off channel rearing habitat, High-flow refugia

Treat as wetlands. Leave stringer trees if defined banks apparent N/A4

Only wetland approved herbicides

tIsolated depressions Low

No channel. Wetland vegetation. Hydric soils. Organic and fine substrate.

Aquatic and terrestrial fauna, Off channel rearing habitat, High-flow refugia

Treat as wetlands. Leave stringer trees if defined banks apparent. N/A4

Only wetland approved herbicides

tOxbows tPonds Low

Deep (>2 feet) standing water. Wetland vegetation. Hydric soils. Organic and fine substrate. 

Aquatic and terrestrial fauna, Off channel rearing habitat, High-flow refugia

Treat as lakes or ponds. Leave stringer trees on banks. N/A4

Only wetland approved herbicides

1 Flow energy under normal flow conditions.2 Floodplain protection measure includes SMZs (GA Forestry BMP manual Pg. 8, 63) and special management areas (GA Forestry BMP manual Pg. 12).3 Follow EPA/COE memorandum to field (GA Forestry BMP manual Pg. 34)4Table 2-B. Summary Characteristics of Floodplain Features and the Corresponding BMPs.

 See wetlands section of GA Forestry BMP manual.
19

s Isolated depressions: Feature wetland vegetation, hydric soils, fine and 

organic substrates, no evidence of fluvial scour.

s Oxbows and Ponds: Ponded deep water (>2 feet deep), fine and organic 

substrates, no evidence of fluvial scour.

As a rule of thumb, if the following conditions exist, corresponding BMPs 

should be considered for all flooplain features. If the area has: 

s PERENNIALORINTERMITTENTWATERmOWSESTABLISH3-:S

s POTENTIALSURFACERUNOFFINPUTSFROMADJACENTLANDSEXCEPTIONOFmOODING	

establish SMZs.

s STEEPUNSTABLEANDORWELLDElNEDBANKSPROTECTBANKSBYBANKTREESOR

undisturbed zone.

s WETORPONDEDDEPRESSIONAREASSHADEWATERBYBANKTREES

s PROLONGEDmOODINGAREASTREATASAWETLANDANDAPPLYWETLAND"-0S

s SURFACEWATERDONOTSPRAYANYCHEMICALS

Note: All flow regimes described above are based on normal flow conditions. Appropriate BMP adjustments should be required during excessively 

dry or wet conditions.

2.2.3 Headwater Areas

Headwaters include two types of conveyences: ephemeral areas and gullies. 

Refer to Figure 2-E, Headwater Decision-Making Tree on page 20 to determine 

conveyance type. See Table 2-C: Headwater Stream Types and the Hydrological and Biological Characteristics, pg. 21.

2.2.3.1 Ephemeral Areas

Ephemeral areas are depressions or swales (sometimes called drains, draws, 

or dry washes) that have no defined continuous channel, and that are well-connected to intermittent or perennial streams. Ephemeral areas are characterized by 

water tables that often rise to the surface during high water table months, and 

these areas produce surface flow for short periods during and following rainfall. Forest floors in ephemeral areas are intact, and hydrophytic vegetation may 

or may not be present. Aquatic insects are usually not present in these areas. 

Soils in these areas may quickly become saturated during rainy or thawing periods. Soils in ephemeral areas feature finer textures and higher organic contents 
20

than soils in adjacent uplands. Fluvial power is generally low, but there may 

be evidence of small debris jams of leaf litter and other small organic matter 

deposited after surface flows. These areas are usually not identified on USGS 

or NRCS maps. Water from ephemeral areas may carry sediment and other contaminants directly into streams. Ephemeral Wetlands are a part of Ephemeral Areas, 

which exhibit partial or full wetland characteristics.

Silvicultural activities should: 

s -INIMIZESOILDISTURBANCELITTERLAYERREMOVALANDAVOIDHIGH
INTENSITYlRE

within ephemeral areas. These activities can increase the possibility of introducing pollutants to intermittent or perennial streams. 

s #OVERINADVERTENTLYEXPOSEDSOILSWITHlogging debris, grass, or mulch. 

s -INIMIZEEQUIPMENTTRAFlCKINGWITHINANDAROUNDephemeral areas. Should 

trafficking be justifiable due to site constraints, take precautions to minimize 

soil disturbance and litter layer removal. Placement of logging debris or logging 

mats in traffic areas may be appropriate. Debris, mats, and other soil protecting structures should not interfere with the natural flow of water.

Section 2.0

Planning for Water Quality

Figure 2-E. Headwater Decision-Making Tree
21

Table 2-C. Headwater Stream Types and the Hydrological and Bioloical Characteristics.

Characteristics Perennial Intermittent Ephemeral Area Ephemeral Wetland Gully

Hydroperiod Year-round During the Short period Moist year-round, Immediately 

 (>90% of wet season after a wet during the after a 

 the time) rain event wet season rain event

Channel definition Well defined Somewhat defined Somewhat – Not defined Clear 

 not defined

Sediment and Clearly Partially Minimum Minimum Clearly 

litter movement observable observable observable

Streambed scouring Evident Somewhat Not evident Not evident N/A 

 evident

Water pools Present Transition Absent Mostly absent Absent

Stream shape Sinuous Less sinuous Mostly straight Not observable Straight

High water marks Present Transition Absent Transition Absent

USGS Solid or Dotted blue Concave Concave N/A 

topographic map dotted line or concave contour line contour line 

marker blue line contour line

Energy level High Medium Low Very Low High-Low

Erosion potential Low-Medium Low-Medium Medium-Low Non High

Vegetation Wetland plants Wetland and Mesic plants Wetland and mesic No vegetation in 

 at edge or in mesic plants at around and plants in and an active gully 

 a stream edge or in a stream in an area around an area

Aquatic insects Present Present Transition Transition Absent

Fish Present Transition Absent Absent Absent

s !VOIDDIRECTTIE
INOFTURNOUTSANDOUTFALLOFwater barsBREAKSTOephemeral areas. 

Extra care should be taken where a skid trail crosses an ephemeral area. 

s 3EE3ECTIONPAGEFORherbicide application.

s 3EE3ECTIONPAGEFORFERTILIZERAPPLICATION

2.2.3.2 Gullies

Gullies are narrow ravines, often caused by past land cultivation. They 

are typically V- or U-shaped channels that may or may not have exposed soil 

surfaces within the channel. They carry water only during and immediately following rainstorms or thawing events. Dry wash, draw, swale, arroyo, and gulch 

are other common names for gullies. Old agricultural gullies often have mature 

trees growing within their banks. Gullies often occur in uplands, upper slopes 

of ephemeral areas, at relatively steep stream-sideslopes, or on exposed erodible 

soils. Gullies may or may not be directly connected to ephemeral areas, intermit-
22

tent, or perennial streams. Because of their short hydroperiod, gullies do not generally provide suitable habitat for aquatic flora and fauna.

'ULLIESWITHACONTRIBUTINGAREACATCHMENTWATERSHEDABOVETHE gully) 

larger than 0.2 acres and directly connected to ephemeral areas, intermittent or 

perennial streams may require special attention because they can be activated by 

forestry operations. For these types of gullies, the following BMPs are 

recommended, but soil, slope, and other topographic characteristics should 

be considered to address local conditions:

s 0ROTECTSOILANDLITTERLAYERSWITHINAgully and the banks during forestry 

operations1

. Low impact operational methods should be used for 

harvesting and site preparation in and around a gully. 

s 0LACEMENTOFlogging debris and slash in a gully is recommended 

to provide hydraulic resistance to flow and thus promote sediment 

deposition2

. 

s !VOIDHIGH
INTENSITYprescribed burning in a gully to protect decomposed litter 

layers from burning and minimize exposure of mineral soils.

s -INIMIZETRAFlCKINGWITHINANDAROUNDGULLIESESPECIALLYWITHINAND

adjacent to severely eroded areas. 

s !VOIDDIRECTTIE
INOFTURNOUTSANDOUTFALLOFwater barsBREAKSTOGULLIES

s 3EE3ECTIONPAGEFORherbicide application.

s 3EE3ECTIONPAGEFORFERTILIZERAPPLICATION

1 Leaving some trees and shrubs on the banks and inside of gullies may serve as a marker 

 for subsequent harvesting, site preparation, planting, herbicide application, and other 

 forestry operations.

2 Avoid creating an impoundment behind logging debris or slash placed in a gully.

2.2.4 Lakes, ponds, and other bodies of flowing water

Follow the BMPs recommended for perennial streams if they could potentially move sediments or other pollutants off site.

2.2.5 Protected Mountain Tops

Forestry activities on mountain tops above 2,200-ft. elevation with slopes 

greater than 25% including the reforestation requirement shall comply with 

BMPs. (See Appendix Section 8.2.3.4 with map, page 63.)
23

2.2.6 Protected River Corridors

Forestry activities within the 100-ft. buffers along those rivers at a point 

and below where the flow is 400 cubic feet per second (cfs) shall comply with 

BMPs. (See Appendix Section 8.2.3.3 with map, page 62.) 

2.2.7 Sinkhole

A geologic feature, typically found in Karst geology, that might provide 

a direct connection between land surface and groundwater. Treat as 

perennial streams.

2.2.8 Water Supply Reservoir/Watershed

(See Appendix Section 8.2.3.1 with map, page 60.) 

s &ORGOVERNMENT
OWNEDIMPOUNDMENTSORINTAKESWITHINA
SQUAREMILE

or larger watershed, forestry activities within a 150-ft. buffer adjacent to all 

reservoirs and 100-ft. buffer adjacent to all perennial streams within a sevenmile radius above intakes shall comply with BMPs. 

s &ORGOVERNMENT
OWNEDIMPOUNDMENTSORINTAKESWITHINAWATERSHEDOF

less than 100-square miles, forestry activities within a 150-ft. buffer adjacent to the reservoir, a 100-ft. buffer adjacent to perennial streams within a 

seven-mile radius, and a 50-ft. buffer adjacent to all perennial streams above 

the seven-mile radius shall comply with BMPs. 

2.2.9 Wetlands

For regulatory purposes, wetlands are defined by the presence or absence of 

specific plant communities, hydric soils and hydrologic conditions. Because of 

the generally wet soil conditions associated with forested wetlands, these areas 

are sensitive to forestry activities. For instance, bottomland hardwood sites, 

Carolina bays, cypress domes, other swamps, and some pine savannas differ 

from upland forest types because their soils are wet most of the year. They frequently are connected directly to a larger aquatic system, often have overbank 

flow from nearby stream flooding, and may accumulate sediments and nutrients 

from upstream erosion and runoff. 

To properly manage forested wetlands: plan for regeneration; consider the 

areas beyond the actual harvest site; and remember that special harvesting 
24

techniques may be necessary to protect water quality. Any stream channels 

should be identified and the appropriate SMZs established. The BMPs that 

apply to any other forest type generally apply to forested wetlands. For more 

information on harvesting and site-preparing wetlands, refer to Section 4.7 page 

42 and Section 5.2 page 46. 

Benefits of Planning

Forest managers, landowners, foresters, timber buyers, loggers, site preparation

and reforestation contractors should clearly identify water bodies, Special Management Areas and streamside management zones (SMZs) in the field to decide which 

BMPs apply, when and where to apply them, and to carefully design access roads, log 

decks, and stream crossings. They should supervise these 

operations to make sure BMPs are followed where necessary, so that water quality 

is not compromised. 

Forest health issues such as fire management, integrated pest management, disease control and natural disasters may also require a qualified professional to prescribe 

appropriate actions. 

4HEBENElTSOFAWELLWRITTENPLANANDORWRITTENCONTRACTINCLUDEBETTER

communications of expectations between the landowner and forestry professionals; maximum return from the harvest; potential longer term productivity; better 

infrastructure; economic efficiency; minimal environmental impacts; compliance 

with federal, state and local laws; and avoidance of fines or penalties. For information regarding sample contracts and management planning, contact the GFC. 

Planning for the protection of water quality makes good sense.
25

Notes:
26

Section 3.0

Road Location, Construction, Stream Crossings, 

Maintenance, Retirement

Access roads are an essential part of any forest management operation 

and provide access for other activities on forestland. With proper 

planning, location, construction, and maintenance techniques, wellconstructed access roads allow for productive operations and cause minimal 

soil and water quality impacts. However, poorly located, poorly constructed, 

or poorly maintained access roads, especially at stream crossings, can result 

in sediment-laden streams, changing stream-flow patterns, degraded fish and 

aquatic organism habitats, and adversely affected aesthetics. 

 There are two types of access roads typically constructed in the state. In mountainous and hilly terrain, the broad-based dip road is used. In the flatwoods and 

along major flood plains, the crown and ditch road is commonly used.

3.1 BMPs FOR ROAD LOCATION

• Identify federal, state and local laws, regulations or ordinances that apply to 

road purpose, construction, and maintenance prior to construction and operation. Include needed considerations and measures to meet requirements. 

• Use soil surveys and topographic maps to identify soils, stream locations 

and other natural features (rocky areas, steep slopes, wet areas, etc.) on 

the property that might pose problems. 

• Locate potential control points, i.e. log decks and stream crossings on topographic maps prior to designing access roads in the field. 

• New permanent access roads should follow the contour as much as possible 

with grades ideally kept below 10%. An engineer’s divider can be used to 

lay out roads with the desired grade on a topographic map. Grades can run 

up to 12% for short distances. If soil is highly erosive, reduce grades. Plan 

to install water control structures.

• Temporary access roads should follow the contour as much as possible. Grades 

can run up to 25% for short distances provided that water control structures are 

properly installed.

• Except for planned stream crossings, locate new roads outside of SMZs. 

• Minimize stream crossings. Where crossings are necessary, see Section 3.3, 

page 30.

• Minimize the number, length, and width of access roads.

• Locate new access roads on high ground, preferably on the sides of ridges, 

for proper surface drainage. 
27

• Locate new access roads on southern or western sides (aspect) of ridges 

if possible, to expose the roadbed to more sunlight.

• Conduct site reconnaissance to verify road layout with potential soil 

problems, stream locations, sensitive areas (see Section 7.4, page 57), 

and watershed conditions. 

• Evaluate the condition of existing roads and potential water quality impacts. If necessary, plan for improvements or replace with new routes. 

3.2 BMPs FOR ROAD CONSTRUCTION

• Construct access roads only wide enough (usually 12-16 feet) to safely handle 

equipment that will use the road. 

• Schedule construction during favorable weather. 

• Maximize sunlight exposure along roadsides where surface drainage is 

a problem.

• On permanent access roads with three percent or more grade, broad-based dips 

should be installed at proper intervals; at 30-degree angles across road 

surfaces; have reverse grades of three percent; and the bottom of the dips 

should be outsloped about three percent. If necessary, outfall of dips may 

need sediment barriers such as rock, hay bales, or silt fence installed. 

(See Figure 3-A for a schematic of a broad-based dip road and Table 3-A for 

recommended spacing of dips.)

• On temporary access or spur roads that have little traffic at low speeds, 

rolling dips can be installed. They resemble “stretched out” water bars. 

See Figure 3-B and Table 3-A for spacing. 

Figure 3-A: Recommended Spacing for Broad Based Dips in Permanent Access Roads and 

Rolling Dips in Temporary Access Roads

Spacing: See Table 3-A
28

• On crown and ditched roads, install water turnouts at proper intervals. See 

Figure 3-C and Table 3-B. Turnouts should never tie directly into streams 

or water bodies. If necessary, outfall of turnouts may need sediment barriers 

such as rock, hay bales, or silt fence installed.

 Road Grade Distance Between

 (percent) Dips and Turnouts (feet)

 3 235

 4 200

 5 180

 6 165

 7 155

 8 150

 9 145

 10 140

 12 135

Table 3-A: 

Recommended spacing for Broadbased Dips in Permanent Access 

Roads and rolling Dips in Temporary 

Access Roads

Figure 3-B: 

Rolling Dip

Figure 3-C: Design and Installation of Turnouts

Table 3-B: Spacing of Turnouts

Source: Cooperative Extension Service 

Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural 

Resources, Oklahoma State University.

Source: Cooperative Extension Service Division of Agricultural Sciences 

and Natural Resources, Oklahoma State University.

 Road Grade Spacing

 (percent) (feet)

 2 – 5 500-300

 6 – 10 300-200

 11 – 15 200-100

 16 – 20 100

Section 3.0

Road Location, Construction, Stream Crossings, 

Maintenance, Retirement
29

• Keep roads free from obstructions and logging debris. 

• Roadbeds on erosive soils should be stabilized with appropriate measures.

• Stabilize exposed soil on shoulders of permanent or temporary access roads

located within SMZs, wetlands or at stream crossings as soon as possible 

with any one or combination of the following: seed and mulch; silt fence; hay 

bales; excelsior blankets; geotextiles. 

1. See Section 6.4 for grassing recommendations.

2. Type A (36 inch) or Type B (22 inch) silt fence can be used. Wooden 

stakes should be fastened to the fence every six feet on the down 

slope side. The bottom edge of the fence should be installed in a 

four-inch deep trench with the bottom two inches of the fence facing 

upslope in the trench. See Figure 3-D.

3. Hay bales should be placed on sides in four-inch deep trenches and 

staked down. See Figure 3-E.

Source: Bureau of Forestry, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

Source: Bureau of Forestry, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

Figure 3-D: Silt Fence Installation

Figure 3-E: Installation of Hay Bales

• For more information refer to Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission’s Field Manual for Erosion and Sediment Control in Georgia, page 79.
30

3.2.1 Practices to Avoid during Road Construction

s 2OADCONSTRUCTIONINSIDETHE3-:EXCEPTATPLANNEDSTREAMCROSSINGS

• Insloping of roads. Where unavoidable, use cross-drain culverts positioned under 

the road at a 30 degree angle and spacing as in Table 3-B for proper inside 

road drainage. Place riprap at culvert outfall to prevent washing. See Figure 3-F.

• Using ditches on steep roads. Some ditches may have to be lined with rock to 

prevent gullying and sedimentation.

• Turnouts tied directly into perennial and intermittent streams or ephemeral areas.

3.3 STREAM CROSSINGS FOR ROADS

Stream crossings are often necessary for access to forestlands. From a 

water quality standpoint, stream crossings are the most critical aspect of 

the road system. Failure of a stream crossing, due to improper planning or 

construction, can result in erosion and introduction of sediment into a stream, 

adversely affecting water quality. 

Where crossings are necessary, planning should address the type of road 

and road-use pattern, stream channel characteristics, stream flow levels and 

the aquatic organisms in the stream. Minimizing impacts is critical. Permanent and temporary stream crossings should be based on expected applicable 

Figure 3-F: Cross-drain Culvery Design and Installation

Source: Georgia Forestry Commission Source: Bureau of Forestry, Wisconsin 

Department of Natural Resources

Section 3.0

Road Location, Construction, Stream Crossings, 

Maintenance, Retirement
31

storm-flow return intervals and watershed acreage above the crossing. See Table 

3-C, page 34. 

3.3.1 Clean Water Act Provisions and Requirements for Stream Crossings

 The Federal Clean Water Act, Section 404, (40 CFR Part 232.3), exempts 

normal, established, ongoing silvicultural activities from the permitting process for 

discharges of dredged or fill material in jurisdictional wetlands. However, fifteen 

(15) baseline provisions for forest road construction and maintenance in and 

across waters of the U.S. (lakes, rivers, perennial and intermittent streams, wetlands, sloughs 

and natural ponds) are mandated to qualify for the forest road exemption:

1. Permanent roads, temporary access roads and skid trails (all for forestry) in 

waters of the U.S. shall be held to the minimum feasible number, width and 

total length consistent with the purpose of specific silvicultural operations, 

and local topographic and climatic conditions;

2. All roads, temporary or permanent, shall be located sufficiently far from 

streams or other water bodies (except for portions of such roads that must 

cross water bodies) to minimize discharges of dredged or fill material into 

waters of the U.S.;

3. The road fill shall be bridged, culverted or otherwise designed to prevent the 

restriction of expected flood flows; 

4. The fill shall be properly stabilized and maintained during and following 

construction to prevent erosion;

5. Discharges of dredged or fill material into waters of the U.S. to construct a road 

fill shall be made in a manner that minimizes the encroachment of trucks, 

tractors, bulldozers or other heavy equipment within waters of the U.S. (including adjacent wetlands) that lie outside the lateral boundaries of the fill itself;

6. In designing, constructing and maintaining roads, vegetative disturbances 

in the waters of the U.S. shall be kept to a minimum;

7. The design, construction and maintenance of the road crossing shall not 

disrupt the migration or other movement of those species of aquatic life 

inhabiting the water body;

8. Borrow material shall be taken from upland sources wherever feasible;

9. The discharges shall not take or jeopardize the continued existence of a 

threatened or endangered species as defined under the Endangered Species 
32

Act, or adversely modify or destroy the critical habitat of such species;

10. Discharges into breeding and nesting areas for waterfowl, spawning and 

wetlands shall be avoided if less harmful alternatives exist;

11. The discharge shall not be located in the proximity of a public water supply 

intake;

12. The discharge shall not occur in areas of concentrated shellfish production;

13. The discharge shall not occur in a component of the National Wild and 

Scenic River System;

14. The discharge of material shall consist of suitable material free from toxic 

pollutants in toxic amounts; and,

15. All temporary fills shall be removed in their entirety and the area restored 

to its original elevation.

Note: The ultimate determination of whether activities are exempt can 

only be made by the US Army Corps of Engineers and the US Environmental 

Protection Agency. 

There are three types of stream crossings to consider in forest management operations: bridges, culverts, and fords.

Bridges, whether permanent or temporary, typically create the least 

disruption to stream flow and have less effect on fisheries than other streamcrossing methods. 

Culverts can be either temporary or permanent. Culvert sizing is critical 

to minimizing problems. Consider both the purpose of the crossing and the 

duration of use. Sizing may increase if the need is permanent.

Fords can be used for haul roads only where the streambed is firm, banks 

are low and stable and the stream is shallow. 

3.3.2 General BMPs For Stream Crossings

 In addition to the 15 CWA mandated provisions 

• Approaches to all permanent or temporary stream crossings should be 

made at gentle grades of slope (three percent or less) wherever possible. 

• Approaches should be made at right angles to stream flow where practical. 

• Approaches should have water control structures, such as water turnouts or 

broad-based dips, on both sides of a crossing to prevent road runoff from 

Section 3.0

Road Location, Construction, Stream Crossings, 

Maintenance, Retirement
33

entering the stream.

s )FNECESSARYAPPROACHESSHOULDBESTABILIZEDWITHROCKEXTENDINGATLEAST

50 feet from both sides of the streambank during the operation.

• For temporary access roads, temporary bridges or spans are favored over 

culverts or fords. 

s 7ETLANDSlLLROADSSHOULDBEBUILTOUTSIDETHE3-:EXCEPTWHENCROSSING

the channel. Cross-drainage structures (culverts, bridges, portable spans, 

etc.) may be necessary in the fill road to allow for surface water movement 

across the site.

s %XPOSEDSOILAROUNDPERMANENTORTEMPORARYSTREAMANDWETLANDSCROSSings should be stabilized with any one or a combination of the following: 

seed and mulch; hay bales; rock; silt fence; geotextilesANDORexcelsior 

blankets. (See Section 3.2, page 27)

3.3.3 Specific BMPs for Bridges 

• Use bridges to cross streams with 300 + acre or larger watersheds if other 

alternatives are not suitable for containing storm flows.

• Remove temporary bridges and stabilize approaches and streambanks 

when operations are completed.

3.3.4 Specific BMPs for Fords 

• Use fords only for haul roads (not skid trails).

• Locate fords where stream banks are low and the bottoms are relatively 

hard and level.

• Where necessary, establish a smooth, hard-surface, low water crossing. For a 

permanent ford use gravel or rock filled geowebb, or concrete pads. For temporary fords use dragline mats or logs to armor (protect) the stream bottom. 

• Material should not significantly impound stream flow, impede fish passage or cause erosive currents. Remove temporary crossings from the 

channel when operations are completed.

3.3.5 Specific BMPs for Culverts 

s 7HEREFORDSORBRIDGESARENOTAPPROPRIATEUSEculverts to cross streams 

with approximate 300-acre or less watersheds, depending on physiographic 

region, including braided streams in broad flats. See the figure on the 
34

inside cover of this manual. 

• When crossing streams with a watershed larger than 300 acres, consult a 

qualified professional.

• Size permanent culverts so that the cross-sectional area will accommodate 

expected 25-year, 24-hour storm flows. See Table 3-C for recommended 

diameters. 

• Size temporary culverts so that the cross sectional area will accommodate the 

two-year, 24-hour storm flows. See Table 3-C for recommended diameters. 

Section 3.0

Road Location, Construction, Stream Crossings, 

Maintenance, Retirement

 Drainage Lower Upper Mountains and

 Area Coastal Plain Coastal Plain Piedmont Ridge and Valley

 (acres) (inches) (inches) (inches) (inches)

 PERMANENT BASED ON 25-YEAR, 24-HOUR STORM FLOWS)

 10 24 15 30 24

 50 36 or (2-30”) 18 48 or (2-36”) 48

 100 48 24 54 or (2-42”) 60 or (2-48”)

 200 60 36 72 or (2-54”) 72

 300 2-48” 54 84 or (2-60”) 78 or (2’60”)

 Drainage Lower Upper Mountains and

 Area Coastal Plain Coastal Plain Piedmont Ridge and Valley

 (acres) (inches) (inches) (inches) (inches)

 TEMPORARY BASED ON 2-YEAR, 24-HOUR STORM FLOWS)

 10 15 15 18 15

 50 18 15 30 24

 100 24 18 36 30

 200 30 24 42 or (2-30”) 36

 300 48 30 48 42

Table 3-C: Recommended Diameters for Permanent/Temporary Culverts

Under normal conditions, two alternative methods are acceptable: 

1. Smaller multiple culverts can be substituted to provide for the same crosssectional area of pipe required as shown in the table above. 

2. A combination of a smaller culvert(s) with rock surfaced road dips constructed 

in the roadbed to handle the run-around flow from larger storm events. 

See Figure 3-G.
35

• Culverts less than 15 inches in diameter are not recommended. 

• Multiple culvertsSHOULDBESPACEDADISTANCEOFATLEASTTHEculvert’s 

diameter apart. 

• Place the culvert in a straight section of the stream, free of obstructions.

• Place the bottom of the culvert at the same elevation as the bottom of the 

stream. (See Figure 3-H, page 35, for proper culvert installation.) 

Figure 3-G: Combination of Smaller Culvert and Rock Surfaced Road Dip

Figure 3-H: Stream Culvert Installation with Specifics of Slope, Placement, Fill, etc.

Source: Bureau of Forestry, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
36

• Place fill dirt around the lower half of the culvert and pack during installation.

• 0LACEATLEASTINCHESORATLEASTTHEculvert’s diameter, whichever is 

greater, of fill dirt over the top of the culvert so that the fill over the culvert

is the high spot in the stream crossing. This creates an emergency runaround for high flows. 

• The culvert’s ends should be long enough to achieve no more than a 2:1 

slope on the fill.

• Stabilize fill at ends of a culvert with riprap, geoweb, excelsior blankets, gabions, 

headwalls, grass seed and mulch, hay bales, etc. 

• Periodically inspect culverts and remove any debris inside.

• Remove all temporary culverts and fill material used in stream or wetland 

crossings and stabilize streambanks when operations are completed. 

(See Section 3.2 for stabilization recommendations.) 

 

3.3.6 Practices To Avoid When Constructing Stream Crossings

• Using steep approaches greater than three percent into the stream channel.

• Crossings at bends in the stream.

• Using fords in streams for skid trails.

• Constructing hard surface crossings on streams with mucky, muddy or 

unstable bottoms.

• Using asphalt materials for low-water crossings.

• Anything that impedes the free or expected flow of water.

• Temporary crossings of logs and brush “topped” with soil. 

• Using undersized culverts.

3.4 BMPs FOR THE MAINTENANCE AND RETIREMENT OF ROADS

• Maintain existing roads in accordance with BMPs.

s -AINTAINPOINTSOFINGRESSFROMCOUNTYROADSORHIGHWAYSTOPREVENTTHE

introduction of mud and debris onto these roads. 

• Minimize road grading and reshaping on hilly or mountainous terrain 

unless required to repair damaged road sections.

• Keep outfall of broad-based dips, water bars, and water turnouts open at all times 

during logging operations. If necessary, install sediment barriers such as 

rock, hay bales, or silt fence just below outfall.

• Retire temporary access roads, log decks, skid trailsBYRE
SHAPINGANDOR

Section 3.0

Road Location, Construction, Stream Crossings, 

Maintenance, Retirement
37

constructing water bars at recommended intervals. Stabilize as necessary by 

seeding and mulching or scattering logging debris over the road surface. (See 

Figure 3-I and Table 3-D for spacing recommendations.)

• Periodically inspect retired roads to assure stabilization techniques are still 

effective and permanent stream crossings are clear and operating properly. 

3.4.1 Practices To Avoid 

During Road Maintenance 

and Retirement

s %XCESSIVETRAFlCONWETROADS

Figure 3-I: Profile of Retired Temporary Access Road Showing Water Bars

Source: Cooperative Extension Service 

Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural 

Resources, Oklahoma State University

 Road Grade Distance Between

 Water Bars 

 (percent) (feet)

 2 245

 5 125

 10 80

 15 60

 20 50

 25 40

Table 3-D. Recommended Maximum Spacing 

for Water Bars When Retiring Temporary 

Access Roads
38

Section 4.0

Timber Harvesting

T

imber harvesting encompasses several operations. In addition to cutting 

trees, it typically includes the layout of access roads, log decks, and skid trails

and the construction and stabilization of these areas. Timber harvesting 

can be accomplished while protecting water quality and site productivity and 

improving the composition and quality of future forests. Evolving timber harvesting technology, equipment, and procedures will provide for better protection of Georgia’s waters. 

Potential water quality impacts can be avoided or minimized if the harvest 

plan addresses seasonal weather conditions, stand composition, soil type, 

soil moisture, topography, and type of equipment used. In order to maintain 

the integrity of stream banks, water flow, and stream biology, it is important 

to stay out of streams. Specific BMPs for log decks and skid trails are provided in 

this section. BMPs for roads are presented in Section 3. 

4.1 LOG DECKS

Log decks, also called brows and landings, are areas of concentrated equipment and traffic resulting in a high degree of soil disturbance, soil compaction, 

and rutting. Storm water runoff and surface erosion may increase on these 

exposed areas and, depending on their locations, could impact water quality. 

Runoff may contain toxic materials from fuels and lubricants. The following BMPs 

should be implemented to prevent runoff from reaching nearby watercourses.

4.1.1 BMPs for Log Decks 

s ,OCATElog decks when planning the road system.

s -INIMIZETHENUMBEROFlog decks necessary for the operation.

s -INIMIZETHESIZEOFlog decks to minimize the affected area.

s ,OCATElog decks uphill and skid up to them. This results in a cone-shaped 

pattern of skid trails, which disperses water running downhill. If trees must 

be skidded downhill, erosion can be minimized using smaller log decks with 

fewer, shorter and less-traveled skid trails leading to any one deck. To 

disperse water, install water bars with water turnouts in skid trails prior to 

final approach to deck. 

s ,OCATElog decks in a stable, well-drained area away from gullies when possible.

s 7HENTHEHARVESTISCOMPLETEDSTABILIZEASNEEDEDUSINGwater bars, logging 

slash or vegetative cover. (See Section 6.4 for seeding recommendations.)
4.1.2 Practices to Avoid for Log Decks

s ,OCATINGlog deck within the SMZ.

s !LLOWINGDECKSTOCONCENTRATESTORMRUNOFFONTOROADSTRAILSETCLEADING

to a watercourse.

4.2 SKID TRAILS

Skid trails are for temporary use during the timber harvest. You should 

strive to control and minimize site-damaging effects to soil stability and water 

quality, such as rutting, puddling, and compaction from harvest equipment. If 

trails will remain after the harvest for vehicular access, upgrade them to road 

building standards.

4.2.1 BMPs for Skid Trails

s Skid uphill to log decks on ridges or hills. 

s (AVEPERIODICBREAKSINGRADETO

help disperse surface flow.

s 5SETEMPORARYCLOSURETECHNIQUES

such as water bars or covering with 

logging slash, if significant erosion 

may occur before permanent closure 

techniques are installed.

s 2ETIREASNEEDEDASSOONASPOSSIBLE

with properly installed water control 

structures. For water bars see Figure 3-I, page 

37, and Table 4-A for proper spacing.

s 7HENGRADESEXCEEDUSEwater bars

with water turnouts. 

4.2.2 Practices to Avoid With Skid Trails

s 4RAILSOVERGRADEEXCEPTFORSHORTSTRETCHES

s "LADEDTRAILSUNLESSREQUIREDONSIDESLOPESTOCREATETHEAPPROPRIATE

grade for safe operations.

s 5SINGSTREAMANDDRAINSWITHDElNEDchannels as skid trails.

s -AINskid trails within SMZs.

39

Control and minimize site-damaging 

effects to soil stability and water 

quality, such as rutting, puddling and 

compaction from harvest equipment.

Table 4-A. Spacing of Water Bars 

on Skid Trails and Firebreaks

Grade of Skid Trail Distance Between

 or Firebreak Water Bars 

 (percent) (feet)

 2 250

 5 135

 10 80

 15 60

 20 45

 25 35

 40* 30

* Use grades of 40% and steeper only for short stretches.
40

4.3 SKID TRAIL STREAM CROSSING

In certain situations, crossing a stream with a temporary skid trail may be preferable to a permanent road crossing. Factors to consider include the value of the 

timber to be accessed relative to the cost of a permanent crossing, topographic 

features limiting construction of permanent crossings, and the size of the stream 

ANDORTHEUPSTREAMWATERSHED2EGARDLESSOFTHEFACTORSTHECONSIDERATIONSFOR

protecting water quality are critical to maintain the integrity of the stream bank, 

to use water-permeable fill materials that are easy to recover in the restoration 

process, and to minimize the amount of fill dirt entering the stream. 

4.3.1 BMPs For Skid Trail Stream Crossings

s &OLLOW&EDERALMANDATES3EE3ECTIONPAGE	

s -INIMIZETHENUMBEROFCROSSINGS

s #ROSSSTREAMATRIGHTANGLES

s -AINTAINSTREAMBANKINTEGRITY

s !PPROACHSTREAMSATGENTLEGRADESOFSLOPEIDEALLYATLESSTHANTHREEPERCENT

s 5SEOFTEMPORARYBRIDGESORSPANSRATHERTHANTEMPORARYculverts.

s )FTEMPORARYculverts are used, make sure they are properly sized for the 

watershed. (See Table 3-C, page 34.)

s 3TABILIZEculvert fill during and after construction using any one or a combination of: hay bales; seed and mulch; silt fence; rock; excelsior blankets; geotextiles;

etc. (See Section 3.2, page 27)

s 5SELOGSORSTEMSASlLLOVERTEMPORARYculverts instead of fill dirt 

whenever possible.

s 2EMOVEALLTEMPORARYlLLSANDRESTORETHEchannel to its original elevation.

Stabilize approaches during and after construction.

4.3.2 Practices to Avoid For 

 Skid Trail Stream Crossings

s 3TREAMCROSSINGSWHENEVERPOSSIBLE

s 5SEOFFORDS

s "LOCKINGSTREAMmOW

s "LOCKINGTHEMIGRATIONOFAQUATIC

organisms.

s 5SINGsloughs as skid trails.

Section 4.0

Timber Harvesting

Portable steel bridge
41

s 2ANDOMCROSSINGSWITHMECHANIZEDEQUIPMENT

s ,EAVINGLOGSORSTEMSINSTREAMCROSSING

4.4 RUTTING

During harvesting, some soil disturbance and rutting is inevitable, due to 

the mechanized nature of most harvesting systems. Excessive or inappropriate rutting can impact water quality when it causes sediment or silt-laden runoff 

to enter a stream or when it interrupts or changes the natural flow of water to 

the stream. Rutting that results in the discharge of sediment to a stream may 

violate federal and state water-quality laws.

4.4.1 BMPs to Minimize Rutting

s 5SELOWGROUNDPRESSUREEQUIPMENTLOGGINGMATSOROTHERTECHNIQUESON

saturated soils where practical.

s -INIMIZETHEGRADEOFskid trails. 

s &OLLOWTHE"-0SRECOMMENDEDFORskid trails in Section 4.2, page 39.

4.4.2 Practices to Avoid For Rutting

s &ACILITATINGTHEPOTENTIALMOVEMENTOFsediment to a stream or water body.

s "REAKINGDOWNTHEINTEGRITYOFASTREAMBANK

4.5 EQUIPMENT WASHING AND SERVICING

Improper equipment washing and servicing can introduce hazardous or 

toxic materials to the harvest site, which can affect water quality. 

4.5.1 BMPs for Washing and Servicing Equipment

s 7ASHANDSERVICEEQUIPMENTAWAYFROMANYAREATHATMAYCREATEAWATER

Natural pole bridge Portable timber bridge
42

quality hazard, especially within SMZs and along ephemeral areas.

• Dispose of oils, lubrications, their containers and other wastes according to local, state and federal regulations. 

s 2EMOVEALLUSEDTIRESBATTERIESOILCANSANDTRASHFROMLOGGINGOPERAtions before leaving the site.

s #LEANUPANDORCONTAINFUELANDOILSPILLSIMMEDIATELY#OMPLYWITH

state and federal regulations when reporting spills. Report any fuel, oil 

or chemical spills to the DNR EPD HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES OFFICE. 

(1-800-241-4113)

4.5.2 Practices to Avoid When Washing and Servicing Equipment

s 7ASHINGORSERVICINGEQUIPMENTWHEREITCOULDAFFECTWATERQUALITY

4.6 PROTECTING STREAMSIDE MANAGEMENT ZONES (SMZs) 

 DURING HARVESTING

4.6.1 BMPs for Harvesting Streamside Management Zones

In addition to the BMPs listed in Section 2.1, page 8:

s 5SETECHNIQUESTHATMINIMIZESOILDISTURBANCESUCHASBACKINGTREESOUT

with machine using low ground pressure equipment, using equipment with 

booms, or cable winch.

s -AINTAINTHEINTEGRITYOFSTREAMBANKS

s -INIMIZETHEEXPOSUREOFMINERALSOILBYSPREADINGLOGGINGSLASHANDUSING

it to drive over. 

4.6.2 Practices to Avoid When Harvesting Within SMZs

In addition to the avoidance guidelines listed in Section 2.1, page 8:

s 5SINGTREESORDE
LIMBINGGATESINTHE3-:

s ,EAVINGTOPSINSTREAMchannels.

s 2UTTING

4.7 PROTECTING WETLANDS DURING TIMBER HARVESTING 

4.7.1 BMPs FOR HARVESTING FORESTED WETLANDS

In addition to the recommendations in Section 2.2.9, page 23:

Section 4.0

Timber Harvesting
43

s 0LANTHETIMBERHARVESTFORTHEDRYSEASONOFTHEYEARWHENPOSSIBLE

s 5SESITE
SPECIlCEQUIPMENTANDMETHODSTOMINIMIZEWATERQUALITYIMpacts, including high-flotation, low-pressure harvesting equipment, shovel 

logging or cable yarding.

s #ONCENTRATEskid trails and use logging slash, mats or other techniques to 

minimize soil compaction and rutting.

s 5SEPRACTICESCONDUCIVETORAPIDregeneration.

s &OLLOWFEDERALLYMANDATEDSTREAMANDWETLANDCROSSINGS3EE3ECTION

3.3.1, page 31.)

4.8 MAT (SHOVEL) LOGGING

s -INIMIZETHEWIDTHOFskid trail mats. Mats should not exceed an average 

20 feet in width, except for sections of the trail where it is necessary for 

equipment to pass; in these sections the minimum width may be doubled. 

s -INIMIZETHENUMBEROFskid trail mats. Typically, trails should not be 

spaced closer than 200 feet, on average. Where conditions prohibit tracked 

machines from operating off the mat and to minimize site disturbance, 

spacing may be reduced to 50 feet. However, under no conditions should 

skid trail mats exceed 25% of the harvest area.

s 4IMBERFORskid trail mats should be laid down in the direction of the trail 

under normal conditions.

s 5SEONLYONELAYEROFTIMBERFORskid trail mats, except where multiple layers 

are necessary to prevent site disturbance. 

s 7HEREMULTIPLELAYERSOFTIMBERARENECESSARYTOCONSTRUCTTHEskid trail mat 

and to maximize weight distribution, the bottom layer may be laid down 

perpendicular to the trail, and may exceed 20 feet in width. 

s -ERCHANTABLEMATERIALINskid trail mats should be removed after logging 

operation is complete. 

s &ORSTREAMCROSSINGSWITHskid trail mats, refer to the stream crossing 

section of the BMP Manual. 
44

Site preparation facilitates the regeneration process and is the first step 

toward successful regeneration. Typical methods prepare harvested and 

non-forested areas for desired tree species and stocking. Site preparation

may be used for both natural and artificial forest regeneration. Methods chosen 

should reduce logging debris, lessen logging impacts, control competing vegetation, and enhance seedling survival.

The site preparation technique used depends on soils, slope, condition of the 

site, vegetation, crop tree species, cost, location and landowner goals. Analyze 

the erosion potential of the site prior to any site preparation. Topography, soil type 

and residual ground cover determine erosion potential.

Topography – The steepness and length of the slope are major considerations when determining the treatment intensity. Intensive treatments that are acceptable in areas of little or no slope may be unacceptable in areas of steep slope.

Soil Type – Soil types or mapping units differ in texture, slope, stoniness, 

erodibility, wetness or other characteristics that affect the use of the soils by 

man. Soil surveys describe these limitations as slight, moderate, or severe. Any 

limitations should receive extra attention in order to prevent soil degradation. 

Residual Ground Cover – The amount, species and size of ground 

vegetation, logging debris and other organic matter should be a consideration 

in prescribing the type and intensity of the treatment.

Site preparation techniques can be grouped into three categories: mechanical, 

chemical, and controlled burning. Combinations of these techniques are common.

5.1 MECHANICAL SITE PREPARATION

 Mechanical site preparation includes shearing, raking, subsoiling, chopping, 

windrowing, piling, bedding and other physical methods to cut, break apart or move 

logging debris, or to improve soil conditions following harvest. This category is often 

described by its impact on the soil. Methods vary from low intensity to high intensity. High-intensity methods such as disking and bedding expose the soil on more 

than 50% of the site. Chopping is a low-intensity method. Erosion potential usually 

increases with higher-intensity methods, especially in areas with steep slope. 

Therefore, high-intensity methods are appropriate for flat and gentle slopes, used 

with caution on moderate slopes, and avoided on steep slopes. Low-intensity 

Section 5.0

Site Preparation and Reforestation
45

methods are preferred on moderate to steep slopes. 

5.1.1 BMPs FOR MECHANICAL SITE PREPARATION

s 4HOROUGHLYPLANTHEsite preparation before beginning the job to ensure that 

the best treatment is implemented.

• Use the minimum intensity of site preparation required.

• On slopes of 6%-10%, intensive mechanical methods should follow the 

contour of the land.

• On slopes of 11%-20%, mechanical methods other than chopping should 

follow the contours of the land. On soils with moderate to severe erosion 

potential, strips of untreated areas or windrows should be left to slow 

water and soil movement down the slope.

• On slopes of 21%-30% with severely erosive soils, use only low-intensity 

mechanical methods that follow the contour. Drum chopping should be 

perpendicular to the slope. 

• On slopes greater than 30%, use only hand tools (chain saw felling).

• Where accelerated erosion is likely, use methods that leave logging debris and 

other litter scattered evenly over the site.

• When constructing beds on slopes greater than five percent, follow 

land contours.

• Protect forest floor and limit soil disturbance in stabilized gullies that are 

not eroding. 

5.1.2 Practices to Avoid During Mechanical Site Preparation

• Any mechanical methods except drum roller chopping or spot cultivation on 

slopes greater than 30%. Drum chopping should not follow the contour. 

• Intensive mechanical methods on slopes greater than 20% with severe 

erosion potential. 

• Windrow construction that could direct runoff into waterways.

• Mechanically preparing sites when soils are saturated. 

• Mechanical methods in SMZs.

• Blocking any drainage with beds, windrows, or similar structures.

• Bedding that channels surface runoff into waterways and roadbeds. 

• Moving soil into windrows and piles.

• Re-activating stabilized gullies.
46

5.2 MECHANICAL SITE PREPARATION IN WETLANDS

Forested wetlands offer unique challenges for site preparation. The EPA and 

Army Corps of Engineers have determined that major drainage in jurisdictional wetlands will require a Section 404 permit from the Army Corps of Engineers. Also a 404 permit may be required for mechanical site preparation for pine 

establishment in the following forested wetland types, unless they no longer 

exhibit their unique distinguishing characteristics due to past practices: 

1. Permanently flooded, intermittently exposed and semi-permanently 

flooded wetlands: Examples include Cypress-Gum Swamps, Muck and 

0EAT3WAMPSAND#YPRESS3TRANDS$OMES

2. Riverine Bottomland Hardwood wetlands: Seasonally flooded or wetter 

bottomland hardwood sites within the first or second bottoms where overbank 

flooding has resulted in alluvial features such as natural levees. Soils are listed 

in NRCS surveys as poorly or very poorly drained. Bottomland hardwoods do 

not include sites in which greater than 25% of the canopy is pine. 

3. White Cedar Swamps: Wetlands greater than one acre in headwaters and 

greater than five acres elsewhere, underlain by peat of greater than 40 

inches, where natural white cedar represents more than 50 % of the basal area

and where the total basal area for all tree species is 60 square feet or greater.

4. Carolina Bay wetlands: Oriented, elliptical depressions with a sand rim, 

either underlain by (a) clay-based soils and vegetated by cypress or (b) 

peat of greater than 20 inches and typically vegetated with an overstory of 

Red, Sweet, and Loblolly Bays.

5. Non-riverine Forest wetlands: Rare, high quality (undisturbed) wet forests, with mature vegetation, located on the Southeastern coastal plain, 

whose hydrology is dominated by high water tables. Two forest community 

types fall into this group:

Wet Hardwood Forests — interstream flats comprising ten or more contiguous acres typically found on the margins of large peatland areas that are seasonally flooded or saturated by high water tables. Soils are listed as poorly drained 

mineral soils. Vegetation is dominated (greater than 50% of basal area) by mature 

swamp chestnut oak, cherrybark oak, or laurel oak, alone or in combination.

Swamp Forests — flats comprising five or more contiguous acres found 

on sites that are seasonally to frequently flooded or saturated by high water 

tables. Soils are listed as very poorly drained. Vegetation is dominated by 

Section 5.0

Site Preparation and Reforestation
47

mature bald cypress, pond cypress, swamp tupelo, water tupelo, or Atlantic 

white cedar, alone or in combination. 

Note: Sites dominated by red maple, sweetgum, or loblolly pine alone or 

in combination are not considered to be of high quality, and therefore do not 

require a permit.

6. Low Pocossin wetlands: Central, deepest parts of domed peatlands on 

poorly drained interstream flats, underlain by peat soils greater than 40 

inches, typically vegetated by a dense layer of short shrubs. 

7. Wet Marl Forest: Hardwood forest wetlands underlain with poorly drained 

marl-derived, high pH soils.

8. Tidal Freshwater Marshes: Wetlands with dense herbaceous vegetation 

located on the margins of estuaries or drowned rivers and creeks regularly 

or irregularly flooded by freshwater. 

9. Maritime Grasslands, Shrub Swamps, and Swamp Forests: Barrier 

island wetlands in dune swales and flats, underlain by wet mucky or sandy 

soils vegetated by wetland herbs, shrubs, and trees.

These forested wetland areas are more precisely described in an EPA and 

Corps November 1995 memorandum concerning Application of Best Management 

Practices to Mechanical Silvicultural Site Preparation Activities for the Establishment 

of Pine Plantations in the Southeast. Consult a qualified professional for additional 

information to determine if one of these wetland types is on a site.

5.2.1 Other Wetlands

Other jurisdictional forested wetlands do not require a Section 404 permit if 

conducted according to the following six federally mandated minimum BMPs. 

5.2.1.1 Federally Mandated BMPs for Mechanical Site Preparation 

 in Wetlands

1. Position shear blades or rakes at or near the soil surface. Windrow, pile and 

move logs and logging debris by methods that reduce dragging or pushing 

through the soil to minimize soil disturbance associated with shearing, raking and moving trees, stumps, brush and other unwanted vegetation.

2. Activities should avoid excessive soil compaction and maintain soil tilth.
48

3. Arrange windrows to limit erosion, overland flow and runoff.

4. Prevent disposal or storage of logs or logging debris in SMZs.

5. Maintain the site’s natural contour and ensure that activities do not 

immediately or gradually convert the wetland to a non-wetland. 

6. Conduct activities with appropriate water management mechanisms to 

minimize off-site water quality impacts. 

5.3 CHEMICAL SITE PREPARATION

Herbicides are a valuable tool in forest management and are used to control 

competing vegetation in the establishment and management of natural and 

planted pine stands. If conducted properly, herbicide treatments are acceptable 

site preparation methods on all slopes.

Proper planning and execution are key to safe herbicide use. Follow label 

directions and applicable state and federal laws in the storage, transportation, 

handling and application of all herbicides. Apply restricted-use herbicides only under 

the supervision of a certified pesticide applicator.

5.3.1 BMPs For Chemical Applications

s %STABLISHAPPROPRIATEBUFFERSALONGperennial and intermittent streams and 

flowing bodies of water.

s #ONSIDERWEATHERCONDITIONSSUCHASTEMPERATUREWINDSPEEDAND

precipitation, equipment capabilities and pesticide formulations to avoid 

pesticide drift into the SMZ.

s #ONDUCTALLON
SITEpesticide handling, such as tank mixing, loading and 

rinsing equipment, away from streams, ponds, wells and roadside ditches. 

s $ISPOSEOFpesticideCONTAINERSANDOREXCESSpesticides according to label 

requirements and local, state and federal regulations.

s #LEANUPANDORCONTAINALLpesticide spills immediately and comply with local, 

state and federal regulations for reporting hazardous materials spills. Report 

spills to the DNR EPD Hazardous Substance Office (1-800-241-4113).

5.3.2 Practices to Avoid During Chemical Applications

s !PPLYINGApesticide directly to water bodies (streams, lakes, and swamps), 

unless it is specifically prescribed and labeled for aquatic management.

s "ROADCASTAPPLICATIONSOFpesticides within SMZs.

Section 5.0

Site Preparation and Reforestation
49

5.4 SITE PREPARATION (CONTROLLED) BURNING 

Controlled fire is often used alone or in conjunction with chemical or 

mechanical site preparation to prepare sites for regeneration. A properly executed 

site prep burn only slightly increases the chance for erosion. Fires that expose 

significant mineral soil on steep slopes, however, may increase erosion potential. Other factors also must be taken into consideration. If in doubt about 

appropriate site preparation treatment, consult a qualified professional.

5.4.1 BMPs for Site Preparation Burning 

s 5NLESSPROTECTEDBYNATURALBARRIERSTHEAREATOBEBURNEDSHOULDBEPROTECTed by firebreaks installed following BMP recommendations. (See Section 5.5)

s -OISTURELEVELSWITHINTHESOILFORESTFUELSANDTHEAIRSHOULDBESUFlCIENT

to prevent major exposure or damage to the mineral soil, especially on 

moderate to severely erosive soils.

s %XCLUDEHIGH
INTENSITYsite preparation fires from the SMZ. Cool, low-intensity, 

hazard-reduction fires that do not consume the duff layer are allowed.

5.5 PRE-SUPPRESSION FIREBREAKS

Pre-suppression firebreaks aid in site preparation (controlled) burning, 

prescribed burning and in controlling wildfires. Proper planning and BMP 

implementation for pre-suppression firebreaks can minimize sediment delivery 

to surface water. Aerial photographs, topographic maps, or county soil survey 

maps should be used to locate tract boundaries, streams, wetlands, rock 

outcrops, gullies, cemeteries, etc. that require extra precautions.

5.5.1 BMPs for Firebreaks

s 7HEREPOSSIBLEUSENATURALBARRIERSSUCHASROADSSTREAMSANDlELDS

as firebreaks.

s )NSTALLfirebreaks on the contour as much as possible.

s 7HENfirebreaks cannot be installed on the contour, use a gradual grade.

s 5SEBLADEDORHARROWEDfirebreaks instead of plowed firebreaks whenever 

possible.

s /NSLOPESEXCEEDINGTHREEPERCENTINSTALLwater bars with water turnouts in 

firebreaks according to the BMP recommendations for skid trail retirement. 

(See Table 4-A page 39.)
50

s 5SEHANDTOOLS or back blade firebreaks away from the edge of streams, roads, 

or gullies.

s )NSTALLwater bars and water turnouts at approaches to streams, roads, and 

gullies to prevent channeling water from firebreaks into these areas.

s 4REATACTIVEgullies the same as streams, using appropriate buffers and 

plowing practices. 

5.5.2 Practices to Avoid During Firebreak Construction

s Firebreaks that channel surface runoff into streams, roads, or gullies.

s 0LOWINGINSIDETHE3-:

5.6 REFORESTATION

Reforestation can be accomplished artificially or naturally. Natural regeneration

and hand planting generally pose less of a threat to water quality than mechanical 

methods. Complete artificial regeneration projects as quickly as practical. A qualified 

professional can provide advice on reforestation choices.

5.6.1 BMPs for Reforestation

s (ANDPLANTONSLOPESWITH

severely erosive soils. 

s -ACHINEPLANTONTHEcontour on 

slopes between 2% and 20%.

5.6.2 Practices to Avoid During 

 Mechanical Reforestation

s -ACHINEPLANTINGUPANDDOWN

slopes greater than five percent.

s -ACHINEPLANTINGWITHIN3-:S Mechanical Tree Planting

Section 5.0

Site Preparation and Reforestation
51

Notes:
52

Section 6.0

Management and Protection

6.1 PRESCRIBED BURNING/HAZARD REDUCTION

Prescribed burning is used to reduce hazardous accumulations of forest fuels, 

manage competing plant vegetation, improve wildlife habitat and perpetuate certain endangered plant and animal ecosystems. When properly 

planned and conducted, prescribed burning has minimal impacts on water quality. 

These burns should follow federal, state, county and local regulations.

6.1.1 BMPs for Prescribed Burning

• Follow same BMPs as in 5.4 and 5.5 page 49.

6.2 WILDFIRE SUPPRESSION

Wildfires are suppressed aggressively with the safety of personnel and 

equipment a primary concern. After suppression, when safety allows, BMPs 

should be installed during mop up or as soon as possible.

6.2.1 BMPs for Wildfire Suppression Firebreaks

• Locate camps and staging areas on upland sites.

• Stabilize areas designated for water supply points and dip sites for helicopters 

to prevent excessive rutting from support equipment. 

• -IXANDORHANDLElRERETARDANTSLUBRICANTSETCAWAYFROMSTREAMS

ponds, wells and roadside ditches. 

• Repair wildfire suppression firebreaks as soon as practical after the fire is 

under control to meet BMPs for pre-suppression plowing.

6.3 FERTILIZATION

Forest fertilization is a valuable silvicultural practice that enhances tree survival and growth. The primary nutrients applied are nitrogen and phosphorus. 

Plan any forest fertilization to prevent direct applications and runoff into water 

bodies. When conducted properly, forest fertilization poses little threat to 

water quality. Fertilizer applications should not result in the exceeding of state 

water quality standards for nitrates and phosphorous for lakes. For more information, contact the DNR EPD Water Protection Branch for those standards. 

6.3.1 BMPs for Fertilization

• Consider weather conditions (such as temperature, wind speed and precipi-
53

tation) and equipment capabilities to avoid fertilizer drift into the SMZ.

• Conduct all on-site fertilizer handling, such as mixing and loading, away 

from streams, ponds, wells and roadside ditches. 

• #LEANUPANDORCONTAINALLfertilizer spills immediately and comply with 

any local, state and federal regulations for reporting spills of hazardous 

materials. 

• Dispose of fertilizerCONTAINERSANDOREXCESSfertilizer according to local, state 

and federal regulations and label requirements. In case of accidental spills, 

call 1-800-241-4113.

6.3.2 Practices to Avoid When Applying Fertilizers 

• Applying fertilizer directly to water bodies (streams, lakes, and swamps) unless specifically prescribed and approved for aquatic management.

• Applications of fertilizer within SMZs.

6.4 REVEGETATION AND STABILIZATION OF SITES

Forest management often creates openings in the form of roads, stream 

crossings, log decks, skid trails, and firebreaks. Establishing a vegetative cover as soon 

as possible on these sites reduces erosion and prevents sedimentation. In addition 

to protecting the soil, vegetative cover can enhance wildlife habitat. Establishing 

a vegetative cover may include selecting the proper plant species, preparing the 

site, liming, fertilizing, seeding and mulching. This section provides managers with 

a variety of seeding mixtures that stabilize sites quickly and also provide benefits 

to wildlife. Table 6-A on page 54 provides a quick reference to help with the 

selection and establishment of seeding mixtures. Selection of plant species, 

establishment methods and maintenance procedures should be based on site 

characteristics, including climate, soils, aspect and land-use objectives.

6.4.1 Land Preparation

Site preparation, such as smoothing or reshaping rutted roads and landings, may be necessary before conventional equipment can prepare seedbeds, 

which are important for vegetation establishment. Disc harrowing and dragging 

will firm and smooth soil and promote good germination. Heavily compacted 

areas may require sub-soiling, ripping or disking to allow water infiltration and to 

provide a suitable seedbed for root growth. 
54 Table 6-A. Seeding Mixtures for Erosion Control Plantings

Fall Plantings Planting Date

Recommended 

Planting1

Seeding2

Rate (lb/acre)

Coastal Piedmont Mountains Fertilizer

(lb/acre)

Wildlife

Value

Remarks

Ladino Clover3

Red Clover

Ryegrass

Rye

Wheat

5

10153030

September 15

to

November 15

September 1

to

November 1 

August 1

to

October 15

500

10-10-10

Excellent

Well drained clayey or loamy soils. Perennial clover can persist for several years. Inoculate clover seed. Maintaining pH above 6.0 is critical.

Crimson Clover

Hairy Vetch

Wheat

151560

September 15

to

November 15

September 1

to

November 1

September 1

to

October 15

500

10-10-10 Excellent

Well drained clayey or loamy soils. Inoculate clover. Tolerates lower soil pH. Disk lightly in September to encourage re-seeding and overseed with wheat.

Arrowleaf Clover or

Crimson Clover

Ryegrass

Wheat

151540

September 15

to

November 15

September 1

to

November 1

September 1

to

October 15

500

10-10-10

Good

Well drained sandy or loamy soils. Inoculate clover. Disk lightly in September to encourage re-seeding of clover and overseed with wheat and rye.

Wheat or Rye 

Unhulled 

Bermuda in 

sandy soil or 

Fescue in 

clayey soil

501025

September 1

to

December 15

September 1

to

December 1 

September 1

to

November 15

500

10-10-10

Poor

Cool season annuals provide value for wildlife during fall and winter of first year. Maintain by mowing for weed control and fall fertilization.

 Spring Plantings Planting Date

Recommended 

Planting

Seeding 

Rate (lb/acre) Coastal Piedmont Mountains Fertilizer

(lb/acre)

Wildlife

Value Remarks

Ryegrass

Kobe Lespedeza

2030

Feb. 15

to

April 1

Feb. 15

to

April 1

March 1

to

April 15

500

10-10-10 Excellent

Low maintenance, reseeding annuals. Inoculate Kobe Lespedeza.

Bahiagrass

Brown Top Millet

2525

March 25

to

July 1

April 15

to

July 1

XXXXXX

500

10-10-10 Good

Include hulled Bermuda at a rate of 10 lb. per acre on sandy sites. Kobe Lespedeza can be added at 10 lb. per acre to increase wildlife value.

Bermuda grass

Brown Top Millet

1025

March 15

to 

July 1

March 15

to 

July 1

April 15

to 

July 1

500

10-10-10 Fair

Does well in dry, sandy sites.

Footnotes for Erosion Control Plantings Table1) To maximize wildlife value, avoid plantings with Fescue, weeping love grass, Bermuda grass, and sericea Lespedeza.2) Seeding depths should be 1/4 inch unless otherwise noted.3) For mixtures including Ladino clover, lime at the rate indicated by soil test or at the rate of 2 tons per acre.
55

6.4.1.1 Fertilizer and Lime

A soil test can determine fertility and pH. If a soil test is not available and 

lime has not been applied in the past three years, apply it at the rate shown in 

Table 6-B. Lime and fertilizer are most efficient when incorporated into the soil. 

Spread them uniformly over the site prior to land preparation and mix them 

completely with the soil. Lime takes several months to react with the soil and 

become fully effective. 

&ORESTSOILSARETYPICALLYLOWINPHOSPHOROUSANDORPOTASSIUMANDUSUally require lime. Clovers are not productive in acid sites (below pH 6.0) with 

low fertility unless fertilizer and lime are added. 

 Table 6-B. Rate of Lime to Use When a Soil Test is Unavailable

 Base additional applications of lime on soil test recommendations.

6.4.1.2 Seeding and Mulching

 Seeding can be done in a number of ways. The most common method 

utilizes a farm tractor and a broadcast seeder. On steep or severely erosive 

sites, use a hydroseeder. Seed should be covered by pulling a section harrow, 

cultipacker, or brush. 

 Mulch should be used on slopes greater than five percent, on sites where 

vegetation will establish slowly, or on deep sands or heavy clay soils. Mulch 

helps prevent erosion and allows vegetation to become established. Structural measures such as a diversion, which moves concentrated runoff, usually require mulch. Where there is a danger of mulch being blown or washed 

off-site, anchor it by running over the mulched area with a disk harrow with 

the discs set to run straight. On steep slopes, anchor mulch with netting and 

tack-down staples or spray it with a tackifier. 

 Soil Texture Tons/Acre Pounds/1000 sq. ft.

 Sands and loams 2 100

 Clayey, acidic 3 150

 Clayey, alkaline 0 0
56

Section 7.0

Additional Management Objectives

T

he Best Management Practices recommendations in this publication are directed at maintaining water quality, which is critical for the conservation 

of all natural resources. Forest management practices such as timber 

harvesting, site preparation, tree regeneration, and within-stand treatments may be 

conducted in ways that enhance fish and wildlife habitat, aesthetics and recreational opportunities, while accommodating sensitive sites and endangered 

species. Landowners may have other resource objectives that can be achieved 

only through the use of practices that vary but are consistent with the protection of water quality. The following comments describe additional management options that landowners may wish to consider. 

7.1 WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT 

s #OMPAREYOURCURRENTHABITATCONDITIONSANDTHOSEONADJACENTLANDSTO

your wildlife management objectives before making land management 

decisions.

s 3OMElSHANDWILDLIFESPECIESBENElTFROM3-:SWIDERTHANTHEMINIMUM

widths specified for water quality BMPs. 

s -ANAGEFORADIVERSITYOFFORESTTYPESANDAGECLASSESTOENHANCEWILDLIFE

habitat quality.

s -AINTAINMATUREMASTPRODUCINGHARDWOODSINGROUPSORSTANDS

s ,EAVECORRIDORSOFTREESCONNECTINGMATUREFORESTSTANDSTOPROVIDEFOOD

cover and travel avenues for wildlife while adjacent stands are regenerating.

s ,EAVESNAGSDEADANDDOWNWOODYDEBRISBRUSHPILESORwindrows throughout timber harvest areas.

s 5SEprescribed fire, which is one of the most cost-effective forest and wildlife 

management practices. 

s 5SEWILDLIFE
FRIENDLYPLANTINGSFORlog decks, roads and skid trails following 

logging operations.

s &ORMOREINFORMATIONONANYOFTHEABOVERECOMMENDATIONSCONTACTTHE

Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division.

7.2 PROTECTED SPECIES 

 The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service, the College 

of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, and the Georgia Department of 

Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division have publications with listings. 
57

If you suspect the presence of an endangered species, contact the Georgia 

Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division or the U.S. Fish 

and Wildlife Service for verification and management considerations. 

7.3 AESTHETICS

s #ONSIDERaesthetics during forest 

management activities and be 

aware that appearance may 

influence public opinion.

s 5SEFORESTMANAGEMENTMETHODS

that can minimize visual impacts 

such as single tree and group 

selection, seed tree and shelterwood 

regeneration, and small patch clearcuts. 

s ,EAVECORRIDORSOFTREESALONGWELL


traveled public roads to enhance 

visual quality.

s 3HAPEHARVESTAREASWITHNATURALFEATURESOFTHELANDSCAPE

s 2E
SEEDBARESOILAREASPROMPTLY

s -AINTAINAMIXEDTREESPECIESCOMPOSITION

s $URINGARTIlCIALregeneration, establish tree rows parallel to the road and 

avoid 90-degree angles. 

s -INIMIZETHEhSKYLININGvOFRESIDUALSNAGSANDCULLTREES

s &ORMOREINFORMATIONSEETHE!MERICAN0ULPWOOD!SSOCIATIONS Forestry 

Aesthetics Guide, Image and Opportunity.

7.4 SENSITIVE SITES

s #ONSIDERPROTECTIVEMANAGEMENTPRESCRIPTIONSFORUNIQUECULTURAL.ATIVE

American sites), ecological (protected species), archeological (civil war 

breastworks), geological (rock formations), or historical (old forts and cemeteries) sites. They may need special consideration to manage their values. 

Contact the DNR.

Aesthetics can influence public 

perception of forestry.
58

Section 8.0

Appendix

8.1 FEDERAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS AFFECTING 

 FOREST LANDOWNERS

8.1.1 The Federal Clean Water Act, Section 404, 40 CFR Part 232.3 

s %XEMPTSNORMALESTABLISHEDON
GOINGsilvicultural operations 

from permitting.

s 2EQUIRESsilvicultural operations to adhere to BMPs and 15 baseline provisions for forest road construction and maintenance in and across waters of 

the U.S. (lakes, rivers, perennial and intermittent streams, wetlands, sloughs and 

natural ponds) in order to qualify for the silvicultural exemption from the 

permitting process. See Section 3.3.1 page 31.

s 2EQUIRES!RMY#ORPSOF%NGINEERSPERMITFORTHECONVERSIONOFFORESTED

wetlands to other uses such as agriculture or development. 

s !-EMORANDUMOF5NDERSTANDINGDATED.OVEMBERBETWEENTHE

Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 

requires permits for the conversion of specific high-quality bottom land 

hardwood wetlands to pine plantations by mechanical site preparation methods. It also mandates the use of six BMPs in other jurisdictional wetlands. 

See Section 5.2.1.1, page 47.

s 0ROVIDESFORCIVILANDCRIMINALPENALTIESUPTOPERDAY

8.1.2 USDA Programs

Participation by landowners in various loan, price support, agriculture, forestry incentive and assistance programs subject them to rules and regulations 

regarding the Federal Farm Bill (Swampbuster and Sodbuster Provisions). 

s 0ROHIBITSLANDOWNERSFROMCONVERTINGFORESTEDwetlands to agricultural uses. 

s 0ROVIDESFORPENALTIESINCLUDINGPROGRAMPAYMENTSPLUSINTERESTTOBEPAID

back from the time of the conversion, loss of benefits and loss of eligibility 

in future programs.

8.2 STATE LAWS and REGULTIONS AFFECTING FOREST LANDOWNERS

8.2.1 The Georgia Water Quality Control Act (O.C.G.A. 12-5-29) 

s -AKESITUNLAWFULTODISCHARGEEXCESSIVEpollutants (sediment, nutrients, 

pesticides, animal waste, etc.) into waters of the state in amounts harmful to 
59

public health, safety, or welfare, or to animals, birds or aquatic life or the 

physical destruction of stream habitats. See Section 1 or glossary for 

definition of waters of the state. 

s 0ROVIDESFORCIVILANDCRIMINALPENALTIESUPTOPERDAY

8.2.2 (Excerpt from Georgia Rules and Regulations for Water Quality 

 Control Chapter 391-3-6-.03 Water Use Classifications and 

 Water Quality Standards) Amended.

 General Criteria for All Waters. The following criteria are deemed to be 

necessary and applicable to all waters of the state:

Turbidity. All waters shall be free from turbidity, which results in a substantial visual contrast in a water body due to a man-made activity. The upstream 

appearance of a body of water shall be as observed at a point immediately 

upstream of a turbidity-causing man-made activity. That upstream appearance 

shall be compared to a point, which is located sufficiently downstream from 

the activity so as to provide an appropriate mixing zone. 

For land disturbing activities, proper design, installation, and maintenance of best management practices and compliance with issued permits shall 

constitute compliance. 

Temperature: Not to exceed 90°F. At no time is the temperature of the receiving waters to be increased more than five degrees Fahrenheit above intake 

temperature, except that in estuarine waters the increase will not be more 

than one-point-five degrees Fahrenheit. In streams designated as primary 

trout or smallmouth bass waters by the Wildlife Resources Division, there 

shall be no elevation of natural stream temperatures. Streams designated 

as primary trout waters are waters supporting a self-sustaining population 

of rainbow, brown or brook trout. In streams designated as secondary trout 

waters, there shall be no elevation exceeding two degrees Fahrenheit natural 

stream temperatures. Streams designated as secondary trout streams are those 

with no evidence of natural trout reproduction, but are capable of supporting 

trout throughout the year. 

Trout streams are classified in accordance with the designations and criteria 

established by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division. This list may 

be updated every two years. For the most current list, visit www.gaepd.org or 

call the Georgia EPD at 404-656-4708.
60

8.2.3 The Georgia Growth Planning Act (O.C.G.A. 12-2-8) 

s !UTHORIZEDTHE'EORGIA$EPARTMENTOF.ATURAL2ESOURCESTODEVELOPMINImum planning standards and procedures that local city and county planning 

and zoning jurisdictions could adopt and enforce pertaining to the protection of river corridors, mountain tops, water supply reservoirswatersheds and wetlands. 

s 2EQUIRESLOCALGOVERNMENTSTOUSETHESEMINIMUMSTANDARDSINDEVELOPing and implementing local comprehensive growth development plans. 

s Silvicultural practices are exempt from permitting requirements according to 

the guidelines, but the activity must comply with BMPs within these sensitive areas. The rules for environmental planning for each of these sensitive 

areas are:

8.2.3.1 Water Supply Reservoir/Watershed (Chapter 391-3-16-. 01) 

s 0ROVIDESLOCALGOVERNMENTSCRITERIATOALLOWDEVELOPMENTOFA water 

supply reservoir or watershed without contaminating the water source to a 

point where it cannot be treated to meet drinking water standards. 

s 4HECRITERIAESTABLISHESBUFFERZONESANDREQUIREMENTSFORLANDDISTURBING

activities along perennial streams and lakes and applies to existing and future 

water supply reservoirs and watersheds. See Figures 8-A and 8-B.

s ,OCALGOVERNMENTSMAYEXEMPTSPECIlCFORESTRYACTIVITIESFROMTHE

stream and lake corridor buffers, provided the activity complies with Best 

Management Practices.

Figure 8-A. Water Supply Reservoir/Watershed Buffer Zones

(> 100 sq. mi.)

100' BUFFER + 50' SETBACK

100' BUFFER + 50' SETBACK

50' BUFFER + 25' SETBACK

7-MILE RADIUS

7-MILE RADIUS

150' RESERVOIR BUFFER 150' RESERVOIR BUFFER

RESERVOIR RESERVOIR

(< 100 sq. mi.)

Section 8.0

Appendix
61

8.2.3.2 Wetlands Protection Act (Chapter 391-3-16-. 03) 

s 2EQUIRESLOCALGOVERNMENTSANDREGIONALDEVELOPMENTCENTERSTO

acknowledge the importance of wetlands for the public good in the land-use 

planning process. 

s 7HEREwetlands exceed five acres, local governments are encouraged to 

protect them. 

s 4IMBERPRODUCTIONANDHARVESTINGARECONSIDEREDACCEPTABLEUSES

8.2.3.3 River Corridor Protection Act (Chapter 391-3-16-. 04) 

s 2EQUIRESLOCALGOVERNMENTSANDREGIONALDEVELOPMENTCENTERSTOUSESTANdards for the protection of river corridors in developing and implementing 

local comprehensive development plans. 

s !PPLIESTOANYperennial river or watercourse, at that point and below, where 

the average annual flow is at least 400 cubic feet per second (cfs) as determined by appropriate U.S. Geological Survey documents. 

s 0ROTECTEDBUFFERSINCLUDEALLLANDWITHINFEETHORIZONTALLYONBOTHSIDES

of the river, as measured from the riverbanks. 

s 0LANSSHALLALLOWFORTIMBERPRODUCTIONANDHARVESTINGPROVIDEDTHE

activity complies with Best Management Practices. 

s 3EEMAP&IGURE
#	

Figure 8-B. Water Supply Intake Watershed (< 100 sq. mi.)

100' BUFFER + 50' SETBACK

50' BUFFER + 25' SETBACK

7-MILE RADIUS

WATER SUPPLY INTAKE
62

8.2.3.4 Mountain Protection Act Chapter 391-3-16-. 05) 

s 2EQUIRESLOCALGOVERNMENTSANDREGIONALDEVELOPMENTCENTERSTOUSE

planning standards for the protection of mountain areas in developing and 

implementing local comprehensive plans.

s !PPLIESTO all land area 2,200-feet or more above mean sea level that has a 

percentage slope of 25 percent or greater for at least 500-feet horizontally, 

Figure 8-C. State Designated Protected Rivers, 1992

River corridors with mean 

annual flow greater than four 

hundred cubic feet/second

Source: U.S. Geologic Survey

Section 8.0

Appendix
63

and shall include the crests, summits, and ridge tops that lie at elevations 

higher than any such area. 

s &ORESTRYPRACTICESAREALLOWEDONPROTECTEDMOUNTAINSPROVIDEDTHE

activity complies with Best Management Practices. 

s 3EEMAP&IGURE
$	

8.2.4 Coastal Management Act (O.C.G.A. 12 -5-260) 

s 2EQUIRESEXISTINGAUTHORITIESINTHE
COUNTYCOASTALAREATOEXECUTETHE

full range of policies and management techniques identified as necessary 

for coastal management purposes. 

s 3EEMAP&IGURE
%	

Source: U.S. Geologic Survey

Source: Georgia Coastal Resources Division

Figure 8-D. Generalized Map of Areas Subject to “Mountain Protection”

Figure 8-E Coastal Zone Management Program Area,1997
64

8.2.5 Metropolitan River Protection Act (O.C.G.A. 12-5-440)

s 2EQUIRESTHE!TLANTA2EGIONAL#OMMISSION!2#	TOADOPTA0LANTHAT

would protect the land and water resources of the Chattahoochee River 

Corridor from Buford Dam to the southwest edge of Fulton County. 

s %STABLISHESA
FTBUFFERINWHICHLANDDISTURBINGACTIVITIESAREREGULATED

s 2EQUIRESA
FTBUFFEROFNATURALVEGETATIONBELEFTINITSNATURALSTATE

along the banks of the river and 35-ft. along the banks of other tributaries.

s /UTSIDEOFTHESEBUFFERSANDINAREASZONEDFORAGRICULTUREFORESTRYPRACtices are exempt from permitting. However in residential or commercial 

areas, a plan must be submitted and approved by the ARC when removing 

healthy trees over two inches in diameter at breast height.

s %STABLISHESCIVILPENALTIESOFPERACREPERDAYORPARTTHEREOFON

which such violation occurs.

8.2.6 Georgia Forest Fire Protection Act (O.C.G.A. 12-6-90)

s 2EQUIRESANYPERSONlRMCORPORATIONORASSOCIATIONENTITLEDTOBURNANY

woods, lands, marshes, or any other flammable vegetation, whether in 

CULTIVATEDORUNCULTIVATEDAREASTONOTIFYPRIORTOBURNINGANDOROBTAINA

permit from the county office of the GFC wherein such burning is to be made.

s !NYPERSONWHOMAKESABURNANDFAILSTOGIVENOTICEANDOROBTAIN

required permit shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

8.2.7 Erosion and Sediment Control Act (O.C.G.A. 12-7-1)

s 0ROVIDESPERMITTINGBYLOCALISSUINGAUTHORITIESFORLANDDISTURBINGACTIVITIES

s %XEMPTSCOMMERCIALFORESTRYACTIVITIESINCLUDINGHARVESTINGFROMPERMITting and minimum requirements of the act.

s (ARVESTINGINCONSISTENTWITH"-0SMAYBEINTERPRETEDASBEINGINASSOCIATION

with land conversion activities and trigger Erosion & Sediment Control permits 

and requirements.

8.2.8 Oil or Hazardous Material Spills or Release Act (O.C.G.A. 12 -14-1)

s 2EQUIRESPRODUCERSOFHAZARDOUSSUBSTANCESINCLUDINGUSEDMOTOROILSOR

fuels to collect those substances and deliver to registered handlers.

s 2EQUIRESTHATINTHEEVENTOFACCIDENTALSPILLSTHESPILLBECONTAINED

contaminated soils be collected and delivered to approved waste handling 

facility, and EPD be notified. (1-800-241-4113)

Section 8.0

Appendix
65

8.2.9 State Board of Registration for Foresters Standards of Practice 

 (O.C.G.A. 43-1-19) Chapter 220-5.01

s )TISTHERESPONSIBILITYOFEACHregistered forester to practice professional 

forestry in a manner which protects the public welfare and safety and which 

meets generally accepted standards of practice.

s 'ENERALLYACCEPTEDSTANDARDSOFPRACTICESHALLINCLUDEBUTARENOTLIMITED

to, adherence to Best Management Practices published periodically by the 

Georgia Forestry Commission and available from the Board office.

s &AILURETOPRACTICEPROFESSIONALFORESTRYINACCORDANCEWITHGENERALLY

accepted standards of practice shall constitute unprofessional conduct 

and shall be grounds for disciplinary action as provided for by law. 

8.3 LOCAL LAWS, REGULATIONS, AND ORDINANCES 

 AFFECTING FOREST LANDOWNERS 

 Certain counties have adopted local laws and ordinances, which affect 

forestry activities. These come under the following categories:

8.3.1 Road Protection

May require permits and bonds before harvesting can begin. The Georgia 

Forestry Association, the Georgia Forestry Commission and the University of 

Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources Extension Service maintains current list of those counties.

8.3.2 Zoning

Timber harvesting, in other than agriculture zones, may require permits 

and specific harvesting requirements.

8.3.3 Timber Tax Collection

Certain counties require permits or notification for timber harvest for the 

collection of timber tax.

8.3.4 Watershed Protection

Some counties require permits and plans for the removal of timber in 

floodplains. 

8.3.5 Local Land Use Plans

See Comprehensive Growth Planning Act under State Laws.

 Landowners, forest managers and operators should check with local 

authorities before undertaking forestry activities. 
66

8.4 GLOSSARY

Access Road – A permanent or temporary woods road over which timber is transported from a 

felling site to a public road. Also known as a haul or system road.

Aesthetics – The study or practices designed to maintain the beauty of forests.

Aspect – The compass direction that the slope of the land faces (north, northwest, south, etc.)

Back blading – The practice of laying the bulldozer blade on the ground while operating a crawler 

tractor or other bulldozer equipment in reverse. This practice is commonly used for smoothing rough soil or for pulling soil or debris away from an area when pushing is not practical. 

Backwater paleo channels – Usually well-defined deep channel features that are remnants of 

earlier river and side channel configurations. Mixed channel substrates (sand, organics, fine 

sediments). Flow usually backs into these features from the main river. Organic debris is 

often found piled against the “wrong” side of obstructions.

Backwater swamps – Backwater swamps are wetland areas formed in old overflow channels on 

the margins of floodplains at the base of the adjacent slopes. They feature wetland vegetation, hydric soils, and fine and organic substrates, but they may show evidence of scour and 

debris movement.

Basal Area – The area of the cross-section of a tree stem near its base, generally at breast height 

(4 1⁄2 feet above the ground), inclusive of bark. Expressed in square feet per acre. Stand basal 

area is generally expressed as the total basal area per unit area. 

Bedding – A site preparation technique in which a small ridge of surface soil is formed to provide 

an elevated planting or seedbed. It is used primarily in wet areas to improve drainage and 

aeration for seedlings.

Best Management Practices (BMPs) – Methods, measures or practices to prevent or reduce 

water pollution, including but not limited to, structural and non-structural controls, operation and maintenance procedures, and other requirements, scheduling, and distribution of 

activities. Usually BMPs are applied as a system of practices rather than a single practice. 

Braided stream – A stream flowing in several dividing and reuniting channels resembling the 

strands of a braid. The divisions are caused by obstruction from sediment deposited by the 

stream. 

Broad-Based Dip – A surface drainage diversion built into the bed of a permanent haul road that 

consists of a long approach section, a low, out-sloped middle section, and a short terminal 

section with a reverse grade. They are specifically designed to intercept and divert surface 

water flow out of a dirt road while allowing vehicles to maintain normal haul speeds. Also 

called a rolling dip.

Broadcast Burn – A controlled fire within well-defined boundaries to reduce forest fuel hazards.

Brush Barrier – A linear pile of limbs, tops, logs, and other forest debris which is arranged along 

the lower edge of a road, log deck, or site prepared area to slow, diffuse, or intercept sediment moving off the disturbed site.

Buffer Strip – A transitional area between two different land uses which mitigates the effects of 

one land use on another. For water quality purposes they are intended to filter surface runoff 

and trap sediment and associated pollutants before entering water bodies. Some state and 

local regulations require them. 

Canal – A man-made waterbody constructed for the purpose of flood control.

Canopy cover – Indices of percent ground surface shaded by a combination of overstory and 

midstory trees.

Section 8.0

Appendix
67

Channel – A natural water-bearing trough cut vertically into low areas of the land surface by erosive action of concentrated flowing water.

Chopping – A mechanical treatment in which vegetation is concentrated near the ground and 

incorporated in the soil. Chopping may be used to facilitate burning. 

Clearcutting – A silvicultural system in which all merchantable trees are harvested over a specified 

area in one operation.

Continuous Side Channels – These less distinct channels and banks flow intermittently and are 

connected to the main channel network at both ends. The channels often contain mixed 

substrates (sand, organics, fine sediments).

Commercial Forest land – Forest land bearing or capable of bearing timber of commercial character, currently or prospectively available, and not withdrawn from such use.

Contour – An imaginary line on the surface of the earth connecting points of the same elevation. 

Also a line drawn on a map connecting points of the same elevation.

Controlled burning (fire) – See prescribed burning 

Cross-Drain Culvert – A metal, wooden, plastic or concrete conduit through which ditch flow is 

directed underneath the road surface to the opposite side of the road.

Culvert – A metal, concrete or plastic pipe, or a constructed box-type conduit through which water 

is carried under roads or trails.

Discontinuous side channels – Channel features that may or may not be connected, on at least 

one end, to medium or higher flow energy channels. May have distinct or indistinct channel 

features, but the channel features disappear and reappear.

Ditch – A man-made feature constructed for the purpose of minor surface water drainage.

Drainage channels – These less distinct channels begin on the floodplain and usually flow intermittently during periods of high water tables via a continuous linear drainage system to the 

main river. The channels often contain mixed substrates (sand, organics, fine sediments).

Dry Wash – A stream bed that carries water only during and immediately following rainstorms. 

Sometimes referred to as a gully or ephemeral stream. 

Duff – Partially decayed organic matter on the forest floor.

Ephemeral area – Depressions or swales, sometimes called drains, draws, or dry washes, that 

have no defined continuous channel and that are well-connected to intermittent or perennial 

streams. Please see page 19 for a more detailed description. 

Erosion – The process by which soil particles are detached and transported by water, wind and 

gravity to a point downslope or downstream.

Estuary – An inlet or arm of the sea where the tide meets the current at the mouth of a river.

Excelsior blanket – A machine produced mat of curled wood excelsior bonded with polymer 

netting.

Fauna – The animals of a specified region or time.

Felling – Cutting down standing trees.

Fertilizers – Any substance or combination of substances used primarily as a source of plant 

nutrition or soil amendments.

Firebreaks (Fire Lines) – Artificial barriers that contain fires within an area that typically are 

ESTABLISHEDBYPLOWINGANDORHARROWING

Floodway and River bottom flats – Area of floodplain with significant water velocities during frequent overbank flows (flows less than the two-year low flow). Evidence of scour and 

debris movement can be found. The floodway is usually identified on FEMA floodplain maps. 

Smaller floodway or riparian areas in minor streams are also called river bottom flats.

Flora – The plant of a specified region or time.

Forest Chemicals – Chemical substances or formulations that perform important functions in 

forest management, including fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides, fungicides and repellents.

Gabion – Large, multi-celled, welded wire or rectangular wire mesh boxes, used in stream channel revetments, retaining walls, abutments, check dams, etc to stabilize steep or highly erosive slopes.
68

Geotextiles – Fabrics used to improve the load bearing capacity of roads with weak base material. 

Geowebb – A heavy-duty polyethylene cellular confinement system used to improve and stabilize 

structural fill in roads and embankments.

Gully – Narrow ravines, often caused by past land cultivation. Please see page 21 for a more 

detailed description.

Harrowing (Disking) – A mechanical method of scarifying the soil to reduce competing vegetation and to prepare a site for seeding or planting.

Herbicide – Any chemical or mixture of chemicals intended to prevent the growth of or promote 

THEREMOVALOFTARGETEDTRESSBUSHESANDORHERBACEOUSVEGETATION

Humus layer – The organic layer of the soil formed by the decay of organic matter.

Hydric Soils – Soils exhibiting a considerably wet nature, typically characterized by dark or gray 

mottled colors and associated with wetlands.

Hydrology – The scientific study of the properties, distribution and effects of water on the earth’s 

surface, in the soil and underlying rocks and in the atmosphere.

Inslope – The feature of a road surface, established during construction or maintenance, that 

slants the roadbed to the inner or uphill side to facilitate drainage of storm runoff from the 

road in more concentrated flow into a ditch line.

Integrated Pest Management – The maintenance of destructive agents, including insects, at tolerable levels by the planned use of a variety of preventive, suppressive, or regulatory tactics 

and strategies that are ecologically and economically effective and socially acceptable.

Intermittent stream – A watercourse that flows in a well-defined channel during wet seasons of the 

year but not the entire year. They generally exhibit signs of water velocity sufficient to move soil 

material, litter and fine debris. Aquatic insects often are difficult to find or not present at all.

Log deck – A place where logs or tree-length material is assembled for loading and transporting.

Logging Debris – The unused and generally unmarketable accumulation of large limbs, tops, cull 

logs, and stumps that remain after harvesting.

Mulching – Any loose covering of forest soil with organic residues such as grass, straw or wood 

fibers that checks erosion and stabilizes exposed soil.

Non-point source (NPS) pollution – Water pollution that is (1) induced by natural processes 

including precipitation, seepage, percolation and runoff; (2) not traceable to any discrete or 

identifiable facility; and (3) better controlled by using BMPs. 

Outslope – The feature of a road surface, established during construction or maintenance, that 

slants the roadbed to the outer or downhill side to facilitate drainage of storm runoff from 

the road in more diffuse flow than occurs at dips and water bars. Outsloping is a contrasting 

road design to the crowned roadbed or to an inslope toward a ditch line.

Perennial Stream – A watercourse that flows in a well-defined channel throughout most of the 

year under normal climatic conditions. Some may dry up during drought periods or due to 

excessive upstream uses. Aquatic insects are normally present and easily found.

Pesticide – Any chemical substance used to control undesirable insects, diseases, vegetation, 

animals or other life forms. Herbicides, insecticides, fungicides and nematicides are considered pesticides.

Pollutants – Natural or manmade waste material that contaminates air, soil or water.

Precipitation – Any form of water that falls to the ground from the atmosphere, including drizzle, 

rain, snow, snow pellets, ice crystals, etc.

Section 8.0

Appendix
69

Prescribed Burning (fire) – The use of planned fire that is deliberately set under specific fuel and 

weather conditions to accomplish any variety of management objectives and is under control 

until it burns out or is extinguished. 

Protected Mountain Top – Mountain tops above 2,200-ft. elevation and greater than 25% slope.

Protected River Corridors – One hundred-foot buffers along those rivers at a point and below 

where the flow is at 400 cubic feet per second (cfs).

Qualified Professionaln!PERSONWHOSETRAININGANDEXPERIENCEQUALIlESHIMHERTOMAKE

forestry and water quality recommendations. Examples include foresters, hydrologists, soil 

scientists, forest engineers, fishery and wildlife biologists, or technically trained individuals 

such as those who have completed the Master Timber Harvesters workshops. 

Raking – A mechanical site preparation method to remove trees and shrubs by raking and piling 

debris. Raking usually moves less soil into windrows than bulldozing. 

Regeneration – A young tree crop that replaces older trees removed by harvest or disaster; also 

the process of replacing old trees with young ones.

Registered Forester – A person who is registered and licensed to engage in professional forestry 

practices as determined by the Georgia State Board of Registration for Foresters. 

Restricted Use Pesticide – A pesticide that is applied only by certified persons for specific uses.

Retirement of Roads – Preparing a road for a long period of non-use by methods including 

mulching, seeding and installing water bars.

Riprap – Rock or other large aggregate that is placed to protect streambanks, bridge abutments 

or other erodible sites from runoff or wave action.

Rotation Period – The period of time needed to establish, grow and harvest a crop of trees at a 

specified condition of maturity.

Sediment – Soil particles that have been detached and transported into water during erosion.

Seed Tree Cut – A timber harvesting method that provides for the natural regeneration of a site 

by leaving single trees, or small groups of seed-bearing trees, evenly distributed throughout 

the harvest area. Generally results in an even-aged stand

Seep or spring – A place where groundwater flows slowly to the surface and often forms a pool; a 

small spring.

Selection cut – Removal of select trees in a forest stand based on some economic or physiological criteria. Generally results in an uneven-aged stand.

Shearing – A mechanical site preparation method of removing large numbers of stems too large 

for disking or drum chopping. Shear blades, mounted on crawler tractors, are angled or 

V-shaped, have straight or serrated edges and have a “stinger” for splitting larger trees 

and stumps.

Shelterwood Cut – Removal of mature timber in a forest stand in a series of harvests that extend 

over a relatively short portion of the rotation. This cut encourages essentially even-aged 

reproduction under the partial shade of seed trees.

Side cast – The act of moving excavated material to the side and depositing it.

Silt fence – A lofty web of mechanically or melt bonded polymer netting, monofilament or fibers 

that are entangled to form a strong and dimensionally stable matrix to catch storm runoff 

and soil particles. 

Silviculture – The science and art of growing forest crops. More particularly, the principles, theories and practices for protecting and enhancing the regeneration, growth, development and 

use of forests for multiple benefits.

Sinkhole – A geologic feature that may provide a direct connection between land surface and 

groundwater.

Site preparation – A forest activity to remove unwanted vegetation and other material, and to 

cultivate or prepare soil for reforestation.
70

Skid – The short-distance moving of logs or felled trees along the surface of the ground from the 

stump to the point of loading.

Skid Trail – A temporary, non-structural pathway over forest soil for dragging felled trees or logs 

to a log deck. 

Slough – A poorly defined channel in a swamp, bog, marsh, or riverine system, often without a 

clearly defined inlet or outlet. 

Staging area – An area designated for the concentration of vehicles and equipment for a 

specific activity. 

Streamside Management Zone (SMZ) – A designated area of varying width adjacent to the 

banks of streams and bodies of water where management practices that might affect water 

quality, fish, or other aquatic resources are modified. 

Sub-soiling – A mechanical site preparation method for ripping apart compact soils or soils with 

plow pans, hard pans, or fragi-pans under the soil surface. 

Thermal Pollution – A temperature rise in a body of water sufficient to harm aquatic life.

Trout stream – A perennial stream and its tributaries inhabited by trout. Streams designated as 

Primary Trout Waters are waters supporting a self-sustaining population of rainbow, brown or 

brook trout. Streams designated as Secondary Trout Streams are those with no evidence of 

natural trout reproduction, but are capable of supporting trout throughout the year.

Turbidity – An optical measurement of water clarity.

Water bar – A hump or small dam-type surface drainage structure used to close abandoned 

roads, skid trails, and fire lines.

Water Control Structure – Any structure used to regulate surface or subsurface water flows.

Watershed– All land and water within a drainage divide.

Waters of the State – Any and all rivers, streams, creeks, branches, lakes, reservoirs, ponds, 

drainage systems, springs, wells and other bodies of surface or subsurface water, natural or 

artificial, lying within or forming part of the boundaries of the state, which are not entirely 

confined and retained completely upon the property of a single individual, partnership or 

corporation.

Waters of the U.S. – Includes lakes, rivers, streams (including intermittent streams), mud flats, 

sand flats, wetlands, sloughs, prairie potholes, wet meadows, playa lakes, or natural ponds.

Water Supply Point – An easily accessible location used to pump water into fire-suppression 

vehicles.

Water Supply Reservoir/Watersheds – Governmentally owned impoundments of water and the 

watersheds above such impoundments used primarily to provide water to one or more governmentally owned public drinking-water systems. 

Water Turnout – The extension of an access road’s drainage ditch or skid trail’s or fire line’s water 

bar into a vegetated area to disperse and filter storm water runoff.

Wetlands – Areas inundated or saturated by surface or groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence 

of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions. Wetlands possess three 

essential characteristics: hydrophytic vegetation, hydric soils and hydrology. Wetlands generally include swamps, marshes, bogs, river floodplains, Carolina bays, cypress domes and 

stringers, pine hammocks and similar areas.

Windrow – Logging debris and unmerchantable woody vegetation that is piled into rows to 

decompose or be burned.

Section 8.0

Appendix
71

8.5 CONTRIBUTORS

Persons who contributed to the development of this document

Joe Allen, Southeastern Wood Producers 

Association

Glenn Atkinson, International Paper 

Company 

Rich Aubuchon, USDA Forest Service

Lynda Beam, Private landowner

Barry Beers, Prudential Timber Investments

Bill Breiner, Bill Breiner Forestry 

John Britt, Mead Coated Board, Inc.

Ginger Brown, USDA Forest Service 

Dr. Kim Coder, UGA Warnell School of 

Forestry and Natural Resources 

Alan Dozier, Georgia Forestry Commission

Jeff Durniak, GA Wildlife Resources Division

Willard Fell, Georgia Forestry Commission

David Ferrell, USDA Natural Resource 

Conservation Service

John Godbee, F&W Forestry

Micah Goldstein, Georgia Pacific 

Corporation

Frank Green, Georgia Forestry Commission

Dr. Dale Greene, UGA Warnell School of 

Forestry and Natural Resources

*OHN'REIS53$!&OREST3ERVICE53%0!

Jim Griffith, Georgia Farm Bureau

Greg Guest, Georgia Pacific Corporation

Bill Hansen, USDA Forest Service

Tom Harris, UGA Warnell School of Forestry 

and Natural Resources

Mike Hurst, USDA Forest Service

Bob Izlar, UGA Warnell School of Forestry 

and Natural Resources

Dr. Ben Jackson, UGA Warnell School of 

Forestry and Natural Resources

Rhett Jackson, UGA Warnell School of 

Forestry and Natural Resources 

Meg Jones, The Nature Conservancy

Frank Jordan, Attorney; Private landowner; 

Assoc. of Conservation Districts

George Kellogg, International Paper Company

Lynn Klein, Georgia Pacific Corporation

Bob Lazenby, Georgia Forestry Commission

Drew Marczak, Plum Creek

Dennis Martin, Georgia Forestry Commission

Ted Mikalsen, Georgia Environmental 

Protection Division

Dr. Karl Miller, UGA Warnell School of Forestry 

and Natural Resources 

Masato Miwa, International Paper Company

Dr. David Moorhead, UGA Warnell School of 

Forestry and Natural Resources

Dr. Larry Morris, UGA Warnell School of 

Forestry and Natural Resources 

Stuart Moss, F & W Forestry Service

Jamie Nettles, Weyerhauser Corporation

Dr. Wade Nutter, Nutter, Overcash, and 

Associates 

Bill Oettmeier, Jr., Superior Pine Products

Lee Ogden, UGA Warnell School of Forestry 

and Natural Resources 

Rob Olszewski, Plum Creek

David Pattison, Stone Container Corporation

Hillrie M. Quin, Jr., The Conservation Fund; 

The Georgia Conservancy

Steve Raper, Temple-Inland Forest 

Pat Reddish, Newport Timber

Travis Reed, Reed Logging, Inc.

Dick Rightmyer, USDA Forest Service

Mark Roberts, Roberts Timber Company 

Scott Robinson, Georgia Wildlife Resources 

Division 

Betty Rothamael, Georgia Wildlife Federation

Andrew Schock, The Nature Conservancy

Monty Seehorn, retired

Dr. Barry Shiver, UGA School of Forest 

Resources 

Pat Straka, Monsanto 

Jonathan Streich, The Nature Conservancy

Reggie Thackston, GA Wildlife Resources 

Division 

Steve Tomlin, International Paper Company

Jeff Vowel, Florida Division of Forestry

Larry Walker, Weyerhauser Corporation

Bill White, Georgia Soil and Water 

Conservation Commission

Carlton Windsor, Rayonier 

Mike Zupko, Georgia Forestry Association
72

STATE AGENCIES:

Georgia Forestry Commission Georgia Department of Natural Resources Georgia Soil and Water

P.O. Box 819 Environmental Protection Division Conservation Commission

Macon, Ga. 31202 NonPoint Source Pollution Program P.O. Box 8024

1-800-GA-TREES 4220 International Parkway, Suite 101 Athens, GA 30603

478-751-3500 Atlanta, GA 30354-3902 706-542-3065

www.gatrees.org 404-675-6240 www.gaswcc.org

 www.gaepd.org

University of Georgia University of Georgia Georgia Dept. of Natural Resources

Warnell School of Forestry Forest Resources Cooperative Wildlife Resources Division 

and Natural Resources Extension Service 2070 US Highway 278 SE

Athens, GA. 30602 School of Forest Resources Social Circle, GA. 30025 

706-542-2686 Athens, GA 30602 770-918-6400 

770-918-6401 706-542-3446 www.georgiawildlife.org

www.forestry.uga.edu

 

FEDERAL AGENCIES:

United States Department of Natural Resources Conservation Service USDA Forest Service

Agriculture Forest Service State Office Chattahoochee-Oconee

Southern Region Federal Building, Box 13 National Forest

1720 Peachtree St.,NW 355 E. Hancock Street 1755 Cleveland Hwy

Atlanta, GA 30367 Athens, GA 30601 Gainesville, GA 30501

404-347-4178 706-546-2272 770-297-3000

www.fs.fed.us www.ga.nrcs.usda.gov www.fs.fed.us/conf

United States Department of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Interior Fish and Wildlife Service Wetlands, Coastal and Water Quality Savannah District

Region 4 Atlanta Federal Center P.O. Box 889

1875 Century Boulevard 100 Alabama Street, SW Savannah, GA 31402

Suite 200 Atlanta, GA 30303 912-652-5822

Atlanta, GA 30345 404-562-9355 www.usace.army.mil

www.fws.gov www.epa.gov/wetlands/awm

PRIVATE ORGANIZATIONS:

The Association of Consulting Foresters The Atlanta Regional Commission The Conservation Fund

Georgia Chapter 40 Courtland St NE 4500 Hugh Howell Road, Suite 470

c/o Forest Resource Consultants Atlanta, GA 30303 Tucker, GA. 30084

717 North Avenue (404) 463-3100 770-414-0211

Macon, GA. 31211 www.atlantaregional.com www.conservationfund.org

478-745-4910

www.acf-foresters.org

 The Georgia Conservancy The Georgia Farm Bureau The Georgia Forestry Association

1776 Peachtree Street, NW P. O. Box 18002 551 N Frontage Rd

Suite 400 South Macon, GA 31298 Forsyth, GA 31029

 Atlanta, GA 30309 912-746-5263 478-992-8110

404-876-2900 www.gfb.org www.gfagrow.org

www.gaconservancy.org

The Georgia Wildlife Federation The Nature Conservancy The Society of American Foresters

11600 Hazelbrand Road 1330 W. Peachtree St, Suite 410 Georgia Division

Covington, GA. 30014 Atlanta, GA 30309 P.O. Box 2945

770-929-3350 404-873-6946 LaGrange, GA 30241

www.gwf.org www.nature.org 706-845-9085

 www.gasaf.net

 The Southeastern

 Wood Producers Association 

P. O. Box 9

 Hilliard, Fl 32046

904-845-7133

www.sewpa.com

References For other natural resource information, contact any of the following organizations: 

PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF:

Georgia Environmental Protection Division Georgia Forestry Commission

Georgia Wildlife Resources Division Georgia-Pacific Corporation

The Nature Conservancy of Georgia NC Forest Service

Weyerhaeuser Corporation