PUB FR-093 2010

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

 PRINTED ON

RECYCLED

PAPER

Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL 2

Permits

C H A P T E R

2

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam

nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat

volutpat. Ut wisi enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exerci tation

ullamcorper suscipit lobortis nisl ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.

Duis autem vel eum iriure dolor in hendrerit in vulputate velit

esse molestie consequat, vel illum dolore eu feugiat nulla

facilisis at vero eros et accumsan et iusto odio dignissim.

Permits for Water Quality

Stream Crossings

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam

nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat

volutpat. Ut wisi enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exerci tation

ullamcorper suscipit lobortis nisl ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.

Duis autem vel eum iriure dolor in hendrerit in vulputate velit esse

molestie consequat, vel illum dolore eu feugiat nulla facilisis at vero

Grading

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam

nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat

volutpat. Ut wisi enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exerci tation

ullamcorper suscipit lobortis nisl ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.

Duis autem vel eum iriure dolor in hendrerit in vulputate velit esse

molestie consequat, vel illum dolore eu feugiat nulla facilisis at vero

Wetlands and Floodplains

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam

nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat

volutpat. Ut wisi enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exerci tation

ullamcorper suscipit lobortis nisl ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.

Duis autem vel eum iriure dolor in hendrerit in vulputate velit esse

molestie consequat, vel illum dolore eu feugiat nulla facilisis at vero

for loggers, landowners,

and land managers

Best Management

Practices for

Water Quality

FIELD MANUAL

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources • Division of Forestry

Wisconsin’s Forestry
Contents

2 Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL 3

This document is a publication of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. It fulfills a

portion of the state’s commitment under its Nonpoint Source Program and replaces the 2003

edition of “Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality.”

The development of this manual was directed by the Advisory Committee for Forestry BMPs for

Water Quality, which has broad representation fromWisconsin’s forestry community.A field manual

subcommittee helped draft and review the text for this edition of the manual.

Members of the Field Manual Subcommittee were:

• Russ Aszmann, Taylor County Forestry and Recreation

• Patrick Dayton, Southwest Badger Resource Conservation & Development

• Max Erickson, Great Lakes Timber Professionals Association

• Pat Goggin, University of Wisconsin-Extension Lakes Program

• Chris Knotts, US Army Corps of Engineers

• Butch Lobermeier, Bayfield County Land and Water Conservation Department

• Tim Pulskamp, Futurewood Corp.

• Sara Sommer, USDA Forest Service

• Dale Zaug, Wisconsin Woodland Owners Association

The Wisconsin DNR would like to thank the Maine Forest Service for granting permission to

use material from its field manual, Best Management Practices for Forestry: Protecting Maine’s

Water Quality.

Lead Authors: Steve Holaday and Carmen Wagner, Wisconsin DNR

Graphic Design: Nan Rudd, Rudd Design

Chapter 1: Introduction 7

Forests and Water Quality ....................................................................... 7

History of Wisconsin’s Forestry BMPs for Water Quality.......................... 11

Using This Field Manual .......................................................................... 13

A Closer Look at Modifying BMPs .......................................................... 14

Resources................................................................................................ 14

Chapter 2: Wisconsin’s Water Resources 15

Lakes....................................................................................................... 16

A Closer Look at Beaver Ponds............................................................... 16

Streams................................................................................................... 17

Wetlands................................................................................................. 18

Resources................................................................................................ 20

Chapter 3: Planning 21

Forest Management Plans....................................................................... 21

Mapping Resources................................................................................. 23

A Closer Look at the DNR’s Surface Water Data Viewer ......................... 26

Permits.................................................................................................... 28

Cost-Share Programs............................................................................... 28

Planning Checklist................................................................................... 30

Resources................................................................................................ 31

Chapter 4: Forest Roads 33

Regulations............................................................................................. 34

Types of Forest Roads ............................................................................. 35

Location and Design BMPs ..................................................................... 36

A Closer Look at Balancing Transportation Needs .................................. 38

Road Construction................................................................................... 38

Road Construction BMPs ........................................................................ 44

Drainage Structures................................................................................. 45

Drainage Structure BMPs........................................................................ 53

A Closer Look at Road Building Challenges in the Driftless Area............ 55

This publication is available from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry, PO Box 7921, Madison,WI, 53707. For additional information, call

(608) 267-7494 or visit our web-site at: www.dnr.wi.gov/forestry/.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources provides equal opportunity in its employment, programs, services and functions under an Affirmative Action Plan. If you have any questions, please write to Equal Employment Opportunity Office, Department

of Interior, Washington, D.C, 20240.

This publication is available in alternative format upon request. For additional

information, call (608) 267-7494.

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
4 Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL 5

CONTENTS CONTENTS

Soil Stabilization BMPs ........................................................................... 56

A Closer Look at Why Roads Fail ............................................................ 60

Road Maintenance BMPs........................................................................ 61

Resources................................................................................................ 63

Chapter 5: Stream Crossings 65

Planning.................................................................................................. 65

Regulations............................................................................................. 66

General Stream Crossing BMPs............................................................... 67

Stream Crossing BMPs for Culverts......................................................... 69

Stream Crossing BMPs for Fords............................................................. 70

Temporary Stream Crossing BMPs .......................................................... 71

Resources................................................................................................ 72

Chapter 6: Timber Harvestings 73

Landing BMPs......................................................................................... 74

Skid Trail BMPs........................................................................................ 75

General Timber Harvesting BMPs............................................................ 76

Dry Wash BMPs....................................................................................... 77

A Closer Look at Timber Harvesting Challenges in the

Lake Superior Clay Plain .................................................................... 81

Resources................................................................................................ 82

Chapter 7: Riparian Management Zones 83

Regulations............................................................................................. 84

Riparian Management Zone Categories.................................................. 85

A Closer Look at Measuring Stream Width ............................................. 88

BMPs Common to All RMZ Categories.................................................... 90

BMPs for Lakes, Designated Trout Streams, and

Streams 3 Feet Wide and Wider .............................................................. 91

BMPs for Streams Less Than 3 Feet Wide................................................ 92

BMPS for Streams Less Than 1 Foot Wide ............................................... 93

A Closer Look at Managing RMZs Dominated by Aspen......................... 94

Resources................................................................................................ 96

Chapter 8: Wetlands 97

Regulations............................................................................................. 99

Wetland Identification............................................................................. 99

General Wetland BMPs ........................................................................... 100

Wetland Filter Strip BMPs ....................................................................... 101

A Closer Look at Protecting the Forest Floor........................................... 103

Wetland Road, Skid Trail, and Landing BMPs.......................................... 104

A Closer Look at Excessive Rutting ......................................................... 109

Federal Requirements for Forest Roads in Wetlands............................... 111

Resources................................................................................................ 113

Chapter 9: Fuels, Lubricants, Waste, and Spills 115

Fuel, Lubricant, and Waste BMPs............................................................ 115

Spill BMPs............................................................................................... 116

Resources................................................................................................ 118

Chapter 10: Chemicals 119

General Chemical BMPs.......................................................................... 120

Aerial Chemical Application BMPs.......................................................... 121

Resources................................................................................................ 121

Chapter 11: Mechanical Site Preparation and Tree Planting 123

Mechanical Site Preparation and Tree Planting BMPs............................. 124

Resources................................................................................................ 124

Chapter 12: Prescribed Burning and Wildfire 125

Regulations............................................................................................. 125

Prescribed Burning BMPs........................................................................ 126

Wildfire BMPs ......................................................................................... 127

Post-Fire Maintenance BMPs for Prescribed Burns and Wildfires............ 128

Resources................................................................................................ 128

Appendix A: Permits ................................................................................. 129

Appendix B: Regulations......................................................................... 133

Appendix C: Contact Information......................................................... 139

Appendix D: Seed Mix Information...................................................... 147

Appendix E: Erosion and Sediment Control Products .................... 151

Appendix F: Geotextile Fabrics ............................................................. 155

Appendix G: Glossary............................................................................... 159
Forests play an important role

in the water cycle, contributing

to the high quality of water

found in Wisconsin’s lakes,

streams, and wetlands.

Photo by Kristin Lambert, DNR

Introduction

6 Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL 7

C H A P T E R

1

Forests and Water Quality

In Wisconsin, over 12,600 rivers and

streams flow more than 84,000 miles

through forests, wetlands, and grasslands.

In addition to the Great Lakes of Michigan

and Superior, Wisconsin has more than

15,000 inland lakes covering nearly 1

million acres. Wetlands cover an

additional 5 million acres of the State,

with forests covering 16 million acres.

ABOVE: Wisconsin

has over 10,000

miles of trout

streams.

DNR File

Protecting Wisconsin’s forests and water resources

is crucial to the state’s economy.

Wisconsin’s timber industry employs over 65,000 people and

contributes over $20 billion to our state’s economy every year. Forests

not only contribute directly to Wisconsin’s economy, but also indirectly

protect water quality and water-based economies. Sport fishing alone

generates $2.7 billion in business and provides $200 million in tax

revenue for local and state government.

Forests play an important role in the water cycle, contributing to the

high quality of water found in Wisconsin’s lakes, streams, and wetlands.

The term “water quality” broadly encompasses the chemical, physical,

and biological properties of water in lakes, streams, and wetlands.

Chemical properties of water include pH, dissolved oxygen, nutrients,

and the presence of chemical pollutants. Physical properties include

turbidity and temperature. The characteristics and natural processes of

waterbodies are also important aspects of water quality. These include

stable channels, the transport of nutrients, the volume and speed of

water, streambed and lakebed materials, and leaves, sticks, and logs

that naturally fall into the water.
Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL 9

CHAPTER 1: Introduction CHAPTER 1: Introduction

8 Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL

Forestry Best Management Practices (BMPs) for Water Quality are

intended to provide simple and cost-effective methods for protecting

water quality in lakes, streams, and wetlands – including important

ecological and waterbody characteristics – before, during, and after

forest management activities. Forestry BMPs are designed to protect:

• General water quality, by minimizing inputs of polluted runoff,

• Water temperature, by ensuring an adequate and appropriate

amount of shade along shorelines and streambanks,

• Nutrient balances, by providing necessary inputs of organic

material and nutrients that serve as the basis of aquatic food chains,

• Habitat diversity, by making certain there is an adequate source of

large woody debris for aquatic systems, and

• Hydrologic processes, by limiting disturbances to water flow

patterns.

Maintaining water quality can be a complex process, but Forestry BMPs

for Water Quality provide practical ways to achieve this goal. Most

BMPs in this manual address water quality concerns by providing

methods to keep sediment out of lakes, streams, and wetlands and to

preserve the physical integrity and natural processes of water resources.

If these issues are addressed, then most other aspects of water quality

will also be protected.

If Forestry BMPs are not followed, water quality has the potential to be

impacted in a number of ways, including:

• Reduced ability for soil to absorb water.

This can occur when the forest floor is rutted, compacted, or

otherwise damaged by equipment.

• Increased potential for soil erosion.

The likelihood of soil being carried away by runoff increases when

bare soil is exposed.

• Diverted water flows.

Roads and skid trails can intercept water flowing over or through the

soil. If the natural flow pattern is altered, wetlands or other water

resources may be denied the water that they depend on.

Eunice Padley, DNR

ABOVE: BMPs for

skid trails help to

prevent soil erosion

and sedimentation.

ABOVE: Rutting can compact the forest floor.

LEFT: Soil that is deposited in streams can

cloud the water, reducing clarity.

Carmen Wagner, DNR

Jay Gallagher, DNR
Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL 11

History of Wisconsin’s Forestry BMPs for Water Quality • Concentrated water flows.

Roads, skid trails, landings, and drainage structures can collect runoff

and funnel it, increasing the speed of runoff, eroding soil, and

creating gullies.

• Increased water flows.

Harvesting a significant percentage of the trees in a watershed can

increase the amount of water running off of the land, since fewer

trees are left to uptake water. Higher water flows can increase the

potential for streambank erosion and may lead to flooding.

• Reduced cover next to water resources.

Harvesting adjacent to streams can open the tree canopy and cause

more light to reach the water surface. This may cause water

temperatures to rise. Harvesting next to lakes and streams can also

remove the natural source of woody debris for aquatic habitat and

can eliminate the leaf litter that is an important food source for many

aquatic insects.

The good news is that BMPs are used correctly over 90% of the time in

Wisconsin across all landowner categories. Since 1995, nearly 600

timber sales have been monitored in Wisconsin to document how often

people are using BMPs, as well as to determine how well the BMPs

work. BMP monitoring has also shown that when BMPs are used, water

quality is protected over 99% of the time. On the other hand, if BMPs

are not used, water quality impacts have been observed nearly 70% of

the time.

As mentioned above, regardless of landowner

category – private, industrial, county, state, or

federal ownership – BMPs are being used and

water quality is being protected. This success is

due in great part to the commitment of forestry

professionals – foresters and loggers – across

the state. In addition, informed landowners play

a crucial role in this partnership. Nearly 60% of

Wisconsin’s 16 million acres of forestland are

owned by private individuals and families.

Responsible management of Wisconsin’s forests will not only ensure a

sustainable supply of wood products, but will also provide many other

benefits, including clean water.

10 Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL

CHAPTER 1: Introduction CHAPTER 1: Introduction

Wisconsin’s Forestry BMPs for Water Quality have a

simple goal—provide easy and cost-effective methods to

responsibly manage forests and protect water quality.

Wisconsin’s Forestry BMPs for Water Quality Program satisfies

requirements of federal legislation (the 1977 Clean Water Act and the

1987 Water Quality Act) to develop and implement a program to reduce

nonpoint source pollution, including nonpoint source pollution related

to silvicultural activities, to the “maximum extent practicable”.

In Wisconsin, the first iteration of the

Forestry BMPs was found in “Forest Practice

Guidelines for Wisconsin” produced in 1990

by the Wisconsin DNR and the Wisconsin

Paper Council. In May 1992, the Lakes State

Forestry Alliance hosted a “Forestry Practices

and Water Quality Workshop”, to formalize

Wisconsin’s BMP Program. In 1995,

“Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management

Practices for Water Quality: Field Manual for

Loggers, Landowners and Land Managers”

was first published. The Field Manual was

updated and reprinted in 1997 and 2003, but

no changes were made to the actual BMPs.

Beginning in 2001, the Wisconsin DNR’s Division of Forestry convened

an Advisory Committee to help direct the Forestry BMPs for Water

Quality Program. The Advisory Committee meets at least three times a

year to review monitoring priorities, to identify training needs, and to

discuss forestry and water quality issues, including the Forestry BMP

Field Manual.

In January 2009, the Advisory Committee accepted a request from the

Wisconsin Council on Forestry to review the BMPs in light of biomass

harvesting concerns.At the same time, the Advisory Committee took the

ABOVE: BMP

monitoring teams

meet with loggers,

foresters, and

landowners.

Carmen Wagner, DNR

Paul Pingrey, DNR ABOVE: Foresters

and loggers have

regularly attended

BMP training

sessions since 1995.
opportunity to review several general BMP issues that had arisen since

1995. Expert review was solicited on these issues. The Advisory

Committee reviewed this input and determined the initial direction for

a new BMP Field Manual.

A BMP Field Manual Subcommittee,comprised of experienced BMP users,

reviewed and drafted updates to the field manual text. After review and

comment by the Advisory Committee, the draft field manual was

presented to the public for further review. Opportunities for review and

input were also provided to Wisconsin tribes throughout this process.

After reviewing public comments and suggestions, the BMP Advisory

Committee made final recommendations on the Field Manual and

presented it to the Chief State Forester for approval. The resulting Field

Manual was also presented to the Wisconsin Council on Forestry.

Using This Field Manual

The Forestry BMPs for Water Quality Program is

a non-regulatory program; however, the use of

BMPs is mandatory in a number of situations. On

public lands, such as national forests, state

forests, and county forests, following BMPs are a

requirement of timber sales. In addition,

landowners participating in the Managed Forest

Law Program agree to practice sustainable

forest management on their woodlands, which

includes using Forestry BMPs for Water Quality.

Other programs or regulations may also require

that Forestry BMPs be used.

In order to decide how and when to use specific BMPs, it is important

to understand how BMPs work to protect water quality. Chapter 2

describes the different types of water resources found in Wisconsin and

gives examples of how they can be affected by forestry activities.

Throughout this field manual, BMPs are identified by “ “. Each chapter

provides explanations on how different activities can affect water

quality and how the BMPs address those concerns. There is also

additional information on methods to achieve the BMPs.

Any BMPs that are new or substantially altered from the previous field

manual are highlighted in red ink.

In some chapters, the user will also find asides focusing on areas

requiring more explanation. In addition to the BMPs, this information

helps the user understand the relevant processes and concerns

pertaining to a topic.

This manual is designed to assist the user in making decisions related to

forest management activities and water quality. BMPs may be modified

for site specific conditions with guidance from a professional forester or

other natural resource professional, if the modification will provide

equal or greater water protection or if the modification will have no

impact on water quality. It is important to remember that water quality

is more than just water clarity. Water quality includes the physical,

chemical, and biological properties of lakes, streams, and wetlands.

CHAPTER 1: Introduction CHAPTER 1: Introduction

ABOVE: Nearly 600 timber sales have been monitored since 1995.

Paul Pingrey DNR ABOVE: Landowners

in Wisconsin’s MFL

program agree to

use BMPs on their

woodlands.

12 Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL 13

1995–2008 Best Management Practices

for Water Quality Monitoring Sites
Wisconsin Water Resources

C H A P T E R

2

C H A P T E R

2

Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL 15

Wisconsin has more than 15,000 lakes, over

12,600 rivers and streams, and more than 5

million acres of wetlands. The water quality

found in these water resources as they flow

throughWisconsin’s forests is a reflection of

the management of our forests.

Most of the water in a forest comes from

rainfall or snowmelt. This water will soak

into the ground until the soil is saturated.

The water will then begin to flow over the

forest floor, heading downhill until there is

enough concentrated flow for a stream to

develop. Some of the water that soaks into

the ground may be discharged into springs

and seeps, returning to the surface.

All the land that drains to a given point is a watershed. Lakes, streams,

and wetlands all reside within watersheds.Watersheds can range in size

from just a few acres to thousands of acres. Regardless of where a

property is found, it is part of a watershed.

For forestry activities, it is critical to understand where water is coming

from and where water is going. The amount of timber harvested or the

construction of a road can affect how water runs off a site and where

that water goes. By knowing where, when, and how much water flows

onto a site, you can determine the best locations for roads and skid

trails, as well as what types of BMPs you will need to use to manage

water flow.

In this manual, three general types of water resources are discussed –

lakes, streams, and wetlands. The remainder of this chapter briefly

describes each type of water resource, how to identify them, and how

forestry activities can affect them.

14 Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL

CHAPTER 1: Introduction

A Closer Look at Modifying BMPs

BMPs are designed to protect water quality. The BMPs are generally

applicable to most sites in Wisconsin, but under certain circumstances

it may be appropriate to modify a BMP. When modifying a BMP, the

modification should result in equal or greater water quality protection

or have no impact on water quality.

When building roads, one BMP requires locating roads outside of

riparian management zones (RMZs). In some instances, however, it

may be preferable to build the road within the RMZ rather than outside

of it. Locating a road on a flat upland area within the RMZ may be

more appropriate than locating the road outside of the RMZ on a steep

slope prone to erosion. By locating the road on a flat upland area at

the toe of the steep slope, but closer to the stream, there will be less

earth disturbed and the potential for erosion will be reduced when

compared to locating the road on the steep, erosion prone slope.

BMPs can be modified on a case-by-case basis. Site specific

considerations, like slope, soil, vegetation, and water resources will

guide appropriate modifications.

Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality

• Provides information on BMPs, monitoring efforts, and training

workshops.

• http://dnr.wi.gov/forestry/Usesof/bmp/

National Management Measures to Control Nonpoint Source

Pollution from Forestry

• Gives guidance on scientifically sound techniques to protect

lakes, streams, and wetlands from polluted runoff that can result

from forestry activities.

• http://www.epa.gov/owow/nps/forestrymgmt/

RESOURCES

Carmen Wagner, DNR

Steve Eggers, USACE ABOVE: There are

over 30 types of

wetlands in

Wisconsin, including

hardwood swamps.
Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL 17

CHAPTER 2: Wisconsin Water Resources

16 Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL

Lakes

A lake is a body of water with a defined

bed and bank. Lakes are considered

“reasonably permanent”, although

during extended droughts, lakes may dry

up. Water level fluctuations are fairly

common on lakes, with periods of high

water and low water. These fluctuations

can be seasonal as well as on longer

term cycles. Lakes can be small ponds

less than an acre in size or large bodies

of water, thousands of acres in size.

Maintaining forested shorelines around lakes helps to protect water

quality and provide important wildlife habitat. One of the ways forestry

activities can affect water quality in lakes is if soil erodes from a road or

skid trail and is deposited in a lake.

A Closer Look at Beaver Ponds

Is a beaver pond a lake? It depends. If a beaver pond appears on a topographic map or

has been present for at least 20 years, the beaver pond is considered a lake because it is

“reasonably permanent”. In this case, the BMPs for lakes need to be followed. Twenty

years is the minimum time period associated with prescriptive rights.

If it is a new beaver pond, then it would not pass the test for “reasonably permanent”,

and would still be considered a stream. In this case, the BMPs for streams would apply.

ABOVE: Northern

Wisconsin has a

globally significant

concentration of

lakes.

Streams

Streams are watercourses that have a defined channel with bed and

bank. Some streams will have perennial (continuous) water flow and

others will have intermittent water flow during spring snowmelt and

after heavy rains. The size, flow, and character of a stream will vary

depending on the soil, slope, and vegetation of the surrounding

landscape.

Streams may be affected when crossed by a forest road or skid trail. If

not properly designed and maintained, the crossing can provide a direct

avenue for soil to enter a stream. Maintaining an adequate amount of

streamside vegetation is important for shading and keeping water

temperatures down, as well as for providing leaves and other organic

material that are food for many aquatic insects.

ABOVE: These new beaver ponds would not pass the “reasonably permanent” test for a lake.

CHAPTER 2: Wisconsin Water Resources

ABOVE: This intermittent stream

only has water flow in the spring

and after heavy storms.

LEFT: This large perennial stream

is bordered by a wide wetland

with tag alders.

Ron Eckstein, DNR Dennis Pratt, DNR

Carmen Wagner, DNR

Carmen Wagner, DNR

Dennis Pratt, DNR
18 Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL 19

Wetlands

Wetlands are areas where standing water or saturated soil conditions

are present long enough to support water-loving plants, like marsh

marigolds, willows, tag alders, and other species. These wet conditions

will also lead to development of specific soil characteristics that can

help identify wetlands. Wetland soils develop after repeated cycles of

saturation which last 14 days or more. These saturated conditions may

only exist every other year (50% of the time). When there is standing

water or the soil is saturated, anaerobic conditions are present and the

soil pores are filled with water instead of air, leading to the

development of unique wetland soil characteristics.

Wetlands are common along the edges of lakes and streams, but can

also be found in flat areas or depressions which collect water.Wetlands

are also found in unlikely places, such as on hillsides, where water may

seep out of the ground.

Caution should be taken when crossing wetlands and harvesting in

wetlands to ensure that both surface and sub-surface water flow

patterns are maintained. Forest roads should provide adequate cross

drainage and skid trails should not exhibit excessive rutting.

There are over 30 different types of wetlands covering more than 5

million acres in Wisconsin. Over 47% of the wetlands are forested and

22% are dominated by shrubs. Common forested wetlands types

include ephemeral ponds, floodplain forests, northern hardwood

swamps, northern wet-mesic forests, and tamarack/spruce swamps.

Ephemeral ponds are found in shallow

depressions that hold water following snowmelt

and spring rains. Ephemeral ponds typically dry

out by mid-summer and are not considered

lakes. The ponds are able to hold water because

a thin layer of clay or other material is impeding

drainage. Care should be taken not to

“puncture” this layer with ruts from equipment.

Wetland plants common in ephemeral ponds include black ash,

smartweeds, orange jewelweed, marsh marigold, and sedges.

Ephemeral ponds fill a unique habitat niche and provide critical

breeding habitat for a number of wildlife species, including wood frogs

and salamanders. This is in part because ephemeral ponds lack fish.

Floodplain forests are found along large

rivers, including the Chippewa, Wisconsin, and

Wolf Rivers. These forests rely on periodic

flooding, especially in the spring, to deposit silt

and create sites suitable for seed germination.

Trees commonly found in floodplain forests

include silver maple, river birch, green and black

ash, and cottonwood. Historically, elms were

also a significant tree in floodplain forests, but Dutch elm disease has

eliminated most of these large trees. Common plant species include

buttonbush,stinging nettles, ostrich fern, green-headed coneflower, and

poison ivy. Oxbow lakes, sloughs, and ponds are common in floodplain

forests, but should not be confused with ephemeral ponds. Because of

their connection to a river during flooding events, the oxbows and

sloughs often have fish in them, providing a different community

structure than ephemeral ponds.

Northern hardwood swamps are deciduous

forested wetlands that occur along lakes,

streams, and poorly drained basins. This

community occurs across the state, but is most

common in the northern Wisconsin. The

dominant tree species is black ash, but red

maple and yellow birch may also be present.

Typical plants include marsh marigold, swamp

raspberry, skullcap, orange jewelweed, and many sedges. Soils may be

mucks or mucky sands.

CHAPTER 2: Wisconsin Water Resources CHAPTER 2: Wisconsin Water Resources

ABOVE: Marsh marigolds are a common sight in wetlands during the spring.

Carmen Wagner, DNR

Carmen Wagner, DNR Carmen Wagner, DNR Carmen Wagner, DNR ABOVE:

Ephemeral pond in

Forest County.

ABOVE: Floodplain

forest along the

Wisconsin River in

Richland County.

ABOVE: Hardwood

swamp in Sawyer

County.
CHAPTER 2: Wisconsin Water Resources

20 Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL

Northern wet-mesic forests, also known as

cedar swamps, occur on rich peats and mucks

throughout much of northern Wisconsin. Cedar

swamps are relatively common in depressions

that receive mineral-enriched groundwater from

springs. As the name suggests, northern white

cedar is the dominant tree species, but balsam

fir, black ash, and spruce are also common in

these forests. The understory is rich in mosses, lichens, liverworts, ferns,

sedges, orchids, and wildflowers such as goldthread, fringed polygala,

and naked miterwort. Cedar swamps are considered a hot spot for many

species of rare plants. Older cedar swamps are usually structurally

complex, as the easily wind-thrown cedars are able to root from their

branch tips. The shrub layer may include speckled alder, alder-leaved

buckthorn, wild currants, and mountain maple, but are susceptible to

grazing by high populations of deer.

Tamarack/spruce swamps are found on

nutrient-poor, acidic peat soils. Tamarack and

black spruce are the dominant tree species.

Common understory species include alder,

winterberry, Labrador tea, and sphagnum moss.

Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL 21

Planning

C H A P T E R

3

Careful planning for forest management

activities, such as road construction,

timber harvesting, and site preparation,

will minimize nonpoint source pollution.

Having a management plan in place will

ensure that harvest operations follow

BMPs, that forest products are removed

efficiently and profitably, and that

sustainable forest growth and water

quality protection are achieved.

Forest Management Plans

The first step is to develop a forest management plan that addresses

forestry BMPs, among other important plan elements. The plan’s

formality and detail should be appropriate to the project size, cost, and

environmental risk. The plan should include site specific forest

management strategies to protect water quality. The plan should also be

flexible and adaptable to changing conditions.Wisconsin DNR foresters,

consulting foresters, and industrial foresters can work with you to

develop a forest management plan.

The management plan should include maps that identify areas and

issues discussed in the plan. These maps will be especially helpful for

building forest roads and conducting timber harvests. Items that may be

identified on a timber sale map include:

• Property boundaries

• Harvest unit boundaries

• Existing and proposed forest roads, skid trails, and landings

• Existing and proposed stream, dry wash, and wetland crossings

Carmen Wagner, DNR

LEFT: Discussions with landowners, foresters, and loggers

help to ensure management objectives are met.

Wetland Communities of Wisconsin

• Describes the 33 types of wetlands found in Wisconsin, including

management opportunities, threats, additional considerations,

photos, and related habitat types.

• http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/er/communities

Wetland Plants and Plant Communities of Minnesota and

Wisconsin

• Provides an easy-to-use, pictorial guide to wetlands primarily for

individuals who are not botanists.

• http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/plants/mnplant/index.htm

RESOURCES

Steve Eggers, USACE Carmen Wagner, DNR ABOVE: Cedar

swamp with fern

understory.

ABOVE: Tamarack

swamp in Marathon

County.
EXAMPLE OF A TIMBER SALE PLAN

Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL 23

CHAPTER 3: Planning CHAPTER 3: Planning

22 Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL

• Equipment maintenance and fueling areas

• Sensitive areas such as lakes, streams, dry washes, wetlands,

floodplains, steep slopes, and erosion prone sites

• Riparian management zones and wetland filter strips

• Habitat for known threatened or endangered plant and animal

species (both aquatic and terrestrial species)

This map identifies sensitive areas to work around.

Mapping Resources

There are a number of resources available that can be helpful in

identifying and understanding site conditions. Hard copies of these

resources are available at libraries, DNR offices, and county offices. All

of these resources are also available on-line, allowing users to access

them from their home or office. When using any of these mapping

resources, actual conditions should be confirmed by visiting the site

before any work begins.

United States Geological Survey (USGS)

topographic maps

The USGS topographic maps are produced at a scale of 1:24,000 and

are commonly known as 7.5-minute quadrangle maps because each

map covers a four-sided area of 7.5 minutes of latitude and 7.5 minutes

of longitude. These maps use contour lines to portray the shape and

elevation of the land. Topographic maps will portray natural features,

like hills, valleys, lakes, rivers, wetlands, and vegetation, as well as

manmade features such as roads, boundaries, transmission lines, and

buildings.

Aerial and satellite imagery

Aerial and satellite imagery products are available at a number of

different scales from a number of different resources. Black and white

aerial imagery is available from as early as the 1930s, but more recent

imagery is generally available in color. Depending on the time of the

flight, imagery may show leaf-on or leaf-off conditions.

Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)

soil surveys

Soil surveys contain soil maps (at a scale of 1:24,000) as well as soil

descriptions, soil properties and qualities, and reports on soil suitability

and limitations. Reports include construction limitations for haul roads

and log landings, suitability for roads (natural surface), and soil rutting

hazard.
Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL 25

CHAPTER 3: Planning

24 Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL

EXAMPLES OF MAPPING RESOURCES

USGS Topographic Map Aerial and Satellite Imagery

NRCS Soil Survey FEMA Floodplain Map

Wisconsin Wetland Inventory Map Parcel Map

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

floodplain maps

Floodplains are areas adjacent to lakes, streams, and wetlands that are

covered by water during a flood. Floodplain maps identify areas that

will be covered by a flood that has a 1% chance of occurring in any

given year, or the 100-year flood. Floodplain maps are especially

important when locating stream crossings. Local floodplain ordinances

will generally require a permit for any stream crossing that is located in

a mapped floodplain.

Wisconsin Wetland Inventory maps

The DNR’s Wisconsin Wetland Inventory maps identify wetlands across

the state. The approximate boundaries of wetlands 2 acres and larger (5

acres and larger on some older maps) are shown and wetlands are

classified by vegetation type, such as floating aquatic or deciduous

forested. Smaller wetlands are indicated by a point symbol. Wetland

boundaries should be confirmed in the field and not all wetlands are

mapped.

Parcel maps

County plat books contain maps show property boundaries, as well as

roads and water features. Plat books can be purchased at most county

offices and at many retail stores.You can also access this information on

many county web-sites that provide land record information through

web-based mapping. County web-based mapping often includes parcel

information, as well as many of the resources described above.

CHAPTER 3: Planning
Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL 27

Under the Inland Water Resources Folder

• Open Water – Areas of open water, such as lakes and large rivers, located

on USGS topographic maps

• Rivers and Streams – Rivers and streams found on the USGS topographic

maps (Note: Not all streams are mapped.)

Under the Dam and Floodplain Program Folder

• FEMA Maps – Mapped floodplains

Under the Fisheries Management Waters Folder

• Trout Waters – DNR designated trout streams

Under the Wetlands, Plants & Habitat Folder

• Wisconsin Wetland Inventory – Mapped wetlands

• Wetland Indicators – Soils that are typically found in wetlands (based on

classification by the NRCS as somewhat poorly, poorly, or very poorly drained)

Under the Permits & Related Data Folder

• Designated Water Folder – Areas of Special Natural Resource Interest

(ASNRI) referenced in Chapter 30 waterway permit standards

• Waterway and Wetland Alterations – Locations of Chapter 30 waterway

permits, including stream crossings

Under the Imagery & Basemaps Folder

• NAIP 2008 Color Air Photos – Leaf-on color imagery from the National

Agricultural Imagery Program

• Digital Topographic Maps – USGS topographic maps at the 1:24,000 scale

For information about something displayed on a map, click the “Identify” button

and then the item on map. For instance, this will allow you to find out when a permit was

issued and what the permit authorized. If a layer title is in blue text, then you can click

on the title to find out more information about the map, such as map scale and map

production date.

To print a map, click on the “Print” tab on the far right. A map will be created of the

current view which includes a legend, scale, north arrow and other common map

features. The map can be printed or saved as a .pdf.

26 Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL

CHAPTER 3: Planning CHAPTER 3: Planning

A Closer Look at the DNR’s Surface Water Data Viewer

http://dnrmaps.wisconsin.gov/SurfaceWater_Viewer

The DNR’s web-site provides access to a number of mapping resources. For the purposes

of forest management and water quality concerns, the DNR’s Surface Water Data Viewer

is extremely helpful.

You can zoom in to any location in Wisconsin by using the “Zoom to...” button, and

entering a city or village, township-range-section, or waterbody name. The “Zoom In”

button can also be used to draw a box around an area to focus on.

After finding the area you are interested in, a number of different maps, or layers, can be

displayed. The default view shows roads, lakes, and streams. By clicking on the “Layers”

tab, all of the available map resources are displayed. To view a map, simply click on the

box in front of the map that you are interested in. Some of the maps can only be

displayed at a certain scale, so you may need to zoom in or out if they are not displaying.

Under Map Layers, you will see a number of files. Each file contains a variety of maps

organized by topic. The following list provides an overview of some of the maps that may

be useful when planning forest management activities.
28 Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL 29

Permits

Before starting any work, be sure to

obtain necessary permits and file

needed notices. An overview of

permits that may be required is

given in Appendix A and a summary

of regulations is found in Appendix

B. Appendix C contains a list of local

contacts for permit information.

Cost-Share Programs

Loggers and road builders, working with foresters and landowners, are

usually responsible for implementing forestry BMPs. Typically, the logger

bears the cost of implementing BMPs and that cost is reflected in the

timber sale bid. Sometimes the landowner will implement BMPs and

cover the costs themselves.

In some situations, cost-share assistance may be available for

implementing conservation practices outlined in this manual. Many

programs help private landowners plant trees and shrubs, but some

programs also help cover the costs of management plans, forest road

BMPs, and other practices, including construction of drainage structures,

repair of stream crossings, and installation of seed mixes. Program

requirements, funding, and availability can vary with time and location,

but most programs require that an approved forest management plan be

in place. Some of the most common programs are summarized below.

Contact your local DNR forester, land conservation department or NRCS

office (see Appendix C) for current information on these and other

programs. Eligibility requirements, cost-share standards, and funding

availability can change. Cost-share opportunities should be investigated

before implementing any practices.

CHAPTER 3: Planning CHAPTER 3: Planning

Wisconsin Forest Landowner Grant Program (WFLGP)

The Wisconsin Forest Landowner Grant Program

(WFLGP) is administered by the DNR and was created

to encourage private forest landowners to manage

their lands in a manner that benefits the forest

resources and the people of the State. The program

allows qualified landowners to be reimbursed up to

50% of the eligible cost of approved practices.

Applicants must have a forest stewardship plan in place on their land

or be applying to have one prepared through the WFLGP program. Cost

sharing is available for plan preparation, tree planting, and soil and

water conservation practices.

Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program (WHIP)

The Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program (WHIP) is a

voluntary program managed by the NRCS for

landowners who want to develop and improve

wildlife habitat on agricultural land and nonindustrial private forest land. WHIP provides both

technical assistance and up to 75% cost-share

assistance to improve fish and wildlife habitat. WHIP

cost-share agreements between the NRCS and the participant generally

last from one year after the last conservation practice is implemented

but not more than 10 years from the date the agreement is signed.

Eligible practices include forest stand improvement, stream crossings,

and tree and shrub planting.

Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP)

The Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP)

is a voluntary program overseen by the NRCS.

Through EQIP, farmers and woodland owners may

receive financial and technical help with

conservation practices, including forest management

plans, forest trails, and stream crossings. EQIP offers

contracts for up to 10 years and provides payments

for implementing conservation practices. Payment rates vary with the

costs of practices.

ABOVE: Up to 50%

of the costs of tree

planting can be

covered by WFLGP.

Jeff Martin, DNR ABOVE: WHIP

provides technical

and monetary

assistance to

improve fish and

wildlife habitat.

Dennis Pratt, DNR ABOVE:

Improvements to

forest trails can be

designed and

funded with EQIP.

Jim Halvorson, DNR

Carmen Wagner, DNR ABOVE: Understand all permit requirements before starting any work.
30 Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL 31

Planning Checklist

The following checklist can be used when planning forest management activities.

CHAPTER 3: Planning CHAPTER 3: Planning

■ Develop a forest management plan with management objectives

for your property.

■ Make a list of site-specific BMPs needed to protect water quality.

Include in your forest management plan, timber harvest plan,

and timber sale contract.

■ Investigate cost-share options for implementing BMPs.

■ Plan management activities to ensure that habitat of any endangered

or threatened plant or animal species is protected.

■ Prepare a map of your property to use during forest management

activities that identifies sensitive areas and other important features.

■ Reference mapping resources and confirm site conditions in the

field when identifying sensitive areas.

■ Obtain necessary permits and file needed notices before beginning

any timber harvesting.

■ Stabilize any bare soil as soon as possible to prevent erosion.

Critical areas to protect include steep slopes, erosion prone sites,

riparian management zones, wetland filter strips, and stream crossings.

■ Have a spill containment and clean-up kit on site whenever

equipment is present.

Conducting a Successful Timber Sale (UWEX Publication GWQ-036)

• Reviews the steps to follow when planning and conducting a

timber harvest

• http://learningstore.uwex.edu/pdf/GWQ036.pdf

DNR Financial Assistance to Landowner

• Gives an overview of forest tax laws and cost-sharing programs

• http://dnr.wi.gov/forestry/private/financial/

DNR Forestry Assistance Locator

• Provides a searchable database with contact information for DNR

and cooperating foresters

• http://dnr.wi.gov/forestry/private/assist/coopforesters/

DNR Natural Heritage Inventory County Data by Township

• Offers township level list of rare species (endangered, threatened

and special concern) to use for general planning purposes

• http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/er/nhi/CountyData/

DNR Surface Water Data Viewer

• Provides access to mapping products, including USGS topographic

maps, aerial imagery, DNR wetland maps, FEMA floodplain maps,

and other information.

• http://dnrmaps.wisconsin.gov/SurfaceWater_Viewer

NRCS Web Soil Survey

• Gives access to soil survey maps and related information

• http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/

Planning for Forest Stewardship: A Desk Guide (USDA Forest

Service Publication #FS-733)

• Discusses the components of a forest stewardship plan

• http://www.fs.fed.us/spf/coop/library/Forest%20Stewardship

%20deskguide.pdf

Wisconsin Forest Management Guidelines, Chapter 10:

Forest Management Planning (DNR Pub FR-226)

• Describes the different elements of forest management plans

• http://dnr.wi.gov/forestry/publications/Guidelines

RESOURCES
Roads, skid trails, and landings form a

forest transportation system. Skid trails

are used to get forest products from

the woods to a landing. The landing is

used to stockpile timber for loading

onto logging trucks. Forest roads

connect the landings to a public road

system. This chapter focuses on forest

road considerations. Timber harvesting,

skid trails, and landings are discussed

in Chapter 6.

The largest contributors to nonpoint source pollution from forest

management activities are forest roads that are poorly located,

constructed, and maintained. Roads over steep slopes, erosion prone

sites, streams, and wetlands hold the greatest potential for degrading

water quality. The presence of roads can alter the flow of water over and

through the ground. Heavy road use can expose soil, making it

vulnerable to erosion. Stream crossings can alter the hydrology of

streams. All of these factors pose risks to waterbodies; however, water

quality impacts can be avoided by properly designing, constructing, and

maintaining forest roads.

Well-planned and well-built forest roads have both economic and

environmental benefits. Following the forest road BMPs can:

• extend the road’s season of use,

• reduce road wear and maintenance costs,

• enable trucks to haul heavier loads,

• lower truck maintenance costs,

• reduce travel time, and

• protect water quality before, during, and after timber harvests.

Forest roads in sensitive

areas hold the greatest

potential for degrading

water quality.

Photo by Carmen Wagner, DNR

32 Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL

C H A P T E R

4

Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL 33

Forest Roads

ABOVE: Logging

truck at a landing

DNR file
Types of Forest Roads

There are three general types of forest roads – temporary, permanent

seasonal, and permanent all-season. During the planning stage, identify

the type of road system that is needed to meet both forest management

and landowner objectives.

Temporary forest roads are the most

common type of forest road. They are

designed and constructed for short-term

use during a specific project, like a

timber harvest. These roads are used

only when the ground is frozen or firm.

When the project is done, the temporary

road is closed, all crossing structures

removed, and the road revegetated.

Permanent seasonal forest roads are

maintained as part of a permanent road

system. They are designed to be mainly

used when the ground is frozen or firm.

These roads are generally narrower than

permanent all-season forest roads and

are built to lower engineering standards.

Seasonal roads will generally have little

to no surface gravel.

Permanent all-season forest roads

are designed for year-round use, but may

still have use restrictions at various

times of the year, such as spring breakup. These roads are built to higher

standards than the others and usually

have gravel surfaces. All-season roads

can be the most expensive to build and

maintain.

Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL 35

Regulations

DNR storm water permits may be required when constructing,

reconstructing, or maintaining roads. Storm water permits are not

required for forest roads that are used solely for silvicultural purposes,

if certain standards are met.

For multi-use roads, a storm water permit is needed when the

construction of a new road or reconstruction of an existing road will

disturb one or more acres of land or when maintenance of an existing

road will disturb five or more acres.An acre of land is 43,560 square feet

or an area approximately 20 feet by 2,200 feet. Contact your local DNR

storm water specialist for more information (See Appendix C).

34 Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL

CHAPTER 4: Forest Roads CHAPTER 4: Forest Roads

ABOVE: Temporary forest road

ABOVE: Permanent seasonal forest road

ABOVE: Storm water permits are needed for most land disturbing activities which expose bare soil.

ABOVE: Permanent all-season forest road

© pedrosala, bigstockphoto.com

Carmen Wagner, DNR Carmen Wagner, DNR Carmen Wagner, DNR
36 Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL 37

Location and Design BMPs

Decisions made at the planning stage will affect a road’s construction

costs, long-term maintenance needs, service life, and the amount of

nonpoint source pollution it may potentially cause. Loggers, foresters,

and landowners should plan, locate, and design the road system

together to ensure that it meets everyone’s needs. Factors to consider

when designing forest roads include:

• The purpose and intended use of the road, including length of

use (temporary or permanent), amount and timing of use, and type

of use (forest management, recreation, or other uses).

• The physical constraints of the road, including soils,

topography, streams, dry washes, wetlands, floodplains, bedrock,

and weather.

• The environmental factors affecting the road, including

fisheries, threatened and endangered species, sensitive sites, and

scenic vistas.

• The benefits, costs, and risks associated with the road, such

as considering alternative designs and locations in order to

maximize benefits while minimizing costs and risks.

Use existing roads when they provide the best long-term

access. Consider relocating existing roads if access can be

improved and environmental impacts lessened. Reconstruct

existing roads to the extent necessary to provide adequate

drainage and safety. Do not disturb stable road surfaces.

Select road locations that allow for drainage away from

the road.

Where possible, locate roads on well drained soils.

Minimize the number of stream, dry wash, and wetland

crossings.

Identify optimum stream, dry wash, and wetland

crossing locations before locating the rest of the road.

Roads should approach crossings at the least gradient possible.

Locate roads outside of riparian management zones and

wetland filter strips except at crossings. For more

information see Chapter 7: Riparian Management Zone and

Chapter 8: Wetlands.

Road grades should not exceed 10%. If road grades

greater than 10% are necessary, limit the grade length to

minimize erosion or break the grade using drainage structures.

Gravelling the road surface on steep grades can also help

maintain stability.

Note: Optimum road grades are less than 5%.

Locate roads to follow natural contours and to minimize

cut and fills. Balance cut and fills to minimize the need for

bringing in fill and removing excess fill material.

CHAPTER 4: Forest Roads CHAPTER 4: Forest Roads

B

M

P

s

landing forest road on gentle slopes

stream wetlands to avoid

bridge

(limit

stream

crossings

to here)

road

rock

outcrop

main

skid

trails

steep

slopes

Considerations in locating roads
A Closer Look at Balancing Transportation Needs

The BMPs recommend limiting the number, width, and length of both roads and skid

trails. This may seem to be an impossible task because if the length of roads is limited,

then the length of the skid trails is increased, and vice-versa. The goal of these seemingly

contradictory BMPs is to have a balanced, well-thought out transportation system.

When planning a forest transportation system, you

will need to consider not only immediate harvest

needs, but also long-term forest management

and landowner objectives. Think about the harvest

characteristics (volume and types of products, terrain, soils),

expected uses of the transportation system, and other

features of the property (shape of the property and proximity

to neighboring lots).

When making decisions regarding locations of roads,

skid trails, and landings, be sure to understand the

trade-offs. Longer skid trails may mean increased fuel costs

for the logger, but skid trails generally have shorter term

impacts on water quality than roads. More roads may provide

better access to a property, but are also more expensive to

build than skid trails. When planning a forest transportation

system, take all of these factors into consideration.

Finding the appropriate balance of roads,skid trails, and landings will vary with each site.

38 Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL 39

Road Construction

Two primary considerations when constructing forest roads are to get

water off the road and then away from the road. The road construction

BMPs focus on the first part – getting water off of the road.Water on a

road can affect:

• Load bearing capacity

• Slope stability, and

• Erosion and sedimentation.

There are three common road profiles – out-sloped, in-sloped, and

crowned. Ideally, the profile of any road surface should be no more than

2–6%. Profiles greater than that will make it difficult for vehicles to stay

on the road in wet or icy conditions.

CHAPTER 4: Forest Roads CHAPTER 4: Forest Roads

Carmen Wagner, DNR

Out-Sloped Road

Best suited for:

• Single lane roads

• Flat or gentle road

grades (8% or less)

• Seasonal and

closed roads

• Roads with light

traffic

• Situations where

ditches or slopes

will be unstable

and likely to erode

Things to keep in mind about out-sloped roads:

• Surfaces should be kept smooth and rutting

controlled.

• Vehicles can slide off in slippery or icy conditions.

surface drainage

(2% – 6%)

cut

fill
40 Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL 41

CHAPTER 4: Forest Roads CHAPTER 4: Forest Roads

In-Sloped Road

Best suited for:

• Single lane roads

• Steep road grades

(greater than 8%)

• Active roads

Things to keep in mind about in-sloped roads:

• Ditches and drainage structures are needed to

carry surface drainage away from the road.

• Regular maintenance of ditches and drainage

structures is needed.

Crowned Road

Best suited for:

• Single and two

lane roads

• Flat or gentle road

grades

• Steep road grades

if a single lane

Things to keep in mind about crowned roads:

• Ditches and drainage structures are needed to

carry surface drainage away from the road.

• Regular maintenance of ditches, crown, and

drainage structures is needed.

surface drainage (2% – 6%)

cut

fill

cross drain culvert

armor inlet

and outlet

cu surface drainage (2% – 6%) t fill

cross drain culvert

armor inlet

and outlet
42 Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL 43

Road surfaces can be vegetated, native soil material, or graveled.

Gravelling spreads the weight of a vehicle over a larger area, which can

help prevent rutting and failure of the roadbed. A compacted layer of

gravel can also seal the road surface, keeping water away from the

roadbed. Roads that are expected to be used during wet conditions

generally benefit from the reinforcement of the roadbed and the

resistance to erosion provided by the gravel surface.

Placing gravel on a road as it approaches a stream crossing, wetland

crossing, or public road can also minimize the amount of mud that is

carried onto these surfaces. Driving over the gravel “shakes” the mud off.

CHAPTER 4: Forest Roads CHAPTER 4: Forest Roads

A vegetated or native soil road surface may be appropriate when:

• The soil is well drained or composed primarily of gravel.

• The road grade is gentle (8% or less).

• The road is not near lakes, streams, or wetlands, or there are

opportunities to divert runoff and sediment prior to the water

resource.

• Road use can be controlled during wet periods.

• Only limited traffic is expected on the road.

• The road will be closed.

• Gravel is scarce, must be hauled long distances, or is expensive to

obtain.

Gravelling a road may be appropriate when:

• The soil is weak, poorly drained, or prone to erosion.

• The road grade is steep and runoff is likely to run down the road,

eroding the surface.

• The road is near to a lake, stream, or wetland that could receive

runoff and sediment.

• The road is intended to be permanent with year-round use.

• It is not practical or possible to close the road because of recreational

or other uses.

• Heavy traffic volumes are expected for the road.

• Gravel is readily available and relatively inexpensive.

Carmen Wagner, DNR

Carmen Wagner, DNR

ABOVE: Native soil on a flat road grade ABOVE: Gravel approaches to a stream crossing

Tim David, DNR ABOVE: Gravelling steep slopes can help to prevent erosion
Drainage Structures

After the water is off of the road surface, you then need to get it away

from the road. If water is confined to ditches along the roadside, two

things will occur. First, the roadbed will become saturated and will not

be able to support heavy traffic. Second, as water accumulates in the

ditches and gains speed, soil can erode from the ditch, roadbed and

road surface. These problems can be avoided by diverting water out of

the ditches and dispersing it into the adjacent forestland. This will not

only help to prevent erosion, but will also ensure that a high quality

road system is in place. Placement of drainage structures is often

dictated by the landscape; however, care should be taken to avoid

directing runoff directly into lakes, streams, dry washes, and wetlands.

Road drainage structures include cross drains and diversion ditches.

Cross drains are designed to move water from a roadside ditch on one

side of the road to the other and include cross drain culverts, open-top

culverts, rubber belt diverters, broad-based dips, and water bars.

Diversion ditches direct water away from the road and disperse the

water across the forest floor.

44 Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL 45

Road Construction BMPs

Road surfaces are normally crowned or sloped to remove surface water.

Well-designed forest roads will change road profiles as needed and will

use ditches and drainage structures to control runoff, prevent erosion,

and ensure water quality.

CHAPTER 4: Forest Roads CHAPTER 4: Forest Roads

Design and construct roads to remove water from road

surfaces to keep the road dry and structurally sound.

Construct stable cut and fill slopes that will revegetate

easily or stabilize these slopes with rock, seed and mulch, or

other methods to prevent erosion if necessary.

Do not bury debris in the road base. It causes uneven

settling that can lead to erosion, frost-heaving, and mud holes.

Compact the road base material or allow it to settle

before using the road to reduce the amount of water

that soaks into it. This will increase the road’s carrying

capacity, reduce road maintenance, and help to prevent

erosion.

Surface the road with gravel where steep slopes, erodible

soils, or high traffic volume make the potential for surface

erosion significant.

Locate gravel pits outside RMZs, using proper location,

development, and soil stabilization practices to minimize

erosion from the pits.

B

M

P

s

Jeff Martin, DNR ABOVE: Broad-based dips allow traffic while diverting runoff into the forest
46 Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL 47

CHAPTER 4: Forest Roads CHAPTER 4: Forest Roads

Cross Drain Culverts

Best suited for:

• Permanent roads

Things to keep in mind about cross drain

culverts:

• The road stays dry because water is diverted

under the road.

• Cross drain culverts can be expensive to install,

but allow faster traffic speeds.

• They can become plugged by sediment and

other debris, requiring frequent maintenance

inspections.

• They can be used on temporary roads, but

should be removed when the road is closed.

Open-Top Culverts

Best suited for:

• Permanent roads

with low traffic

volumes and

temporary roads

Things to keep in mind about open-top culverts:

• The road stays dry because water is diverted under

the road.

• Open-top culverts are easy and inexpensive to

install, but require slow traffic speeds.

• They can be used on road with grades greater

than 10%.

• They can easily become plugged by sediment and

other debris, requiring frequent maintenance

inspections.

• Open-top culverts can be damaged by high

volumes of traffic and heavy equipment.

• On temporary roads, they should be removed

when the road is closed.

Craig Hollingsworth, DNR

culvert extends

beyond road

armor inlet berm at inlet

and outlet

flow dispersed at outlet

2:1 slope

culvert at a

30o-45o angle

30o-45o
48 Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL 49

CHAPTER 4: Forest Roads CHAPTER 4: Forest Roads

Rubber Belt Diverters

Best suited for:

• Permanent roads

with low traffic

volumes and

temporary roads

Things to keep in mind about rubber belt

diverters:

• They are easy and inexpensive to install, but

require slow traffic speeds.

• They can be used on steep roads without ditches.

• Rubber belt diverters can accumulate dirt, leaves,

and other debris which will require cleaning.

• Rubber belt diverters can be damaged by high

volumes of traffic and heavy equipment.

• Rubber belt diverters can be torn apart if logs are

skidded over them.

• On temporary roads, they should be removed

when the road is closed.

Broad-Based Dips (Grade Dips)

Best suited for:

• Permanent roads,

temporary roads,

and skid trails

Things to keep in mind about broad-based dips

(grade dips):

• They can be used on active roads with or without

ditches.

• They are most effective on roads grades less than

10%.

• Broad-based dips are difficult to construct on

steeper roads.

• On high traffic volume roads, gravel may be

required to prevent rutting. On low traffic volume

roads, a vegetated surface should suffice. Limiting

traffic during wet periods will also help prevent

deterioration of the road and dip.

• Care is needed to ensure that the dip is not lost

due to high traffic volumes and road grading.

• For high speeds and low clearance vehicles, the

approaches should be longer and flatter. For low

speeds and high clearance vehicles, the approaches

can be shorter and deeper.

Craig Hollingsworth, DNR

flow dispersed 30o-45o

angle to road

berm
50 Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL 51

CHAPTER 4: Forest Roads CHAPTER 4: Forest Roads

Water Bars

Best suited for:

• Closed roads and

skid trails

Things to keep in mind about water bars:

• They are easy and inexpensive to install.

• They can be constructed with soil, logs, or slash.

• They are not intended to be driven over.

• They require minimal maintenance.

Diversion Ditches

Best suited for:

• Permanent roads,

temporary roads,

and skid trails

Things to keep in mind about diversion ditches:

• They can be used on roads with or without

ditches.

• They are easy and inexpensive to install.

• Take advantage of the natural dips in the

topography to direct water away from roads and

skid trails. Avoid directing runoff directly into

lakes, streams, dry washes, and wetlands.

• Be sure that the diversion ditch goes downhill.

If it goes uphill, it will drain water onto the road.

• Rocks or slash can be used at the end of the

diversion ditch to slow water flow.

• Maintenance may be needed if sediment is filling

the diversion ditch.

slash to disperse

flow into forest

runoff directed

off of road

flow dispersed at outlet with

rock and/or slash

ditch flow directed

into forest
Table 4-1. Recommended Uses for Different Drainage Structures Drainage Structure BMPs

52 Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL 53

CHAPTER 4: Forest Roads CHAPTER 4: Forest Roads

Permanent

All-Season Roads

Permanent

Seasonal Roads

Temporary Roads

Skid Trails

High Traffic Volume

Low Traffic Volume

No Vehicular Traffic

Rolling to Steep Slopes

Flat to Gentle Slopes

Install drainage structures to remove water from the road

surface and ditches. Drainage structures should be installed

immediately above steep grades, below bank seepages, and

where water will run onto landings or forest roads. Space these

structures at intervals close enough to minimize runoff volume

and speed, avoiding ditch erosion. As road grades increase, use

more drainage structures. (See Table 4-2)

B

M

P

s

Table 4-2. Recommended Maximum Distances Between Drainage Structures

on Forest Roads and Skid Trails

0–3 175 250 250 350

4–6 125 200 175 250

7–9 100 175 125 175

10–12 75 150 75 125

13–15 60 100 60 100

16–20 50 75 50 75

21–30 40 65 40 65

30+ 30 50 30 50

Note: Broad-based dips generally become ineffective on slopes greater than 10%.

Maximum distance between Maximum distance between all

water bars (feet) other drainage structures (feet)

High Erosion Risk Low Erosion Risk High Erosion Risk Low Erosion Risk

(most sandy soils (most rocky soils (most sandy soils (most rocky soils

Road Grade (%) and silt soils) and clay soils) and silt soils) and clay soils)

Install a berm at the inlets of drainage structures, if

needed, to direct water into the structures. Use rock riprap,

mulch, and/or seeding at the inlets to prevent water from

eroding and undercutting the structures.

Provide erosion protection at the outlets of drainage

structures to minimize erosion and disperse the water,

allowing it to soak into the ground. Options include rock

riprap, slash, mulch, and/or seeding.

ABOVE: Construct broad-based dips shallow enough to accomodate expected vehicles.

Craig Hollingsworth, DNR STRUCTURE

Cross drain culvert ••• • • ••

Open-top culvert • • • ••••

Rubber belt diverter • • • ••••

Broad-based dip ••• •• •• •

Water bar •• •••

Diversion ditch ••• •• ••••

ROAD TYPE TRAFFIC VOLUMES SLOPES
54 Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL 55

CHAPTER 4: Forest Roads CHAPTER 4: Forest Roads

Install drainage structures at grades of at least 2% more

than the ditch grade and at a 30 to 45 degree angle to

the road.

Check drainage structures to ensure that they are not filling

with sediment or other debris. Clean if needed.

Install cross drain culverts long enough to extend

beyond the road fill. Size culvert cross drains according

to the size of the road and the area drained by the ditch.

To avoid clogging, culverts should be a minimum of 12 inches

in diameter.

Install cross drain culverts on a surface of compacted

granular material. Firmly compact fill material around the

culvert, particularly the bottom half. To prevent crushing, cover

the top of the culvert with fill to a depth of 1/3 of the pipe

diameter, or at least 12 inches (whichever is greater).

Construct broad-based dips deep enough to provide

adequate cross drainage and wide enough to allow

trucks and equipment to pass safely. On high traffic

volume roads, place a surface of crushed rock stone or gravel

in the dip and on the mound to prevent rutting from occurring.

On low traffic volume roads and where traffic can be limited

during wet periods, a vegetated surface may suffice.

B

M

P

s

Drainage Structure BMPs (continued) A Closer Look at Road Building Challenges in the Driftless Area

In southwest Wisconsin is the Driftless Area, which is characterized by ridges with steep

sides leading down to valley floors. Silty soils with a silt loam surface are common in this

area. The steep slopes combined with these erosive soils create some unique challenges

when building roads, but with thoughtful planning, road construction, installation of

drainage structures, and timely maintenance, these challenges can be overcome.

Drainage structures and cut and fill slopes can be difficult to stabilize and maintain in

this landscape. Gravelling the road surface is an option, but dump trucks may not be able

to climb the steep inclines. Another option is to seed the road surface with grass, but

traffic must be kept to minimum during wet periods to maintain the road profile and to

protect drainage structures. In addition, out-sloped road profiles may need to exceed the

recommended 2–6% to ensure adequate drainage if the road surface is well vegetated.

If the road profile exceeds 6%, traffic should be kept off the road in slippery and icy

conditions in order to prevent slide-offs.

Roads can be constructed entirely by cutting, rather than balancing cut and fills. Broadbased dips and other drainage structures can be shaped by cutting away soil and

depositing excess soil elsewhere, rather than using it as part of the road. This will help

prevent erosion of newly placed fill on steep slopes and provide a more stable roadbed.

The steep slopes also lead landowners to use less common drainage structures, such as

open-top culverts and rubber belt diverters. Broad-based dips often do not work in this

area because of the length of run needed when constructing the approach to a dip.

In this area of the state and

others, modifications may be

required to ensure that water

quality is protected as intended

by the BMPs. As described in

Chapter 1, modifications for

specific site conditions should

be made with guidance from a

professional forester or other

natural resource professional.

As with any project, be sure to

consider alternatives, especially

when dry washes, springs,

seeps, and other sensitive

water resources are present.

ABOVE: Steep slopes in the Driftless Area can present significant

road building challenges

Patrick Dayton, Southwest Badger RC&D

armor inlet & outlet

stabilize ditches and road shoulders

extend culvert

beyond road fill

disperse flow at outlet place culvert on firm

bed at 2%-4% grade

2%-4%
56 Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL 57

CHAPTER 4: Forest Roads CHAPTER 4: Forest Roads

Soil Stabilization BMPs

Soil stabilization practices are used when soil is exposed and natural

revegetation is inadequate to prevent soil erosion (the detachment of

soil) and to control sedimentation (the movement of soil). Soil can be

exposed during road construction, by heavy volumes of traffic, and

when grading roads and skid trails. Some practices are designed to hold

the soil in place and to prevent it from eroding, such as seeding and

mulching. Other practices are intended to slow and capture sediment

once it has begun to erode, such as straw bales and silt fences. There

are a multitude of practices available to select from, depending on

grade, slope length, and location. These practices are often used in

conjunction with one another to ensure water quality protection.

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

necessary to minimize soil erosion into lakes, streams,

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

Install sediment control structures where necessary to

slow the flow of runoff and to trap sediment until

vegetation is established at the sediment source.

See Tables 4-3 and 4-4.

Maintain, clean, and replace sediment control structures,

as needed, until areas of exposed soil are stabilized.

B

M

P

s

Timing is critical when implementing soil stabilization practices. Steps

should be taken to stabilize any bare soil as soon as possible after it is

disturbed. In the fall,seed may not germinate until the following spring.

Soil stabilization practices in addition to seed and mulch may be needed

then to hold the soil in place during fall rains and spring snowmelt until

the vegetation becomes established. Temporary soil stabilization may

still be needed for winter harvests. Install temporary practices to

prevent erosion and then install permanent practices after the site has

become dry enough for equipment.

After the site has become stabilized by vegetation, temporary stabilization

practices, like silt fences,can be removed. It may be necessary to seed and

mulch in areas that are disturbed by the removal of the temporary

structures.Additional information on seed mixes can be found in Appendix

D and on erosion and sediment control products in Appendix E.

Straw Bales for Temporary Ditch Checks

Silt Fence for Temporary Sediment Control on Slopes

2 stakes per bale

channelized flow compact back fill

bury at least 4 inches

stakes at least

20 inches in

ground

bottom of silt fence

buried in a 6 inch

deep trench

stakes 3 feet apart,

8 feet if woven

geotextile

sheet flow
SLOPE

6:1 or flatter 4:1 3:1 2:1

Slope length (ft.) Slope length (ft.) Slope length (ft.) Slope length (ft.)

0-30 30-60 60-120 0-30 30-60 60-120 0-30 30-60 60-120 0-30 30-60 60-120 Comments

58 Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL 59

CHAPTER 4: Forest Roads CHAPTER 4: Forest Roads

Table 4-3. Recommended Erosion and Sediment Control Options for Ditches

(channelized flow)

DITCH GRADE

<2% 2%–4% 4%–6%

Max. length (ft.) Max. length (ft.) Max. length (ft.)

300 600 1,200 300 600 1,200 300 600 1,200 Comments

EROSION CONTROL OPTIONS

Seed with mulch

Seed with light

duty erosion mat

Seed with medium $ $$

duty erosion mat

SEDIMENT CONTROL OPTIONS

Temporary ditch Install one ditch

checks, such as check for every

straw bales, fiber 2 ft. of drop,

logs, and triangular max. 200 ft.

silt dikes spacing. Not recommended

for slopes less

than 1%

Stone ditch checks $$ $ Install one ditch

check for every

2 ft. of drop.

Use No. 2

coarse

aggregate,

railroad ballast,

or breaker run.

Notes:

1. $ = Practice is effective, but may not be cost efficient.

2. Erosion control mats should extend a minimum of 1 foot upslope vertically from the ditch bottom.

3. If erosion control nets are not properly anchored, animals can become entangled in them. Use appropriate

materials in areas where there is a high probability of animals becoming entangled, such as along lakes,

streams, and wetlands.

4. Effective erosion and sediment control involves minimizing the amount of time that soil is exposed,

selecting a combination of practices, and not relying on just one practice. Grade length can be shortened

by installing drainage structures such as diversion ditches.

5. See Appendix D: Seed Mix Information, Appendix E: Erosion and Sediment Control Products, and the

WisDOT’s Erosion Control Product Acceptability Lists for Multi-Modal Applications for more information on

products and manufacturers.

Table 4-4. Recommended Erosion and Sediment Control Options for Slopes

(sheet flow)

Notes:

1. $ = Practice is effective, but may not be cost efficient.

2. On steeper slopes that require a heavier duty mat, use the appropriate lighter duty mat or seed and mulch

for the first 30 feet to 60 feet of the slope.

3. If erosion control nets are not properly anchored, animals can become entangled in them. Use appropriate

materials in areas where there is a high probability of animals becoming entangled, such as along lakes,

streams, and wetlands.

4. Effective erosion and sediment control involves minimizing the amount of time that soil is exposed,

selecting a combination of practices, and not relying on just one practice. Grade length can be shortened

by installing drainage structures such as diversion ditches.

5. See Appendix D: Seed Mix Information, Appendix E: Erosion and Sediment Control Products, and the

WisDOT’s Erosion Control Product Acceptability Lists for Multi-Modal Applications for more information on

products and manufacturers.

EROSION CONTROL OPTIONS

Seed with mulch

Seed with light $$$$ $$

duty erosion mat

Seed with medium $$$$ $$

duty erosion mat

Riprap $$$$ $$$$$ Angle of

repose

must be

considered.

SEDIMENT CONTROL OPTIONS

Temporary

sediment control

practices, such as Use at toe of slopes to intercept and detain

silt fences, straw small amounts of sediment.

bales, and fiber

logs.
A Closer Look at Why Roads Fail

There are three components to a successful forest road – location, construction, and

maintenance. When forest roads fail, there are numerous results, including:

60 Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL 61

CHAPTER 4: Forest Roads CHAPTER 4: Forest Roads

Common causes of road failures include:

• When siting roads, factors such as soils, slopes, and nearby land

management are not fully evaluated. Examples include:

— Weak soils that cannot support traffic.

— Steep grades and “climbing turns” that are difficult for logging

equipment and trucks to use safely.

— Poorly sited entrances that receive runoff from adjacent farm

fields or roads.

• When designing and constructing roads, standards are not

followed. Examples include:

— Not using enough (or any) drainages structures.

— Undersizing stream and dry wash crossings.

— Incorrectly installing drainage and crossing structures.

• When maintaining and closing roads, steps are not taken to

protect the road. Examples include:

— Not repairing the road surface and profile after a heavy use or

prior to closing.

— Using road in poor conditions (too wet or too soft) that cannot

support the traffic.

— Not gravelling or vegetating the road to maintain a stable

surface.

• Access is lost or a longer access route may be

required.

• Costs are incurred repairing the road or using less

direct access points.

• Income may be lost or delayed until forest products

can be safely transported.

• Water quality, wildlife habitat, and other resources

may be impacted.

Carmen Wagner, DNR

Road Maintenance BMPs

Roads must be well maintained. If not, erosion control and drainage

structures may quickly degrade and endanger water quality. For both

active and inactive roads, follow the BMPs in the previous Soil

Stabilization section.

Active Roads

Active roads are generally open to vehicular traffic. Depending on

the landowner and type of road, this may include logging trucks, light

trucks, automobiles, tractors, utility terrain vehicles (UTVs), or ATVs.A

road may be closed seasonally or may be closed to other users, but

still considered an “active” road.

Inspect the road system at regular intervals, especially after

heavy rainfall, to detect problems and to schedule repairs.

Clear debris from culverts, ditches, dips, and other

drainage structures to prevent clogging that can lead to

washouts. Place the debris where it cannot be washed back

into these structures or washed into open water.

Keep traffic to a minimum during wet periods and spring

breakup to reduce maintenance needs.

Shape road surfaces periodically to maintain proper

surface drainage. Fill in ruts and holes with gravel or

compacted fill as soon as possible to reduce erosion potential.

Remove berms along the edge of the road if they will

trap water on the road.

When dust control agents are used, apply them in a

manner that will keep these compounds from entering

lakes, streams, wetlands, and groundwater. Consult a

qualified road engineer from the County Highway

Commissioner’s office or Wisconsin Department of

Transportation for assistance in selecting the appropriate

chemicals and amounts. Note: It is illegal to spread oil on roads,

land, and water in Wisconsin.

B

M

P

s
62 Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL 63

CHAPTER 4: Forest Roads CHAPTER 4: Forest Roads

Inactive Roads

Inactive roads are generally not used by vehicles. When forest roads

are inactive for extended periods, closing the road system will help

to protect the road surface and drainage structures. Consider

erecting a barrier to traffic, such as a gate or berm, and post

“closed” signs at the entrance of the road. If temporarily closed,

state the length of time and/or reason for the closure. Inviting

acceptable uses may be helpful to assure compliance.

Remove all temporary drainage and crossing structures.

Shape all road system surfaces to maintain proper surface

drainage, if necessary.

Install water bars where necessary. See the Water Bars

section and follow recommendations in Table 4-2.

Inspect and maintain road surfaces, drainage structures,

and crossings to minimize erosion.

B

M

P

s

DNR Storm Water Management Technical Standards

• Contains the requirements for planning, designing, installing and

maintaining a wide variety of erosion and sediment control

practices, including channel erosion mats, ditch checks, and silt

fences

• http://dnr.wi.gov/runoff/stormwater/techstds.htm

Erosion Control Product Acceptability List for Multi-Modal

Applications (Wisconsin DOT)

• Lists erosion control products that meet the WisDOT’s

specifications for road construction and the manufacturers of the

products

• http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/business/engrserv/pal.htm

Forest Management Practices: Managing Water Series

(University of Minnesota Extension Service Publications #1-13)

• Provides guidance on planning, constructing and maintaining

forest roads and skid trails to limit erosion, help meet landowner

objectives, improve safety, and reduce costs.

• http://dnr.wi.gov/forestry/Usesof/bmp/bmpownerguides.htm#3

A Landowner’s Guide to Building Forest Access Roads (USDA

Forest Service Publication #NA-TP-06-98)

• Provides recommendations for basic planning, construction,

drainage, maintenance, and closure of low-speed forest roads

• http://na.fs.fed.us/spfo/pubs/stewardship/accessroads/

accessroads.htm

RESOURCES

ABOVE: Gates can close roads to unauthorized use,

but still allow easy access

ABOVE: Berms are effective when frequent access

is not required

Carmen Wagner, DNR

Carmen Wagner, DNR
64 Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL

Stream crossings, especially culverts,

can significantly affect streams if

BMPs are not used to minimize

impacts with proper design,

installation, and maintenance. Poorly

designed, installed, or maintained

crossings can change the physical

characteristics of a stream – its

speed, depth, and channel shape.

Crossings can also create passage

problems for fish and other species.

These problems can include:

• Insufficient water depths in a crossing

• Excessive velocity (exceeding fish swimming capacities) in a

crossing

• Absence of stream substrate in the crossing

• Debris blocking the inlet, impeding water flow, sediment transport,

and fish passage through the crossing

• Scour at the crossing outlet, creating physical barrier to aquatic

passage upstream

• An overhanging or perched outlet of a crossing, impeding upstream

fish passage.

Planning

When planning a stream crossing, first determine whether there are any

other ways to access the parcel that would not require a new crossing. If the

crossing is required, you will need to consider:

• the stream channel

• the stream banks

• the approaches to the crossing.

ABOVE: This culvert

is undersized and

perched, creating a

barrier to fish

movement.

Carmen Wagner, DNR

C H A P T E R

5

Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL 65

Stream Crossings

When used in the appropriate

locations, fords can have

minimal impacts on water

quality and fish passage.

Photo by Carmen Wagner, DNR
The ideal location for a stream crossing is where the stream is straight

and narrow with low banks and firm rocky soil. The road should

approach the stream at the least gradient possible.

Factors in properly sizing a crossing include storm frequency, drainage

area, and flow rates. Permit standards for crossings include information

on how to size crossings. A properly sized structure will reduce fish

passage problems and reduce the likelihood of high water levels

undermining or washing out the crossing. Washouts can be avoided by

providing a high water release as part of the approach. This high water

release can be a dry culvert or dip in the approach.

Depending on the intensity of use, a temporary or permanent stream

crossing may be more appropriate. Common temporary stream crossing

designs used in forest management include portable bridges, timber

mats, and pole fords. For permanent crossings, bridges, culverts, and

fords are often used.

Regulations

A permit from the DNR is required to construct or install a stream crossing

on any navigable stream. A stream is navigable if it has a defined bed and

banks and if it is possible to float a canoe or other small craft in the waterway

on a regular reoccurring basis – even if only during spring snowmelt. Streams

identified on USGS topographic maps (7.5 minute/1:24,000 scale) are considered navigable. It is important to note that there are navigable streams

that do not appear on these maps. If you have a question about navigability,

contact your local DNR water management specialist (see Appendix C).

Permits may also be required from local zoning offices. If FEMA has mapped

a floodplain on the stream, local floodplain regulations will apply.

CHAPTER 5: Stream Crossings

LEFT: Installing

temporary stream

crossings like this

portable bridge,

requires a permit from

the DNR.

Shelly Wrzochalski, DNR

B

M

P

s

General Stream Crossing BMPs

The BMPs provide general guidance on the design, installation,

and maintenance of stream crossings. Permit requirements include

detailed information on sizing and installing stream crossings. Be sure

to refer to and understand permit requirements.

Identify optimum stream crossing locations. Optimum

locations are where the stream channel is straight and narrow

with low banks and firm rocky soil. Roads should approach

streams at the least gradient possible.

Install stream crossing structures at right angles to the

stream, where practicable.

Use soil stabilization practices on exposed soil at stream

crossings. Use seed and mulch and install temporary sediment

control structures to minimize erosion into streams. Maintain

these practices until the soil is stabilized. Refer to the Soil

Stabilization section in Chapter 4.

Design, construct, and maintain stream crossings to avoid

disrupting the migration or movement of fish and other

aquatic life. Consider clear-span bridges, bottomless arch

culverts, and temporary stream crossings that retain the natural

stream bottom.

Install stream crossings using materials that are clean,

non-erodible, and non-toxic to aquatic life.

Minimize channel changes and the amount of excavation

or fill needed at crossings.

Limit construction activity in the streambed to periods of

low flow or no flow. Keep use of equipment in the stream to a

minimum.

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

on the road approaches to prevent road runoff from entering the stream. Direct the runoff into undisturbed vegetation,

preferably outside the riparian management zone (RMZ).

Stabilize approaches to crossings with aggregate or other

suitable material to reduce sediment entering the stream.

66 Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL

CHAPTER 5: Stream Crossings

Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL 67
B

M

P

s

Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL 69

CHAPTER 5: Stream Crossings

68 Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL

Stream Crossing BMPs for Culverts

The following BMPs address culverts that are used for stream crossings. When using culverts for road drainage, refer to the Drainage

Structure section of Chapter 4: Forest Roads.When using culverts for

cross drainage in wetlands, refer to the Wetland Road, Skid Trail and

Landing BMPs section of Chapter 8: Wetlands.

Install culverts that extend at least 1 foot beyond the road

fill.

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

avoid plugging, wash-outs, and upstream flooding, culverts should

be a minimum of 18 inches in diameter.

Install culverts so there is no change in the streambed

elevation. Culverts should not dam or pool water.

Firmly compact material around culverts, particularly the

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

fill to a depth of one-third of the culvert diameter or at least 12

inches, whichever is greater.

Use riprap around the inlet and outlet of culverts to prevent

water from eroding and undercutting the culvert. Use filter

fabric or a filter layer of gravel under the riprap. Consider using

flared-end culvert sections, where appropriate.

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

unimpeded at all times. This is especially important in areas

where beaver are present. Consider using a bevel cut culvert to

facilitate debris removal. A bevel cut requires a longer culvert than

a flat cut.

CHAPTER 5: Stream Crossings

HOW TO INSTALL A CULVERT

extend culvert 1 foot

beyond road fill

install rip rap with

filter fabric to

prevent erosion

firmly compact backfill and cover

culvert with fill that is 1 foot deep

or 1/3 culvert diameter

bury culvert below

streambed to avoid

changing streambed

elevation

stabilize road shoulder

cross stream at a right angle

divert runoff away

from road and

stream, preferably

outside the RMZ

minimize

disturbance

in the RMZ

CONSIDERATIONS WHEN INSTALLING A STREAM CROSSING
B

M

P

s

B

M

P

s

Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL 71

CHAPTER 5: Stream Crossings

70 Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL

Stream Crossing BMPs for Fords

Use fords for crossing dry streambeds or where fording

would cause minimal water quality impacts.

Locate fords where stream banks are low.

Place fords in areas with a firm rock or gravel streambed.

Install stabilizing materials like reinforced concrete planks,

crushed rock, riprap, or rubber mats on streambeds, if needed.

ABOVE: Fords are best suited to shallow streams with a firm rock or gravel streambed.

Carment Wagner, DNR

Temporary Stream Crossing BMPs

Use temporary stream crossings such as timber mats, pole

fords, or frozen fords when appropriate.

— Timber mats can span the width of smaller streams and are

easy to install with a skidder or forwarder. Timber mats can be

used in any season.

— Pole fords may be used in small streams by placing poles (or

small logs) side by side on the streambed. Pole fords must be

removed immediately after use. Remove any debris before the

upstream end becomes clogged and impedes stream flow.

— Frozen fords are used when the ice is thick enough or the

streambed is frozen enough to support equipment and protect

the streambed.

Anchor temporary structures on one end with a cable or

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

Install them so they can be easily removed when no longer

needed, regardless of season.

LEFT: Timber mats are

used here as part of

an ice bridge.

LEFT: Timber mats

provide a temporary

stream crossing on

this skid trail.

Shelly Wrzochalski, DNR Kim Lemke, DNR

CHAPTER 5: Stream Crossings
Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL 73

Timber Harvesting

C H A P T E R

6

Timber harvesting includes felling

trees and transporting logs on skid

trails to a landing. Skid trails are

temporary travel-ways for logging

equipment to transport felled trees

or logs. Skid trails are not intended

to be used by over-the-road vehicles.

At the landing, products are sorted

and loaded onto trucks for transport

to a mill or other facility. Landings

may be permanent or temporary

features. If permanent, they may

also be used as parking areas or

wildlife openings.

If skid trails or landings require

excavation and construction, follow

the BMPs in Chapter 4: Forest

Roads. Stream crossing are

discussed in Chapter 5.

DNR Waterway and Wetland Permits

• Contains permit information and application packets for stream

crossings

• http://dnr.wi.gov/waterways/

Fish Friendly Culverts

• Discusses considerations for the design, installation, and

maintenance of culverts that can protect both roads and fish

• http://clean-water.uwex.edu/pubs/pdf/shore.fishfriendly

culverts.pdf

Forest Management Practices: Crossing Options Series

(University of Minnesota Extension Service Publications #1-16)

• Provides guidance on stream crossing options that can minimize

the impact to water quality and fish habitat, including temporary

structures that can be reused at other sites

• http://dnr.wi.gov/forestry/Usesof/bmp/bmpownerguides.htm#4

Portable Timber Bridges as a Best Management Practice in

Forest Management (USDA Forest Service Publication #NA-TP-04-04)

• Provides information on portable timber bridges and includes

design and cost information, installation advice, and a list of

portable timber bridge manufacturers

• http://na.fs.fed.us/pubs/misc/bmp/timber_bridges_bmp.pdf

Temporary Stream and Wetland Crossing Options for Forest

Management (USDA Forest Service Publication #NC-202)

• Reviews different options for temporary stream and wetland

crossings, including cost and design considerations

• http://www.ncrs.fs.fed.us/epubs/gtr202/

Temporary Stream Crossings for Forestry: A Directory of

Available Structures (DNR Pub FR-378)

• Describes types of temporary stream crossings and provides a

directory of agencies with crossings available for use or loan

• http://dnr.wi.gov/forestry/publications/pdf/FR-378.pdf

RESOURCES

72 Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL

CHAPTER 5: Stream Crossings

ABOVE: Use existing skid trails if they provide the best

long-term access

Maine Forest Service ABOVE: Logs are sorted and stockpiled at landings to be

loaded onto trucks

Carmen Wagner, DNR
Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL 75

CHAPTER 6: Timber Harvesting CHAPTER 6: Timber Harvesting

74 Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL

Landing BMPs

▲ Locate landings on frozen ground or on firm well-drained

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

promote efficient drainage. Landings may need to be

crowned to promote drainage.

▲ Use existing landings if possible. Close existing landings in

riparian management zones, wetlands, and wetland filter strips

unless construction of new landings will cause greater harm to

water quality than using the existing landings.

▲ Locate residue piles (sawdust, chipping residue, and other

material) away from areas where runoff may wash

residue into lakes, streams, or wetlands.

B

M

P

s

Locate landings on frozen ground or on firm well-drained

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

promote efficient drainage. Landings may need to be

crowned to promote drainage.

Use existing landings if possible. Close existing landings in

riparian management zones, wetlands, and wetland filter strips

unless construction of new landings will cause greater harm to

water quality than using the existing landings.

Locate residue piles (sawdust, chipping residue, and other

material) away from areas where runoff may wash

residue into lakes, streams, or wetlands.

B

M

P

s

Skid Trail BMPs

▲ Locate landings on frozen ground or on firm well-drained

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

promote efficient drainage. Landings may need to be

crowned to promote drainage.

▲ Use existing landings if possible. Close existing landings in

riparian management zones, wetlands, and wetland filter strips

unless construction of new landings will cause greater harm to

water quality than using the existing landings.

▲ Locate residue piles (sawdust, chipping residue, and other

material) away from areas where runoff may wash

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

Where steep grades are unavoidable, break the grade, install

drainage structures, and use soil stabilization practices (as

described in Chapter 4: Forest Roads) where needed to

minimize runoff and erosion. Grades greater than 15% should

not exceed 300 feet in length.

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

access. Consider relocating existing skid trails if access can be

improved and environmental impacts lessened

B

M

P

s

ABOVE: A well-draining landing on sandy soils

Carmen Wagner, DNR

Carmen Wagner, DNR

RIGHT: Tracked equipment

can help minimize soil

compaction

RIGHT: Seeded and

mulched landing

Maine Forest Service
76 Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL 77

CHAPTER 6: Timber Harvesting CHAPTER 6: Timber Harvesting

General Timber Harvesting BMPs

In addition to the BMPs in this chapter, also refer to Chapter 7:

Riparian Management Zones and Chapter 8: Wetlands.

Limit the length and number of skid trails, landings, and

stream crossings to the minimum necessary for

conducting the harvest operation and to meet the

landowner’s objectives. See discussion on balancing

transportation needs in Chapter 4: Forest Roads.

Whenever possible, winch logs up steep slopes if

conventional skidding could cause erosion that affects

water quality.

Avoid operating equipment where excessive soil

compaction, rutting, or channelized runoff may cause

erosion that affects water quality. The use of low ground

pressure equipment or other techniques may allow operations

to continue.

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

control structures and drainage structures on skid trails

and landings where needed to prevent erosion and

sedimentation into surface waters. See the Drainage

Structures section and Soil Stabilization section of Chapter 4:

Forest Roads.

Inspect soil stabilization practices periodically during and

after harvest operations to insure that they are successful

and remain functional. Follow BMPs in the Road Maintenance

section of Chapter 4: Forest Roads.

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

wash slash into lakes, streams, or wetlands.

For winter harvesting, mark stream channels, dry washes,

and existing culvert locations before snowfall.

B

M

P

s

Dry Wash BMPs

Dry washes are incised, often v-shaped, hillside gullies experiencing

active erosion. Dry washes are common along the steep slopes of

southwestern Wisconsin’s Driftless Area and Lake Superior’s coast.

Occasionally, conditions may also lead to the development of dry

washes in other parts of the state.

Found in steep, hilly landscapes, large amounts of sediment can be

swiftly eroded from dry washes and deposited elsewhere. The cause of

dry washes can generally be traced back to man-made changes in the

landscape above the dry wash. In southwest Wisconsin, they are

commonly found on wooded slopes below agricultural fields, pastures,

and ditch culverts. Dry washes are not found in flat areas.

Dry washes are not streams. They only receive water flow as surface

runoff from snowmelt and rainstorms. They receive little to no flow from

springs or seeps. If springs or seeps are present, the feature is more

likely a stream with associated aquatic plants and animals, rather than

a dry wash.

Dry washes are actively experiencing soil erosion. If the stability of the

dry wash is compromised by equipment, this can lead to more erosion,

causing the dry wash to widen, deepen, and progress further uphill

(headcutting).

To differentiate dry washes from streams, ravines, valleys, and other

landforms, consider the following:

• Dry washes are not identified on topographical maps.

• Dry washes have deeply cut, steep sides.

• Dry washes have bare, eroding soil.

• Dry washes show signs of active erosion by concentrated

water flow.
78 Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL 79

The following BMPs apply within 35 feet of each side of dry

washes. The goal is to allow landowners to harvest timber while

preventing further erosion in the dry wash during forest management

activities. Selection harvest or patch clear-cut prescriptions are preferred

because the deep root systems of the retained trees will help to stabilize

the banks of dry washes. Patch clear-cuts will still allow enough light

penetration to encourage regeneration of oak and aspen. It is possible

to harvest timber at the edge of the dry wash.

CHAPTER 6: Timber Harvesting CHAPTER 6: Timber Harvesting

Use selection harvests or patch clear-cuts within 35 feet

of the dry wash to promote tree species appropriate to

the site. No more than 50% of the area within 35 feet should

be clear-cut.

Avoid locating roads and landings within 35 feet of the

dry wash unless necessary for crossings. To the extent

possible, avoid crossing the dry wash with equipment during

harvesting operations. For crossings, follow the

recommendations in Chapter 5: Stream Crossings.

Operate wheeled or tracked equipment within 15 feet of

the dry wash only when the ground is frozen or dry.

Minimize equipment activity around head of the dry wash in

order to prevent further uphill progression (head-cutting) of the

dry wash.

Do not harvest fine woody material within 15 feet of the

dry wash. Note: This BMP may be modified for specific site

conditions, for specific operational issues, or to meet specific

management objectives if water quality will not be impacted.

Additional guidelines can be found in Wisconsin’s Forestland

Woody Biomass Harvesting Guidelines.

Minimize soil exposure and compaction to protect ground

vegetation and the duff layer.

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

prevent damage to the banks of the dry wash.

B

M

P

s

D R Y

WA S H

D

R Y

WA S H

Harvest Options in 35-foot Dry Wash Management Zone

35 feet

35 feet

Selection

Harvest

Patch

Clear-cut

Note: No more than 50% of the dry wash management zone

should be clear-cut.
RIGHT: The streambanks in this

area of the state are extremely

susceptible to in-stream erosion. DNR file

80 Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL 81

Stabilizing a dry wash often requires addressing runoff problems outside

of the dry wash. Many times the source of these problems is agricultural

lands or roads, which is beyond the scope of this field manual. Your

County Land Conservation Department may be able to provide some

direction on what actions you can take to repair a dry wash.

CHAPTER 6: Timber Harvesting CHAPTER 6: Timber Harvesting

When planning a timber harvest,consider how much timber harvesting is occurring, both

on your individual property and within the watershed. Some considerations when

planning a timber harvest in the red clay plain include:

• Consider the amount of land that is in young forests and open

lands in the area around the timber harvest. Young forests are

stands of trees less than 15 years old and open lands include fields

and pastures. Extensive amounts of young forests and open lands in

a watershed can increase the volume of runoff and the potential for

streambank erosion.

• Plan the layout of a timber sale so that uncut stands of trees

will intercept runoff from harvested areas.

• Promote tree species that can be harvested by individual or

group selection. These types of harvests should be a minimum

of 15-20 years apart.

• Maintain larger, longer-lived tree species in a significant

portion of riparian areas.

ABOVE: Dry wash in Driftless Area

Craig Hollingsworth, DNR

A Closer Look at Timber Havesting Challenges in the

Lake Superior Clay Plain

Along Lake Superior’s southern

shore stretches a red clay plain. The

plain is a mixture of red clay and

sand that creates an unstable

environment that easily erodes.

Significant amounts of runoff and

erosion can present a number of

problems. When the volume and

velocity of runoff is more than a

stream can withstand, its banks can

collapse and wash downstream. As

the sand settles out, it can cover

gravel spawning beds and fill deep

holes used by fish.
CHAPTER 6: Timber Harvesting

82 Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL

Riparian management zones (RMZs) are

areas next to lakes and streams, where

forest management practices are

modified to protect water quality, fish

habitat, and other aquatic resources.

These areas are complex ecosystems

that provide food, habitat, and

movement corridors for aquatic (water)

and terrestrial (land) species. In fact,

80% of the endangered and threatened

species in Wisconsin spend all or part of

their lives in these areas. Besides their

wildlife habitat value, RMZs are crucial in helping to minimize the

effects of nonpoint source pollution on adjacent surface waters.

Riparian management zones help to:

• Filter sediment and nutrients from runoff.

As runoff flows over the soil and duff layer (needles, leaves, and

decaying matter), it can slow and drop sediment that it is carrying.

This settling process minimizes the amount of sediment and

nutrients that reaches lakes and streams.

• Allow water to soak into the ground.

The leaves, twigs, and stems of low growing vegetation and the duff

layer in RMZs slow surface runoff, allowing water to soak into the

ground. This helps to reduce peak flow levels in streams. It is also

replenishes groundwater, helping to maintain lake levels and stream

flows.

• Stabilize lakeshores and streambanks.

The roots of trees and plants along lakes and streams can reduce soil

erosion by holding soil in place, making it more difficult for waves,

currents, and runoff to wash the soil away. Plants also intercept

rainfall, reducing the impact of raindrops on bare soil and decreasing

erosion.

C H A P T E R

7

Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL 83

Riparian Management Zones

Managing Woodlands on Lake Superior’s Red Clay Plain:

Slowing the Flow of Runoff (DNR Pub FR-385)

• Provides recommendations on how to minimize erosion in the

red clay plain during forestry activities

• http://dnr.wi.gov/forestry/publications/pdf/FR-385.pdf

Wisconsin Forest Management Guidelines, Chapter 13:

Timber Harvesting (DNR Pub FR-226)

• Reviews planning, design and operational considerations when

harvesting timber.

• http://dnr.wi.gov/forestry/Publications/Guidelines

RESOURCES

ABOVE: RMZ on

the Plover River

Carmen Wagner, DNR
Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL 85

• Shade streams.

Streamside trees offer shade, keeping the water from becoming too

warm for aquatic life in the summer. As water temperatures rise,

dissolved oxygen levels decrease. Maintaining water temperatures

are especially important in cold water trout streams.

• Provide food and habitat for aquatic organisms.

Fallen leaves and twigs are the base of the food chain for aquatic

organisms in small forest streams. Large woody debris, including

logs and branches, provide critical habitat for fish, aquatic

organisms, and terrestrial animals.

Regulations

Timber harvesting next to lakes and streams must be consistent with local

zoning ordinances. Chapter NR 115, Wis. Admin. Code, establishes

statewide minimum standards for cutting trees and shrubs in shoreland

areas to protect natural scenic beauty, control erosion, and reduce the

flow of sediment and nutrients from the shoreland area. Every county has

a shoreland zoning ordinance which addresses vegetation management

and other activities near lakes and streams. Many cities, villages, and

towns have also adopted ordinances with shoreland management

provisions. Before conducting any shoreland harvesting, contact your

local zoning offices for permit and regulation information. Permit and

regulatory information can be found in Appendices A and B. Contact

information for county zoning offices can be found in Appendix C.

84 Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL

CHAPTER 7: Riparian Management Zones CHAPTER 7: Riparian Management Zones

Riparian Management Zone Categories

The recommended riparian management zone widths for lakes and

streams are:

RMZ Width Applies to:

RMZ = 100 feet • Lakes

• Designated trout streams (regardless of width)

• Streams 3 feet wide and wider

RMZ = 35 feet • Streams less than 3 feet wide

RMZ = 35 feet • Streams less than 1 foot wide

RIGHT: Forested

shoreline in Vilas

County

Carmen Wagner, DNR

Riparian Management Zone (RMZ) Categories

There are three RMZ

categories:

NOTE: The RMZ width is measured along the lay of the land (the linear distance

along the ground). It is not a horizontal distance, unless the ground is level.

100' 100'

35' 35'

100'

35' 35'

Lakes, designated trout

streams and streams 3 feet

wide and wider:

RMZ = 100 feet

Streams less than

3 feet wide:

RMZ = 35 feet

Streams less than

1 foot wide:

RMZ = 35 feet
86 Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL 87

The recommended RMZ width starts at the ordinary high water mark

(OHWM) and is measured along the lay of the land (the linear distance

along the ground). It is not a horizontal distance, unless the ground is

level. Using best professional judgment, the width of the RMZ and

associated BMPs may be modified to ensure water protection or if water

quality will not be impacted. It is important to remember that water

quality broadly encompasses chemical, physical, and biological

characteristics of lakes and streams – it is not just water clarity.

CHAPTER 7: Riparian Management Zones CHAPTER 7: Riparian Management Zones

Carmen Wagner, DNR

LEFT: RMZ with

60 to 80 s.f./acre

basal area

Carmen Wagner, DNR

LEFT: RMZ

below the

recommended

60 s.f./acre

basal area

Carmen Wagner, DNR

LEFT: Harvesting

is allowed within

RMZs

A wider RMZ width may be needed on sites that exhibit one or more of the following

site conditions:

• Steep slopes

• Long, continuous slopes

• Highly erodible soils

• No ground cover or duff layer

• Intensive soil disturbance near the RMZ

• Unique or sensitive waters

A narrower RMZ width may be suitable on sites that exhibit the following site conditions:

• Flat terrain

• Short slopes

• Stable or undisturbed soils

• Dense groundcover vegetation

• Soils with high infiltration rates

For the purposes of forest management, marking RMZs and the different zones within

RMZs is discretionary based on timber stand characteristics, harvest prescription, forester

preference, and logger experience.
88 Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL 89

CHAPTER 7: Riparian Management Zones CHAPTER 7: Riparian Management Zones

A Closer Look at Measuring Stream Width

Stream width is measured at the ordinary high water mark (OHWM). The OHWM is the

point on the stream bank where the presence and action of the water is so continuous as

to leave a distinct mark either by erosion, destruction of terrestrial vegetation, or other

easily recognized characteristic.

The width of the stream should be measured at a straight channel segment within the

management area. The ideal location to measure stream width is an area that is

representative of the stream throughout the management area. Do not measure the

width at the stream’s widest points, which are often found in the bends of stream

channels.

If the stream has recently been dammed by a

beaver, go upstream or downstream to an area

outside of the influence of the beaver dam to

determine the stream width. Stream crossings,

especially if undersized,can also cause a stream

to widen. Go at least 100 feet upstream or

downstream of a stream crossing to get a more

representative measurement.

Carmen Wagner, DNR

How to Measure Stream Width

The width of the stream should be measured

at a straight channel segment within the

management area.When measuring the stream

width, it should be in an area that reflects the

character of the stream throughout the

management area.

OHWM

Stream width is

measured at the

ordinary high water

mark (OHWM).

Ordinary High Water Mark: The point on the bank where the presence and

action of water is so continuous as to leave a distinct mark either by erosion,

destruction of terrestrial vegetation or other easily recognized characteristics.

If the stream is transitioning from a small stream (less than 3 feet wide) to a larger

stream (more than 3 feet wide), then the RMZ width should transition from 35 feet to

100 feet consistent with the character of the stream.

ABOVE: Recent beaver dam

Dennis Pratt, DNR
90 Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL 91

BMPs Common to All RMZ Categories

The following BMPs apply in all RMZs.

Locate roads outside the RMZ unless necessary for stream

crossings. For crossings, follow the recommendations in

Chapter 5: Stream Crossings.

Locate landings outside the RMZ.

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

from trees harvested within the RMZ may remain in the

RMZ. Keep slash out of lakes, streams, and areas where it may

be swept into the water.

Minimize soil exposure and compaction to protect ground

vegetation and the duff layer.

The RMZ for these waters is a strip of land running

along the shoreline of a lake and on each side of a

stream. The RMZ begins at the OHWM and extends a

minimum of 100 feet landward. The 100-foot wide

RMZ applies to designated trout streams, regardless

of width. The DNR maintains a county-by-county

listing of all designated trout streams, available at:

http://dnr.wi.gov/fish/species/trout.

Do not operate wheeled or tracked equipment within

15 feet of the ordinary high water mark except on roads

or at stream crossings.

Operate wheeled or tracked equipment within 15 to 50

feet of the ordinary high water mark only when the

ground is frozen or dry.

Do not harvest fine woody material within 50 feet of the

ordinary high water mark. Note: This BMP may be modified

for specific site conditions, for specific operational issues, or to

meet specific management objectives if water quality will not be

impacted. Additional guidelines can be found in Wisconsin’s

Forestland Woody Biomass Harvesting Guidelines.

Use selection harvests and promote long-lived tree

species appropriate to the site. Long-lived hardwood species

include sugar maple, red maple, basswood, cottonwood, white

ash, black ash, elm, and oak. Long-lived conifer species include

eastern hemlock, white pine, red pine, and white cedar.

Harvesting intervals should be a minimum of 10 years.

Harvesting plans should leave at least 60 square feet of

basal area per acre in trees 5 inches DBH (diameter at

breast height) and larger, evenly distributed.

Develop trees 12 inches DBH and larger.

B

M

P

s

CHAPTER 7: Riparian Management Zones CHAPTER 7: Riparian Management Zones

BMPs for Lakes, Designated Trout Streams, and Streams

3 Feet Wide and Wider

Carmen Wagner, DNR

RIGHT: Roads located

outside the RMZ

B

M

P

s Carmen Wagner, DNR

DNR file

RIGHT: Red line

marking RMZ
92 Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL 93

CHAPTER 7: Riparian Management Zones CHAPTER 7: Riparian Management Zones

BMPs for Streams Less Than 3 Feet Wide

The RMZ for these waters is a strip of land on each side of a stream. The

RMZ begins at the OHWM of the stream and extends a minimum of 35

feet landward.

Operate wheeled or tracked equipment within 15 feet of

the ordinary high water mark only when the ground is

frozen or dry.

Do not harvest fine woody material within 15 feet of the

ordinary high water mark. Note: This BMP may be modified

for specific site conditions, for specific operational issues, or to

meet specific management objectives if water quality will not

be impacted. Additional guidelines can be found in Wisconsin’s

Forestland Woody Biomass Harvesting Guidelines.

Use selection harvests and promote long-lived tree

species appropriate to the site. Long-lived hardwood species

include sugar maple, red maple, basswood, cottonwood, white

ash, black ash, elm, and oak. Long-lived conifer species include

eastern hemlock, white pine, red pine, and white cedar.

Harvesting intervals should be a minimum of 10 years.

Harvesting plans should leave at least 60 square feet of

basal area per acre in trees 5 inches DBH and larger,

evenly distributed.

B

M

P

s

RIGHT: Stream less

than 3 feet wide

Jim Kloslewski, DNR

BMPs for Streams Less Than 1 Foot Wide

The RMZ for these waters is a strip of land on each side of a stream. The

RMZ begins at the OHWM of the stream and extends a minimum of 35

feet landward.

Operate wheeled or tracked equipment within 15 feet of

the ordinary high water mark only when the ground is

frozen or dry.

Do not harvest fine woody material within 15 feet of the

ordinary high water mark. Note: This BMP may be modified

for specific site conditions, for specific operational issues, or to

meet specific management objectives if water quality will not

be impacted. Additional guidelines can be found in Wisconsin’s

Forestland Woody Biomass Harvesting Guidelines.

B

M

P

s

Joe Kovach, DNR

ABOVE: Harvesting fine woody material
A Closer Look at Managing RMZs Dominated by Aspen

Aspen is a short-lived tree species with a rotational age of

generally 40 to 65 years old in Wisconsin. The most

common way to regenerate aspen is with a clear-cut,

where most of the trees are cut. When aspen is the

dominant cover type within an RMZ, a conflict may result

in terms of managing for regeneration of aspen and

managing for riparian functions. This occurs because

maintaining at least 60 square feet of basal area per acre

of trees will help to ensure that there are enough trees to

shade streams, stabilize shorelands, and provide food and

habitat for aquatic organisms, but it may also decrease the

regeneration or sprouting of aspen in the RMZ.

So what can you do if you have an RMZ dominated by aspen? First, look for opportunities

to manage for long-lived tree species. Are there clumps of white pine, sugar maple, or

other species that can be retained? After you have identified those areas, then decide

how to mark the aspen around those areas. One solution would be to clear-cut up to the

RMZ, and then maintain a balance of patches with long-lived species and with clear-cut

aspen within the RMZ. Another option is have the first 50 feet of the RMZ be a no-cut

area and then gradually harvest more trees (decreasing the basal area retained) out to

the 100 foot boundary of the RMZ. With either suggestion, the risk of blowdowns may

be lowered by gradually transitioning the basal area retained, rather than having a hard

edge between a clear-cut and an uncut area.

94 Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL 95

CHAPTER 7: Riparian Management Zones CHAPTER 7: Riparian Management Zones

Jeff Martin, DNR

Management alternatives for

aspen-dominated RMZs

ABOVE: Beaver lodge on stream with aspen-dominated RMZ

Carmen Wagner, DNR

Another consideration with aspen management in

RMZs is beavers.Aspen is one of the preferred foods

for beaver. When beavers build dams and impound

water, water temperatures in streams can rise.

Beaver flowages can also destroy critical in-stream

habitat features and flood out trees in riparian

areas. On cold water streams in areas with high

beaver populations, consider increasing the RMZ

width and not harvesting within the RMZ. A 100-

foot wide RMZ is often inadequate to discourage

beavers, because beavers can travel more than 300

feet away from streams to find food.

In these situations and others, it is important

to understand how water quality may be

impacted by an activity to ensure that any

BMP modification will provide equal or

greater water quality protection. Every site is

different and the vegetation, slopes, soils,

landowner objectives, and other factors will

ultimately influence management decisions.

Carmen Wagner, DNR

Harvest Portion of RMZ

Unharvested Aspen RMZ

Retain Patches of Long-Lived

Species
CHAPTER 7: Riparian Management Zones

96 Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL

Section 23.32 (1), Wis. Stats., defines a

wetland as “an area where water is at,

near, or above the land surface long

enough to be capable of supporting

aquatic or hydrophytic vegetation and

which has soils indicative of wet

conditions.” Wetlands can be very

small, like a 500 square foot ephemeral

pond, or very large, like the 32,000 acre

Horicon Marsh. Wetlands often go by

many names – swamps, bogs, low

spots. There are actually over 30

different types of wetlands recognized

in Wisconsin. Common types of

forested wetlands are described in

more detail in Chapter 2: Wisconsin’s

Water Resources.

Wetlands perform many functions, including valuable ecosystem

services. Wetlands provide:

• Fish and wildlife habitat.

Many animals, including nearly 40% of Wisconsin’s bird species, live

in or use wetlands for food, nest sites, and cover. One-third of the

plants and animals on Wisconsin’s state endangered and threatened

list depend on wetlands.

• Flood protection.

By storing runoff from heavy rains and snowmelt, wetlands can

reduce flood peaks by as much as 60%. The EPA estimates that an

acre of wetlands can store 1 to 1.5 million gallons of floodwater.

• Water quality protection.

Wetlands can store and filter pollutants from surface water. Some

wetlands can remove pollutants equivalent to the amount removed

by a $5 million water treatment plant.

C H A P T E R

8

Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL 97

Wetlands

Kristin Lambert, DNR

RIGHT: Trout stream

in Forest County

Do I Need a Permit for Harvesting Timber? (DNR Pub FR-379)

• Provides an overview of several regulations and permits that

may apply during a timber harvest

• http://dnr.wi.gov/forestry/publications/pdf/FR-379.pdf

Trout Streams (DNR Pub FH-806)

• Provides a county-by-county listing of designated trout streams

in Wisconsin

• http://dnr.wi.gov/fish/species/trout

Trout Stream Maps

• Offers maps of designated trout streams for each county in

Wisconsin

• http://dnr.wi.gov/fish/species/trout/streammaps.html

RESOURCES

ABOVE: Skunk

cabbage in forested

seep.

Thomas Meyer, DNR
Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL 99

CHAPTER 8: Wetlands CHAPTER 8: Wetlands

98 Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL

• Groundwater recharge and discharge.

Some wetlands infiltrate surface water to replenish groundwater

supplies. Other wetlands discharge groundwater to the surface, an

important wetland function that helps to stabilize stream flows,

especially during dry months.

• Shoreline protection.

Shoreland wetlands act as buffers between land and water. They

protect against erosion by absorbing the force of waves and

currents. The roots of wetland plants further help by anchoring soil in

place. Without this wetland buffer, the shoreline can become

undercut and collapse.

Wetlands can be difficult to work in because of the water and organic

material in their soils. Wetland soils have low weight-bearing capacity,

making them weaker than upland soils and more susceptible to rutting.

In addition, it is common for water to be moving through the soil near

the surface. The wetland BMPs are designed to prevent erosion,

minimize changes to the surface and subsurface water movement, and

to strengthen or increase the bearing capacity of the soil. Changes in a

wetland, especially in water movement, can affect the health of the

wetland ecosystem and the functions it performs.

ABOVE: Wetland road needing repairs to protect wetland and support traffic

Carmen Wagner, DNR

Regulations

Activities in wetlands are often subject to municipal, county, state, and

federal permits and regulatory requirements. Permit and regulatory

information can be found in Appendices A and B. If you are building a road

or conducting an activity in an area suspected to be a wetland, be sure to

contact the following offices regarding applicable permits and regulations:

• your local zoning offices (town, village, city, and/or county),

• the local DNR water management specialist, and

• the local US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) project manager.

Contact information for these offices can be found in Appendix C.

Wetland Identification

There are a number of mapping products

that can help you make a preliminary

determination as to whether your project

will affect wetlands, including:

• DNR Wisconsin Wetland Inventory maps

• DNR Wetland Indicator maps

• NRCS Soil Surveys

These maps can be reviewed at DNR and

local zoning offices. They are also available

on-line at the DNR and NRCS web-sites.

Remember that maps are just guides and a

field visit is necessary to confirm what the

maps show.Wetland indicators to look for in

the field include water,soils, and vegetation.

For purposes of forest management,

marking wetland boundaries and wetland

filter strips is discretionary based on timber

stand characteristics, harvest prescription,

forester preference, and logger experience.

WI Wetland Inventory Map

Wetland Indicator Map

NRCS Soil Survey – Hydric Soils
100 Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL 101

CHAPTER 8: Wetlands CHAPTER 8: Wetlands

General Wetland BMPs

Whenever practical, avoid locating roads and landings in

wetlands; otherwise use extreme caution.

Whenever possible, forest management activities in

wetlands should occur on frozen ground to minimize

rutting.

For activities in wetlands, consider allowing more

flexibility regarding completion dates in timber sale

contracts, allowing the logger time to complete logging

activities during firm or frozen ground conditions.

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

Slash from trees harvested within the wetland may remain

in the wetland. Note: Using slash for a temporary wetland

crossing to prevent rutting is encouraged and addressed in the

Wetland Forest Roads, Skid Trails, and Landings Section of this

chapter.

Keep slash out of open water.

Only use pesticides labeled for use in wetlands.

Whenever practical, avoid equipment maintenance and

fueling in wetlands. Otherwise, use extreme caution when

doing so. Clean all spills promptly. See Chapter 9: Fuels,

Lubricants, Waste, and Spills.

B

M

P

s

Wetland Filter Strip BMPs

A filter strip is an area of land located adjacent to a wetland that traps

sediment and other pollutants from runoff before it reaches the

wetland. Timber harvesting and other forest management activities can

occur within both wetlands and filter strips. Care should be taken to

prevent exposing soil that may erode into the wetland. The filter strip

begins at the edge of the wetland and extends a minimum of 15 feet

away from the wetland.

Whenever practical, avoid locating roads and landings in

the wetland filter strip; otherwise use extreme caution.

Minimize soil exposure and compaction to protect ground

vegetation and the duff layer in the wetland filter strip.

Operate equipment in the wetland filter strip only when

the ground is firm or frozen.

B

M

P

s

ABOVE: Harvesting can occur in wetlands and their filter strips

Carmen Wagner, DNR
102 Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL 103

CHAPTER 8: Wetlands CHAPTER 8: Wetlands

How to Measure Wetland Filter Strips

Wetland Filter Strip

(minimum of 15 feet)

Wetland Boundary

Filter strips are areas adjacent to

wetlands that trap sediment and

other pollutants from runoff before

reaching wetlands.

A wetland filter strip begins at

the edge of the wetland and

extends a minimum 15 feet away

from the wetland.

15'

NOTE: The width of a wetland filter strip is measured along the lay of the

land (the linear distance along the ground). It is not a horizontal distance,

unless the ground is level.

ABOVE: Ephemeral pond

Brick Fevold, DNR

A Closer Look at Protecting the Forest Floor

In riparian management zones and wetland filter strips, the potential

for soil erosion is minimized by taking care to protect the forest floor.

The BMPs in these areas are designed to maintain an intact forest floor,

prevent soil exposure, and minimize the potential for soil erosion.

The forest floor includes:

• Low growing plants that help to hold the soil in place

• Fallen branches, twigs, and leaves that slow water running over the

ground

• Decomposed organic material that feeds soil microorganisms and

helps to develop a well draining soil structure

Protecting the forest floor also helps to ensure a source of soil nutrients.

Different sizes of organic material, from downed trees to large branches

to small twigs, will decompose at different rates and provide soil

nutrients over an extended period time.

Retaining downed trees, branches, and leaves is also important for

wildlife habitat. For example, musk turtles lay their eggs under logs and

four-toed salamanders nest in dense moss growing on downed trees

that extend over open water.

Eunice Padley, DNR

ABOVE: Forest Floor
104 Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL 105

CHAPTER 8: Wetlands CHAPTER 8: Wetlands

Wetland Road, Skid Trail, and Landing BMPs

Temporary roads,skid trails, and landings require firm or frozen ground.

Any activities in wetlands must follow DNR and USACE regulations.

Permanent and temporary roads must be built carefully to avoid

restricting the natural water flow of the wetland under the road.

ABOVE: Temporary wetland crossing using slash

Scott Fischer, DNR

Construct upland approaches to the wetland so the

surface runoff is diverted away from the road approach

prior to reaching the wetland. See Drainage Structures

section in Chapter 4: Forest Roads.

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

minimum size required for the operation and to achieve

the landowner’s objective.

Avoid operating equipment in areas of open water,

springs, or seeps.

B

M

P

s Carmen Wagner, DNR ABOVE: Open water during spring snow melt
B

M

P

s

106 Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL 107

Provide adequate cross-drainage in roads to minimize

changes to natural surface and subsurface water flow in

the wetland.

— For permanent roads with fill, use permeable fill material

for at least the first layer of fill. Install culverts or bridges a

maximum of 300 feet apart and at all natural drainages.

Install at least one drainage structure in each wetland

crossing.

— For temporary roads, provide adequate cross-drainage at

all natural drainages. Temporary crossing structures

include timber mats, culverts, bridges, and porous

organic material, such as corduroy, slash, or chunkwood.

Temporary crossings should be removed promptly when

the work is complete. If organic material is used, remove

as much as feasible, given site and material conditions.

W E T L A N D

inlet/outlet pool +/- 4 ft. diameter

300 ft. maximum between culverts

undisturbed

cross drainage

culverts

EXAMPLE:

Add color and texture to existing b/w illustrations

Wetland Road Construction

Wetland Road, Skid Trail, and Landing BMPs (continued)

CHAPTER 8: Wetlands CHAPTER 8: Wetlands

LEFT: Temporary

wetland crossing on

frozen ground using

slash

Carmen Wagner, DNR Joe Arington Joe Arington

LEFT: Permanent

wetland crossing with

geotextile

LEFT: Permanent

wetland crossing

after construction

with breaker run

and gravel
A Closer Look at Excessive Rutting

When the soil is not strong enough to support the weight of a vehicle,

long depressions or ruts form. Rutting generally occurs when the soil

pores are filled with water, essentially causing the soil to liquefy. The

wheels of the equipment churn the soil and push it aside. Rutting can

occur on both mineral and organic soils. In wet conditions, ruts may be

formed by only a single pass of equipment. Ruts can also be observed

after multiple passes of equipment during dry conditions.

The impacts of rutting can be widespread.

Ruts can sever the roots and damage the

trunks of individual trees, resulting in:

• Decreased nutrient uptake and

declines in tree growth

• Entry points for disease and insects

• Trees more vulnerable to wind throw

• Tree mortality, if the damage is severe

enough

108 Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL 109

Wetland Road, Skid Trail, and Landing BMPs (continued)

Use low ground pressure equipment, such as wide tire or

tracked equipment, if necessary to minimize rutting.

Minimize rutting in wetlands by conducting forestry

activities on firm or frozen ground that can support the

equipment. To achieve this:

— Operate equipment on a day-to-day basis depending on

weather conditions.

— Consider using corduroy, slash, chunkwood, or timber

mats to improve the soil’s ability to support traffic.

In the winter:

— Compact snow, grass, and brush to promote frost

penetration.

— Monitor air temperatures daily. As air temperature rise

above freezing, you may not be able to operate

equipment beyond late morning without creating ruts.

Soil frost begins to disappear when night temperatures

stay above freezing for three or four consecutive nights.

In the summer:

— Operate equipment only when soils are dry enough to

support equipment. Soil may become too wet after

storms and extended wet spells.

Cease equipment operations before rutting becomes

excessive.

CHAPTER 8: Wetlands CHAPTER 8: Wetlands

B

M

P

s

Carmen Wagner, DNR ABOVE: Excessive rutting in an ephemeral pond

Carmen Wagner, DNR ABOVE: Tree damaged by logging equipment
110 Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL 111

Ruts can also affect forest productivity and forest health. When ruts

compact and displace soil, soil aeration is reduced and infiltration of

water is decreased, which ultimately degrades the rooting environment

for plants. These disturbances may also create an environment that is

more favorable to the introduction of weedy or invasive plants.

The hydrology or flow of water across a site can also be affected by

rutting. If ruts cut across the natural flow of water, pockets of saturated

soils or standing water may be created on the uphill side. This may

cause trees or other plants to drown out. Downhill from the ruts,

vegetation may suffer from drier conditions. If the ruts follow the flow

of water, they can act as ditches and water may be directed more

quickly off of the site, draining the area. In this case, erosion and

sedimentation are also likely to occur.

It is difficult to precisely state when

rutting becomes excessive. When

determining whether rutting is

excessive, it is important to place it in

the context of that site, consider

specific management objectives, and

understand the related impacts. Is the

rutting occurring on a forest road,

where trees are not expected to

regenerate and the ruts can easily be

fixed later? Are the ruts in harvest

areas, damaging existing trees and

degrading conditions for seed

germination? Is it in a wetland where

equipment may make the problem

worse trying to repair ruts? The

thresholds for excessive rutting can

vary. Often timber sale contracts will

contain thresholds for excessive

rutting.

First and foremost, steps should be taken to avoid and minimize the

potential for rutting. In the publication Maintaining Soil Quality in

Woodlands, you will find out how to identify areas sensitive to soil

compaction, rutting, and erosion. It also goes over options for repairing

or mitigating soil damage. Please note that it is not always possible to

repair soil damage, so it is important to try to minimize the potential for

soil compaction and rutting from the start.

CHAPTER 8: Wetlands CHAPTER 8: Wetlands

Scott Fischer, DNR ABOVE: Excessive

rutting in a pine

plantation

Federal Requirements for Forest Roads in Wetlands

The following 15 federal BMPs are required for construction and

maintenance of forest roads in order to qualify for the silvicultural

exemption from a federal section 404 permit. The silvicultural exemption

for forest roads is only applicable when the primary purpose of the road

is silviculture. This list is written in lay language. For the exact language

of the law, contact the USACE program manager in your area. For

additional publications discussing this topic, refer to the Resources

Section at the end of this chapter and Chapter 4: Forest Roads.

F

e

d

e

ra

l

B

M

P

s

★ Avoid filling wetlands if practicable alternatives exist –

especially in breeding and nesting areas for migratory

birds and spawning areas for fish.

★ Limit the number, length, and width of forest roads and

skid trails to the minimum necessary to accomplish the

forest management goals, consistent with topographic

and climatic conditions.

★ Locate roads outside of riparian management zones

(RMZs), except at stream crossings.

★ Place bridges or culverts in road fill to prevent

constriction of expected flood flows – other design

methods may also be appropriate.

★ Stabilize fill to prevent erosion and sedimentation –

before, during, and after road construction.

★ Minimize the use of equipment in wetlands outside of

the fill areas.

★ Minimize disturbance of wetland and aquatic vegetation

during the design, construction, and maintenance of

roads.

★ Design, construct, and maintain wetland crossings to

avoid disrupting movement of fish and other aquatic

species.

★ Use fill from upland sources whenever feasible.
112 Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL 113

F

e

d

e

ra

l

B

M

P

s

Federal Requirements for Forest Roads in Wetlands (continued)

CHAPTER 8: Wetlands CHAPTER 8: Wetlands

★ Place fill so as to not affect any threatened or

endangered species and to prevent any adverse

modification or destruction of critical habitat for these

species.

★ Do not place fill near public water supply intakes.

★ Do not place fill in areas of concentrated shellfish

production.

★ Do not place fill in National Wild and Scenic River

Systems – in Wisconsin, these are portions of the

Namekagon, St. Croix, and Wolf Rivers.

★ Use fill that is clean, non-erodible, and non-toxic.

★ Remove all temporary fill and restore disturbed areas to

their original elevation.

DNR Wetlands: Locating Wetlands

• Reviews steps in identifying wetlands and provides link to online wetland mapping resources

• http://dnr.wi.gov/wetlands/locating.html

Forest Roads and Wetlands: Evaluating Your Options

(DNR Pub-408)

• Discusses forest road considerations and includes a checklist on

the silvicultural exemption for forest roads.

• http://dnr.wi.gov/forestry/publications/pdf/FR-408.pdf

Forested Wetlands: Functions, Benefits and the Use of Best

Management Practices (USDA Forest Service Publication

#NA-PR-01-95)

• Offers detailed instructions on constructing forest roads in

wetlands

• http://na.fs.fed.us/spfo/pubs/n_resource/wetlands/index.htm

Maintaining Soil Quality in Woodlands: A Lake States Field

Guide (DNR Pub FR-409)

• Discusses how to indentify area sensitive to soil compaction,

rutting and erosion. Offers methods to maintain soil quality and

options for repairing or mitigating soil damage.

• http://dnr.wi.gov/forestry/publications/pdf/FR-409.pdf

NRCS Web Soil Survey

• Provides access to NRCS soil maps, soil data and other related

information

• http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov

RESOURCES

Carmen Wagner, DNR

ABOVE: Carex crinita, or fringed sedge, found in forested wetlands
114 Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL 115

Fuels, Lubricants, Waste, and Spills

C H A P T E R

9

Fuel, Lubricant and Waste BMPs

Logging, road building, and other forest

activities require motorized equipment.

Antifreeze, fuels, and lubricants used in

machinery can potentially pollute lakes,

streams, wetlands, and groundwater.

Planning for forestry operations should

include practices to handle solid and

liquid wastes generated in the field.

The following BMPs will help to prevent nonpoint source

pollution from fuels, lubricants, and wastes during forest

management activities.

Use biodegradable lubricants whenever practical.

Biodegradable lubricants are less toxic than other lubricants, but

still need to be disposed of properly.

Maintain equipment regularly. Check hoses and fittings to

prevent leaks or spills.

Designate specific areas for equipment maintenance and

fueling. Locate these areas on level terrain, a minimum of 100

feet from lakes and streams.

Collect all waste lubricants, containers, and trash. Store them

in leak-proof containers until they can be transported off-site for

recycling, reuse, or disposal at an approved site. Call your local

DNR regional office for more information.

Note: It is illegal to dump fuel and lubricants on the land

or in the water in Wisconsin.

Separate all fluids and materials and keep them in different

labeled containers to avoid creating hazardous waste and

expensive waste disposal. Call your local DNR regional office to

determine if a waste is hazardous and how to dispose of

B

M

hazardous waste.

P

Any spills should be properly

s

cleaned up. Some spills may

require reporting.

Photo by Carmen Wagner, DNR

ABOVE: Store

waste and trash

in leak-proof

containers until

disposal.

Maine DNR
B

M

P

s

B

M

P

s

Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL 117

If a spill should occur, do the following:

1. Protect yourself and others. Wear protective clothing and

equipment appropriate for any hazardous materials on the

operation. Avoid coming in contact with any toxic drift or

fumes that may be released.

2. If you are able, control the spill; stop the leak.

3. If you are able, contain the spill; keep it from spreading.

Shovel a dike around the spill. Use absorbent materials, such

as sawdust or loose soil, to soak up the fluid. Place a bucket

under the hydraulic hose break. Keep the spill from flowing

into lakes, streams or wetlands.

4. Isolate the spill material.

5. Report all hazardous substance spills immediately to the

Wisconsin 24-hour toll-free hotline: 1-800-943-0003. A

reportable spill is 1+ gallons of gasoline or 5+ gallons of

diesel.

6. Contact your local DNR regional office for disposal

guidance.

CHAPTER 9: Fuels, Lubricants, Waste, and Spills

116 Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL

Spill BMPs

Spills of fuel, lubricants, or pesticides during

forest management operations can occur as a

result of fueling, hydraulic hose breaks,

mechanical damage, improper handling,

accidents, or vandalism. Spills of hazardous

substances that adversely impact or threaten to

adversely impact public health, welfare, or the

environment must be immediately reported to the

DNR and cleaned up. During timber harvesting

operations, a spill must be reported when:

• It is a gasoline spill of 1 gallon or more, or

• It is a diesel or hydraulic fluid spill of

5 gallons or more.

While it is not necessary to report spills of less

than the above quantities, the spills still need to

be cleaned up and disposed of properly.

Equipment maintenance can prevent many spills.

The following BMPs are general guidelines for spills of fuel

and lubricants used in forestry operations. These practices

complement specialized training given to people using

pesticides or hazardous materials.

Maintain a spill containment and clean-up kit appropriate

for the materials on the operation. At a minimum, a kit for

petroleum products should include:

— Plugs and clamps to control a hydraulic line break

— A container to catch leaking fluid

— A shovel

— Oil absorbent sheets, sawdust or other materials to absorb

spilled fluid.

CHAPTER 9: Fuels, Lubricants, Waste, and Spills

Items to have on hand for spill containment.

ABOVE: Fuel and

maintain equipment

on flat ground at least

100 ft. from lakes and

streams to minimize

threats from spills

Maine DNR

55 gallon drum

5 gallon bucket

oil absorbent sheets

4" x 10' boom

8" x 10' boom
118 Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL 119

Chemicals

C H A P T E R

10

Chemicals commonly used in forest management include pesticides

(insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides) and fertilizers. These chemicals

are used to control insects, unwanted vegetation and diseases, and to

enhance tree growth.

When used properly, chemicals

should not affect water quality.

However, when improperly applied,

chemicals may cause problems if they

drift over or flow into surface water.

Chemicals can also contaminate

groundwater if they leach through

the soil into groundwater. Some

chemical are labeled for use in or

near lakes, streams, or wetlands. Use

extra care when applying chemicals

in riparian management zones and

wetlands.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a management strategy that uses

a combination of manual, mechanical, biological, chemical, and

preventative techniques to minimize the impact of insects, diseases, and

unwanted vegetation. IPM may reduce dependence on the use of

chemicals.

Anyone who has determined that pesticide applications are the

appropriate tool to eliminate a pest on their land should consider

becoming a certified pesticide applicator, if they plan to make the

applications themselves. Wisconsin state law requires that anyone who

will use (mix, load, or apply) a restricted-use pesticide, or anyone who

will use ANY pesticide on a for-hire basis, must become certified. To

learn more about becoming a certified pesticide applicator, please visit

the Wisconsin Pesticide Applicator Training Program’s website at

http://ipcm.wisc.edu/pat.

24-Hour Toll-Free Spill Emergency Hotline:

• Contact when a reportable spills occurs (1+ gallons of gasoline

or 5+ gallons of diesel or hydraulic fluid)

• 1-800-943-0003

DNR Spill Response Coordinators

• Provide guidance on spill clean-up and can answer questions

regarding reporting requirements

• Northeast Region: 920-662-5492

• Northern Region: 715-365-8959

• Southeast Region: 414-263-8685

• South Central Region: 608-275-3299

• West Central Region: 715-839-1604

• http://dnr.wi.gov/org/aw/rr/spills

DOUGLAS

BAYFIELD

ASHLAND

IRON

BURNETT

VILAS

WASHBURN SAWYER

PRICE

ONEIDA

FOREST

FLORENCE

BARRON

POLK

RUSK

TAYLOR

CHIPPEWA

ST. CROIX DUNN

PIERCE

PEPIN

EAU CLAIRE

CLARK

LINCOLN

MARATHON

LANGLADE

MARINETTE

OCONTO

MENOMINEE

SHAWANO

DOOR

KEWAUNEE

BROWN

OUTAGAMIE

WOOD PORTAGE WAUPACA

WINNEBAGO MANITOWOC

CALUMET

WAUSHARA

JACKSON

JUNEAU ADAMS

MARQUETTE GREEN

LAKE

FOND DU LAC

SHEBOYGAN

MONROE

SAUK COLUMBIA DODGE

WASHINGTON

OZAUKEE MILWAUKEE

JEFFERSON WAUKESHA

DANE

KENOSHA

GREEN ROCK WALWORTH RACINE

LAFAYETTE

IOWA

GRANT

RICHLAND

CRAWFORD

VERNON

LA CROSSE

BUFFALO

TREMPEALEAU

WEST CENTRAL

SOUTH CENTRAL

Regional Boundaries

Region Offices

REV 1/2006

State of Wisconsin

Department of Natural Resources

SOUTHEAST

NORTHERN

NORTHEAST

CHAPTER 9: Fuels, Lubricants, Waste, and Spills

ABOVE: Rinse spray

equipment in

treatment areas to

minimize spread of

chemicals.

Jeff Martin, DNR

RESOURCES
B

M

P

s

Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL 121

CHAPTER 10: Chemicals

120 Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL

The chemical BMPs below describe techniques to avoid

contaminating surface water and groundwater. These guidelines

complement local, state, and federal regulations governing the

storage, sale, transportation, handling, and application of

chemicals. By federal law, chemical users must follow

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) labels on pesticide

containers.

General Chemical BMPs

Maintain a spill containment and clean-up kit appropriate

for the materials used on the operation and report all

spills. For more information, see the Spills Section in Chapter 9.

Follow all EPA label instructions on chemical containers.

Apply chemicals only under favorable weather conditions.

Calibrate spray equipment to apply chemicals uniformly

and in the correct quantities.

Check all equipment for leaking hoses, connections, and

nozzles to prevent chemical leaks from equipment.

Use chemicals in riparian management zones with

guidance from a trained natural resource professional.

Use spot-injection or stump treatment methods when

applying chemicals not labeled for aquatic use in riparian

management zones.

Avoid applying herbicides in areas where the chemical can

kill stabilizing vegetation on slopes, gullies, and other

areas subject to erosion that drain into surface water.

Mix and load chemicals outside of riparian management

zones and, where practical, in upland areas.

Rinse spray equipment and discharge rinse water only in

areas that are part of the application site.

Dispose of chemical containers according to label

instructions.

B

M

P

s

CHAPTER 10: Chemicals

Aerial Chemical Application BMPs

Hire a licensed aerial applicator.

Identify and avoid riparian management zones and surface

water to prevent chemicals not labeled for aquatic use from

drifting over open water or from accidentally being applied

directly on the water.

LEFT: Cool, calm

days are often best

for applying

chemicals.

Jeff Martin, DNR

Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection

Licensed Chemical Applicator Search

• Maintains a list of aerial applicators licensed in Wisconsin

• http://www.kellysolutions.com/WI/Applicators/

searchbyCategory.asp

Wisconsin Pesticide Applicator Training Program

• Provides manuals for training to become a Wisconsin-certified

pesticide applicator and fact sheets on complying with

complicated pesticide regulations

• http://ipcm.wisc.edu/pat

RESOURCES
Roller chopping can help clean

up the residual trees, slash,

and brush on a site, possibly

eliminating the need for

herbicide treatments.

Photo by Jeff Martin, DNR

122 Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL 123

Mechanical Site Preparation

and Tree Planting

C H A P T E R

11

Mechanical site preparation creates a

favorable growing environment for

tree seeds or seedlings. Effective site

preparation should reduce competition from other vegetation and create

a sufficient area of suitable growing

sites, without causing excessive

soil disturbance. However, using

machinery to prepare the site and

plant trees typically exposes soil, so

proceed with care to avoid impacting

water quality.

Common site preparation techniques

include scarifying, shearing, raking,

disking, and roller chopping. Select

a technique based on specific site

characteristics including soil, topography, vegetation, access, and distance

to surface waters. Chemicals and

prescribed burning may also be

used for site preparation. BMPs for

these management tools are listed in

Chapters 10 and 12. Carmen Wagner, DNR ABOVE: Tree seedlings benefit from the reduced competition

provided with proper site preparation.

Avoid excessive soil disturbances and proceed

with care to avoid impacting water quality.
Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL 125

CHAPTER 11: Mechanical Site Preparation and Tree Planting

124 Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL

Prescribed Burning and Wildfire

C H A P T E R

12

Prescribed burning reduces unwanted vegetation and logging debris in

forests. It can also be used to prepare sites for tree planting or direct

seeding. Prescribed burning also reduces the potential for destructive

wildfires by limiting the accumulation of fuel material. Carefully plan all

prescribed burns and clearly identify your objectives.

Fires generally have little effect on water quality if all of the fuel

material, such as grasses, shrubs, and forest floor litter, is not consumed

in an area. However, fires that do consume all of these materials can

expose soil, leading to erosion and impacting water quality.

Mechanical Site Preparation and Tree Planting BMPs

Avoid operating mechanical site preparation and tree

planting equipment on slopes greater than 30% that drain

directly into a lake, stream or wetland.

Operate mechanical site preparation and tree planting

equipment on the contour where necessary to minimize

erosion into a lake, stream, or wetland.

Minimize raking in areas, or under conditions, in which soil

could erode and enter a lake, stream or wetland. Two

preferred practices are:

— Shear and rake when the soil is frozen.

— Rake lightly to remove only slash.

Suspend operations during wet periods if equipment

begins to cause excessive soil disturbance that may lead to

erosion into a lake, stream or wetland.

Deposit site preparation residues in stable locations

outside riparian management zones and filter strips.

Use patch scarification, low intensity prescribed burns, or

manual site preparation in areas that are adjacent to a

lake, stream or wetland, or areas that have steep slopes,

erosion prone soils, or saturated soils that drain to surface

water. Consider hand planting in these areas.

B

M

P

s

DNR Tree Planting Information: Site Preparation

• Reviews different site preparation techniques and provides

informational videos

• http://dnr.wi.gov/forestry/Nursery/GeneralInfo/siteprep.htm

RESOURCES

Always rely on trained and experienced personnel

to plan and implement prescribed burns. The BMPs

in this chapter are designed to complement

professional training.

Contact the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR)

for more information.

Regulations

Before conducting a prescribed burn, check local fire regulations and

obtain a burning permit from the Wisconsin DNR or your local municipal

or township authorities, as needed.
B

M

P

s

B

M

P

s

Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL 127

Prescribed Burning BMPs

Plan to control erosion after the burn to prevent sediment

runoff to lakes, streams, and wetlands (see the Post-Fire

Maintenance section of this chapter).

Carefully select fireline locations and consider weather,

fuel, soil, and topographic conditions in and around the burn

area to minimize impacts on water quality.

Avoid burns that remove the forest floor litter layer to

prevent exposing soil in riparian management zones and on

slopes where eroded soil may wash into surface waters.

Avoid burning piles of slash in riparian management zones.

Use natural or existing barriers (e.g. roads, streams, lakes)

when possible or use mowed, raked, and wet lines for firelines

where bladed or plowed firelines will erode soil and degrade

water quality.

Avoid plowed and bladed firelines in riparian management

zones except where necessary to control wildfire.

Where possible, locate bladed firelines on the contour.

Construct water bars as needed to direct surface water off

firelines and into undisturbed forest cover. Recommended

specifications for building water bars can be found in the

Drainage Structures section in Chapter 4: Forest Roads.

Avoid applying chemical fire retardants over surface water.

Prevent chemical fire retardants from flowing into surface water.

CHAPTER 12: Prescribed Burning and Wildfire

126 Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL

CHAPTER 12: Prescribed Burning and Wildfire

Jeff Martin, DNR

DNR file

LEFT: Forestry BMPs

for water quality

complement the

training received by

persons conducting

prescribed burns.

Wildfire BMPs

When fighting wildfires, preventing harm to people and

property should be the top priority. After containing the fire,

address land rehabilitation needed to prevent or minimize nonpoint

source pollution of lakes, streams, and wetlands.

Whenever possible, avoid applying chemical

fire retardants over surface water.
B

M

P

s

CHAPTER 12: Prescribed Burning and Wildfire

128 Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL

Post-Fire Maintenance BMPs for Prescribed Burns and Wildfires

Do not clean chemical application equipment in surface

water or in locations that drain directly into surface water.

Use erosion control measures for firelines that could erode

soil into lakes, streams and wetlands. Erosion control

measures include revegetating bare soil (Soil Stabilization

section in Chapter 4: Forest Roads) and installing water bars

(Drainage Structures section in Chapter 4: Forest Roads). Placing

sod back into plowed furrows at appropriate intervals can act as

water bars.

Maintain soil stabilization practices until the site is fully

revegetated and stabilized.

Use mowing or other practices that do not expose soil as

alternatives to blading or disking for maintaining

firebreaks where erosion may degrade water quality.

Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL 129

Permits

A P P E N D I X

A

In addition to the BMPs described in this field manual, you should be

aware of existing municipal, county, state, and federal permits and

regulations relating to forest management and water quality. Many of

these regulations are listed in Appendix B: Regulations. Other laws and

regulations may apply and the list below should not be construed as

complete. For more information on these permits, contact the

appropriate office (listed in Appendix C) or refer to the regulatory website (provided below).

Local Permits and Notices

Burning Permits

These permits may be required by town, village, city, or county

regulations. The phone numbers of county zoning offices can be found

in Appendix C.

County Cutting Notices

Contact your local fire department, town chairperson, or local municipal

official if you have any questions. Local ordinances may be more

restrictive than state law.

Floodplain Zoning Permits

When working in a mapped floodplain, permits may be required for

activities including installation of stream crossings and placement of

wetland fill (such as for an approach to a stream crossing). The goal of

these regulations is to prevent increases in flood elevations.

Shoreland and Shoreland-Wetland Zoning Permits

Permits may be required by shoreland or shoreland-wetland zoning

ordinances for harvesting timber near the water, grading, placing fill in

wetlands and other activities. Regulations vary by municipality. Special

provisions exist on the Lower Wisconsin Riverway and the St. Croix

River. The Lower Wisconsin Riverway extends from the dam at Prairie du

Sac south to the Mississippi River. Information on the Lower Wisconsin

Carmen Wagner, DNR

Carmen Wagner, DNR

ABOVE: After 5 weeks, vegetation is

resprouting at this site of a wildfire.

LEFT: Blading or disking fire breaks works

well in areas where erosion will not

threaten water quality.

Wisconsin Forest Management Guidelines, Chapter 17:

Fire Management (DNR Pub FR-226)

• Describes considerations for wildfire management and

prescribed burns.

• http://dnr.wi.gov/forestry/Publications/Guidelines

RESOURCES
Waterway and Wetland Permits

DNR waterway and wetland permits are required for activities that

affect lakes,streams, and wetlands. Common activities that occur during

forest management that may require a permit include:

• stream crossings, including bridges, culverts, fords, timber mats, and

pole fords

• wetland crossings

• grading more than 10,000 square feet on the bank of a lake or

stream

For more information about waterway and wetland permits, contact

your local DNR water management specialist (see Appendix C) or go to:

http://dnr.wi.gov/waterways/.

Federal Permits

Waterway and Wetland Permits

The US Army Corp of Engineers (USACE) regulates activities occurring in

waterways and wetlands, including the excavation and placement of fill.

When building a road or trail through a wetland, a permit may be

required from the USACE.An exemption for forest roads is available, but

certain design, location, and use standards must be met to qualify for

the exemption. Contact your local USACE program staff (see Appendix

C) or visit the USACE web-site at: http://www.mvp.usace.army.mil/

regulatory/.

Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL 131

APPENDIX A: Permits APPENDIX A: Permits

130 Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL

Riverway is available at: http://lwr.state.wi.us/ or by calling (608) 739-

3188. Standards along the St. Croix River are available from municipal

offices.

State Permits and Notices

Burning Permits

DNR annual burning permits are intended primarily for vegetative

debris removal. They are issued to landowners for burning on the

ground and in barrels. These no-cost permits are good for the calendar

year and are non-transferable. More information is available at:

http://dnr.wi.gov/forestry/fire/burning-rp.htm.

Cutting Notices and Reports

Landowners that are enrolled in the Managed Forest Law (MFL)

Program or the Forest Crop Law (FCL) Program must file a cutting notice

(part A of form) with the DNR at least 30 days before harvesting begins

(except for cutting firewood for personal use). Within 30 days of the

completion of the harvest, a report (part B of form) with cutting volumes

must be filed with the DNR. For more information, contact your local

DNR forester (see Appendix C) or refer to: http://dnr.wi.gov/forestry/

ftax/.

Storm Water Permits

DNR storm water permits may be required when constructing,

reconstructing or maintaining roads. Storm water permits are not

required for forest roads that are used solely for silvicultural purposes,

if certain standards are met. For multi-use roads, a storm water permit

is needed when the construction of a new road or reconstruction of an

existing road will disturb one or more acres of land or when

maintenance of an existing road will disturb five or more acres. Contact

your local DNR storm water specialist (see Appendix C) or refer to:

http://dnr.wi.gov/runoff/stormwater/const.htm for more information

about the DNR’s Storm Water Program.
132 Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL 133

Regulations

A P P E N D I X

B

The list below contains regulations that relate to forest management

and water quality. This is only a summary of laws and their provisions

for your information. No warranty, expressed or implied, is made

regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or

usefulness of any information contained in this publication. To be

certain of the accuracy of summaries, please consult the official

language of the law that is listed.

Department employees shall not be held liable for any improper or

incorrect use of the information contained in this publication. In no

event shall the State of Wisconsin, the Department or Department

employees be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special,

exemplary, or consequential damages however caused and on any

theory of liability, whether in contract, strict liability, or tort (including

negligence or otherwise) arising in any way out of the use of this

publication. Other regulations may also apply.

Local Laws and Ordinances

Local laws and ordinances can be obtained from municipal offices.

Wisconsin State Statutes

Wisconsin State Statutes can be viewed at:

http://www.legis.state.wi.us/rsb/stats.html.

Chapter 26, Wis. Stats.: Protection of Forest Lands and Forest

Productivity

• S. 26.03, Wis. Stats. – Requires that any person cutting a forest

product from a private forest file a cutting notice with the county

clerk prior to any harvesting.

• S. 26.12 (6), Wis. Stats. – Any slash which falls into or is deposited

in a lake or stream, when harvesting timber or other forest products,

shall be immediately removed if, in the opinion of the department,

such removal is in the public interest.

Construction of forest roads are

subject to various regulations.

Photo by Kristin Lambert, DNR
Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL 135

APPENDIX B: Regulations APPENDIX B: Regulations

134 Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL

Chapter 28, Wis. Stats.: Public Forests

• S. 28.04 (2), Wis. Stats. – Assures that state forests practice

sustainable forestry for a full range of benefits, including protection

of soil, water quality, and aquatic wildlife.

• S. 28.11 (1), Wis. Stats. – Provides for the management of county

forests, including production of forest products, watershed

protection, and stabilization of stream flow.

Chapter 29, Wis. Stats.: Wild Animals and Plants

• S. 29.601 (3), Wis. Stats. – Prohibits throwing or depositing any

deleterious substances, including oil, tar, refuse, debris, decayed

wood, sawdust, and sawmill refuse, into waters of the state.

• S. 29.604, Wis. Stats. – Establishes regulations for endangered and

threatened wild animals and plants. Exempts forestry practices from

regulations regarding endangered and threatened wild plants.

Chapter 30, Wis. Stats.: Navigable Waters, Harbors and

Navigation

• S. 30.12, Wis. Stats. – Requires permits to deposit material and

place structures on the bed of navigable waterways.

• S. 30.123, Wis. Stats. – Requires permits for the construction of

bridges and culverts over navigable waterways

• S. 30.18, Wis. Stats. – Requires permits and establishes standards

for diverting water from lakes and streams.

• S. 30.19 (1g)(3), Wis. Stats. – Requires permits for grading or

removing more than 10,000 square feet of topsoil from the banks of

navigable waterways.

• S. 30.195, Wis. Stats. – Requires permits for changing the course

or straightening navigable streams.

• S. 30.27, Wis. Stats. – Identifies the Lower St. Croix River from the

dam near St. Croix Falls to its confluence with the Mississippi River

as a river to include in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers Program

and directs the department to establish zoning standards.

• S. 30.29, Wis. Stats. – Prohibits the operation of motor vehicles in

any navigable waters, except for agricultural uses (including forest

management) or when the water is frozen.

• Ss. 30.40 – 30.49, Wis. Stats. – Establishes the Lower Wisconsin

Riverway.

Chapter 77, Wis. Stats.: Taxation of Forest Croplands

• S. 77.80, Wis. Stats. – Provides for the management of private

forests, including production of forest products and watershed

protection.

Chapter 94, Wis. Stats.: Plant Industry

• Ss. 94. 67 – 94.715, Wis. Stats. – Addresses the sale, handling and

use of pesticides.

Chapter 281, Wis. Stats.: Water and Sewage

• S. 281.20, Wis. Stats. – Authorizes the department to order the

abatement of nonpoint source pollution.

Chapter 287, Wis. Stats.: Solid Waste Reduction, Recovery and

Recycling

• S. 287.07, Wis. Stats. – Establishes standards for proper disposal

of lead acid batteries, waste oil, tires and other materials.

Chapter 292, Wis. Stats.: Remedial Action

• S. 292.11, Wis. Stats. – Requires notification of state and local

authorities of spills of hazardous substances.
Chapter NR 117, Wis. Admin. Code: Wisconsin’s City and Village

Shoreland-Wetland Protection Program

• Requires cities and villages to adopt shoreland-wetland zoning

ordinances, including provisions regarding silvicultural activities.

Provisions for counties are found in Ch. NR 115, Wis. Admin. Code.

Chapter NR 118, Wis. Admin. Code: Standards for the Lower St.

Croix National Scenic Riverway

• Contains standards for municipal zoning ordinances on the Lower

St. Croix River to maintain its scenic characteristics.

Chapter NR 151, Wis. Admin. Code: Runoff Management

• Establishes runoff performance standards and practices designed to

achieve water quality standards.

Chapter NR 216, Wis. Admin. Code: Storm Water Discharge

Permits

• Provides criteria for activities requiring storm water permits.

Chapter NR 302, Wis. Admin. Code: Management of Wisconsin’s

Wild Rivers

• Provides standards for the management of state-designated wild

rivers, including timber harvesting standards.

Chapter NR 320, Wis. Admin. Code: Bridges and Culverts In or

Over Navigable Waterways

• Establishes permitting standards for bridges and culverts.

Chapter NR 706, Wis. Admin. Code: Hazardous Substance

Discharge Notification and Source Confirmation

Requirements

• Requires the hazardous spills be reported to the department and

that actions be taken to contain, clean-up, and properly dispose of

the hazardous substance.

Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL 137

APPENDIX B: Regulations

136 Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL

Wisconsin Administrative Codes

Wisconsin Administrative Codes can be viewed at:

http://www.legis.state.wi.us/rsb/code.htm.

Chapter ATCP 29, Wis. Admin. Code: Pesticide Use and Control

• Provides standards for use, storage, sale, and commercial

application of pesticides.

Chapter NR 27, Wis. Admin. Code: Endangered and Threatened

Species

• Contains standards for the take, transportation, possession, or sale

of any wild animal or wild plant on the department’s lists of

endangered and threatened wild animals and wild plants.

Chapter NR 37, Wis. Admin. Code: Lower Wisconsin State

Riverway

• Establishes management specifications for timber harvesting in

Lower Wisconsin Riverway.

Chapter NR 103, Wis. Admin. Code: Water Quality Standards for

Wetlands

• Provides wetland water quality standards and procedures for

permitting activities within wetlands.

Chapter NR 115, Wis. Admin. Code: Wisconsin’s Shoreland

Management Program

• Contains the statewide minimum standards for county shoreland

zoning ordinances, including the management of shoreland

vegetation.

Chapter NR 116, Wis. Admin. Code: Wisconsin’s Floodplain

Management Program

• Establishes standards for floodplain zoning ordinances.

APPENDIX B: Regulations
APPENDIX B: Regulations

138 Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL

Federal Law

Section 404 of the Clean Water Act

• Establishes standards for permitting wetland alterations, including

an exemption for normal silvicultural activities, including forest

roads if certain design, location and use standards are satisfied.

Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL 139

Contact Information

A P P E N D I X

C

DOUGLAS

BAYFIELD

ASHLAND

IRON

BURNETT

VILAS

WASHBURN SAWYER

PRICE

ONEIDA

FOREST

FLORENCE

BARRON

POLK

RUSK

TAYLOR

CHIPPEWA

ST. CROIX DUNN

PIERCE

PEPIN

EAU CLAIRE

CLARK

LINCOLN

MARATHON

LANGLADE

MARINETTE

OCONTO

MENOMINEE

SHAWANO

DOOR

KEWAUNEE

BROWN

OUTAGAMIE

WOOD PORTAGE WAUPACA

WINNEBAGO MANITOWOC

CALUMET

WAUSHARA

JACKSON

JUNEAU ADAMS

MARQUETTE GREEN

LAKE

FOND DU LAC

SHEBOYGAN

MONROE

SAUK COLUMBIA DODGE

WASHINGTON

OZAUKEE MILWAUKEE

JEFFERSON WAUKESHA

DANE

KENOSHA

GREEN ROCK WALWORTH RACINE

LAFAYETTE

IOWA

GRANT

RICHLAND

CRAWFORD

VERNON

LA CROSSE

BUFFALO

TREMPEALEAU

WEST CENTRAL

SOUTH CENTRAL

Regional Boundaries

Region Offices

REV 1/2006

State of Wisconsin

Department of Natural Resources

SOUTHEAST

NORTHERN

NORTHEAST

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Region Offices

Central Office

101 S.Webster St.

P.O. Box 7921

Madison,WI 53707-7921

(608) 266-2111

Northeast Region

2984 Shawano Ave.

Green Bay,WI 54313-6727

(920) 662-5100

Northern Region

810 W. Maple St.

Spooner,WI 54801

(715) 635-2101

107 Sutliff Ave.

Rhinelander,WI 54501

(715) 365-8900

South Central Region

3911 Fish Hatchery Rd.

Fitchburg,WI 53711

(608) 275-3266

Southeast Region

2300 N. Martin Luther King,

Jr. Dr.

Milwaukee,WI 53212

(414) 263-8500

West Central Region

1300 W. Clairemont Ave.

P.O. Box 4001

Eau Claire,WI 54702

(715) 839-3700
Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL 141

APPENDIX C: Contact Information APPENDIX C: Contact Information

140 Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL

The following agencies can assist with planning, implementing, and maintaining various

types of forestry BMPs. To determine the appropriate contacts for your project, look for

references to these contacts in the portion of the manual applicable to your project.

COUNTY County Zoning County Land DNR Forester DNR Water DNR US Army US Natural COUNTY

Conservation Management Storm Water Corps of Resources

Department Specialist Specialist Engineers Conservation

Service

Adams 608-339-4222 608-339-4268 608-339-3386 715-421-7815 715-359-2872 715-345-7911 608-296-2815 Adams

Ashland 715-682-7014 715-682-7187 715-274-4141 715-685-2923 715-685-2926 715-934-2170 715-682-9117 Ashland

ext 301

Barron 715-537-6375 715-537-6315 715-637-6865 715-635-4097 715-635-4142 651-290-5380 715-537-5645 Barron

Bayfield 715-373-6138 715-373-6167 715-795-2565 715-685-2923 715-685-2926 715-934-2170 715-682-9117 Bayfield

ext 301

Brown 920-448-4490 920-391-4620 920-662-5156 920-662-5466 920-662-5441 920-448-2824 920-884-3910 Brown

Buffalo 608-685-6218 608-685-6260 608-685-6223 715-839-3769 608-785-9910 507-895-8059 608-685-4454 Buffalo

ext 101

Burnett 715-349-2138 715-349-2186 715-866-8201 715-635-4097 715-635-4142 715-934-2170 715-635-8228 Burnett

Calumet 920-849-1442 920-849-1444 920-832-2746 920-662-5466 920-832-1803 920-448-2824 920-849-1444 Calumet

ext 226 ext 248

Chippewa 715-726-7940 715-726-7920 715-726-7885 715-839-3769 715-684-2914 651-290-5268 715-720-9083 Chippewa

ext 123

Clark 715-743-5130 715-743-5102 715-743-5134 715-284-1424 715-359-2872 651-290-5268 715-743-3164 Clark

Columbia 608-742-9660 608-742-9670 608-635-8113 920-387-7878 608-275-3279 715-345-7911 608-742-5361 Columbia

Crawford 608-326-0294 608-326-0270 608-735-4672 608-785-9010 608-785-9910 507-895-8059 608-326-7179 Crawford

ext 101

Dane 608-266-4266 608-224-3730 608-275-3234 608-275-3208 608-275-3201 262-547-7869 608-224-3750 Dane

Dodge 920-386-3700 920-386-3660 920-387-7884 920-387-7878 608-275-3279 262-547-3064 920-386-9999 Dodge

Door 920-746-2323 920-746-2214 920-746-2880 920-662-5453 920-662-5461 920-448-2824 920-845-1360 Door

Douglas 715-395-1380 715-395-1266 715-376-2299 715-392-0803 715-685-2926 715-934-2170 715-682-9117 Douglas

ext 301

Dunn 715-232-1401 715-232-1496 715-232-1516 715-684-2914 715-684-2914 651-290-5268 715-232-2614 Dunn

ext 123 ext 3

Eau Claire 715-839-4743 715-839-6226 715-839-3782 715-839-3769 715-684-2914 651-290-5268 715-839-5081 Eau Claire

ext 123 ext 3

Florence 715-528-3206 715-528-5940 715-528-4400 715-358-9214 715-762-1346 715-345-7911 715-362-5941 Florence

ext 2 ext 111

Fond du Lac 920-929-3139 920-923-3033 920-424-3056 920-424-7885 920-662-5461 920-448-2824 920-923-3033 Fond du Lac

ext 101

Forest 715-478-3893 715-478-7796 715-478-4575 715-365-8991 715-762-1346 715-345-7911 715-362-5941 Forest

ext 111
Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL 143

APPENDIX C: Contact Information

142 Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL

APPENDIX C: Contact Information

COUNTY County Zoning County Land DNR Forester DNR Water DNR US Army US Natural COUNTY

Conservation Management Storm Water Corps of Resources

Department Specialist Specialist Engineers Conservation

Service

Grant 608-723-2848 608-723-6377 608-723-2397 608-935-1920 608-275-3201 507-895-8059 608-723-6377 Grant

ext 130

Green 608-348-9423 608-325-4195 608-325-3050 608-743-4820 608-275-3309 262-547-7869 608-325-4195 Green

ext 101

Green Lake 920-294-4026 920-294-4051 608-297-2226 920-787-4686 920-832-1803 715-345-7911 920-294-6140 Green Lake

Iowa 608-935-0398 608-935-2791 608-935-1917 908-935-1920 608-275-3201 262-547-7869 608-935-2791 Iowa

Iron 715-561-5414 715-561-2234 715-476-3890 715-762-1342 715-685-2926 715-934-2170 715-682-9117 Iron

ext 301

Jackson 715-284-0550 715-284-0256 715-284-1417 715-284-1424 715-359-2872 507-895-8059 715-284-4515 Jackson

Jefferson 920-674-7130 920-674-7110 608-743-4830 608-743-4820 608-275-3309 262-547-3064 920-674-2020 Jefferson

Juneau 608-847-9391 608-847-7221 608-847-9394 715-421-7815 715-359-2872 715-345-7911 608-847-7221 Juneau

Kenosha 262-857-1895 262-857-1895 262-884-2390 262-884-2355 262-884-2360 262-547-0868 262-878-1243 Kenosha

Kewaunee 920-388-7192 920-845-1360 920-662-5156 920-662-5453 920-662-5441 920-448-2824 920-845-1360 Kewaunee

La Crosse 608-785-9722 608-785-9867 608-785-9007 608-785-9010 608-785-9910 507-895-8059 608-782-0180 La Crosse

Lafayette 608-776-4830 608-776-3836 608-776-3064 608-935-1920 608-275-3201 262-547-7869 608-776-4028 Lafayette

Langlade 715-627-6206 715-627-6292 715-623-4190 715-623-4190 715-762-1346 715-345-7911 715-536-6003 Langlade

ext 3135

Lincoln 715-536-0333 715-539-1049 715-536-2152 715-623-4190 715-762-1346 715-345-7911 715-536-6003 Lincoln

ext 3135

Manitowoc 920-683-4185 920-683-4183 920-755-4984 920-662-5453 920-662-5441 920-448-2824 920-683-5119 Manitowoc

Marathon 715-261-6020 715-261-6000 715-359-5863 715-241-7502 715-359-2872 715-345-7911 715-848-2330 Marathon

Marinette 715-732-7535 715-732-7780 715-856-9157 715-582-5041 920-662-5124 920-448-2824 715-735-6122 Marinette

Marquette 608-297-9136 608-296-2815 608-297-2226 920-787-4686 920-832-1803 715-345-7911 608-296-2815 Marquette

ext 259

Menominee 715-799-5710 715-799-5710 715-799-3405 715-526-4232 920-662-5124 920-448-2824 715-232-2614 Menominee

Milwaukee Call City Hall 414-278-4936 262-594-6209 414-263-8601 414-263-8682 262-547-4171 262-547-3754 Milwaukee

Monroe 608-269-8737 608-269-8973 608-269-6901 608-785-9010 608-785-9910 507-895-8059 608-269-8136 Monroe

Oconto 920-834-6827 920-834-5688 920-846-8103 715-582-5041 920-662-5124 920-448-2824 920-834-5688 Oconto

ext 28

Oneida 715-369-6130 715-369-7835 715-365-2634 715-365-8991 715-762-1346 715-345-7911 715-362-5941 Oneida

ext 111

Outagamie 920-832-5255 920-832-5073 920-832-2746 715-526-4232 920-662-5124 920-448-2824 920-733-1575 Outagamie

Ozaukee 262-284-8313 262-284-8270 262-670-3404 920-892-8756 414-263-8682 262-547-4171 262-335-4801 Ozaukee

Pepin 715-672-8897 715-672-8665 715-672-4153 715-684-2914 715-684-2914 651-290-5268 715-672-8663 Pepin

ext 5 ext 123

Pierce 715-273-6747 715-273-6763 715-273-5525 715-684-2914 715-684-2914 651-290-5268 715-273-6763 Pierce

ext 123
Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL 145

APPENDIX C: Contact Information

144 Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL

APPENDIX C: Contact Information

COUNTY County Zoning County Land DNR Forester DNR Water DNR US Army US Natural COUNTY

Conservation Management Storm Water Corps of Resources

Department Specialist Specialist Engineers Conservation

Service

Polk 715-485-9279 715-485-8699 715-485-3518 715-822-2702 715-635-4142 651-290-5380 715-485-3138 Polk

Portage 715-346-1334 715-346-1334 715-344-2752 715-421-7815 715-359-2872 715-345-7911 715-346-1325 Portage

Price 715-339-3272 715-339-2550 715-339-2001 715-762-1344 715-762-1346 715-934-2170 715-748-4121 Price

Racine 262-886-8475 262-886-8479 262-884-2390 262-574-2136 262-884-2360 262-547-0868 262-878-1243 Racine

Richland 608-647-2447 608-647-2100 608-647-4566 608-275-3228 608-275-3201 507-895-8059 608-647-8874 Richland

Rock 608-757-5587 608-754-6617 608-743-4830 608-743-4820 608-275-3309 262-547-3064 608-754-6617 Rock

Rusk 715-532-2156 715-532-2162 715-532-4364 715-532-3911 715-762-1346 715-934-2170 715-532-7629 Rusk

Saint Croix 715-386-4680 715-684-2874 715-684-2914 715-684-2914 715-684-2914 651-290-5268 715-684-2874 Saint Croix

ext 3 ext 123 ext 123

Sauk 608-355-3285 608-355-3245 608-355-4475 608-275-3228 608-275-3279 507-895-8059 608-355-4420 Sauk

Sawyer 715-634-8288 715-634-6463 715-634-9658 715-634-9658 715-762-1346 715-934-2170 715-532-7629 Sawyer

ext 3504 ext 3523

Shawano 715-526-6766 715-526-6766 715-526-4229 715-526-4232 920-662-5124 920-448-2824 715-524-8520 Shawano

Sheboygan 920-459-3060 920-459-1370 920-892-8756 920-892-8756 414-263-8682 262-547-4171 920-467-9917 Sheboygan

ext 3047 ext 3031

Taylor 715-748-1485 715-748-1469 715-748-4955 715-532-3911 715-762-1346 715-934-2170 715-748-4121 Taylor

Trempealeau 715-538-2311 715-538-2311 715-538-4480 715-284-1424 608-785-9910 507-895-8059 715-538-4396 Trempealeau

ext 223

Vernon 608-637-5271 608-637-5480 608-637-3784 608-785-9010 608-785-9910 507-895-8059 608-637-8321 Vernon

Vilas 715-479-3620 715-479-3747 715-385-3355 715-358-9214 715-762-1346 715-345-7911 715-362-5941 Vilas

ext 111

Walworth 262-741-4972 262-741-4972 262-594-6209 262-574-2136 262-574-2126 262-547-3064 262-723-3216 Walworth

Washburn 715-468-4690 715-468-4654 715-635-4084 715-635-4097 715-635-4142 715-934-2170 715-635-8228 Washburn

Washington 262-335-4445 262-335-4800 262-594-6209 414-263-8701 262-574-2129 262-547-4171 262-335-4801 Washington

Waukesha 262-548-7790 262-896-8300 262-594-6209 262-574-2137 262-574-2126 262-547-0868 262-547-3754 Waukesha

Waupaca 715-258-6255 715-258-6245 715-258-8432 715-526-4232 920-832-1803 715-345-7911 715-258-8380 Waupaca

Waushara 920-787-0453 920-787-0443 920-787-4686 920-787-4686 920-832-1803 715-345-7911 608-296-2815 Waushara

ext 227 ext 3016

Winnebago 920-448-5142 920-232-1950 920-424-3056 920-424-7885 920-832-1803 920-448-2824 920-424-0329 Winnebago

Wood 715-421-8466 715-421-8475 715-421-7839 715-421-7815 715-359-2872 715-345-7911 715-423-3610 Wood
Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL 147

Seed Mix Information

A P P E N D I X

D

146 Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL

Tall fescue, an invasive grass to

avoid in seed mixes.

Photo by Elizabeth J. Czarapata

Seed mixes are used to revegetate areas of bare soil. Seeding will allow

plants to become quickly established on these sites, minimizing erosion;

however,care must be taken to select appropriate plant species for your

site. Many times a seed mix will include both a short-lived cover crop,

like oats, that will quickly occupy disturbed sites and act as a nurse crop

while long-lived species become established.

Native Grasses

The following list contains grass species that are native to Wisconsin.

More detailed information on plant species, seed mixes, and seeding

rates can be found in Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices

for Invasive Species: A Field Manual for Foresters, Landowners and

Loggers, Appendix H: Species Recommended for Revegetation.

Table D-1. Native Grass Species Recommended for Seed Mixes

GRASS SPECIES SITE CHARACTERISTICS

Common Name Scientific Name Dry Dry-Mesic Mesic Wet Shady Sunny

Big Bluestem Andropogon gerardii ••• •

Fringed Brome Bromus ciliatus •••

Kalm’s Brome Bromus kalmii •• •

Bluejoint Grass Calamagrostis canadensis •• •

Broom Sedge Carex scoparia •••

Fox Sedge Carex stipata •• •

Tussock Sedge Carex stricta ••• •

Brown Fox Sedge Carex vulpinoidea •• •

Canada Wild Rye Elymus canadensis • •• •

Bottlebrush Grass Elymus hystrix ••• •

Virginia Wild Rye Elymus vinginicus • •• •

Reed Manna Grass Glyseria grandis •• •

Dudley’s Rush Juncus dudleyi •••

Common Rush Juncus effuses • •

June Grass Koeleria macrantha •• •

Switch Grass Panicum virgatum •• •• •

Little Bluestem Schizachyrium scoparium •• •

Dark Green Bulrush Scirpus atrovirens •• •

Wool Grass Scirpus cyperinus •• •

Indian Grass Sorghastrum nutans ••• •

Needle Grass Stipa spartea •• ••
Non-Native Cover Crops

The non-native species listed below are suitable for cover crops and will

provide short term erosion control until other plant species become

established. This is not a complete list.

Table D-2. Non-Native Species Recommended for Seed Mixes

SPECIES SITE CHARACTERISTICS

Common Name Scientific Name Dry Dry-Mesic Mesic Wet Shady Sunny

Oats Avena sativa ••• •

Red Fescue Festuca rubra •• •

Barley Hordeum vulgare •• •

Alsike Clover Trifolium hybridum •• •

Red Clover Trifolium pratense • ••• •

White Clover Trifolium repens •• ••

Invasive Species to Avoid

The following list contains species that had been previously

recommended for use in seed mixes, but have since been found to be

invasive. These species should NOT be used in seed mixes.

Table D-3. Invasive Species NOT Recommended for Seed Mixes

Common Name Scientific Name

Creeping Bent Grass Agrostis palustris

Smooth Brome Grass Bromus inermis

Crown Vetch Coronilla varia

Quack Grass Elytrigia repens

Tall Fescue Festuca arundinacea

Flat Pea Lathyrus sylvestris

Chinese Lespedeza Lespedeza cuneata

Bird's Foot Trefoil Lotus corniculatus

Big Leaf Lupine Lupinus polyphyllus

Reed Canary Grass Phalaris arundinacea

Seed mixes should include fast growing species for quick soil protection

and perennial species for permanent cover. Recommendations for seed

mixes suited to your region are available from your local Wisconsin DNR

wildlife management specialist, county land conservation department

and NRCS office. Many native seed companies and local farm

cooperatives also offer seed mixes that may be appropriate to your site.

Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL 149

APPENDIX D: Seed Mix Information

148 Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL

APPENDIX D: Seed Mix Information

ABOVE: Crown vetch

Elizabeth J. Czarapata ABOVE: Reed canary grass

Native Plant Nurseries and Restoration Consultants

in Wisconsin

• Lists companies that carry native seeds and plants

• http://www.dnr.wi.gov/org/land/er/plants/nurseries.htm

Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for

Invasive Species: A Field Manual for Foresters, Landowners

and Loggers

• Offers information on revegetating sites and detailed native

species lists

• http://council.wisconsinforestry.org/invasives/forestry.php

RESOURCES

Elizabeth J. Czarapata
Erosion control netting.

American Excelsior Company

Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL 151

Erosion and Sediment Control Products

A P P E N D I X

E

This appendix provides a brief description of several common types of

erosion and sediment controls. The list includes the product names and

manufacturers. Local providers of these products include landscape

suppliers, farm cooperatives, and other companies. This list is based on

information provided in WisDOT’s Erosion Control Product Acceptability

Lists for Multi-Modal Applications, available at: http://www.dot.

wisconsin.gov/business/engrserv/docs/pal.pdf. This listing is not

intended as an endorsement of these companies.

Light Duty Erosion Mats (Class I)

Erosion mats are manufactured blankets or

mats available in rolls or strips. The light duty

mats are for short duration projects (6

months or greater). They are comprised of

organic materials bound together with

netting. The netting may be non-organic,

photodegradable, or biodegradable. Plastic

netting is not recommended in areas where

there is a high probability of entrapping

animals (See Table E-2).

Products with a UV degradable netting should not be installed after

September 1st because of poor performance through the winter and

spring months until vegetation is established. Other appropriate

products will need to be installed if working after September 1st.

The listings below are not complete and other products may also qualify

as light duty erosion mats.

Table E-1. Light Duty Erosion Control Mats

Products Manufacturer

Curlex I WH, Curlex I, Curlex II, Curlex LT American Excelsior

S31, S31UVD, S32 Erosion Control Blanket.com

S75, DS75, S150, DS150, SC150 North American Green

Landlok S1, Landlok CS2, Landlok S2 Propex

Winters Straw SNW, Winters Straw SNG Winters Excelsior

150 Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL

ABOVE: Close-up

of Curlex II

American Excelsior Company
Table E-2 contains a listing of

light duty erosion mats that are

appropriate in environmentally

sensitive areas where animals

may become entrapped in

plastic netting.

Table E-2. Light Duty Erosion Control Mats for Environmentally Sensitive Areas

Products Manufacturer

Curlex I Fibrenet, Curlex II Fibrenet, Curlex NetFree American Excelsior

S75 BN, S150 BN, SC150 BN North American Green

Winters Straw Bio, EXCEL SS-2 All Natural Winters Excelsior

Medium Duty Erosion Mats (Class II)

Medium duty erosion mats have the same characteristics mentioned

above, but are intended for long term use (3 years or greater). The listing

below is not complete and other products may also qualify as medium

duty erosion mats.

Table E-3. Medium Duty Erosion Control Mats

Products Manufacturer

AEC Premier Coconut American Excelsior

C32 Erosion Control Blanket.com

C125, C125 BN, C350 North American Green

Winters Coir HV Winters Excelsior

Table E-4 contains a listing of medium duty erosion mats that are

appropriate in environmentally sensitive areas where animals may

become entrapped in plastic netting.

Table E-4. Medium Duty Erosion Control Mats for Environmentally Sensitive Areas

Products Manufacturer

Dekowe 700, Dekowe 900 Belton Industries

Bio D-Mat 70 RoLanka

Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL 153

APPENDIX E: Erosion and Sediment Control Products

152 Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL

APPENDIX E: Erosion and Sediment Control Products

ABOVE: Temporary ditch check with sediment log

Steve Toman

LEFT: Young trout trapped in

erosion control netting

Erosioncontrolblanket.com

Temporary Ditch Checks

Temporary ditch checks can be as simple as straw bales, but other

products are also available. They are intended for use at the bottom of

slopes and in channels to intercept and pond sediment-laden runoff.

Ponding slows runoff and allows some of the sediment to settle out.

Water exits the ditch check by filtering through it or by flowing over the

top of it.

Temporary ditch checks should be placed perpendicular to the flow line

of the ditch and should extend far enough so that the ground level at the

ends of the check are higher than the low point on the crest of the check.

Log-type ditch checks should be installed similar to straw bales. All ditch

checks should be trenched in a minimum of 2 inches on bare soil.

Table E-5. Temporary Ditch Checks

Products Manufacturer

Curlex 12-inch Sediment Log, Curlex 20-inch American Excelsior

Sediment Log, AEC Premier 12-inch Wattle

Stenlog 12 Erosion Control Blanket.com

Triangular Silt Dike Triangular Silt Dike

Aspen Xcel Excelsior Log Western Excelsior

Ditch Chexx Filtrexx

Bio-D Silt Check RoLanka

WS-12 North American Green
Using geotextiles in wetland roads

can help preserve water flow

through wetlands.

Carmen Wagner, DNR

Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL 155

Geotextile Fabrics

A P P E N D I X

F

Geotextile fabrics serve three

primary functions on unpaved

roads. First, they provide

separation. Without them,

gravel and roadbed materials

mix. Mixing reduces the load

bearing capacity of the road

and leads to rutting.

Geotextiles allow water to

pass through the materials,

while preventing mixing of

the layers.

Geotextiles also provide filtration and increased drainage capacity on

wet or saturated soils. When heavy equipment drives over a wet road,

the pressure causes a slurry to press up against the fabric. The fabric

acts a filter, allowing water to flow upward, but screening out fine soil

materials. This prevents mixing of the layers and allows water to freely

drain. Water can pass through the fabric, but soil and gravel cannot.

Water in the road can then evaporate, preventing water pockets from

forming.

Geotextiles also allow rapid water drainage in wet roads. Providing

drainage is critical to maintaining structural stability of roads.

The benefits of using geotextile fabrics include:

• reduced maintenance costs

• less gravel needed to carry expected loads

• reduced initial construction costs

• longer lasting road surfaces

154 Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL

ABOVE:

Construction of a

permanent

wetland road with

geotextile

Joe Arington
Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL 157

APPENDIX F: Geotextile Fabrics

156 Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL

Types of Geotextiles

Geotextiles are available as woven and non-woven fabrics. Woven can

withstand higher stress and strain than non-woven. However, woven

fabrics have lower abrasion resistance, less permeability, and poorer

surface structure friction than non-woven.

Non-woven fabrics allow water to pass through them and are

recommended for most unpaved roads. They offer superior resistance to

abrasion and provide filtration and drainage. Under load, they develop

high tensile strength and have good friction properties. These

characteristics combine to make them a good choice for reinforcement.

Using Geotextiles

Clear and grade the area. Remove any sharp objects. Cut tree stumps

and shrubs flush with the subgrade. It is unnecessary to remove top soil

and non-woody vegetation. Excavate soft spots, backfill, and compact,

so that filled sections provide equal stability as adjacent areas. Grade

the surface and cross slope shape to provide good drainage. Tight

blading provides a smooth surface to support the fabric and a wellestablished crown.

Unroll the fabric in the direction of the construction traffic. Overlap in

the direction of the roadbed placement. Overlap width depends on the

load bearing capacity of the roadbed, but varies from two to three feet.

Dump the gravel on top of the fabric. Spread with a small loader. Avoid

heavy traffic directly on the fabric. Spread the gravel in the same

direction as the geotextile. Overlap to avoid separation. Gravel depth is

determined by the roadbed strength and anticipated weight loads. It

usually varies from four to six inches. Compact the gravel using a roller.

Vibratory compaction is not recommended.

APPENDIX F: Geotextile Fabrics

Additional Considerations

Proper installation of geotextile fabric is essential to stabilize a road.

The gravel must be placed to its full depth and applied carefully as to

not cause damage to the fabric by equipment.

Wrinkled or torn fabrics will not perform well. Repair fabric damage

during installation. Clear the damaged area plus an additional three

feet of gravel around the damage. Cover the area with a geotextile

patch extending three feet beyond the damage. Replace the gravel and

compact.

Road Construction with Geotextile

geotextile

road surface fill

wetland

surface

porous

base
Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL 159

Glossary

A P P E N D I X

G

158 Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL

A riparian management zone (RMZ).

Carmen Wagner, DNR

Basal area: The cross-sectional area 41⁄2 feet above ground expressed in

square feet per acre of all trees with a diameter of 5 inches and larger.

Best management practices (BMPs): Practical and economically

achievable practices for preventing or reducing nonpoint source

pollution.

Broad-based dip: A surface drainage structure specifically designed to drain

water from an access road while vehicles maintain normal travel

speeds.

Channelized runoff: Concentrated surface water flow that is causing

erosion.

Contour: An imaginary line on the surface of the earth connecting points of

the same elevation or a line drawn on a map connecting the points of

the same elevation. The steeper the slope, the closer the contour lines

will be.

Crown: A convex road surface that allows runoff to drain to either side of the

road prism.

Culvert: A metal, wooden, plastic, or concrete conduit through which surface

water can flow under roads.

Cut and fill: Earth-moving process that entails excavating part of an area

and using the excavated material for adjacent embankments or fill

areas.

DBH: Diameter at breast height; the average diameter (outside the bark) of a

tree 41⁄2 feet above mean ground level.

Disking (harrowing): A mechanical method of scarifying the soil to reduce

competing vegetation and to prepare a site to be seeded or planted.

Drainage structure: Any device or landform constructed to intercept and/or

aid surface water drainage.

Dry wash: An erosion feature that is an incised, v-shaped gully on a hillside

that generally only receives water flow as surface runoff from spring

snowmelt and rainstorms.

Duff: The accumulation of needles, leaves, and decaying matter on the forest

floor.
Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL 161

APPENDIX G: Glossary

160 Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL

Erosion: The process by which the surface of the earth is worn away by the

action of wind or water.

Erosion prone sites: Soils that are likely to have high soil loss when exposed

to water runoff. Soils having a Natural Resources Conservation Service

(NRCS) erosion hazard rating of “moderate” or “severe” should be

considered erodible. Erosion hazard ratings for different soil types are

listed in the “Woodland Suitability” tables in the NRCS soil surveys.

Generally, forest soils occurring on 15 to 35% slopes have a moderate

rating and soils occurring on greater than 35% slopes have a severe

rating.

Felling: The process of cutting down standing trees.

Filter strip: A strip of land located adjacent to wetlands that trap sediment

and other pollutants from runoff before it reaches the wetlands.

Fine woody material: Woody material, living or dead, less than 4 inches

diameter inside bark at the large end; including fine woody debris and

portions of standing living and dead shrubs and trees.

Firebreak: Naturally occurring or human-made barrier to the spread of fire.

Fireline: A barrier used to stop the spread of fire constructed by removing

fuel or rendering fuel inflammable by use of fire retardants.

Fire retardant: Any substance except plan water that by chemical or

physical action reduces flammability of fuels or slows their combustion

rate.

Floodplain: Land which has been or may be covered by flood water during

the regional flood (floods expected to occur once every 100 years).

Ford: Submerged stream crossing where the streambed may need to be

reinforced to bear intended traffic.

Forest road: A temporary or permanent road connecting the most remote

part of the forest land to existing public roads.

Grade (gradient): The slope of the road or trail expressed as a percentage

of change in elevation per unit of distance travelled.

Harvesting: The felling, skidding, processing, loading, and transporting of

forest products.

Lake: A waterbody that (1) is navigable, (2) has an ordinary high water mark,

and (3) has a defined bed and banks and is a “reasonably permanent”

body of water, although it may dry up during periods of drought.

APPENDIX G: Glossary

Landing (log deck): a place in or near the forest where logs are gathered for

further processing or transport.

Mulch: A natural or artificial layer of plant residue or other materials

covering the land surface that conserves moisture, holds the soil in

place, aids in establishing plant cover, and minimizes temperature

fluctuations.

Navigable: A waterway that has a defined bed and banks, and is capable of

floating a canoe or other small craft on a regularly reoccurring basis –

even if only during spring runoff.

Nonpoint source pollution: Occurs when rainfall or snowmelt moves

across the ground, carrying pollutants into lakes, streams, wetlands and

groundwater. For example, soil can become a pollutant when runoff

moves across a road and carries large amounts of soil into a waterbody.

Ordinary high water mark (OHWM): The point on the bank or shore up to

which the presence and action of water is so continuous as to leave a

distinct mark either by erosion, destruction of terrestrial vegetation, or

other easily recognized characteristics.

Out-slope: A road surface shape that causes drainage to flow towards the

outside shoulder.

Prescribed burning: Skillful application of fire to natural fuels that allows

confinement of the fire to a pre-determined area and at the same time

produces certain planned benefits.

Raking: A mechanical method of removing, stumps, roots, and slash from a

future planting site.

Regeneration: The process of replacing older trees removed by harvest or

disaster with young trees.

Riparian management zone (RMZ): Areas next to lakes, streams and dry

washes where management practices are modified to protect water

quality, fish habitat and other aquatic resources. These areas are

complex ecosystems that provide food, habitat and movement corridors

for both aquatic (water) and terrestrial (land) communities as well as

help to minimize nonpoint source pollution to surface water.

Riprap: Rock or other large aggregate that is placed to protect streambanks,

bridge abutments, outflows of drainage structures, or other erodible

sites from runoff or wave action.

Rut: A depression made by the passage of a vehicle or equipment.
2010 Forestry BMPs for Water Quality

Advisory Committee

APPENDIX G: Glosssary

162 Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality / FIELD MANUAL

Scarification: The process of removing the forest floor or mixing it with the

mineral soil by mechanical action preparatory to natural or direct

seeding or the planting of tree seedlings.

Sediment: Soil that has eroded from the land surface, often by overland

water action, and is then transported and deposited away from its

original location.

Shearing: A site preparation method that involves the cutting of brush, trees,

and other vegetation at ground level using tractors equipped with

angled or V-shaped cutting blades.

Silt fence: A temporary barrier used to intercept sediment-laden runoff from

small areas.

Site preparation: A silvicultural activity to remove unwanted vegetation and

other materials, and to cultivate or prepare the soil for regeneration.

Skid trail: A temporary, non-structural travel way for logging equipment,

called skidders, to drag felled trees or logs to the landing for further

processing, loading and transport to a mill.

Slash: Any tree tops, limbs, bark, abandoned forest products, windfalls, or

other debris left on the land after timber or other forest products have

been cut.

Stream: A watercourse that (1) has an ordinary high water mark, (2) has a

defined bed and banks, (3) flows at least periodically, and (4) does not

lose its character as a water course even though it may become braided

in a wetland complex.

Water bar: A shallow trench or diversion dam which diverts roadside ditch

and surface water runoff from roads (inactive or closed), firebreaks, or

skid trails (active or inactive) into a dispersion area.Water bars are used

to minimize erosion.

Wetland: An area where water is at, near or above the land surface long

enough to be capable of supporting aquatic or hydrophytic (water

loving) vegetation and has soils indicative of wet conditions.

Organizations

1000 Friends of Wisconsin

FISTA

Great Lakes Timber Professionals

Association

Lake States Lumber Association

The Nature Conservancy

Packaging Corporation of America

River Alliance of Wisconsin

SFI SIC

Society of American Foresters

NewPage Corporation

Thilmany Procurement Group

Trout Unlimited

USDA Forest Service

University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point

Wisconsin Association of Lakes

Wisconsin Council on Forestry

Wisconsin County Forests Association

Wisconsin DNR, Division of Water

Wisconsin Paper Council

Wisconsin Wetlands Association

Wisconsin Woodland Owners

Association

Members

Ken Adamovich

Aaron Caylor

Matt Dallman

John DuPlissis

Gary Edinger

Mike Gehrke

Earl Gustafson

Theresa Heyer

Steve Kariainen

Kent Mikkelson

Bill O’Brion

Bob Obma

Jim Olive

Dean Pelkey

Bob Rogers

Jane Severt

Tim Tollefson