SMZs serve as a supply or source of naturally-occurring debris such as leaves and decaying logs, predominantly recycled within the SMZ but some of which finds its way to the water to serve as a vital food source for aquatic life such as aquatic insects, a primary food source of resident fish populations. The FPG performance standard requires an SMZ be established of sufficient width to confine, within the SMZ, visible sediment resulting from accelerated erosion. More rigorous SMZ standards are applicable if the forest harvest occurs in the Neuse or Tar-Pamlico Riverbasins as a result of the buffer protection rules. Establish an SMZ along each perennial and intermittent stream and perennial water body. Determine appropriate SMZ widths prior to conducting any timber sale or forest practice.
Limited cutting is permissible.
Minimize stream crossings. Where used, firebreaks should be installed parallel to streams and outside SMZs. Cutting stream bank trees. Unnecessary access roads and main skid trails. Significant soil compaction and rutting by harvesting equipment.