Silvicultural activities include reforestation, timber stand improvement, herbicide application, and timber harvests. Most of Delaware's BMPs apply to timber harvest activities, because they usually present the greatest potential for erosion and sedimentation. Although soil erosion and sedimentation from forest management activities are a very small part of the pollution problem within Delaware, these activities when poorly conducted can cause soil erosion and lead to sedimentation in our streams, rivers, and bays. When BMPs and other proper forest management techniques are followed, soil erosion and sedimentation are minimized, and the forest continues to serve as a filter and a sink for nutrients and other pollutants, thus protecting water quality. The DDA Forest Service and the f orest industry are working hard to ensure that forest management activities continue to improve our environment and provide a substantial economic contribution to our economy.
Planning is one of the most important BMPs.
The forester or operator reviews the forest management area prior to moving equipment onto the site. Soil type, topography, and hydrology are some of the aspects reviewed during the planning process to ensure that water quality is protected. For logging operations, this includes locating haul roads, log decks, and skid trails, as well as any stream crossings that are needed. These plans then are committed to paper, including a map that indicates the location of the various activities. The DDA Forest Service requires a notification form for each forest management activity.