Aquatic plants need light to grow, but water that is cloudy with suspended sediment produces a shading effect that harms plant health. Suspended sediment limits the ability of sight-feeding fish to find food. Because sediment often carries phosphorus, a plant nutrient, sediment promotes eutrophication-a process whereby water becomes enriched with nutrients, leading to excessive algae growth. This decreased flow and storage can increase flooding and decrease the water available for water supplies. Suspended sediment harms irrigation equipment, erodes bridge footings, and increases treatment costs for public water supplies.
Turbid water is unsightly, unsuitable for swimming, and undesirable for boating.
Check with the Department of Environmental Protection or county conservation district office to see if such action requires a permit. Avoid rocky areas, seeps, springs, and steep grades. Do not skid straight up and down slopes, rather, bend and turn skid trails, and them break grade or change grades to eliminate long stretches on the same slope. Remove cross-drain culverts from stream crossings unless trails are to be used again. Locate the landings on gently sloping, well-drained portions of the upper or middle part of the slope.