Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF)

Pre-Harvest Plan for VDOF Easement Properties

Landowner:

Address:

Tract/Stand Numbers:

Easement Name/Number:

Acreage:

Harvest Type:

Location:

Prepared by:

VDOF holds an open-space easement (“Easement”) on this property to protect certain conservation values.

The Easement requires submission of a pre-harvest plan at least 30 days prior to any timber harvest. This pre-harvest plan (“Plan”) fulfills that requirement and has been prepared to assist in the proposed timber harvest to adhere to Virginia’s Silvicultural Water Quality Law (§10.1-1181.1 through 10.1-1181.7, Code of Virginia), Virginia's "Debris in Streams" Law (§62.1-194.2, Code of Virginia), and the terms of the Easement. This Plan does not relieve the owners and operators from their responsibilities under these laws or the Easement. Any agreements between the logger and landowner should be included in a timber contract even if those agreements are also in this Plan.

The recommendations within this Plan follow the guidelines outlined within VDOF's Forestry Best Management Practices (BMPs) for Water Quality Technical Manual, Fifth Edition (“BMP Manual”). Under the terms of the Easement, BMPs are mandatory and an audit will be conducted by VDOF water quality staff upon harvest completion to ensure compliance. The Easement requires notification at least seven days prior to harvest completion.

Within this Plan, the locations of planned haul roads, landings, skid trails, culverts and other constructed features necessary for timber harvesting are approximate. The need for, and location of, these BMPs will depend upon the characteristics of the site, type of harvest, capability of the logging operator and Easement terms. The Plan may be modified through consultation with local VDOF Water Quality Specialists or Engineers. Any changes to this Plan must meet BMP Manual standards, be consistent with the Easement terms, and be approved in writing.

This Plan includes site-specific details related to the tract. Please see the Appendix for a summary of general BMP recommendations and references to the BMP manual.

SITE-SPECIFIC HARVEST RECOMMENDATIONS (also see attached map):

All site-specific details should be outlined by qualified personnel and should include specific BMPs needed during and after the harvest operation. The level of detail should be determined by the plan preparer on a case-by-case basis. These site-specific details are in addition to the general BMP recommendations noted in the Appendix, which should be utilized for all harvests.

An accurate Harvest Site Map including harvest boundaries, logging decks, road and trail locations, water bodies, stream crossings and associated streamside management zones must be included for every harvest. It is acceptable to utilize USGS quad maps, computer generated maps, or accurate hand- drawn maps.

Haul Road Layouts

Landings/Log Decks

Skid Trails

Stream Crossings

Streamside Management Zones (SMZ’s)

The Easement may require SMZs to extend beyond the 50 foot minimum defined in the BMP Manual, or it may include harvesting restrictions. Please refer to the Easement or contact VDOF Forest Conservation Staff to confirm and include specific detail in this Plan and on the attached Harvest Site Map.

It is important to note that the Harvest Site Map attached may not show all streams located on the property; however, under the terms of the Easement all streams must have an SMZ. VDOF Water Quality staff will make a site visit if a stream determination is needed.

Any disturbance or construction associated with the haul road, skid trails, landing/log deck, and stream crossings within the SMZ requires a non-erodible working surface as soon as construction is complete. This non-erodible surface shall be maintained during the harvest, through harvest completion, and beyond. A non-erodible-stabilized surface shall be sufficient: brush matting, brush dams, application of clean stone, seed and mulch, another stabilizing medium, or a combination of these so as to prevent sediment from reaching the stream channel. Any disturbed soils such as outcast, fill, cut banks, etc. within the SMZ; shall be stabilized as soon as construction is complete. The stabilization of these areas shall be maintained throughout the harvest and beyond.

Disturbed Soil Stabilization and Revegetation

Additional BMP's

Special Considerations

Special Protection Areas identifying unique or rare habitat, cultural or historic resources, or cemeteries may have been established by the Easement. These areas often restrict disturbance, road construction and harvesting. Please refer to the Easement or contact VDOF Forest Conservation Staff to confirm and include specific detail in this Plan and on the Harvest Site Map as needed.

Contact MISS UTILITY to prevent possible damage to underground utility lines. Call 1-800-552-7001 or 811.

It is the responsibility of the involved parties to determine the boundary lines before the harvest. Any boundary lines drawn on attached maps are for illustrative purposes only. It is also the responsibility of the involved parties to obtain any permits related to entrances through the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) or locality planning & zoning office and large stream crossings through the Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC) (USACE).

The Easement requires notification 7 days prior to completion of the harvest, to allow for timely completion of the BMP audit prior to equipment moving offsite.

Appendix 1: General BMP Recommendations for all Harvests

HAUL ROADS

Layout

Follow the contour as much as possible with grades between 2% and 10% when establishing new haul roads. Vary road grades frequently to help reduce road surface erosion and out-slope whenever road gradient will permit. To help ensure proper road surface drainage, construct roads on the sides of ridges. Locate haul roads outside of the SMZ unless no other alternative exists. Approaches to stream crossings should be stabilized with suitable material. Roads should be day-lighted (shade removed) to aid in drying of the road surface where possible. Road should be wide enough to provide for safe passage. Install mats, rock or other suitable material when an access road intersects public road(s), so that no mud, dirt, or sand is moved onto the public roadway. Causing material to be deposited on a public roadway could jeopardize an entrance permit, is a violation of the Code of Virginia (§18.2-324), and requires prompt cleanup. Ensure that any required permitting for State or City Highway access is attained prior to access installation. Maintain drainage systems along haul road(s).

The section on haul roads is found on pages 17-21 and 100 in the BMP Manual.

Broad Based Dips/Rolling Dips

Properly spaced and constructed broad based dips are designed to maintain haul roads. A broad based dip is a water diversion structure that diverts surface water off the road while allowing vehicles to maintain normal travel speeds. Broad based dips are effective for grades up to 12%. A broad based dip is a 20 foot long, 3% reverse grade constructed into the existing roadbed. The out-slope of the broad based dip should be 2-3%. On some soils the dip and reverse grade section may require three inches of crushed stone to avoid rutting the road surface.

More information on broad based dips and their spacing can be found on pages 105-107 in the BMP Manual.

Ditches and Turn Outs

It is important to maintain all ditching as needed along roads and turn ditches out into the surrounding landscape with turn outs or wing ditches in areas were erosion and sedimentation will not occur. It is also important to direct this water along the contour and avoid pointing concentrated water flow straight down steep slopes or directly at a water body. Regular ditch cleaning is required to maintain water flow away from the road. Extra care must be taken to turn ditch water out well above stream crossings to prevent sedimentation.

More information on ditches and turn outs can be found on pages 19, 36, 100, 102-103 in the BMP Manual.

Water Bars

Upon completion of harvesting and/or road use, water bars could be installed as needed if the road will no longer be subjected to regular use. Water bars can make road use difficult and should only be installed in areas subject to erosion and on slopes 2% and greater that have no other erosion protection in place. Properly spaced and constructed water bars will help maintain the road template after the harvest. Water bars control water in small amounts and prevent excessive erosion by diverting surface runoff from the road surfaces into ditches and/or the surrounding landscape. Water bars should have a 30-45 degree angle to the road and cross the entire length of the road. The uphill end of the water bar should be tied into the bank and the outlet should extend slightly beyond the road and be open. The water bar should have a 2% outslope and be at least one foot in height. Soil should be compacted on water bars and gravel or vegetation should be utilized to protect the bars. Do not direct water directly down steep slopes or directly at a water body.

More information on water bars and spacing guidelines can be found on pages 108-109 in the BMP Manual.

LANDINGS/LOG DECKS

These are the areas where logs are concentrated, processed, sorted and loaded for trucking. Locate landings/decks outside of SMZ’s and in an area that is well-drained and flat or gently sloping. Landings should be located prior to road construction as to minimize skid trails. The size of the landings should be kept as small as possible; ¼ to ½ acre is normally adequate. Capture all equipment fluids and trash and dispose of properly. Proper close out BMPS often include scarification followed by lime, fertilizer and seed covered with adequate straw mulch to achieve 80% vegetative cover. In many cases the deck is covered with slash or chips and other woody debris found on site. It is also important that decks on slopes have appropriate drainage structures to move water off the deck and reduce erosion and sedimentation risk.

The section on landings is found on pages 48-49 in the BMP Manual.

SKID TRAILS

Layout

A skid trail is a temporary unsurfaced trail used to facilitate the transport of wood products from the forest to the landing. Skid trails should be located as to minimize damage to the residual stand, reduce erosion, and provide for the most economical method of harvesting. Trail grades should be less than 15% and not exceed 35% for more than a short distance. Skid trails should be located outside of SMZ’s.

The section on skid trails is on pages 46-48 and 101 in the BMP Manual.

Water Bars

Upon completion of skidding, water bars should be installed immediately in areas subject to erosion and on slopes 2% and greater. Properly spaced and constructed water bars will maintain the skid trails both during and after the harvest. Water bars control water in small amounts and prevent excessive erosion by diverting surface runoff from the skid trails into the surrounding landscape. Water bars should have a 30-45 degree angle to the road and cross the entire length of the road. The uphill end of the water bar should be tied into the bank and the outlet should extend slightly beyond the road and be open. The water bar should have a 2% outslope and be at least one foot in height. Compact the soil on water bars and establish a permanent vegetation with at least 80% coverage on exposed soil.

More information on water bars and spacing guidelines can be found on pages 108-109 in the BMP Manual.

Slash Mats

Scatter or pile logging slash on skid trails as appropriate and compress it with equipment traffic to enhance soil stability and reduce runoff. Slash mats are often utilized during the operation as equipment can often operate over the mats preventing site damage, and soil erosion. This method is particularly useful on slopes near stream crossings and on wet ground that is susceptible to rutting or compaction. Do not remove functioning slash mats in order to build water bars and seed unless it is necessary to prevent erosion and sedimentation or to meet some other objective. Research indicates that slash is a very effective BMP and reduces erosion as much as well-established vegetation.

STREAMS

Stream Crossings

Stream crossings are the points where haul roads and skid trails intersect a stream channel and they have the potential to adversely affect water quality by exposing soil at or near streams. It is well known that road networks accumulate and deliver water and sediment to streams. Crossings should be limited and located where the least amount of impact results.

Bridges are the preferred method for crossing streams and should be installed at right angles to the stream and maintain at least 5’ of bridge/ground contact on each side. Culverts are an acceptable method to cross streams; proper diameters are available in the BMP Manual or contact VDOF water quality staff. Logs shall not be dragged through any stream for any reason

Place rock on active haul road approaches and slash mats on active skid trail approaches extending a minimum of 50’ from the stream bank. Retired roads/skid trails should be stabilized with a combination of sediment retention structures, vegetation or non-erodible surface for a minimum of 50 feet or to the top of grade (whichever is greater) on each side. It is often appropriate to leave slash mats behind and in some cases add new mats as a closeout BMP.

The guidelines for stream crossing installations can be found on pages 39-45 in the BMP Manual.

Streamside Management Zones (SMZs)

SMZs are areas adjacent to streams, lakes, ponds, natural springs, and municipal water supplies and are extremely important to the protection of water quality. SMZs should be a minimum of 50 feet in width on each side of the stream, measured from the top of the stream bank. Within this area up to 50% of the forest canopy can be harvested. There should be a minimum amount of disturbance within the SMZ, leaving the forest floor essentially undisturbed. Keep loading decks, haul roads and skid trails as far away from SMZs as possible. Carefully locate and minimize the number of stream crossings to maintain the integrity of the SMZ.

Not only does an SMZ help protect stream quality, but it also qualifies most landowners for the Virginia Riparian Buffer Tax Credit Program. This is a non-refundable tax credit for retaining buffers associated with the harvesting of timber. The amount of the credit is equal to 25 percent of the value of the timber retained as a buffer up to $17,500 in the tax year in which the harvesting operation was completed. Please refer to the enclosed brochure for details on the application requirements for this program.

The section on SMZs can be found on pages 35-39 in the BMP Manual.

Post-Harvest Soil Stabilization & Revegetation:

Upon the completion of the harvest, all temporary roads, skid trails and log decks should be reclaimed properly. The skid trails should be smoothed and out-sloped. Water bars should be constructed on grades 2% and greater in such a way that a vehicle can travel over them. All grades 5% and greater should be seeded with an appropriate seed for the season and at the recommended rate. The establishment of 80% vegetative cover must be achieved. Mulching has been proven to be necessary when establishing permanent vegetation on newly exposed or compacted soils.

The landings should be smoothed and sloped to allow for proper drainage. Butt-offs should be piled neatly and all trash removed from the site and disposed of properly. The area should then be seeded with appropriate seed for the season and at the recommended rate and mulched. Depending on the amount of compaction, scarification might be needed prior to seeding.

The haul road should be smoothed and out-sloped if needed. Broad-based dips or some type of water diversion structure should then be installed. The road should be seeded with an appropriate seed for the season at the recommended rate and mulched or graveled.

Any stream crossings should be left in a manner that allows the stream to flow freely. The stream crossing approaches should have broad-based dips installed and a non-erodible surface of either vegetation or gravel for a minimum of 50 feet or to the top of the grade (whichever is greater) on each side.

Additional harvest closure recommendations can be found on pages 50-51 and recommendations for the type of seed and application rates can be found on pages 151-157 in the BMP Manual.

Additional BMPs:

Maintenance of the haul road, any stream crossings, log decks and skid trails is critical. The establishment of war bars and vegetation should be performed weekly or bi-weekly to minimize the amount of reclamation at the completion of the harvest. Grade roads and skid trails and maintain water diversion structures. Keep a clean layer of rock or non-erodible running surface on any stream crossings and their approaches. During the harvest and especially during periods of inactivity or heavy rain forecasts, install temporary water diversion structures on the haul road and skid trails.

Special Considerations:

Cold water fisheries and municipal water supplies may require extended SMZs and other practices to further reduce the likelihood of pollution impacts. For more information please see pages 15 and 35-37 in the BMP Manual.

Hazards such as steep slopes, rock-outcrops, unstable soils, and erosion gullies may need to be mapped and located on the ground as to avoid dangerous situations for equipment operators.

Specific site conditions may make conventional timber harvesting impractical. Very steep sites and very wet sites in Virginia often require modifications to prevent excessive site damage.