Q: I was signed up for the BMP Forest Roads workshop in Jefferson back in October, but it was cancelled. I was wondering if you have any information about BMPs for forest roads.
A: First off, I’m sorry we had to cancel
the BMP Forest Roads workshop in Jefferson.
We did not get enough people to sign up for that course. We may try to schedule another workshop next
spring or summer, but we need your support to make these workshops in NE Texas
work. Secondly, in the August issue I wrote about several tools which should be
used when available to help aid you in the planning process. Most of these tools are available at little or
no cost to you. In the September issue,
I listed several factors to consider when planning your forest road
layout. Last month I addressed the
construction phase for new forest roads. This month I will be wrapping up the
forest roads article series with a few pointers on road maintenance/repair.
When possible, restrict traffic on roads during wet weather
conditions. If roads must be used in wet
conditions, consider using materials such as wooden mats, gravel, and
geo-textile fabrics to protect the road surface from damage. Haul only during dry weather in normally wet
areas, erodible soils, or on roads with a gradient of more than 10%. Close or restrict traffic flow following
maintenance/repair activities on sensitive permanent or temporary roads to
allow them time to stabilize, re-vegetate, and heal over before using again.
Inspect road systems at regular intervals to detect and
correct any maintenance/repair issues.
Check to make sure that road surfaces are crowned or outsloped to
dissipate surface runoff. Ensure that
all ditches and culverts are free from siltation, logging debris, brush, and
other obstructions to allow unrestricted passage of water. Keep road surfaces free of obstructions,
ruts, and logging debris which may restrict water flow from the road
surface. Re-work road surfaces to remove
ruts when the average rut depth exceeds 6 inches over a distance of more than
50 feet, or when erosion damage may occur from hauling operations. Care should be taken to avoid creating a
“below grade” road when re-working the road surface.
When all forestry activities have been completed re-work the
road surface if necessary. Ensure all drainage systems are open, and seed all
areas of bare soil on and along the road system which are subject to excessive
erosion. Close or retire any roads which
are not currently in use, and periodically inspect them to ensure their
integrity.
These are just a few of the guidelines that should be
considered while maintaining/repairing forest road systems. I encourage you to attend one of our upcoming
BMP Forest Roads Logger Training Workshops for more information.
For more information on forest road BMPs and other BMPs visit
the Texas Forest Service webpage at http://texasforestservice.tamu.edu/water,
contact me at (903) 297-3910.
* This article was published in the December 2009 issue of the Texas Logger
