November BMP Q&A

By: Hughes Simpson, BMP Forester, Texas Forest Service

Q:   I just received a copy of a Texas BMP Monitoring Checklist in the mail the other day from the Texas Forest Service regarding one of my logging operations. Would you give me an overview of this program, the number of inspections you have completed so far, and how well the forestry community is doing in following the recommended BMP guidelines?

A:   Sure! The Texas BMP compliance monitoring program is currently in the fifth round. Evaluations are conducted throughout East Texas not only to determine if BMPs are being followed, but also to see if they are functioning properly. The data that is collected is compiled into a formal report and analyzed. This information is extremely important because it shows how well voluntary efforts are protecting water quality.
The results that are gathered are used primarily for educational purposes only. In the event that a landowner is found to be violating forestry best management practices, recommendations will be made on how to correct the possible problems. No citation or fine will be issued.

This program requires the Texas Forest Service to monitor 150 sites every two years. Random selection of these sites is critical, and is achieved primarily through aerial detection of forestry operations. These sites may include any “normal” forestry activity (thinnings, clearcuts, site preparation, planting, etc.) and preferably have occurred within the last year.

The three major ownership groups that are targeted through these evaluations are public (mainly National Forests), industry (International Paper Company, Louisiana Pacific Corporation, and Temple Inland Forests), and private landowners. Before any BMP evaluation is conducted, permission must be granted by the landowner.

Ninety forestry sites have already been evaluated in this current round of BMP compliance monitoring. The breakdown of these sites show that 9 are under public ownership, 40 are owned by private landowners, and 41 have occurred on industry land.

Significant improvements have been made (so far) since the last round of monitoring achieved the highest ever BMP compliance (88.6%) in the program’s existence. Public ownership (97.9%) led the way last round, followed by industry (94.2%) and the private landowner (81.2%). An increase in all ownership groups, most notably the private landowner, has led to an early compliance rate in the low 90s.

What can you do to improve your BMP compliance? Statistical analysis shows that loggers that have attended the BMP training workshop score higher on the random evaluations. Familiarizing landowners that you come in contact with on the importance of protecting water quality is also another great way to do this. If you have a question regarding BMPs, please call me at (936) 639-8180.

* This article was published in the November 2001 issue of the Texas Logger

October BMP Q&A

By: Hughes Simpson, BMP Forester, Texas Forest Service

Q:   I have just finished logging a tract of timber and want to stabilize the road system to prevent erosion from occurring. However, this property is currently under a hunting lease, and it will see a lot of traffic during the upcoming deer season. I don’t want to block access to hunters by installing waterbars, but also don’t want to cause any impacts to water quality. What can I do?

A:   This is a common problem that contractors face each hunting season. Millions of acres are leased every year for this recreational activity, which can contribute a substantial source of income to many landowners. It is important to provide access to hunters on these lands, and at the same time protect water quality.

Waterbars are very effective drainage control structures that can prohibit or limit access to hunters if not installed correctly. Building these devices too tall will temporarily keep people out until they can find a way to knock it down or level it out, undoing all of the good that you had intended.

On roads that will see heavy traffic, other erosion control alternatives should be considered. Rolling dips will also function in cross drainage, and make it easier for vehicles to travel road systems. These structures look like stretched out waterbars, and are excellent for use on steeper grades. Broad-based dips are not recommended for use on steep grades, but can allow for higher vehicle speeds.

Another technique that can be utilized is an open top box culvert. These are installed flush with the road surface at an angle of 30-45 degrees downgrade. Water should be transported off the roadway and allowed to dissipate into surrounding areas. A potential drawback to using this method is that they require periodic maintenance to make sure that the channel is free from any obstructions. They can also be safety hazards to horseback riders.

Creating partnerships with hunting clubs is an excellent way to protect roads from erosion and cut down on your expenses. Hunting clubs may be willing to revegetate roads with grasses or plants that will also serve as wildlife food plots. This will aid in holding the soil in place, keeping the road from washing out and possibly giving a hunter a chance at a trophy buck.

You can find out more information on broad based dips, rolling dips, and open top box culverts by consulting the Texas Forestry Best Management Practices Handbook on pages 40-46. If you have a question regarding BMPs, please call me at (936) 639-8180.

* This article was published in the October 2001 issue of the Texas Logger

September BMP Q&A

By: Hughes Simpson, BMP Forester, Texas Forest Service

Q:   After seeing the devastation caused by the Moore Branch and Chicken fires in East Texas last year, I would like to protect my timber investment from this possible hazard.  In order to do this, my forester has recommended that I install firelanes around my property. I am concerned about the possible erosion that may occur from the exposed soil. What can I do to prevent this from occurring? What other BMPs do I need to keep in mind when doing this?

A:   Installing firelanes around your timberland is an excellent way to reduce the threat of a wildfire.  These artificial barriers are used to stop the spread of fire by removing their fuel source.  Thousands of miles of these structures are built every year in Texas to prevent these disasters from taking place.  It is important that landowners realize the potential impacts that firelane erosion can have on water quality.  

The Texas Forest Service has published guidelines that address proper firelane construction and maintenance in the Texas Forestry Best Management Practices – Bluebook.  These recommendations are designed to prevent any unnecessary erosion from occurring on this type of forest management.

Firelanes should be constructed along the perimeter of the tract and follow the boundaries of Streamside Management Zones.  Locating these devices outside of SMZs will limit the amount of sedimentation that may result.  This will also protect the litter and organic matter of the SMZ so it can continue to serve as a filter.    

To allow for proper drainage and erosion control, waterbars and wing ditches should be installed in a timely manner.  Charts on pages 35 and 37 of the BMP Handbook show the recommended spacing between these structures.  When installing wing ditches, make sure that the runoff water is not being discharged directly into streams.   

Regular maintenance on firelanes is necessary to avoid potential erosion problems.  This includes periodic inspections, especially after heavy rains, to make sure that they are still functioning properly and are not washed out.  Mowing, rather than blading, is the preferred type of maintenance because it minimizes the amount of exposed mineral soil.  Care should be taken when blading is the only option. 

Implementing these control structures can be very costly when using heavy machinery. For economical as well as environmental reasons, it is important to only build firelanes as wide and deep as necessary. Woody debris and other flammable material should be kept away from firelanes. These objects can ignite, creating a pathway for the fire to spread into SMZs or adjoining lands. If you have a question regarding BMPs, please call me at (936) 639-8180.

* This article was published in the September 2001 issue of the Texas Logger

August BMP Q&A

By: Hughes Simpson, BMP Forester, Texas Forest Service

Q:   My company is interested in getting involved in the business of applying silvicultural chemicals to forestlands. We have already implemented Best Management Practices (BMPs) on our logging operations and would like to do the same for this new service we are offering our clients. Does the Texas Forest Service have any recommended guidelines for the application of silvicultural chemicals, and if so, what are they?

A:   We sure do! The use of silvicultural chemicals can be very important in establishing new pine plantations as well as releasing mature ones to jumpstart their growth. In Texas alone, more than 250,000 acres of commercial timberland were sprayed last year. As more landowners learn about the benefits of these chemicals, there is a greater responsibility to ensure that water quality will be protected.

The Texas Forest Service has published guidelines that cover the handling and application of silvicultural chemicals in the Texas Forestry Best Management Practices – Bluebook. These recommendations are designed to prevent the direct or indirect application of forest chemicals to open water sources.

The first step in following BMPs when applying herbicides or fertilizers is the planning and information stage. Read all of the manufacturer’s labels for the chemicals that you will be using. It is important to know the chemical properties of these compounds. Certain chemicals react differently when they come in contact with soil or water. Other factors to consider in this step are topography, location of water sources, weather, and treatment area. Unfavorable weather, such as high winds, can lead to aerial drifts into sensitive areas.

The water used for mixing chemicals should be carried to the field in water-only tanks. Adding chemicals to this should be done only at the application site and away from any water sources. If a spill occurs, quickly shovel a dike around it and use absorbent material. This will soak up the fluid and prevent it from flowing into bodies of water. Always notify the proper authorities during these situations.

Leaving well marked buffers, or SMZs, between open water and the treatment area will prevent the entry of chemicals into waterways. It is also important to have a spray device that is capable of immediate shutoff without any dripping. Erosion sensitive areas (steep slopes, gullies, or drainages) should be avoided when applying herbicides.

Triple rinse all chemical containers before disposal. Pour this diluted solution back into the mixing tank so it can be applied to the treatment area. It is important to follow all of the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding cleanup and disposal of materials. If you have a question regarding BMPs, please call me at (936) 639-8180.

* This article was published in the August 2001 issue of the Texas Logger

July BMP Q&A

By: Hughes Simpson, BMP Forester, Texas Forest Service 

Q:   I really want to comply with Best Management Practices (BMPs) on my harvesting operations, but it is not always easy dealing with landowners. I have a hard time explaining the benefits of following the recommended guidelines. What advice would you give me to tell my clients to convince them of the importance of using BMPs?

A:   This is a tough problem that many loggers and contractors are faced with every day. Implementing BMPs is not only time consuming, but can also be costly. However, after looking at the advantages they provide, using BMPs becomes more appealing.

The ultimate goal of BMPs is to provide us with clean water. There is a limited amount of fresh water available for human consumption. This supply is constantly declining due to our explosive population growth. We cannot afford to do anything that will further reduce our water source. Polluted water is very expensive to treat, causing our water bills to rise.

In Texas, we are operating under a voluntary BMP system. This means that there are no laws mandating that we follow the recommended guidelines. If we choose not to adhere to these principles, then we might enter into a regulatory system. This type of situation would further infringe upon private property rights, be more costly, and less efficient.

Erosion control is also another important function of BMPs. Erosion can be very damaging to the productivity of the site as well as the environment. This process removes valuable soil that is necessary to grow quality timber. At the same time site productivity is decreasing, there is also an increased risk of sedimentation into our streams.

Wildlife can also benefit from implementing BMPs. Streamside Management Zones (SMZs) can provide habitat for many species, including deer, birds, and squirrels. They also function as travel corridors. Water temperatures in streams are kept inside a constant range due to the shade provided by the SMZ, maintaining aquatic populations of fish, amphibians, and insects.

The Texas Reforestation and Conservation Act of 1999 (SB 977) allows for a financial incentive to using BMPs. This legislation gives forest landowners property tax relief in special qualified zones, such as SMZs and reforested acres. Under this bill, a landowner would receive a 50% reduction in their appraised value for these restricted use timberland zones.

The reasons listed above are good selling points to make a case for installing BMPs on your property. The Texas Forest Service has several brochures on their webpage that are very educational and available for you to use. They are located at the following address: http://txforestservice.tamu.edu/water. If you would prefer for me to talk to the landowner directly or have a question regarding BMPs, please call me at (936) 639-8180.

* This article was published in the July 2001 issue of the Texas Logger