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