A Technical Manual for Landowners, Loggers, and ... - Forestry

S T R E A M S I D E M A N A G E M E N T Z O N E
S T R E A M S I D E M A N A G E M E N T Z O N E
Class II St re a m
All streams that do not meet the Class I definition and are identifiable in the
field as having a defined channel of bed rock, sand, gravel, or rocky material;
defined banks, generally having an ordinary high water mark and confines
and conducts continuously or intermittently flowing water are considered
Class II Sreams. Also included are reservoirs, lakes, and ponds greater than
1/10 acre that do not support fish or provide domestic water supply. The
width of the SMZ for a Class II Stream is measured from the Ordinary High
Water Mark on each side of the stream.
The Ordinary High Water Mark is the point on the bank or shore up to
which the presence and action of the water is so continuous as to leave a
distinct mark either by erosion, destruction of terrestrial (land) vegetation,
or other easily recognized characteristic.
Recommended Practice Standards and Guidelines
■ Designate SMZs in the harvesting area using the table described below.
Establish an “undisturbed” strip of at least 15 feet slope distance on both
sides of Class I and II Streams beginning at the ord i n a ry high water mark.
Table 3.1
Minimum Recommended SMZ Width De termined by Stream Class and Slope.
Stream Category Slope “Undisturbed” Strip
35%
SMZ Class I 75 feet 100 feet 15 feet
SMZ Class II 35 feet 50 feet 15 feet
Class II Stream
15' Undisturbed Strip
Ordinary High Water Mark
for a Stream
Class I Stream
75' SMZ Zone
Figure 3.2
Flood Plain
Flood Plain
Lake
Figure 3.3
Ordinary High Water Mark for a Lake
Average Water Level
Figure 3.4
Recommended minimum SMZ width based on stream class and slopes less than 35%.
The “undisturbed” strip also applies to Class II streams.
Adapted from The Bureau of Forestry, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Note - The width of the SMZ should be increased in the following areas: wetlands adjacent to
the stream channel and wetlands intercepted by the SMZ boundary.
10 page
Adapted from The Bureau of Forestry, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
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