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

I N T RO D U C T I O N
6 page
D i s s o lved Oxyge n - Dissolved oxygen concentration in the water is an
important indicator of overall water quality. Insufficient dissolved oxygen in
water leads to anaerobic decomposition of organic matter which can cause
problems with drinking water.
Wa ter Te mp e ra t u re - When streamside vegetation is removed by timber
harvesting, water temperatures generally increase. For streams in the lower
watershed, flows begin to play a primary role in regulating water temperatures.
High water temperatures can be detrimental to aquatic life and may contribute
to low dissolved oxygen levels in the water.
Nutrients - Concentrations of inorganic nutrients in streams may increase
after timber harvesting. Burning slash may also increase nutrient releases.
Excessive nutrients may cause algal blooms in lakes and streams, which can
reduce levels of dissolved oxygen in the water below what fish and other
aquatic species need to survive. Restricting the application of chemicals, slash
b u rning next to streamsides and using buffer zones will help minimize potential
nutrient problems in streams.
Chemicals - Pesticides, fertilizers and fire retardants applied to the watershed
can ultimately be delivered to the stream through runoff or drift from aerial
spraying. In some instances, low-level concentrations can be toxic to humans,
fish and other wildlife. Also, fuel, oil and coolants used in harvesting and
road-building equipment must be handled carefully to avoid water pollution.
P R E H A RV E S T P L A N N I N G
Careful planning for forest management activities, such as road construction,
timber harvesting and site preparation, will help minimize non-point source
pollution. Preparing a plan will lead to harvest operations that use the
FWQGs, remove forest products efficiently and profitably, and promote sustainable
forest growth and water quality protection.
The first step in this process is the development of a comprehensive forest
management plan which includes the Forest Water Quality Guidelines. The
planning process should help identify major goals and objectives, establish
priorities and address management strategies to protect soil and water
resources. Forestry, Fire & State Lands service foresters are available to help
develop forest management plans and provide other technical assistance.
Recommended Practice Standards and Guidelines
■ Contact a professional forester or other resource manager for
assistance with developing a forest management plan.
■ Pre p a re a list of all applicable site-specific Forest Water
Quality Guidelines needed to protect water quality. Make the
FWQGs a part of all timber sale agreements, timber harvest
plans and forest management plans.
■ Identify and locate environmentally sensitive areas utilizing
re s o u rces such as topographic maps, aerial photographs or
field observations.
■ Locate and mark streamside management zones (SMZs).
■ Consider physical features such as topography, soils, slope
and aspect.
■ Identify the most appropriate harvest system for the site.
Consider ground-based, cable, or aerial systems.
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