5. Timber Harvesting*

*Note: BMPs outlined below are examples. Check with the appropriate state agency to determine applicable BMPs in your area.

Timber harvesting consists of felling the tree, transporting (yarding) to a central accumulation point (landing), and transporting logs offsite along the main haul roads. Each of these activities can have minimal to severe impacts on water quality, depending in part on the level of planning and the implementation of best management practices. Of primary importance are the density and location of skid trails, type of yarding system selected, soil compaction and saturation, and amount of soil disturbance.