Abstract
Sediment is the most common nonpoint source pollutant associated with timber harvesting in the southeastern United States. Sediment is of particular concern at operational stream crossings because sediment delivery potential is increased by stream proximity and any compromised streamside management zone buffers. This study quantifies the effectiveness of water quality best management practices (BMPs) implemented at operational skidder stream crossings in three physiographic regions of Virginia. We located 79 operational skid trail crossings and assessed implementation of state BMP manual recommendations, percentage positive response to a Virginia Department of Forestry BMP audit questionnaire, and potential soil erosion as predicted by the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE)-Forest methodology and Water Erosion Prediction Project: Road interface. Estimated erosion rates decreased with increasing BMP scores for skid trails (p < 0.001). Ratings of substandard implementation (BMP-), implementation that met recommended guidelines (BMP-std), or implementation that exceeded BMP guidelines (BMP+) were determined for each crossing. Hypothetical BMP upgrades were developed for crossings rated as BMP- or BMP-std so that crossings were hypothetically upgraded one or two ratings. BMP-std or BMP+ categorized crossings made up 92% of all skid trail stream crossings sampled, with average modelled potential erosion rates of ≤5.2 Mg ha−1 y−1. Results verify that BMPs are adequately applied on the majority of skidder stream crossings in Virginia, and that BMPs are effective for minimizing erosion at skidder stream crossings.
- © 2019 by the Soil and Water Conservation Society
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