Appendix C SC Best Management Practices for Forestry.pdf

PDF 1 MB Posted Jul 16, 2026

Attached to: ALB Tree Removal, Deregulation, restoration - South Carolina
Solicitation number: 12639526R0006
Issued by: Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Marketing and Regulatory Programs Business Services

About this file

Written by GovTribe AI · Jul 16, 2026

This is a Best Management Practices (BMPs) manual for forestry operations in South Carolina, providing environmental stewardship guidelines for forest landowners and professionals. The document addresses protection of water quality during forestry activities in compliance with Section 404 (dredge and fill) of the Clean Water Act and consistency with EPA's Guidance on Non-Point Pollution in Coastal Waters. All forestry practices must comply with the Endangered Species Act. The South Carolina Forestry Commission serves as the lead agency for designing, interpreting, monitoring, and updating these BMPs, with authority to grant variances from specified practices based on landform features.

The manual covers thirteen primary management areas: Streamside Management Zones (SMZs), Stream Crossings, Forest Road Construction, Timber Harvesting, Site Preparation, Reforestation, Prescribed Burning, Pesticides, Fertilization, Minor Drainage, Endangered Species Act compliance, and Wildlife Management. For each topic, the document specifies Best Management Practices to follow and activities to avoid. Key provisions include maintaining minimum SMZ widths of 40 feet on each side of perennial and intermittent streams (80 feet for designated trout waters with slopes exceeding 5%), proper culvert sizing and installation at stream crossings, road construction limited to ridgelines with drainage structures at specified intervals, selective harvesting techniques to minimize soil disturbance, site preparation methods matched to slope gradients, and restricted use of pesticides and herbicides within sensitive areas. The manual emphasizes minimizing erosion, sediment transport, and water quality degradation through careful planning and implementation of forestry operations across diverse South Carolina landscapes ranging from coastal plains to mountains.

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P est ractices anagement

SOUTH CAROLINA'S

B M M PBest anagement Practices

FOR FORESTRY

L E

O F

C O

N T

E N

T S est ractices anagement

Table of ConTenTs

Introduction 3

Streamside Management Zones 5

Stream Crossings �4

Forest Road Construction �0

Timber Harvesting 30

Site Preparation 38

Reforestation 43

Prescribed Burning 44

Pesticides 46

Fertilization 48

Minor Drainage 49

Endangered Species Act 5�

Additional		Management	Options:	53
Wildlife	Management

Glossary 55

Index 6� est ractices anagement

InTroduCTIon

R O

D U

C T

S outh

Carolina’s

Forestry

Best Management Practices

(BMPs)

give

forest

landowners

and

the

professional

forestry

community

guidelines

practicing

good

stewardship

our

valuable

forestland.

Good

stewardship

during

forestry

activities

will

protect

the

water

quality

nearby

streams,

lakes,

ponds.

Most

the

BMPs

this

manual

address

the

protection

water

quality

the

requirements

Section

404

(dredge

and

fill)

the

Clean

Water

Act.

The

BMPs

this

manual

have

been

designed

consistent

with

the

management

measures

described

the

Environmental

Protection

Agency

(EPA)

publication

entitled

Guidance

Specifying

Management

Measures

for

Sources

Non-Point

Pollution

Coastal

Waters,

January

�993.

All

forestry

practices

must

comply

with

the

Endangered

Species

Act

(see

5�).

Additional

BMPs

are

included

recommendations

land

owners

conserve

site

productivity,

depending

the

landowner’s

goals.

BMPs

are

not

construed

required

under

any

laws

pertaining

water

quality

sites

where

there

risk

off-site

impact.

Additional

management

options

are

included

where

wildlife

primary

concern

the

landowner.

The

concept

BMPs

was

first

introduced

response

federal

legislation,

the

Clean

Water

Act,

practical

and

effective

means

reduce

nonpoint

source

(NPS)

pollution.

Compliance

with

BMPs

required

for

forestry

activities

which

involve

discharge

dredge

fill

materials

into

jurisdictional

wetlands

qualify

for

the

silvicultural

exemption

under

Section

404

)

the

Clean

Water

Act.

Compliance

with

BMPs

recommended

all

sites

which

there

potential

for

violating

water

quality

criteria

defined

the

South

Carolina

Pollution

Control

Act.

est ractices anagement

R O

D U

C T

The	South	Carolina	Forestry	Commission	is	the	lead	agency	in	South
Carolina	in	designing,	interpreting,	monitoring,	and	updating	forestry
BMPs.		Questions	pertaining	to	interpretations	of	this	manual	should
be	directed	to	the	S.C.	Forestry	Commission.		Certain	landform	fea
tures	may	require	variances	from	specified	BMPs	to	better	protect
the	environment.		Variances	can	only	be	granted	by	the	S.C.	Forestry
Commission.		Future	BMP	manual	revisions	will	be	based	on	scientific
research,	monitoring	results,	and	technological	improvements.

BMPs	related	to	water	quality	should	be	viewed	as	standards	which
may	require	adjustment	based	on	specific	site	conditions	and	own
ership	boundaries.		For	example,	natural	disasters	such	as	hurricanes,
tornadoes,	floods,	or	wildfires	create	extreme	conditions	for	which
BMPs	are	not	designed.		The	responsibility	of	adjusting	BMPs	may	rest
on	either	the	landowner	or	the	operator	depending	upon	contract
terms.		Because	of	the	technical	nature	of	these	guidelines,	landowners
are	encouraged	to	make	use	of	a	licensed	forester	or	other	qualified
professionals	as	needed.

effort

has

been

made

writing

this

BMP

manual

italicize

techni

cal

words

phrases

and

clearly

define

them

the

glossary.

P est ractices anagement sTreamsIde managemenT Zones

and	adjacent	to	perennial,	intermittent,	and	ephemeral	streams	and
ponds	or	lakes	requires	special	attention	during	forestry	operations.
These	Streamside	Management	Zones	(SMZs)	are	critical	areas
where	NPS	pollutants	can	enter	the	aquatic	system	(Figure	�).

Perennial	streams	are	identified	by	well-defined	banks
and	natural	channels,	and	have	continuously	flowing
water	most	years.

		Intermittent	streams	also	have	well-defined	banks	and
natural	channels,	but	typically	have	flowing	water	from
a	headwater	source	for	only	a	portion	of	the	year.

		Ephemeral	streams	generally	do	not	have	well-defined
channels,	and	flow	only	in	response	to	localized	precipi-
tation.

Identifying	the	type	of	stream	is	important	in	prescribing	the	level	of
streamside	protection.		Usually	a	landowner	or	manager	will	be	most
familiar	with	a	stream’s	flow	characteristics	and	can	make	the	determi
nation.		However,	in	some	situations	the	landowner	or	manager	may

S T

R E

A M

E M

A N

A G

E M

E N

T Z

O N

uncertain

have

little

knowledge

stream’s

flow

characteristics.

For

example,

braided

streams

with

multiple

interconnected

channels

can

difficult

identify.

these

situations

licensed

forester

other

qualified

professional

should

consulted.

The

SMZ

divided

into

two

parts:

the

primary

and

the

secondary.

The

primary

SMZ

feet

wide

each

side

the

stream,

except

for

designated

trout

waters

with

slopes

greater

than

where

the

primary

SMZ

feet.

The

width

the

secondary

SMZ

depends

the

average

percent

slope

perpendicular

the

stream.

Minimum

required

widths

secondary

SMZs

under

various

conditions

are

listed

Figure

�.

P est ractices anagement

S T

R E

A M

E M

A N

A G

E M

E N

T Z

O N

E S

Figure

�.

Areas

land

called

watersheds

collect

precipitation

and

funnel

through

network

stream

channels

outlet

the

bottom.

Perennial,

intermittent,

and

ephemeral

streams

are

often

found

forested

watersheds.

Figure

�.

Areas

land

called

watersheds

collect

precipitation

and

funnel

through

network

stream

channels

outlet

the

bottom.

Perennial,

intermittent,

and

ephemeral

streams

are

often

found

forested

watersheds.

P est ractices anagement

S T

R E

A M

E M

A N

A G

E M

E N

T Z

O N

Ephemeral

streams

drain

water

intermittent

stream

channels.

These

carry

the

water

perennial

streams

which

flow

the

watershed

outlet.

R E

A M

E M

A N

A G

E M

E N

T Z

O N

E S

M P est ractices anagement

Forest	management	activities	are	restricted	within	both	the	primary
and	secondary	SMZs.		These	restrictions	are	listed	below.

PRIMARY SMZ

Perennial and Intermittent Streams

BMPs

perennial

streams,

select

individual

trees

for

harvest,

making

sure

leave

minimum

square

feet

overstory

basal

area

per

acre

evenly

spaced

throughout

the

zone.

Leave

all

trees

less

than

square

feet

overstory

basal

area

per

acre

exists.

The

intent

main-

tain

sufficient

overstory

and

understory

cover

provide

shade,

maintain

bank

stability,

and

protect

water

quality.

intermittent

streams,

permanent

residual

tree

cover

not

required

long

other

vegetation

and

organic

debris

are

left

protect

the

forest

floor

and

stream

banks.

Fell	trees	away	from	the	stream	except	where	safety	is	a
concern.

Remove	trees	in	a	manner	that	minimizes	disturbance	of
the	forest	floor,	exposure	of	mineral	soil,	or	degradation	of
stream	bank	stability.		Under	dry	ground	conditions,	direc-
tional	felling	and	removal	of	trees	with	mechanical	equip-
ment	may	be	utilized.

Hand	plant	or	direct	seed	where	artificial	regeneration	is
desired.

Remove	tops	or	other	logging	debris	dropped	into	stream
channel.

Handle	and	store	toxic	and	hazardous	material	such	as
fuels,	lubricants,	and	solvents	outside	of	the	SMZ.

M P est ractices anagement

S T

R E

A M

E M

A N

A G

E M

E N

T Z

O N

Avoid

Logging debris in the stream.

Mechanical site preparation or machine planting.

Portable sawmills or log decks.

Broadcast application of any pesticide.

Road construction except where necessary for stream crossing.

SECONDARY SMZ

Perennial and Intermittent Streams

BMPs

Use all types of silvicultural harvest systems.

Use	site	preparation	practices	that	do	not	significantly
disturb	surface	soil.

Hand or machine plant or direct seed.

Carefully use wheeled or tracked vehicles.

Handle	and	store	toxic	and	hazardous	materials	such	as
fuels,	lubricants,	and	solvents	outside	of	the	SMZ.

	Avoid
Portable	sawmills	and	log	decks.

Road	construction,	except	where	necessary	for	stream
crossing.

Excessive	rutting,	especially	where	ruts	run	perpendicular
to	a	stream.

Exposing more than �5% of the mineral soil.

est ractices anagement

S T

R E

A M

E M

A N

A G

E M

E N

T Z

O N

E S

Figure

�.

Recommended

primary

and

secondary

Streamside

Management

Zone

(SMZ)

widths

for

perennial

and

intermittent

streams.

�0 est ractices anagement

Ephemeral Streams

Ephemeral

streams

generally

flow

the

upper

reaches

water

shed

following

precipitation.

Although

well-defined

channels

may

present

unique

situations,

ephemeral

streams

(commonly

ferred

drains)

rarely

carry

enough

runoff

displace

soil,

but

they

may

displace

the

litter

top

the

soil.

They

flow

directly

into

intermittent

and

perennial

streams.

Therefore,

the

forest

floor

ephemeral

areas

should

protected

that

sediment

can

filtered

out

before

runoff

enters

the

watercourse.

Handle

and

store

toxic

and

hazardous

material

such

fuel,

lubricants,

and

solvents

outside

the

ephemeral

area.

Avoid

Portable sawmills and log decks within the drain.

Skidding	logs	during	wet	conditions	within	the	drain	except
at	infrequent	planned	crossings.

Site	preparation	practices	that	significantly	disturb	the	soil
within	the	ephemeral	area.

Applying pesticides or fertilizers if surface water is present.

Altering the flow of the runoff.

Road construction except where necessary for crossings.

Emptying road runoff directly into drains.

S T

R E

A M

E M

A N

A G

E M

E N

T Z

O N

P est ractices anagement

S T

R E

A M

E M

A N

A G

E M

E N

T Z

O N

E S

Trout Waters

Trout

require

cool,

clear

streams.

They,

and

the

aquatic

insects

they

feed

on,

are

especially

sensitive

increased

sedimentation.

Since

South

Carolina

near

the

southern

limit

the

trout’s

range,

water

temperature

also

critical

factor.

therefore

important

take

special

precautions

minimize

sedimentation

and

maintain

shade

cover

prevent

excessive

warming

the

water.

Additional BMPs

Increase	the	width	of	the	primary	SMZ	from	40	feet	to
80	feet	on	slopes	over	5%.

Drain	water	from	roads	and	skid	roads	onto	ridges	and
side	slopes.	Drainage	structures	should	not	divert	water
directly	into	streams.

Revegetate	exposed	soils	within	the	SMZ	following	road
construction	as	soon	as	possible	to	take	advantage	of	the
loose	soil	conditions	for	seeding.

Use	mulch,	gravel,	and/or	rock	if	needed	to	help	stabilize
fills	where	roads	and	skid	roads	cross	streams.

Trout Waters in South Carolina

Water Body County Description

M P est ractices anagement

S T

R E

A M

E M

A N

A G

E M

E N

T Z

O N

Cox Camp Creek

East Fork Chattooga River

Emory Creek

Lake Jocassee

Matthews Creek

Saluda River (main stem)

Savannah River

Swaford Creek

Whetstone Creek

Willis Creek

Greenville

Oconee

Pickens

Oconee

Greenville

The entire creek tributary to the

Middle Saluda River

That	portion	of	the	river	from	its
confluence	with	Indian	Camp	Branch

to the Chattooga River

The	creek	from	the	northern	boundary
of	Table	Rock	Resort	property	to	its

confluence with the Oolenoy River

The entire lake

From	the	end	of	State	land	in	the
Mountain	Bridge	Area	to	its	confluence

with the South Saluda River

Lexington/Richland	That	portion	from	the	Lake
		Murray	Dam	to	the	confluence	with

the Broad River

Abbeville From Lake Hartwell Dam to the head-waters of Lake Russell

Oconee The entire creek tributary to East Fork

Chattooga River

Oconee	The	entire	creek	tributary	to	the
		Chattooga	River

Pickens The creek from the northern boundary of Table Rock Resort property to its confluence with the Oolenoy River

�3

�4

R E

A M

C R

O S

G sTream CrossIngs

tream	crossings	are	sometimes	necessary	for	access	to
forestlands.		All	crossings	need	to	be	planned	to	minimize
environmental	impacts.		Specific	practices	are	recommended
in	this	section	to	assure	minimum	impacts	on	water	flow
and	aquatic	organisms.		Bridges,	culverts,	and	fords	are	all

acceptable stream crossings when matched to the site and installed properly.

Bridge	construction	across	navigable	waterways	is	under	the	juris
diction	of	the	South	Carolina	Department	of	Health	and	Environmental
Control		(DHEC).*		Permanent	bridges	(those	that	would	remain
in	place	for	a	period	greater	than	six	months)	must	meet	higher
standards	than	temporary	bridges.		Anyone	planning	to	construct	a
bridge	across	a	navigable	waterway	must	contact	DHEC	for	permit
application	forms	and	technical	design	information.

*DHEC: �600 Bull St., Columbia, S.C. �9�0� (803-�34-5360)

P est ractices anagement

BMPs

Cross	streams	at	right	angles	except	where	prevented	by
geologic	features.

Keep	approaches	to	stream	crossings	to	as	gentle	a
slope	as	practical.

Use	drainage	structures,	such	as	water	turnouts	or	broad-
based	dips,	on	both	sides	of	a	crossing	as	needed	to	pre-
vent	road	and	ditch	runoff	from	entering	the	stream.

�5

P est ractices anagement

Avoid S

T R

E A

M C

R O

S S

BMPs continued

Ensure proper sizing and installation of culverts (Table�).

Stabilize	disturbed	soil	around	crossings	soon	after
construction	(Table	�).

Use	a	licensed	forester	or	other	qualified	professional	to
locate	stream	crossings	prior	to	road	construction	to
minimize	impacts.

Consider using portable bridges instead of culverts.

Follow	all	BMPs	listed	under	Forest Wetland
Road Construction	(p.	�6).

Using soil as fill material except when installing culverts.

Allowing	runoff	from	roadside	ditches	to	flow	directly
into	streams	at	the	crossings.

Altering the flow of the stream.

est ractices anagement

S T

R E

A M

C R

O S

�6

Culvert Installation

Place culvert on the grade of the existing stream channel.

Install	culverts	which	are	long	enough	to	extend	beyond
the	toe	of	the	fill	slopes.

Compact	backfill	material	to	prevent	water	from	seeping
around	the	culvert.

Cover	the	culvert	with	enough	fill	to	prevent	damage	by
traffic.

erosion

problem,

construct

headwall

the

inlet

side

and

apron

rip-rap

the

outlet,

the

outlet

placed

above

the

toe

the

fill.

Stabilize	disturbed	soil.	If	mulch	and	seed	are	used,	refer
to	Table	�.

Woody Fill

Woody	material	may	be	used	as	fill	to	protect	stream	banks	and
bottoms	in	crossing	small	intermittent	and	ephemeral	streams	with
well-defined	channels	if:

		Soil	is	not	introduced	into	the	stream	with	the	woody
fill.		Soil	blocks	the	pore	space	among	the	woody	debris,
impeding	drainage	and	increasing	the	amount	of	sediment
in	the	watercourse.

Stream flow is not blocked or diverted.

Woody material that restricts flow of water is removed.

P est ractices anagement

Culvert Installation

Figure

Earth

cover

over

pipe

should

minimum

��"

�/�

the

culvert's

diameter,

whichever

greater.

S T

R E

A M

C R

O S

�8

R E

A M

C R

O S

Table	�:	Recommended	Diameters	for	Permanent/Temporary
	Culverted	Crossings

P est ractices anagement

DRAINAGE

AREA

(acres)

	LOWER
COASTAL		COASTAL

PLAIN

UPPER

PLAIN

PIEDMONT MOUNTAIN

PERMANENT

�0 �00 �00

�4" 36" 48" 60"

�8" �4" 36"

30" 48" 54"

�4" 48" 60"

TEMPORARY

�0 �00 �00

�8" �4" 30"

�8" �4"

�8" 30" 36" 4�"

�4" 30" 36"

(Culvert

diameters

are

based

U.S.

Geological

Survey

(USGS)

data

reported

USGS

Report

9�-4�5�,

Columbia,

S.C.,

�99�.)

Temporary	culverts	are	sized	for	storm	flows	with	a	two-year-
recurrence	interval.	Permanent	culverts	are	sized	for	storm	flows
with	�5-year-recurrence	intervals.		Multiple	smaller	culverts	designed
to	carry	equivalent	water	flow	can	be	substituted	for	the	above
culvert	sizes.

For example:

Two 48" culverts can be substituted for a 60" culvert.

Two 54" culverts can be substituted for a ��" culvert.

alternative

combination

smaller

culvert

and

rock

surfaced

road

dips,

where

the

culvert

sized

for

annual

storm

flows,

and

the

rock

surfaced

road

dip

designed

handle

the

flow

from

larger

storm

events.

Landowners

are

encouraged

contact

local

U.S.

Natural

Resources

Conservation

Service

representative

other

qualified

professional

design

culverted

crossings

specifically

for

each

site.

AREA

SPRING AND EARLY SUMMER

LATE	SUMMER,	FALL,	AND
				EARLY	WINTER

MOUNTAINS

Kentucky	3�	Fescue	(early	spring)	30	lbs./acre
(or)	Orchard	Grass	(late	spring)	��	lbs./acre
Browntop	Millet	�0	lbs./acre
*Scarified	Sericea	Lespedeza	�0	lbs./acre

Kentucky	3�	Fescue	30	lbs./acre
Annual	Rye	�0	lbs./acre
*Unscarified	Sericea
					Lespedeza	�5	lbs./acre

PIEDMONT

Kentucky	3�	Fescue	(early	spring)	30	lbs./acre
Browntop	Millet	�0	lbs./acre
Bahia	�0	lbs./acre
*Scarified	Sericea	Lespedeza	�0	lbs./acre

Kentucky	3�	Fescue	30	lbs./acre
Annual	Ryegrass	5	lbs./acre
Annual	Rye	�0	lbs./acre
*Unscarified	Sericea
					Lespedeza	�5	lbs./acre

COASTAL

Bermuda

grass

(hulled)

lbs./acre

Bahia

lbs./acre

PLAIN

Bahia

�5

lbs./acre

*Unscarified

Sericea

*Scarified

Sericea

Lespedeza

�5

lbs./acre

Lespedeza

lbs./acre

Browntop

Millet

�0

lbs./acre

Annual

Rye

�0

lbs./acre

*Sericea may be left off on low erosion hazard areas.

NOTE:

Fertilize

with

800

�,000

lbs.

per

acre

6-��-��.

Mulch

slopes

with

4,000

lbs.

small

grain

straw

5,000

lbs.

hay

per

acre.

Table	�:	Recommendations	for	Seeding,	Mulching,	and	Fertilizing
		Roads,	Fills,	and	Other	Disturbed	Areas

M P est ractices anagement

�9

S T

R E

A M

C R

O S

est ractices anagement foresT road ConsTruCTIon

orest	roads	are	needed	to	provide	access	for	forest	man
agement	and	recreational	activities.		Permanent	main	access
(MA)	roads	and	temporary	limited	use	(LU)	roads	should
be	planned	in	advance	of	road	construction	in	order	to
protect	water	quality.

Historically,	roads	have	been	one	of	the	major	sources	of	sediment
from	forestry	related	activities.		Planning	can	reduce	skidding	distances
and	eliminate	unnecessary	roads.		Use	of	broad-based	dips,	water	bars,
filter	strips,	and	other	sediment	control	techniques	can	significantly
lower	the	amount	of	erosion	which	might	otherwise	occur.

To	protect	water	quality,	roads	should	be	designed	to	minimize	the
amount	of	sediment	entering	stream	channels.

Figure 4. Culverts provide cross drainage for roads with inside ditches. F O

R E

S T

R O

A D

C O

N S

T R

U C

�0

P est ractices anagement

BMPs

Planning

Identify and avoid sensitive sites where possible.

Design	the	road	system	to	meet	long-range	objectives	rather
than	simply	to	access	individual	sites.		Numerous	separate
road	projects	tend	to	have	more	environmental	impact	than
one	well-designed	road	system.

Locate	roads	on	the	sides	of	ridges	to	ensure	proper
drainage.

Follow	the	contour	as	much	as	possible,	with	grades	between
0%	and	�0%,	except	where	terrain	requires	short,	steep
grades.		Breaking	or	changing	grade	frequently	will	cause
fewer	erosion	problems	than	long,	straight,	continuous
gradients.

Use	outsloped	roadbeds,	on	hilly	or	mountainous	terrain,	to
remove	surface	runoff	from	the	road	as	quickly	as	possible,
except	where	safety	and	environmental	concerns	dictate
otherwise.

Construct

roads

only

wide

enough

handle

equipment

that

will

use

the

road

(usually

��

�4

feet

travel

width

for

roads

and

�6

�0

feet

travel

width

for

roads).

Narrow

roads

may

need

widened

curves,

with

periodic

pull-

outs

for

passing.

Construct		a	road	right-of-way	wide	enough	to	minimize
shade	from	roadside	trees	where	surface	drainage	is	a	prob-
lem.		This	will	allow	roadbeds	to	dry	out	following	rainfall.

In	lowland	areas,	keep	road	surfaces	as	close	to	ground
surface	level	as	possible	(normally	less	than	two	feet	above
the	forest	floor).

F O

R E

S T

R O

A D

C O

N S

T R

U C

P est ractices anagement

F O

R E

S T

R O

A D

C O

N S

T R

U C

BMPs continued

Construction

On	steep	grades,	where	inside	ditches	are	required,	install
culverts	at	specified	intervals	(Table	3)	to	remove	surface
runoff	with	minimal	erosion.

Install	culverts	or	construct	broad-based	dips	(or	other
suitable	drainage	structures)	so	that	they	are	large	enough
and	frequent	enough	to	accommodate	expected	volumes	of
water	(Table	3).

Cover	culverts	with	enough	compacted	fill	to	prevent
damage	by	traffic.

Ensure	that	culverts,	water	turnouts,	and	broad-based	dips
empty	road	runoff	onto	the	undisturbed	forest	floor.

Figure	5.	Water	turnouts	empty	road	runoff	onto	the	undisturbed
	forest	floor.

Figure	6.	Broad-based	dips	remove	road	runoff	while	allowing	vehicles
	to	maintain	normal	speeds.

�3

M P est ractices anagement

BMPs continued

Stabilization

Protect	the	culvert	inlet	with	a	headwall	of	stable	material
where	necessary.		If	the	culvert	outlet	is	above	the	toe	of
the	fill,	stabilize	fill	with	rip-rap	or	other	suitable	material.

Where	erosion	may	occur,	stabilize	exposed	mineral	soil	when
road	construction	is	completed.		Soil	stabilization	may
include	mulching,	rocking,	seeding	with	grasses,	or	using
erosion-resistant	fabrics.

	Use	water	bars	when	retiring	LU	roads	and	skid	trails	or
where	broad-based	dips	cannot	be	constructed.

F O

R E

S T

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A D

C O

N S

T R

U C

�4

P est ractices anagement

BMPs continued

Table 3: Recommended Maximum Spacing for Drainage Structures

								Broad-Based	Dips	Water	Bars
	Slope			and	Culverts	and	Turnouts
(Percent)		(feet)	(feet)

�	300	�45
5	�80	��5
			�0	�40	80
						�5	��5	60
						�0	��0	50
						�5	��5	40

F O

R E

S T

R O

A D

C O

N S

T R

U C

Maintenance

Maintain culverts to prevent blockage and resultant flooding.

Minimize	road	grading	and	reshaping	on	hilly	or	mountainous
terrain	unless	required	to	repair	damaged	road	sections.

Avoid

Road	construction	inside	SMZ	except	where	necessary	to
cross	streams.

Locating	roads	on	broad,	flat	ridges	where	water	tends	to
collect,	resulting	in	poor	drainage.

Traffic on soft roads during wet ground conditions.

Constructing	forest	access	roads	that	are	wider	or	longer
than	necessary	for	normal	forestry	activities.

Emptying road runoff directly into drains.

�5

P est ractices anagement

F O

R E

S T

R O

A D

C O

N S

T R

U C

Figure	�.	Water	bars	are	used	to	remove	surface	runoff	when	retiring
			limited	use	roads.

R E

S T

R O

A D

C O

N S

T R

U C

FORESTED WETLAND ROAD

CONSTRUCTION

Road

construction

for

silvicultural

purposes

jurisdictional

wetlands

does

not

require

permit

because

the

silvicultural

exemption

under

Sec

tion

404

the

Clean

Water

Act.

However,

qualify

for

the

silvicul

tural

exemption,

the

road

construction

must

comply

with

the

following

BMPs,

(from

Clean

Water

Section

404

Program

Definition

and

Permit

Exemption,

Part

�3�.3).

P est ractices anagement

Federally Mandated BMPs

1. Permanent roads, temporary access roads, and skid trails in waters of the United States shall be held to the minimum feasible number, width, and total length consistent with the purpose of silvicultural operations and local topographic and climatic con-ditions.

2. All roads, temporary or permanent, shall be located sufficiently far fromstreamsorotherwaterbodies (except forportionsofsuch roads which must cross water bodies) to minimize discharges of dredged or fill material into waters of the United States.

3.		The	road	fill	shall	be bridged, culverted, or otherwise designed
to prevent the restriction of expected flood	flows.

4. The fill shall be properly stabilized and maintained to prevent erosion during and following construction.

Discharges

dredged

fill

material

into

waters

the

United

States

construct

road

fill

shall

made

manner

that

minimizes the encroachment of trucks, tractors, or other heavy equipment within the waters of the United States (including adjacent wetlands) that lie outside the lateral boundaries of the fill itself.

�6 est ractices anagement

6. Indesigning,constructing,andmaintainingroads,vegetative disturbance in the waters of the United States shall be kept to a minimum.

7. The design, construction, and maintenance of the road crossing shall not disrupt the migration or other movement of those species of aquatic life inhabiting the water body.

8. Borrow material shall be taken from upland sources when-ever feasible.

9. The discharge shall not take, or jeopardize, the continued existence of a threatened or endangered species as defined under the Endangered Species Act, or adversely modify or destroy the critical habitat of such species.

10. Discharges into breeding and nesting areas for migratory waterfowl, spawning areas, and wetlands shall be avoided if practical alternatives exist.

11. The discharge shall not be located in the proximity of a public water supply intake.

F O

R E

S T

R O

A D

C O

N S

T R

U C

12. The discharge shall not occur in areas of concentrated shellfish production.

13. The discharge shall not occur in a component of the National Wild and Scenic River System.

14. The discharge of material shall consist of suitable material free from toxic pollutants in toxic amounts.

15. All temporary fills shall be removed in their entirety and the area restored to its original elevation.

�8

R E

S T

R O

A D

C O

N S

T R

U C

Additional	BMPs	are	listed	below	as	interpretation	of	the	�5
federally	mandated	BMPs.

M P est

BMPs

The	height	of	both	MA	and	LU	roads	on	high	ground
should	normally	be	less	than	two	feet	above	the	forest

floor.

Where	a	MA	or	LU	road	crosses	a	stream	or	slough,	or
enters	a	peat	or	muck	swamp,	the	fill	should	not	be	higher
than	the	road	at	either	end,	except	as	required	by	DHEC
for	crossing	navigable	streams.		Normally	the	road	height
should	be	two	to	three	feet	above	the	forest	floor,	but	it
may	be	higher	in	low	areas.

MA	roads	at	streams	should	be	bridged	or	culverted	with
permanent	structures	of	a	size	and	frequency	to	allow
expected	flow	of	water.		Where	fords	are	used	in	lieu	of
bridges	or	culverts,	they	must	have	adequate	rock	bases	to
protect	the	stream	bed.

Stabilize	soils	around	each	structure	where	MA	roads	cross
intermittent	or	perennial	streams	which	have	an	average	annual
flow	of	five	cubic	feet	per	second	or	greater,	and	where
rainwater	runoff	from	the	road	will	likely	cause	serious
erosion	and	stream	sedimentation.

Where	LU	roads	cross	intermittent	or	perennial	streams,
temporary	bridges	or	culverts	of	sufficient	size	and	frequency
should	be	used	to	minimize		interference	with	the	flow	of	water.
When	a	silvicultural	operation	is	completed,	temporary	bridges
and	culverts	should	be	removed,	and	LU	roads	cross-ditched
where	needed	to	allow	normal	water	flow.

�9

P est ractices anagement

Obtain

roadbed

material

from

upland

borrow

pits

whenever

possible.

For

roads

that

cross

sloughs

muck

swamps,

the

base

may

logs

sand

and

clay.

Logs

are

preferable

because

they

reduce

the

amount

fill

material

required.

Roads

with

only

sand

clay

base

gradually

settle

into

the

peat

muck,

and

must

constructed

higher

initially

ensure

adequate

width.

		Roads	in	muck	swamps,	headwater	swamps,	and	black	river
bottoms	may	be	constructed	from	dredge	material	obtained
from	a	ditch	along	the	upper	side	of	the	road,	then	capped
with	fill	from	an	upland	area.		Continuous	side	ditches	are
preferred.		They	reduce	the	impoundment	of	water	on	the
upper	side	of	the	road,	provided	there	are	adequate	culverts
to	move	water	from	the	upper	to	the	lower	side.		Ditch
bottoms	should	follow	surface	topography	and	culverts
should	be	located	in	the	lower	areas.		Such	ditches	should
not	be	designed	to	carry	water	for	more	than	one-fourth
mile.	They	must	be	separated	from	navigable	water	by
vegetated	filter	strips.

Ditches should not convert wetlands to uplands.

F O

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A D

C O

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T R

U C

BMPs continued

TImber HarvesTIng

xecuting	an	environmentally	responsible	and	economically
efficient	timber	harvest	operation,	especially	one	near	sensitive
sites,	requires	a	thorough	understanding	of	the	land,	the	trees,
the	capabilities	of	the	logger	and	logging	equipment,	and	the
markets	for	timber	products.		Landowners	are	encouraged
to	seek	the	advice	of	a	licensed	forester	or	the	South	Carolina

Forestry	Commission	to	plan	and	execute	timber	harvests	carefully.
Timber	harvesting	contracts	should	specify	compliance	with	BMPs.

Harvesting

trees

not

just

the

end

the

growing

cycle

forest;

the

start

the

generation.

Many

commercial

tree

species

need

exposed

mineral

soil

and

the

direct

sunlight

open

area

for

their

seeds

germinate

and

successfully

become

established.

Harvesting

operations

usually

provide

both

these

conditions.

minimize

water

quality

impacts

harvesting,

the

landowner

his

agent

should

carefully

consider

road

location,

stream

crossings,

and

the

method

regeneration

before

logging

begins.

necessary

protect

sensitive

areas,

plan

for

regeneration,

and

consider

the

areas

beyond

the

actual

harvest

site

negative

environ

mental

impacts

are

avoided.

For

instance,

bottomland

hardwood

sites,

Carolina

Bays,

and

other

swamps

differ

from

upland

forest

types

that

their

soils

are

wet

for

most,

not

all,

the

year.

They

are

frequently

connected

directly

aquatic

system;

they

often

have

overland

water

flow

from

nearby

stream

flooding;

and

they

may

cumulate

sediments,

nutrients,

and

pollutants

from

upstream

erosion

and

runoff.

These

areas

may

require

special

harvesting

equipment

and/or

special

harvesting

techniques.

P est ractices anagement

B E

R H

A R

V E

S T

Water Quality

The	primary	water	quality	impact	associated	with	timber	harvesting
is	the	degradation	of	aquatic	habitat	quality	due	to	increased	sedi-
ment	inputs	and	elevated	water	temperatures.		The	following	BMPs
are	designed	to	minimize	harvesting	impacts	on	water	quality.

Planning

Carefully plan the harvest to minimize the number of stream crossings required.

Identify locations for stream crossings where impacts to the stream are likely to be minimal. Follow all stream crossing BMPs.

Identify	areas	that	are	the	most	acceptable	log	deck
locations	(stable	soil).		If	it	is	necessary	to	stabilize	areas
for	decking,	limit	the	amount	of	area	filled	to	the	smallest
practical	size.

Identify	sensitive	areas	such	as	SMZs,	ephemeral	streams,
and	erosive	soils.

Execution

Establish SMZs adjacent to all perennial, intermittent streams, and lakes.

3�

P est ractices anagement

B E

R H

A R

V E

S T

BMPs

P est ractices anagement

B E

R H

A R

V E

S T

BMPs

Execution

Take	precautions	to	minimize	excessive	rutting	in	active
floodplains,	bottomland	hardwood	swamps,	and	erosive
slopes.		If	soils	are	excessively	wet,	special	techniques	are
available	to	minimize	rutting,	soil	compaction,	and/or	inter-
ference	with	normal	flow	of	water.

Examples

these

techniques:

debris

mats

skid

trails

high

flotation

equipment

concentrating

logs

felling

and

forwarding

operations

minimize

the

number

skid

trails

other

low-impact

techniques

Cease	harvesting	operations	when	overland	water	flow
impairs	beneficial	uses	of	water	bodies	downstream	from
the	harvesting	operation.		Turbid	water	flowing	from	the
site	is	a	useful	indicator	of	possible	impairment	of	benefi-
cial	uses	downstream.*

Lay	out	skid	trails	to	minimize	water	quality	impacts	(see
Skid Trails	p.	36).

Service	equipment	away	from	water	bodies	and	wetlands
when	possible.

Follow-up

Remove	any	blockage	intended	for	temporary	crossing	in	a
bottomland	hardwood	slough	or	drain	if	it	is	directly
connected	to	a	perennial	stream.

P est ractices anagement

B E

R H

A R

V E

S T

Avoid

Locating log decks in sensitive areas.

Skidding beside or within a stream channel.

Skidding	straight	up	and	down	(perpendicular	to	the	con-
tour)	on	steep	hillsides	if	mineral	soil	is	exposed.		Use	BMPs
such	as	water	bars,	soil	stabilization,	etc.,	where	this	type	of
skidding	is	unavoidable.

Skidding	across	perennial	or	large	intermittent	streams,
except	over	an	adequately	designed	and	constructed	ford,
culvert,	or	bridge	(see	Stream Crossings	p.	�4).*

Skidding	over	small	intermittent	or	ephemeral	streams
during	wet	conditions	unless	the	banks	(if	present)	have
been	protected	by	placing	woody	material	in	the	water
course	(see	Stream Crossings	p.	�4).*

Removing	culverts	from	stream	channels	following	logging
when	the	crossing	will	be	used	within	ten	years.

Using	soil	fill,	either	alone	or	in	combination	with	woody
debris	fill,	for	skid	trail	stream	crossings.

Braided

stream

systems

typically

have

multiple,

interconnected

channels

and

high

water

table

for

much

the

year.

Logging

under

these

conditions

often

requires

the

use

specialized

logging

equip

ment.

BMPs

concerning

stream

crossings

are

not

always

applicable

when

crossing

braided

streams

due

their

unique

characteristics.

Increased

turbidity

downstream

from

logging

operation

should

not

duration

magnitude

impair

the

beneficial

uses

the

water

body.

Upon

completion

the

logging

operation,

block

any

channels

that

were

created

skidding

logs

across

the

terrain

braided

stream

systems.

On-Site Impacts (Non-Water Quality)

Harvesting

sites

with

stable,

non-erosive

soils

that

are

not

closely

associated

with

streams

has

little

potential

impact

water

quality.

However,

logging

during

wet

conditions

can

cause

exposure

mineral

soil

and

rutting

which

may

result

erosion,

soil

compaction,

puddling.

Such

soil

disturbance

may

cause

loss

site

productivity.

These

impacts

can

often

reduced

with

site

preparation

techniques.

Because

rut

ting

may

impact

site

productivity

certain

sites,

landowners

should

consider

logging

under

drier

conditions

they

not

wish

bear

the

expense

site

preparation

skid

road

rehabilitation.

Rapid	reforestation	is	an	effective	means	of	improving	the	visual	im
pact	of	harvest	operations.		Regeneration	techniques	such	as	single
tree	selection,	patch	clearcuts,	or	shelterwood	harvests	can	be	used	to
minimize	visual	impact.		These	systems,	however,	may	be	less	efficient
than	clearcutting	for	regenerating	the	site,	and	they	require	additional
logging	entries	which	can	further	impact	site	productivity.

Two	ways	to	improve	the	initial	visual	impact	of	a	clearcutting	opera
tion	are:

�.

Leave

strip

trees

along

well-traveled

highways;

�.

Limit

the

size

the

area

harvested

any

one

time.

(This

probably

the

most

effective

way

reduce

negative

visual impact.)

P est ractices anagement

B E

R H

A R

V E

S T

BMPs

Planning

		Where	clearcutting	is	the	desired	harvesting	method,	special
emphasis	should	be	given	to	the	timber	harvest	planning
process.		Consider	surrounding	land	use,	wildlife	habitat,	and
aesthetics,	especially	when	clearcuts	approach	�00	acres.

P est ractices anagement

BMPs continued

Planning

Plan	skid	trails	to	occupy	the	least	amount	of	area	possible	to
log	the	site	effectively	(See	Skid Trails	p.	36).

Execution

Use	high	floatation	harvesting	equipment	or	another	low
impact	harvesting	system	if	excessing	rutting	is	occurring
due	to	wet	soil	conditions	(see	Rutting	p.	3�).	Bunching
stems	and	placing	them	near	the	primary	skid	trail	can
reduce	excessive	rutting.	Log	a	dry	alternative	site	if	possible.

	Use	woody	debris,	mats,	or	other	techniques	to	stabilize
skid	trails	if	excessive	rutting	is	occurring.

Take steps to avoid depositing mud on paved roads.

Follow-up

Site prepare to reduce on-site impacts.

Create conditions that are conducive to rapid regeneration.

Clean	up	and/or	contain	fuel	and	oil	spills	immediately.
Comply	with	state	and	federal	regulations	concerning
reporting	of	spills.

Dispose	of	oils,	lubricants,	their	containers	and	other
wastes	according	to	local,	state,	and	federal	regulations.

Report	any	fuel,	oil,	or	chemical	spills	to	the	Emergency
Response	Unit	of	the	Department	of	Health	and	Environ-
mental	Control	at	803-�53-6488.

B E

R H

A R

V E

S T est ractices anagement

B E

R H

A R

V E

S T

Skid Trails

Control	water	flow	on	skid	trails	with	broad-based	dips,	wing
ditches,	or	water	bars.

Skid	logs	uphill,	when	possible,	so	surface	runoff	will	be	dis-
persed	as	it	flows	downhill.		However,	skid	trails	should	not	be
located	perpendicular	to	the	contour	unless	appropriate	BMPs
are	used.

Retire	primary	skid	trails	on	erosive	slopes	b	installing	water
bars	and	seeding	them	uppon	completion	of	logging.

Construct	bladed	skid	trails	according	to	LU	road	specifications
except	for	the	slope	restrictions.

To reduce harvesting impacts on sites that will not be treated with mechanical site preparation:

Plan	primary	skid	trails	on	selective	cuts	so	that	they	can	be
used	with	each	successive	harvest	of	the	area.

Locate	promary	skid	trails	so	they	occupy	the	least	amount	of
area	to	log	the	site	effectively.

Concentrate	skidding	on	a	few	trails	to	minimize	overall	soil
compaction	on	fine	textured	(clay	or	loamy)	soils.

est ractices anagement

Rutting

During

dry

conditions,

rutting

occurs

mostly

isolated,

moist

eas,

primary

skid

trails

where

repeated

skidder

traffic

gradu

ally

compacts

the

soil.

Usually

these

ruts

are

not

significant

con

cern.

However,

when

certain

soils

are

moist

wet,

rutting

can

significant

problem,

especially

natural

regeneration

methods

are

planned.

Rutting

highly

visible

impact

logging,

but

the

effects

rutting

site

productivity

are

poorly

understood

over

the

wide

range

soil

types

South

Carolina.

Because	of	the	potential	impacts	on	certain	soils,	precautions
should	be	taken	during	planning	and	conducting	timber	harvesting
to	minimize	depth	of	rutting	and	the	amount	of	area	with	ruts.*

B E

R H

A R

V E

S T

* See glossary for definitions of rutting and excessive rutting.

est ractices anagement

E P

R E

P A

R A

R sITe PreParaTIon

apid	regeneration	of	forestland	is	both	economically	and	en
vironmentally	important.		Root	systems	help	stabilize	soils
and	thereby	reduce	the	risk	of	erosion.		Trees	also	intercept
water	and	impede	storm	water	runoff.		Many	sites	require
some	type	of	treatment	to	accomplish	quick	and	effective
regeneration	of	the	desired	tree	species,	or	to	reduce	some

undesired effects of logging.

Prior

artificial

regeneration,

site

preparation

method

usually

chosen

that

enhances

seedling

survival

and/or

controls

competing

vegetation.

Sites

may

also

prepared

simply

make

area

amenable

planting.

For	natural	regeneration,	certain	site	preparation	methods	may	enhance
sprouting	or	seed	germination.

Many

site

preparation

techniques

are

available.

The

technique

used

depends

soils,

slope,

condition

the

site,

natural

vegetation,

crop

tree

species,

and

cost.

Soils,

slope,

and

ground

cover

are

three

principal

factors

that

determine

the

potential

for

erosion

any

site.

Soils

with

shallow

surface

layer

(A�)

generally

have

limited

capac

ity

absorb

water

and

are

likely

erode.

Steeper

slopes

provide

rainwater

runoff

velocity,

and

thus

energy,

erode

soils.

Ground

cover

helps

hold

soil

place

and

dissipates

some

the

energy

rainfall.

Site	preparation	techniques	can	be	grouped	into	three	categories:
mechanical,	chemical,	and	prescribed	fire.

est ractices anagement

Mechanical Site Preparation

often

described

terms

its

intensity—the

degree

which

disturbs

the

soil.

Methods

vary

from

low

very

high

intensity.

High

intensity

defined

soil

disturbed

and

exposed

than

50%

the

site.

Disking

and

bedding

are

examples

high

intensity

methods.

Chopping

low

intensity

method.

Some

combinations

methods,

for

example,

shear-rake-disk,

are

considered

intensive

because

they

expose

soil.

Erosion

potential

increases

with

higher

intensity

meth

ods,

especially

sloping

lands.

High

intensity

mechanical

methods

are

most

appropriate

flat

land

and

gentle

slopes.

Low

intensity

methods

may

appropriate

moderate

slopes.

Chemical Site Preparation

Many

herbicides

are

available

for

preparing

forest

sites.

They

control

most

undesirable

vegeta

tion

place,

and

not

disturb

the

litter.

Because

herbicides

are

selective,

the

prescription

should

carefully

consider

the

vegetation

treated.

Most

herbicides

may

successfully

applied

either

from

the

ground

aircraft.

When

used

properly,

chances

off-site

impacts

are

minimal.

E P

R E

P A

R A

Prescribed Fire

often

used

conjunction

with

mechanical

chemical

site

preparation,

but

may

used

alone.

properly

conducted

prescribed

burn,

which

consumes

portion

the

litter

without

altering

the

soil,

only

slightly

increases

the

potential

for

ero

sion.

Very

hot

fires

which

expose

much

mineral

soil

steep

slopes

may

significantly

increase

erosion

potential.

E P

R E

P A

R A

T est ractices anagement

In	order	to	identify	methods	appropriate	for	certain	sites,	percent
slope	is	used	in	the	following	guidelines.		However,	the	measures	of
slope	are	only	guidelines	because	other	factors	must	also	be	taken
into	consideration.		Furthermore,	slope	usually	varies	over	a	site
being	reforested.		If	in	doubt	about	the	appropriate	method	to	use,
seek	the	advice	of	a	licensed	forester	or	other	qualified	professional.

BMPs

On slopes 5% or less, any method may be used.

On	slopes	6-�0%,	intensive	mechanical	methods	should
follow	the	contours	of	the	land.

On	slopes	��-�0%,	mechanical	methods,	other	than	chop-
ping	should	follow	the	contours	of	the	land.		If	erosion
potential	appears	high,	leave	untreated	strips	5	to	�0	feet
wide	approximately	�00	feet	apart.

On	slopes	��-30%,	use	only	herbicides,	prescribed	fire,	or
low	intensity	mechanical	methods.

On	slopes	greater	than	30%,	use	only	herbicides,	hand	tools,
and/or	prescribed	fire,	but	be	aware	that	extremely	hot
fires	may	significantly	increase	erosion	potential.

Herbicides	and	prescribed	fire	are	acceptable	site	prepara-
tion	methods	on	all	slopes	if	conducted	properly.

Where	accelerated	erosion	is	likely,	use	methods	which
leave	logging	debris	and	other	litter	scattered	over	the	site.

Minimize moving soil into windrows and piles.

BMPs continued

Break	windrows	to	allow	for	fire	control	equipment,	wildlife
crossing,	and	drainage	of	surface	runoff.

Prepare	planting	beds	only	as	high	as	necessary	for	seedling
survival.

When	constructing	beds	on	sloping	land	greater	than	5%,
follow	land	contours	and	break	frequently	within	the	beds.

Construct	water	bars	or	use	other	methods	to	prevent
erosion	in	firebreaks	and	protective	lines	that	have	been
pushed	around	herbicide	application	sites.

Leave	vegetation	and	limit	soil	disturbance	in	gullies	that	hav
stabilized	and	are	no	longer	eroding.

Contact	a	licensed	forester	or	other	qualified	professional	for
advice	on	stabilizing	gullies	that	continue	to	erode.

Contact		a	licensed	forester	or	other	qualified	professional
for	advice	on	site	preparation	burning.

Refer	to	Streamside Management Zones	(p.	5)	for
specific	restrictions.

Refer	to	Prescribed Burning	(p.	44)	and	Pesticides
(p.	46)	for	specific	guidelines	concerning	burning	and	pesti-
cide	application.

Leave	a	vegetated	buffer	strip	at	least	�0	feet	wide	on	edges
of	public	roads	to	catch	soil	particles	and	slow	runoff.

4�

M P est ractices anagement

E P

R E

P A

R A

4�

P est ractices anagement

E P

R E

P A

R A

Avoid

Any mechanical methods on slopes greater than 30%.

Intensive	mechanical	methods	on	slopes	greater	than	�0%
or	on	other	sites	with	high	potential	for	erosion	(consid-
ering	soil,	slope,	and	ground	cover).

Constructing	windrows,	on	slopes	greater	than	5%,	which
will	funnel	surface	runoff	into	perennial,	intermittent,	or
ephemeral	streams.

Mechanically	preparing	sites	when	equipment	will	cause
excessive	soil	disturbance	due	to	saturated	or	very	wet
soil	conditions.

Blocking any drainage with beds, windrows, or similar structures.

Connecting	planting	beds	to	ditches	if	jurisdictional	wet-
lands	will	be	converted	to	uplands.

est ractices anagement reforesTaTIon

R eforestation	can	be	accomplished	either	naturally	or	arti
ficially.		Natural	reforestation	depends	on	seed	in	place	on
the	forest	floor,	seed	from	seed	trees,	and	sprouting	of	cut
trees.		Trees	that	reforest	a	site	naturally	are	often	the	best
suited	for	that	particular	site.		In	many	cases,	though,	past
management	of	forestland	necessitates	the	use	of	artificial

regeneration.		In	other	cases,	artificial	regeneration	is	used	to	favor
commercially	valuable	tree	species.		When	planting	or	seeding	a
harvested	site,	choose	tree	species	that	are	suited	to	that	site.

Whether

site

reforested

naturally

artificially,

best

begin

the

new

stand

quickly

possible.

Any

increase

erosion,

water

yield,

and

storm

flow

coming

from

logged

site

diminishes

rapidly

the

site

revegetates.

R E

F O

R E

BMPs

Hand plant steep, erodible sites.

Machine	plant	on	the	contour	to	reduce	the	erosion	hazard
on	slopes	greater	than	5%.

Consult	a	licensed	forester	for	advice	on	reforestation
alternatives.

Avoid

Leaving planting bags or other garbage on the site.

est ractices anagement

P R

E S

C R

D B

U R

PresCrIbed burnIng

outh	Carolina	law	requires	that	the	South	Carolina	Forestry
Commission	be	notified	prior	to	burning.		Precautions	must
be	taken	to	prevent	the	fire’s	escape.		Ensure	that	the	burn
site	is	enclosed	by	adequate	fuel	breaks;		have	sufficient
manpower,	tools,	and	equipment	available	to	control	the
fire;	and	stay	with	the	fire	until	it	is	safe.

Prescribed

fire

very

useful

silvicultural

tool.

can

used

prepare

site

for

planting

reducing

logging

debris

prepare

seedbed

for

seed

fall.

Prescribed

fire

can

also

used

later

the

life

forest

for

silvicultural

purposes,

improve

wildlife

habitat,

and

reduce

the

hazard

wildfire.

Studies	have	shown	that	properly	planned	and	conducted	prescribed
burning	has	no	significant	impact	on	water	quality.		Most	problems
associated	with	prescribed	burning	are	a	result	of	poor	planning	and
changing	weather	conditions.		Where	a	prescribed	fire	becomes	too
hot,	the	entire	humus	layer	can	be	consumed,	exposing	the	underlying
mineral	soil	to	erosion.

Prescribed

burning

requires

understanding

weather

con

ditions,

fuel

conditions,

wildfire

danger,

smoke

management,

and

host

other

factors.

should

only

attempted

experienced

personnel.

BMPs

Comply	with	smoke	management	guidelines.		Smoke	shoul
be	monitored	after	the	burn	until	it	is	no	longer	a	hazard.

Have firefighting equipment readily available.

Time	prescribed	fires	so	that	the	moisture	level	of	the	forest
floor	prevents	the	entire	humus	layer	from	being	burned.

Locate firebreaks on the contour as much as possible.

On	grades	over	5	percent	and	over	�00	feet	long,	construct
water	bars	in	firebreak	lines	at	frequent	intervals	to	slow
surface	runoff.

Use	hand	tools	when	it	is	necessary	to	tie	firebreak	lines
into	stream	channels.

M P est ractices anagement

P R

E S

C R

D B

U R

Avoid

Burning	when	conditions	will	cause	a	fire	to	burn	too	hot
and	expose	mineral	soil.

Impacting smoke sensitive areas.

Allowing	high	intensity	fire	to	enter	filter	strips	or	primary
Streamside	Management	Zones	(SMZs).

Burning	on	severely	eroded	forest	soils	where	the	average
litter	duff	depth	is	less	than	one-half	inch.

Constructing	water	bars	in	firebreak	lines	that	divert	surface
runoff	directly	into	streams.

S T

PesTICIdes

P est ractices anagement

esticides,	including	both	herbicides	and	insecticides,	are	valuable	P
tools	in	maintaining	a	healthy	forest.		Herbicides	are	often
used	to	control	unwanted	vegetation	in	the	establishment	of
both	natural	stands	and	plantations.		The	use	of	herbicides,
rather	than	mechanical	methods,	is	recommended	on	erod
ible	piedmont	and	mountain	sites	to	protect	water	quality.

Insecticides	may	be	used	to	control	certain	insect	infestations	where
outbreaks	are	localized.

Proper

planning

and

conscientious

execution

the

plan

are

the

keys

safe

use

pesticides.

The

plan

should

clearly

delineate

the

area

treated

and

should

include

buffers

protect

bodies

water

and

neighboring

landowners’

property.

The

plan

should

also

specify

chemicals

used,

method

treatment,

application

rate,

target

species,

acceptable

wind

directions

and

wind

speeds,

and

nearby

sensitive

areas.

BMPs

FOLLOW	LABEL	DIRECTIONS	and	applicable	state	and
federal	laws	in	the	storage,	transportation,	handling,	and
application	of	all	pesticides.

Obtain	Material	Safety	Data	Sheets	(MSDS)	from	the	manuf-
acturer	for	toxicological	information	and	personal	safety
protection	requirements.

Apply	restricted	use	pesticides	(RUP)	only	under	the	superv
sion	of	a	certified	pesticide	applicator.		Information	on	the
certification	process	is	available	from:		Department	of
Fertilizer	and	Pesticide	Control,	�56	Poole	Agricultural
Center,	Clemson	University,	Clemson,	S.C.		�963�.

4�

P est

S T

BMPs continued

Dispose	of	pesticide	containers	and/or	excess	pesticide
according	to	state	and	federal	regulations.

Aerial

application

should

only

done

when

wind

speeds

are

mph

less

for

liquid

formulations,

and

mph

less

for

granular

formulations.

Ground

application

should

only

done

when

wind

speeds

are

�0

mph

less.

Except	for	directed	hand	equipment	applications,	use	cau-
tion	when	winds	are	blowing	toward	sensitive	areas.	Wait
until	winds	change	or	use	wider	buffers.

Do	all	on-site	pesticide	handling,	such	as	tank	mixing,	away
from	streams,	ponds,	and	drainage	areas.

Clean

and/or

contain

all

pesticide

spills

immediately

and

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