New and Innovative Methods and Technologies to Reduce the Impacts of Forest Operations

 

Implementing ecologically acceptable techniques and technologies in forest operations depends on a sufficient understanding of the ecological processes in forested lands. Then, based on the functional requirements of ecological factors, new forest operations can be developed which address those concerns.

For example, access is necessary to implement management. However, access represents a significant cost as well as a potential for adverse impacts. Increased awareness and concerns related to forest road sediments and their exclusion from waterways emphasize the need for environmentally acceptable road and stream crossing designs. Innovative access system and stream crossing designs/modifications can provide a feasible balance between environmental and economic trade-offs required for sustainable, forest systems. New approaches such as road obliteration may provide an engineered solution for many problems associated with forest road management. Considering the impact roads have on the forest ecosystem, more work needs to be undertaken to design road systems which are acceptable based on the goal of sustainable forestry practices.

Economically-viable timber production depends on the timely re-establishment of stands, often using extensive site preparation and artificial regeneration. Generally, effective site preparation must create appropriate soil conditions (physical and chemical) and reduce vegetative competition while minimizing undesirable ecological effects. Site preparation, for example, has been cited as a major source of soil erosion and sedimentation on forestlands. It is also an energy-intensive treatment with significant costs. Innovative approaches such as limited-area site prep may provide major cost savings both economically and environmentally. Limited-area site prep allows managers to treat only the specific areas for seedling establishment, thereby reducing prescription costs (labor, fuel, etc.). This form of site prep also confines the necessary site disturbance of the operation to the immediate planting areas, thereby minimizing the environmental impact of the management activity.

In response to requirements of the Clean Water Act, many states established Best Management Practices (BMPs) for forest operations. However, many of these guidelines are based on limited research, applied in conditions beyond their original intent, or do not represent the application of current technology. Filter strip widths, stabilization of exposed soils, and drainage structures such as water bars and turnout ditches, are all BMP subjects which need re-examination. New approaches to erosion control may alter the need for some current BMP practices, for example. Better modeling of sediment transport can provide more refined and site-specific direction on filter strip widths. Recommendations for new BMP’s may need to be developed as our understanding of the impacts of forest operations improves.

A specific area of concern is forest management activities in riparian management zones (RMZ). Historically, the most common BMP strategies restricted management activities in RMZs to protect water quality. However, a greater understanding of the dynamics of RMZs has led to the consideration of alternative management strategies. It is possible to actively manage these areas to enhance the ecological functions which protect water quality. Alternative management practices in RMZs such as, partial cutting, physical barriers, and vegetative RMZ enhancement should be investigated.

Current Projects:

 

Sprout management to improve productivity in hardwood forests. Phil Cannon--Alabama A&M University; Bob Davis--Champion International; Bob Rummer--USDA Forest Service
 
Road Stabilization with Lignin Emulsion. Bob Rummer, John Klepac--USDA Forest Service; Frank Corley--Woodland Enterprises; Harry Archer--International Paper
 
Mechanical Mid-story Reduction Treatments. Bob Rummer, Dale Brockway, Ken Outcault, Craig Rudolph-USDA Forest Service

Alternative Site Preparation Methods for Forestry. Bob Rummer-USDA Forest Service
 
Evaluation of Forest Residue Bundling Technology. Bob Rummer-USDA Forest Service
 
BMPs for Effective Control of Forest Road Stormwater and Sediments. John Grace III-USDA Forest Service

 

Assessment of Surface Erosion Control Techniques. John Grace III-USDA Forest Service

 

Control of Sediment Export from Forest Access Systems. John Grace III-USDA Forest Service

 

Quantifying Sediment Movement Downslope from Upland Forest Road Systems. John Grace III-USDA Forest Service

 

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