Abstract
Forestry Best Management Practices (BMPs) are designed to protect water quality; however, little data exists comparing the efficacy and costs of different BMP options for skid trail closure. Study objectives were to evaluate erosion control effectiveness and implementation costs of five overland skid trail closure techniques. Closure techniques were: waterbar only (Control), waterbar plus seed (Seed), waterbar plus seed and mulch (Mulch), waterbar plus hardwood slash (Hardwood), and waterbar plus pine slash (Pine). Techniques were replicated on four skid trails. Sediment traps were used to capture sediment for 13 months. Data indicated that Mulch was the most effective for controlling erosion (1.5 tons/acre/year), followed by Hardwood (2.3 tons/acre/year), Pine (2.4 tons/acre/year), Seed (6.1 tons/ acre/year), and Control (10.8 tons/acre/year). Incorporating slash dispersal and compaction onto overland skid trails during harvesting activities may be the best option for reducing BMP costs and potential erosion, but all treatments may be appropriate for certain situations.
Parent Publication
Citation
Sawyers, Clay; Aust, W. Michael; Bolding, M. Chad; Lakel III, William A. 2012. Effectiveness and costs of overland skid trail BMPs. In: Butnor, John R., ed. 2012. Proceedings of the 16th biennial southern silvicultural research conference. e-Gen. Tech. Rep. SRS-156. Asheville, NC: U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Southern Research Station. 283-289.
