BMP Landowner Guides

The following resources are available to help landowners, loggers and natural resource managers understand and implement forestry best management practices (BMPs).

Wisconsin's Forestry BMP Field Manual

Wisconsin's Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality Field Manual [PDF] lists over 118 BMPs for forestry activities including road building, timber harvesting, prescribed burning and the application of chemicals.

Forest Management Guidelines

Wisconsin Forest Management Guidelines (FMG) outlines practical, site-specific considerations that land managers need to take into account when they plan and carry out forestry operations. The FMG covers sustainable forest management principles that can serve recreation, wildlife habitat improvement, endangered species protection, water quality, forest products and many other objectives.

Forest Management Practices: Managing Water Series

The Managing Water Series [PDF], University of Minnesota Extension Service Publications #1 - 13 1998, provides guidance on the planning, construction and maintenance of forest roads, trails, landing and stream and wetland crossing. The goals of this series are to limit erosion, help meet landowner objectives, improve safety and reduce costs.

1. Project Planning: Locating Roads, Landings, Skid Trails and Crossings [PDF]
2. Managing Water on Roads, Skid Trails and Landings [PDF]
3. Earth-Berm Water Bars [PDF]
4. Using Logging Debris or Logs to Build Water Bars [PDF]
5. Conveyor Belt Water Bars [PDF]
6. Broad-based Dips [PDF]
7. Open-Top Culverts [PDF]
8. Shaping Roads and Trails [PDF]
9. Roadside and Diversion Ditches [PDF]
10. Cross-Drainage Culverts [PDF]
11. Project Closure [PDF]
12. Making and Using Measurement Tools - Basal Area [PDF]
13. Making and Using Measurement Tools - Slope [PDF]

Forest Management Practices: Crossing Options Series

Timber harvesting and hauling equipment can damage water quality by stirring up sediment, harming fish and other aquatic organisms, if stream crossings are not properly designed, installed and maintained. The Crossing Options Series [PDF], University of Minnesota Extension Service Publications #1 - 16 1998, provides guidance on special stream crossing options that can minimize the impact to water quality and fish habitat. Many of these options are temporary and can be reused at another crossing.

1. Temporary Stream Crossing Options [PDF]
2. Fords [PDF]
3. Culverts [PDF]
4. Ice Bridges [PDF]
5. Timber Bridges [PDF]
6. Railroad Car, Steel and Prestressed Concrete Bridges [PDF]
7. PVC or HDPE Pipe Bundle Crossings [PDF]
8. Temporary Wetland Crossing Options [PDF]
9. Wood Mats [PDF]
10. Wood Panels and Pallets [PDF]
11. Expanded Metal Grating [PDF]
12. PVC or HDPE Pipe Mats and Plastic Roads [PDF]
13. Bridge Decks, Tire Mats and Pole Rails [PDF]
14. Corduroy Crossings [PDF]
15. Low-Ground-Pressure Equipment [PDF]
16. Equipment with Central Tire Inflation [PDF]

Other guides and publications

• A Landowner's Guide to Building Forest Access Roads [exit DNR]
  This guide covers basic planning, construction, drainage, maintenance and closure of low-speed forest roads with a 12-foot-wide running surface that are needed only temporarily or only during certain times of the year. The recommendations incorporate best management practices, which are designed to reduce nonpoint source pollution during road building.
• Forest Roads and Wetlands: Evaluating Your Options [PDF]
  This publication describes factors to consider when planning a forest road system. It provides an in-depth description of the regulations that apply for wetland crossings associated with forest roads.
• Do I Need a Permit for Building a Forest Road? [PDF]
  How you plan to use your forest road will determine what regulations apply. This publication provides information on the five common areas of regulation that may affect your road building project.
• Do I Need a Permit for Harvesting Timber? [PDF]
  When you decide to set-up a timber harvest, there are regulations that you need to be aware of and follow. This publication provides information on the three common types of regulations that may affect your timber harvesting project.
• Temporary Stream Crossings for Forestry: A Directory of Available Structures [PDF]
  This publication explains the benefits of using temporary stream crossing structures during forestry projects and contains a directory of the agencies in the state which have temporary stream crossing structures available for loan or rent.
• Managing Woodlands on Lake Superior's Red Clay Plain [PDF]
  This publication describes the high potential for erosion and the unstable slopes common along Lake Superior's southern shore. Management recommendations provide information on how to successfully conduct forestry activities in this area.
• Managing Woodlands for Wisconsin's Coastal Trout Streams [PDF]
  This publication provides an overview of trout ecology and how the condition of forests can impact the health of trout streams. Management recommendations are listed for how to control runoff and sedimentation and protect trout streams during forest management activities.
• Maintaining Soil Quality in Woodlands: A Lake States Field Guide [PDF]
  This guide discusses how to identify areas sensitive to soil compaction, rutting and erosion. It also covers methods to maintain soil quality and options for repairing or mitigating soil damage.