Postharvest Assessment of Vermont's Acceptable Silvicultural Management Practices and Water Quality Impacts

Abstract

Abstract Seventy-eight recently completed timber harvesting operations in Vermont were evaluated for Acceptable Management Practice (AMP) compliance, soil erosion extent, and water quality impacts using a systematic, one-day examination of each site. Evaluations of water quality impacts and soil erosion were conducted on the portions of the transportation network and streams that could be most heavily affected by the timber harvesting operation. Increased stream sedimentation was observed on 46% of the operations with streams. Woody debris impacts occurred on 65% of the operations with streams. AMP compliance was over 90% for protective strip maintenance and stream avoidance, but soil erosion control practices on truck roads and skid trails commonly failed to meet AMP recommendations. Soil erosion was very limited on truck roads, skid trails, and log landings. Although the Vermont operations often only partially complied with the AMPs, minimal soil erosion and water quality impacts were observed. North. J. Appl. For. 8(4):140-144.