Mitigating potential sediment delivery from post-fire salvage logging

Joseph Wagenbrenner; Drew Coe; Will Olsen

Treesearch

Mitigating potential sediment delivery from post-fire salvage logging

Informally Refereed

Authors:

Joseph Wagenbrenner, Drew Coe, Will Olsen

Year:

2023

Type:

Miscellaneous

Station:

Pacific Southwest Research Station

Source:

California Forestry Report No. 7. Sacramento: State of California, The Resources Agency, California Department of Forestry & Fire Protection. 32 p.

Download (PDF 2.77 MB)

Download (PDF 2.77 MB): https://research.fs.usda.gov/download/treesearch/65784.pdf

Abstract

Salvage logging using ground-based heavy equipment can impact soils and vegetation and lead to various effects that can increase or decrease post-fire runoff and erosion (removal of soil or sediment from its initial position). This document briefly outlines the current understanding of these effects and provides an overview of best management practices (BMPs) designed to mitigate the negative effects related to sediment delivery to streams and other aquatic resources. This document is based on the authors' knowledge and best available scientific information and is intended to supplement state, regional and national regulations and guidance for timber harvest activities in unburned and burned forests.

Keywords

Best management practice (BMP), fire, salvage logging, skidding, yarding, erosion, sediment, runoff, streamflow, water quality

Citation

Wagenbrenner, Joe; Coe, Drew; Olsen, Will. 2023. Mitigating potential sediment delivery from post-fire salvage logging. California Forestry Report No. 7. Sacramento: State of California, The Resources Agency, California Department of Forestry & Fire Protection. 32 p.