The Silvicultural Nonpoint Source Pollution Plan is part of the Ohio Nonpoint Source Management Program, authorized by Section 319 of the 1987 Federal Water Quality Act. The Plan prescribes mechanisms to handle sources of pollution from forestry activities. One such mechanism is the creation of a Silvicultural Nonpoint Source (NPS) Pollution Technical Advisory Committee, which shall provide NPS pollution control recommendations to the Chief of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry, the agency providing leadership on this segment of the statewide plan. This book represents the guidelines for control of NPS as approved by the Chief of the ODNR-Division of Forestry.
This handbook was reviewed by the following individuals: Dave Chamberlin, MeadWestvaco; Dennis Cavalier, American Electric Power; Pete Woyar, Consulting Forester; Nathan Paskey, Ashtabula Soil and Water Conservation District; Ronnie Shepard Jr., Shepard Timber; Bill Lawhon, Tree Farm; Dan Houston, Sylvancare Forestry Consultants; Kathy Smith, Ohio State University Extension; Martin Joyce, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Soil & Water; Andy Sabula, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry; and Don Karas, ODNR Division of Forestry. Edited by Kathy Smith, Ohio State University Extension and Andy Sabula, ODNR, Division of Forestry.
Topographical maps on pages 5 and 6, courtesy of Ohio GAP Analysis Project, The Ohio State University Center for Mapping. All other photos in this publication were provided by Pete Woyar, consulting forester, MeadWestvaco, American Electric Power, and Ashtabula SWCD.
The authors would like to thank Nathan Watermeier, Ohio State University Extension, for his invaluable assistance in preparing the topographical maps.
Silvicultural Nonpoint Source Pollution (NPS) can result if sediment enters the natural drainage system as a result of logging, tree planting, site preparation, or other cultural activities required to grow or harvest forest products.
Scientific research indicates that NPS pollution can be controlled by the use of Best Management Practices (BMPs). These practices must be applied during the actual period of operation, and as a final “close-out” of the site when the operation is completed.
Application of Silvicultural BMPs is specified by Section 319 of the Federal Water Quality Act (1987) and by the Ohio Agricultural and Silvicultural Pollution Abatement Law (1991). Adherence to guidelines and application of techniques specified in this handbook allows logging and other silvicultural operations to conform to prescribed standards and be in compliance with the federal and state statutes.
Failure to plan for and correctly implement silvicultural BMPs during forest operations will result in unacceptable NPS pollution and can result in regulatory action(s) initiated against the landowner and operator in order to achieve pollution abatement.
Ohio Agricultural Pollution Abatement Rules Standards provide the option for filing an Operation and Management (O&M) plan with the County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) prior to starting operations.
On occasion there may be circumstances encountered in the field where installation of the traditional BMPs listed in this guide may not be possible. In those situations, alternative BMP/mitigation measures shall be used to minimize the loss of sediment from the logging activity. The person(s) responsible for the logging operation should consult with their local SWCD, ODNR-Division of Forestry, Service Forester, or Private Consulting Forester to develop alternative measures. Alternative measures that are to be used should be thoroughly described and included as part of the O&M plan developed for the site. It is recommended that the O&M plan be submitted to the local SWCD for review and approval prior to start of any logging activity.