A Landowner’s Guide

to Careful Logging
 A Landowner’s Guide to Careful Logging

First Edition: January 2009

A Landowner’s Guide to Careful Logging

A S S O C I A T I O N

Copies of this guide are available from:

Ontario Woodlot Association
275 County Road 44
Kemptville, Ontario K0G 1J0

© 2009
Ontario Woodlot Association

Notice of Rights
All rights reserved. This publication is not
to be copied in whole or in part without
the express written consent of the Ontario
Woodlot Association.

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 Acknowledgements
A Landowner’s Guide to Careful Logging

Acknowledgements
A Landowner’s Guide to Careful Logging is a collaborative effort of the
Ontario Woodlot Association. We would like to thank the members of the
Technical Steering Committee and the many different organizations, loggers,
foresters and landowners who contributed to the development of this guide.

The Ontario Woodlot Association gratefully acknowledges the Ontario

Trillium Foundation, an agency of the Government of Ontario, and the
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources for their financial support of the
production and publication of this guide.

Contributors
Many individuals donated time, advice and guidance to this project.
Our thanks to:
✥✥ Frank
 Ahern, Woodlot Owner ✥✥ Richard Marquart, Woodlot
✥✥ Steve Bowers, Huron Stewardship Owner
Council ✥✥ Laird Nelson, Forestry Consultant
✥✥ Tony Bull, Woodlot Owner ✥✥ John Nolan, Forestry Consultant
✥✥ James Burkhart, Edgewood Lumber ✥✥ Jean-Peree Leduc, Woodlot Owner
✥✥ Jim Eccles, J.H. Keeso & Sons Ltd. ✥✥ Steve Pitt, Lennox and Addington
✥✥ Bonnie Fox, Conservation Ontario Community Stewardship Council
✥✥ Jim Gilmour, Woodlot Owner ✥✥ George Sheffield, Woodlot Owner

✥✥ Greg Greer, G.W.G. Resources ✥✥ Dave Sexsmith, Woodlot Owner

Services ✥✥ David Smallwood, Shelterwood
✥✥ Stew Hamill, Biologist Forestry
✥✥ Peter Hamilton, Feric, a Division of ✥✥ Marvin Smith, Farm Woodlot
FPInnovations Specialist
✥✥ John Hamley, Woodlot Owner ✥✥ Mike Walsh, Parry Sound-Muskoka

✥✥ Peter Hill, Woodlot Owner Stewardship Network

✥✥ Peter Hynard, Forestry Consultant ✥✥ Tedd Wood, Woodlot Owner

✥✥ Pieter Leenhouts, Woodlot Owner

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 A Landowner’s Guide to Careful Logging

Members of the Technical Steering Committee include:

✥✥ Ed Czerwinski, Acting MFTIP Administrator, Ontario Ministry of

Natural Resources
✥✥ Chris Lincoln, Woodlot Owner, Ontario Woodlot Association
✥✥ Wade Knight, Executive Director, Ontario Woodlot Association
✥✥ Jeff Muzzi, Manager of Forestry Services, County of Renfrew
✥✥ Mark Richardson, Forester, Eastern Ontario Model Forest
✥✥ Terry Schwan, District Forester, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources
✥✥ Rob Spence, Forestry Consultant, Silv-Econ Ltd.
✥✥ Martin Streit, Stewardship Coordinator, Leeds County Stewardship Council
✥✥ Peter Williams, Forestry Consultant, Williams and Associates

Author: Bruce Byford, Arbex Forest Resource Consultants Ltd.

Illustrations: Most of the illustrations in this guide were provided courtesy of the
Maine Forest Service. Other illustrations were created by Kathryn Durst.

Photographs: The photographs were provided courtesy of the following

organizations and individuals (in alphabetical order): Bancroft/Minden Forest
Company, Al Corlett, Cat Cybulski, Eastern Ontario Model Forest, Lanark/
Mazinaw Forest Inc., Maine Forest Service, Jeff Muzzi, North Carolina Division
of Forest Resources, Scott Reid, Martin Streit, Peter Williams, USDA Forest
Service.

Design and Layout: Mary Moore, Cedar Lane Studio,

<www.cedarlanestudio.net>

Editorial Review: Bruce Wells, Windfall Communications

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A Landowner’s Guide to Careful Logging

Contents

contents
Acknowledgements.................................................................iii
Section 1.0 Introduction............................................... 1
Section 2.0 Planning for Harvest Operations................... 3
Section 3.0 Stream Crossings......................................17
Section 4.0 Working Around Water..............................27
Section 5.0 Access Roads...........................................35
Section 6.0 Log Landings............................................47
Section 7.0 Skid Trails................................................51
Section 8.0 Logging Operations...................................57
Section 9.0 Post-Harvest.............................................69
List of Appendices
Appendix 1: Legislation and Regulation......................71
Appendix 2: Sources of Information and Assistance......75
Appendix 3: Logging Damage Guidelines..................81
Glossary of Terms......................................................83
List of Tables
Table 1: Recommended Buffer Zone Widths Based
on Slope (degrees) for Watercourses..........................30
Table 2: Guidelines for Assessing Logging Damage......82

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A Landowner’s Guide to Careful Logging

Section 1.0
1.0 Introduction
Woodlot owners harvest trees for many reasons: to
generate income; produce lumber or firewood for their
own use; create recreational trails for skiing, snowmobiling
or hunting; improve wildlife habitat; or just to maintain the
health of their forest. Whether any of these reasons apply to
you, one thing woodlot owners have in common is a strong
desire to do what is right for their land — that’s why the
Ontario Woodlot Association created A Landowner’s Guide
to Careful Logging.
Most woodlot owners are not forestry or logging
experts, yet they are often involved in harvesting activities.
This guide offers a clear, practical overview of careful
logging practices, or CLPs, both for the novice and
professional logger. However, it is not intended to be a
definitive logging manual.

The choice of silvicultural system (e.g., harvest and

regeneration) depends on characteristics unique to each
woodlot. This decision is influenced by factors such as stand
and site conditions, forest health, management objectives,
markets, wood-processing requirements and the size and
intensity of a harvesting operation. The breadth and range
of these factors means that this CLP guide cannot answer all
of your questions and that a number of silvicultural systems
(selection cutting, shelterwood cutting or clear-cutting) may
be appropriate for logging operations in southern Ontario.

A Landowner’s Guide to Careful Logging provides

landowners with sound advice as they make decisions
to protect the health and integrity of their woodlots, while
maximizing financial returns. It also identifies some of
the relevant federal and provincial legislation, as well as
regulations and municipal bylaws applicable to logging on
private land.
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 A Landowner’s Guide to Careful Logging

How to use this guide

Throughout the guide, there are “Stop Signs” that alert
the reader to potential legal requirements, “Caution
Signs” that point out important information that should
not be overlooked and “Tips” to identify elements
that may warrant further consideration.

Italicized words are defined in the Glossary of Terms.

The appendices provide additional information under
the titles of Legislation and Regulation (Appendix 1),
Sources of Information and Assistance (Appendix 2)
and Logging Damage Guidelines (Appendix 3).

What are careful logging practices?

Look for these Careful logging practices (CLPs) include a range of

symbols for techniques and practices used by landowners and loggers
special alerts, to minimize damage to the forest, soil, wildlife habitat and
information water. Examples of CLPs include directional felling of trees,
and tips erosion control measures on skid trails, tree protection for
wildlife and the establishment of buffers near water.

When properly implemented, CLPs benefit the

woodlot by:
✥✥ protecting and/or maintaining forest health and
productivity by reducing site impacts and logging
damage to residual trees and other vegetation;
✥✥ protecting and/or maintaining other forest values and
features such as wildlife habitat, streams, woodland pools
and wetlands; and
✥✥ maintaining the ecological functions of the woodlot.

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A Landowner’s Guide to Careful Logging

Section 2.0
2.0 Planning for Harvest Operations
This section describes two distinct kinds of woodlot planning.
A woodlot management plan is a long-term, strategic
document, which includes a detailed inventory of the
woodlot, the landowner’s objectives and a series of activities
that will help to achieve these objectives over time. A harvest
plan is a one-time, technical document, written to plan a
specific operation on the property, and ensures that harvest
activities are well-thought-out prior to implementation.

Woodlot management plan

All woodlot owners
should create, implement
and maintain a woodlot
management plan. A
properly prepared and
implemented plan will
help woodlot owners to
maximize the ecological
and economic benefits
obtained from their forest
property.

Information on preparing a
woodlot management plan can
be found in A Guide to Stewardship
Planning for Natural Areas. Refer to
Appendix 2 to find out where to get a
copy of the guide and for assistance
in preparing a plan.

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 A Landowner’s Guide to Careful Logging

The content of the management plan will vary according

to ownership objectives, woodlot characteristics and the
financial resources available for the preparation of the plan.

As a minimum, the management plan should contain the

following:
✥✥ a property and forest stand map;
✥✥ a description of the woodlot (including legal description)
and its history;
✥✥ a statement of the woodlot owner’s management
objectives;
✥✥ information on the type, location and quality of resources
in the woodlot (e.g., forest inventory, wildlife habitat,
significant features); and
✥✥ a schedule of activities that are planned to take place,
typically for a five- to ten-year period.

Harvest planning
Harvesting and other forest management operations (e.g.,
tree marking or thinning) that are to be implemented in the
woodlot, are outlined in the schedule of activities section
of the woodlot management plan. A second document,
the harvest plan, provides much greater detail about these
operations. A harvest plan should ensure that operations are
appropriate for the individual woodlot and are carried out
according to the landowner’s objectives, relevant legislation,
principles of good forestry practices and recommended
careful logging practices.

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A Landowner’s Guide to Careful Logging

Section 2.0
Proper planning for harvesting and the layout of roads, trails and landings
will protect woodlot values and improve the financial bottom line of the
logging operation.

Engaging a reputable consultant and/or logger can help

ensure that logging operations are conducted in accordance
with good forestry practices and that other values in the
woodlot are protected and/or maintained.

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 A Landowner’s Guide to Careful Logging

Before you start harvest planning, you need to evaluate your

role in these activities. Landowners possess a wide variety
of skills and knowledge and have different interests and
Landowners expectations of their role in forestry operations.
should be aware
Landowners who have been trained in forestry or logging
that some forestry
may choose to carry out operations on their own. Others
consultants work
may choose to seek out the services of a well-trained and
independently,
conscientious forest consultant and/or logger to assist them
while others are
with this process. This decision should be made before you
employed by the
begin harvest planning.
forest industry.
When hiring a
Hiring a consultant
forestry consultant,
landowners should Local forestry consultants can assist landowners in all
seek out a member aspects of woodlot management and planning. Consultants
of the Ontario can provide expert advice, independent of the logging
Professional contractor. In many instances, forestry consultants will offer
Foresters a range of services associated with logging, such as timber
Association sales negotiation, timber valuation, operations planning,
to ensure that tree marking, road and trail layout and supervision and/
professional or monitoring of operations. They will also have knowledge
standards are met. of legislation and local forest conservation bylaws that may
affect your harvest activities, as well as insight into local
markets and familiarity with local loggers.

Professional forestry consultants can help you achieve

your forest management goals and ensure that the forestry
practices used in your woodlot will enhance its future
condition and value. The Ontario Professional Foresters
Association (OPFA) is responsible for the regulation of the
practice of forestry in Ontario. A list of OPFA members
who provide consulting services is available on the OPFA
website www.opfa.ca.

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A Landowner’s Guide to Careful Logging

Section 2.0
In addition, a listing of forestry consultants and loggers is
also available at the Ontario Woodlot Association’s Forest
Services Directory website www.ontariowoodlot.com.

Guidelines for hiring consultants are similar to those

applicable to hiring loggers and are outlined in the
section below.

Hiring a logger
Many landowners decide to harvest their woodlands on
their own. Logging is physically demanding work that can
be dangerous. It requires experience and care to ensure
safe operations and to avoid damaging the woodlot. If you decide to
Carefully consider all aspects of the harvest operation, cut timber yourself,
including your knowledge and skill level, time and it’s important that
available resources (money and equipment). You should you understand
also look at your stand management objectives and the the potential
value of your timber when considering whether to log the hazards associated
woodlot yourself, sell standing timber or contract logging with logging. Be
services. sure to maintain
your equipment
A key step in maximizing future financial returns from the properly, wear
woodlot is to minimize the damage to residual trees. safety gear, carry
When harvesting timber, there is no substitute for a well- a first aid kit, and
trained and conscientious operator. most important of
all, conduct work
Remember, when selling timber, you are entering a buyer/
safely. It is strongly
seller relationship. The logger is buying raw material and
recommended that
reselling it. Like anyone in business, the logger needs to
you never work
buy low and sell high to make a profit. Know the value
alone. Also, be
of your timber. If necessary, hire a qualified consultant to
sure that family
provide an independent appraisal. Always obtain more
members (or others)
than one bid to ensure that you get a fair price. Also, be
know where you
sure to consider the following when hiring or contracting
are working.
for logging services:

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 A Landowner’s Guide to Careful Logging

✥✥ The suitability of logging equipment to the woodlot site

Operator and stand characteristics.
skill and
✥✥ The level of on-site supervision during operations.
care
✥✥ The experience of the contractor (i.e., the number of years
is one of the
most important of experience harvesting in similar forest types).
determinants ✥✥ Are all forest workers trained and certified under
in the amount the Cutter-Skidder Operator Program?
and severity of ✥✥ Are portions of the operation subcontracted, and
stand and site if so, are the subcontractors qualified, supervised
damage from and insured?
harvesting.

Logging is dangerous, physically demanding work that requires experience

and care to ensure safe operations and to avoid damaging the woodlot.

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A Landowner’s Guide to Careful Logging

Section 2.0
The following guidelines are applicable whether you sell standing timber or
contract a logger to harvest your woodlot:
✥✥ Ask for and check references. When possible, visit woodlots harvested by
the contractor.
✥✥ Use a legally binding contract. A contract that contains terms and
conditions consistent with the objectives of your management plan
will protect both your financial interests and your investment in forest
management. See A Landowner’s Guide to Selling Standing Timber or
contact the Ontario Woodlot Association for a sample contract.
✥✥ Ensure that all forest workers are trained (certified) and that the contractor
has sufficient general liability insurance and a valid Workplace Safety
Insurance Board (WSIB) clearance certificate. Obtain a WSIB clearance
certificate for confirmation that the contractor is registered and has met their
obligations.
✥✥ Insist that safety equipment be worn at all times and that a first aid kit and a
spill kit are on site.
✥✥ Meet with the contractor on site, prior to operations, to discuss the harvest
and clarify any misunderstandings or misconceptions.
✥✥ Hire a consultant to conduct the timber sale and monitor the logging
operation, or monitor the operation yourself on a regular basis.

When selling standing

timber, get more than
one bid to ensure that
you receive a fair price.
A Landowner’s Guide
to Selling Standing
Timber (Ontario Woodlot
Association) provides
additional tips on selling
standing timber, including a
sample timber-sale contract.

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 A Landowner’s Guide to Careful Logging

Developing a harvest plan

The harvest plan will cover six critical elements,
which are described in the following sections:

1) Stand prescriptions and tree marking;

2) Boundary marking;
3) P rotection measures for sensitive features
and sites;
4) Planning access roads;
5) Harvest timing; and
6) Logging equipment.

At the onset of harvest planning, it is critically important

to walk the woodlot. This on-the-ground assessment of the
woodlot is used to develop all aspects of the harvest plan.
It is recommended that this field assessment take place in
spring or early winter when visibility in the woodlot is best.

During the reconnaissance, take note of any sensitive

features and sites (e.g., stick nests or shallow soils) and
physical characteristics that may affect logging operations
or other forest management activities (e.g., steep slopes or
rock outcrops). Mark these sites on a sketch map for use
when preparing your harvest plan.

Be sure to provide a copy of the harvest plan and sketch

map, and discuss these documents with your consultant
and/or logging contractor before logging begins.

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A Landowner’s Guide to Careful Logging

Tree marking involves the careful selection of trees for harvest. The Section 2.0

tree marker must assess each individual tree and give consideration
to a number of variables (e.g., regeneration, tree health, site
conditions, wildlife habitat, diversity and the overall objectives of forest
management) before a final decision is made whether to leave the tree
or mark it to be cut.

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 A Landowner’s Guide to Careful Logging

1) Stand prescriptions and tree marking

Woodlots managed under selection or shelterwood

Lists of harvest systems should be marked in accordance to a
qualified stand prescription prepared by a member of the Ontario
tree markers are Professional Foresters Association.
usually available The stand prescription is a key document that provides
through resource guidance to tree markers about the number of trees to cut
agencies (see or retain (e.g., species or quality) for the future timber
Appendix 2). crop or for regeneration, as well as information about site
protection and wildlife habitat. Tree marking must meet
the intent of the stand prescription if management plan
objectives are to be realized.

The decisions made during tree marking will directly

influence the long-term economic and ecological integrity of
your woodlot. Because of this, tree marking should be done
by certified tree markers.

2) Boundary marking

Before starting operations, clearly mark all harvest

boundaries with red paint. Place these markings where
harvest operations are planned near property lines and
to identify internal harvest boundaries — areas of your
Contact your local property not included in the harvest. Use evidence such
municipality if you as survey markers, blazes and/or fences to assist with the
are working next identification of property boundary lines.
to an unopened
road allowance. Care should be taken when marking near unopened road
allowances to avoid penalties arising from cut trespasses.

Natural boundaries, such as water and associated buffers,

open fields or changes in forest cover, make excellent
natural locations for internal harvest boundaries. Ensure all
boundary marks are readily visible from all directions. Well-

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A Landowner’s Guide to Careful Logging

Section 2.0
marked boundary lines and a good map will help to avoid
cut trespasses and/or other property damage.

Only a licensed
Ontario Land
Surveyor can
identify a property
boundary.

Inform
adjacent
property
owners of
The Forestry Act requires mutual your logging plans
consent of both owners when and cooperatively
harvesting boundary trees. locate and mark
property lines.

3) P rotection measures for sensitive features and sites

The harvest plan should identify, map and provide

prescriptions (direction) for stand management. It should
also protect sensitive features and sites, such as stick nests
and shallow soils in the woodlot. Mark the boundaries
of any buffer zones prior to harvesting and ensure that
they are visible from all directions. Confirm that all forest
workers are aware of the sensitive features and sites in
the woodlot and of the management requirements for the
protection of these areas. Monitor operations on a regular
schedule to ensure that marked features are not damaged.

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 A Landowner’s Guide to Careful Logging

4) Planning access roads

There are a number of factors to consider when planning

forest access. First, consider whether access road
construction is absolutely necessary. Instead of constructing
a new road, use adjacent fields, existing trails or other forest
openings. This will save money and reduce the risk of site
damage or disturbance.

When determining the type and length of road to be

constructed, consider factors such as the value of timber to
be harvested relative to road construction costs, the duration
and season of the cut, haul truck and logging equipment
requirements, safety, road maintenance costs and any water
and wetland crossing requirements. Remember, well-planned
road networks can be used for future logging operations
and for other activities in the woodlot, such as trail riding
and cross-country skiing.

Identify on the sketch map the preliminary locations of any

roads, skid trails and landings associated with the harvest
to assist in operations planning. Be sure to consider the
locations of landings, roads and skid trails for future logging
or other forest management activities.

For more information on planning and constructing access

roads, refer to Section 5.

5) Harvest timing

Choosing the right time of year to harvest can help to

minimize stand and site damage. Logging operations can
also be timed to promote natural regeneration (by timing
cuts with good seed crops or exposing mineral soil) or to
enable landowners/contractors to take advantage of good
market conditions for certain species or forest products.

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A Landowner’s Guide to Careful Logging

Section 2.0
Winter cutting can give excellent results. With frozen or
snow-covered soil, there are fewer access limitations in
wet areas, and rutting and soil compaction is minimized.
Visibility during operations is also increased by the
absence of leaves. This provides for safer operations
when felling and skidding. However, cutting in winter is
not without challenges, such as the potential for increased
snow-plowing costs and poor working conditions in deep
snow. Carefully weigh these factors when determining the
best time to harvest.

Depending on ground and forest conditions, logging

should generally be avoided from early spring to late July.
This avoids the potential for site damage (due to wet soils)
and disruption of breeding activities of birds and other
wildlife. The risk of bark damage to residual trees from
felling and skidding abrasions is also reduced; tree bark is
highly susceptible to wounding during periods when trees
are actively growing.

For information on careful logging practices for skidding and

harvest operations, refer to Section 7 and Section 8.

Wet, low-forested
areas should be
harvested when
the ground is
frozen or during
dry periods.

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 A Landowner’s Guide to Careful Logging

6) Logging equipment

It is very important to carefully match your choice of logging

equipment with the characteristics of the woodlot and the
objectives in your management plan.
Equipment choices Although it is the skill of the operator (and the care that they
also affect other take) that ultimately determines the condition of the forest
operational after logging, the appropriate equipment should be used
considerations for the volume of wood to be harvested. Smaller equipment
(such as the width generally leaves less of a footprint in the woodlot.
of a road’s right- However, while small equipment may be lighter and more
of-way) and maneuverable, it often requires significantly more trips to
construction costs. remove a given volume of wood than larger equipment
does. This repeated travel may result in compacted soils,
excessive rutting, basal scarring to trees and root damage.

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A Landowner’s Guide to Careful Logging

Section 3.0
3.0 Stream Crossings
Special care is required when planning, constructing and
abandoning stream crossings. This ensures safe operations,
controls costs, and protects water quality and the aquatic
environment.

Planning stream crossings Stream crossings

must be in
When planning stream crossings, try to minimize the
compliance
number and length of the crossings. This strategy will
with the federal
reduce costs and will minimize the risk for negative
Fisheries
environmental impacts on water quality.
Act and the
Locate potential crossing sites during the field Conservation
reconnaissance to lay out the road and trail network. Authorities Act.
Always investigate a number of potential crossing locations The Fisheries Act
to ensure that the best possible site is selected. makes it illegal to
harmfully alter,
When searching out potential crossing sites, look for areas disrupt or destroy
where the stream has a narrow and relatively straight fish habitat.
channel, a hard bottom and level or gently sloping banks. Before starting
any crossing,
Types of crossings
contact your local
Stream-crossing structures may be temporary or permanent. conservation
Temporary crossings that are used for a limited time reduce authority (CA)
the environmental impacts associated with the construction, or the Ontario
use and maintenance of a permanent crossing. Permanent Ministry of Naturl
crossings are constructed when long-term access is Resources (OMNR)
required. office (if there
is no local CA)
The most common types of crossing structures are culverts, for advice and
bridges and fords. The type of structure installed is permits.
determined by factors like stream size, peak water flow,
stream bed material, requirements for fish movement, other
aquatic habitat requirements, safety requirements and cost.

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 A Landowner’s Guide to Careful Logging

Crossing structures
Of all forest management activities, the installation, use and
Talk to removal of water and wetland crossings have the greatest
a local potential to impact water quality. Specific guidance on
forestry consultant locating and constructing water crossings is provided in the
or CA for sections below.
assistance in
determining the
type of crossing
or structure that is
most appropriate
to your
circumstances.

Rip rap or cobbles are larger stones used to stabilize

culverts and prevent water from undercutting the culvert.

Careful logging practices for locating and constructing

stream crossings
Regardless of the type of crossing or structure used, adopt
the following procedures:
✥✥ Locate
crossings where the soil is stable and not easily
eroded.
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A Landowner’s Guide to Careful Logging

Section 3.0
✥✥ Keep the crossing as short as possible, while ensuring
suitable abutment on each stream bank.
✥✥ Install the crossing at a right angle to the stream channel.
✥✥ Do not obstruct water flow or fish movement during the
construction.
✥✥ Construct road approaches to crossing structures using
fill instead of grubbing to minimize the potential for
erosion. Ensure that the “no-grub zone” is at least the
width of the riparian buffer zone (see Section 4). Keep
the approaches straight, level or gently sloping. Reduce
erosion or sedimentation by applying crushed rock or
gravel to the approach.
✥✥ Grade any exposed soil to a stable angle and protect it
from erosion by seeding and/or applying mulch.
✥✥ Use water bars, dips, cross drains or other diversion
structures to reduce erosion near the crossing site. (See
the sections below for guidelines on installing and
removing these structures.)
✥✥ Do not operate equipment in the stream during crossing
installation or removal.
✥✥ Inspect crossings periodically for structural safety. Ensure
that fish passage and water flow are not obstructed by
blockages.
✥✥ Avoid construction work during wet weather or when the
soil is saturated.
✥✥ Use rip rap to stabilize culverts and prevent undercutting
and erosion.

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 A Landowner’s Guide to Careful Logging

Fords are the least expensive type of stream crossing.

They should only be used during periods of low water
flow and where the stream bed is comprised of stable
material (i.e., rock or gravel).

Fords
A ford is the most basic and least expensive type of stream
crossing. A ford uses the stream bed as part of the road or
access trail.

CLPs for locating and using fords

Adopt the following careful logging practices:

✥✥ Locate ford crossings only where stream banks are

low and gently sloping and where the stream bed is
comprised of stable material (i.e., gravel or rock), with
good load-bearing capacity.
✥✥ Fish spawning beds often occur at or near good ford
crossings sites. Do not ford streams at these locations.

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A Landowner’s Guide to Careful Logging

Section 3.0
✥✥ Where the stream bed is less stable, use rocks, logs
or man-made materials (e.g., rubber mats) to support
equipment.
✥✥ Construct and use fords only during periods of low water
flow (i.e., when the water is less than 0.3 m deep).
✥✥ Keep equipment (that will use the ford) clean and well
maintained.
✥✥ Protect approaches to the ford with clean gravel, brush Obtain advice
mats or other temporary surfacing materials to minimize from your local
the amount of mud and debris, which may be dragged CA before
into the water by the equipment. placing any
✥✥ When abandoning the ford, ensure that all material used materials in a
to stabilize the stream bed is removed from the water. stream. Make
sure that materials
Additional information and guidelines for ford crossings are clean, will
are available on the Department of Fisheries and Oceans not erode and
(DFO) website http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/regions/ are non-toxic to
central/index-eng.htm. aquatic life.

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 A Landowner’s Guide to Careful Logging

Bridges
Bridges may be temporary or permanent. The cost of
installation and maintenance is directly related to the length
of time the structure will be used, the span it crosses and the
load it is intended to carry.

Using a bridge is the most effective means to protect water

quality. Bridges span the water, reducing the potential
for sedimentation during construction, maintenance and
abandonment.

All bridge designs

(portable and
permanent),
including
abutments, need
to be approved
by a professional
engineer.

Portable bridges are becoming increasingly popular

with landowners and loggers as they offer several cost
advantages. While initially more expensive than other
crossing structures, portable bridges can be reused and
are easier to install than traditional structures.

22
A Landowner’s Guide to Careful Logging

Section 3.0
CLPs for installing bridges
The following careful logging practices are recommended
for installing bridges:
✥✥ Set bridge abutments well back from the edge of the
stream.
✥✥ Construct the bridge higher than the approaching road
or trail to prevent surface runoff from draining onto the
crossing structure.
✥✥ Use solid decking to prevent debris from falling through
the deck into the watercourse.
✥✥ Where there is a risk of flooding, anchor temporary
bridge structures.

Culverts
Culverts can be installed as either temporary or permanent
structures to cross a permanent or intermittent stream.

CLPs for installing culverts

The same
Use the following careful logging practices to protect water
regulatory
quality when installing culverts:
requirements
✥✥ Size the culvert to handle peak water flow. Seek that apply to the
the advice of a forestry consultant to assist you in installation of a
determining the appropriate culvert size. water crossing
✥✥ Install the culvert during a period of low water flow. This may apply to
will reduce the impact on water quality and the potential its removal
for disrupting fish movement during culvert installation. (including the
removal of
✥✥ Ensure that any fill material used does not extend beyond
a temporary
the end of the culvert.
crossing).
✥✥ Install the culvert on compacted granular material. Ensure
that at least ten percent of the pipe diameter of the

23
 A Landowner’s Guide to Careful Logging

culvert is below the natural stream bed. This will facilitate

the movement of fish through the pipe.
✥✥ Use rip rap around the culvert inlet to prevent water from
eroding and undercutting the pipe.

Culverts must be set into the stream bed (bottom

illustration) to provide fish passage and reduce
environmental damage.

CLPs for abandoning a crossing

Landowners may wish to maintain water crossings
permanently to facilitate recreational activities or future
forest management operations in the woodlot. In other
circumstances, it may be advisable to remove the crossing
to prevent possible negative environmental impacts, arising
from the degradation of the crossing. Removing a crossing

24
A Landowner’s Guide to Careful Logging

Section 3.0
also helps prevent trespassing. A landowner may also
want to use the structure (e.g., portable bridge) at another
location.

In instances where a decision is made to remove a

crossing, it is important to ensure that the crossing is
properly removed and that the site is left in a suitable
condition to prevent water quality problems associated with
erosion and sedimentation. Use the following practices to
properly remove (close) a stream crossing:
✥✥ Remove the structure and all materials used in its
construction below the high-water mark.
✥✥ Ensure that water flow on roads and trails is dispersed
onto stable areas of undisturbed forest floor, away from
the stream.
✥✥ Use brush, hay, grass or other materials to stabilize any
exposed soil within the riparian buffer zone.
✥✥ Monitor the crossing site periodically after abandonment.
If erosion is occurring, take appropriate action, such as
seeding or applying mulch to exposed soils, regrading
and smoothing slopes to stable angles or applying
gravel or brush mats on crossing approaches.

25
A Landowner’s Guide to Careful Logging

Section 4.0
4.0 Working Around Water
In this guide, “water” includes lakes, rivers, streams,
intermittent streams, open wetlands, woodland pools,
seeps and agricultural drains. Special care and attention
is required when cutting timber adjacent to water as these
areas (known as riparian areas), are particularly sensitive
to site disturbance. This section of the guide provides CLPs Care
for harvesting near open water and wetlands; Section 8 should
provides CLPs for harvesting in treed swamps. be taken
when
Harvesting activities in riparian areas can take two working in treed
approaches: riparian areas may be left and not harvested, swamps (e.g.,
or modified cutting may occur. The modified approach stands of silver
establishes buffer zones allowing some trees to be maple, cedar,
harvested while protecting and enhancing the ecological black ash). Refer
functions and habitats of riparian areas. to Section 8 for
more information.

When working in or around wetlands

and water, know which laws (e.g.,
Fisheries Act, Conservation
Authorities Act) apply to your situation. Permits
and/or timing restrictions may also apply. Contact
your local CA (or OMNR office if there is no local CA)
for information and guidance.

Woodland pools are temporary pools of water that

generally appear in the spring (vernal pools) from
snowmelt or heavy rains; they sometimes appear in the
fall of the year (autumnal pools).

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 A Landowner’s Guide to Careful Logging

Establishing buffer zones

The decision whether to establish a riparian buffer resides
Seek the with the landowner. This decision should be made after
advice due consideration of existing legislation and recognition of
of a forestry the ecological functions of riparian areas (wildlife habitat,
consultant or CA maintenance of water quality and quantity, wildlife travel
when establishing corridors, etc.). Also, the impacts of the planned harvesting
buffer zones. system and physical site conditions (e.g., soil type, slope,
type and size of the water body, sensitivity of the fishery,
flow characteristics, etc.) should be considered.

trees, shrubs and

other plants
forest floor
(leaf litter,
wood, debris, stream
and organic bank
soil)
normal high water
steeper slope gentle slope
stream (narrower)
(wider)
channel
buffer zone

Limiting the impact to the bank of the watercourse, forest floor, trees and
other vegetation within the buffer area will help maintain the health of the
riparian area and the water quality. The width of the buffer area along the
watercourse is determined by the slope of the bank (i.e., steeper slopes [left]
have a wider buffer area; gentler slopes [right] have a narrower buffer).

28
A Landowner’s Guide to Careful Logging

Section 4.0
It is common practice in forestry to establish a buffer with
two distinct zones.

1. Immediately adjacent to the water’s edge, a no-

disturbance zone is maintained where the forest floor
and vegetation are left undisturbed.

2. O
 utside of the no-disturbance zone, a larger buffer area
is maintained where cutting is modified and equipment
access is limited. (Refer to CLPs for Working around
water and open wetlands and Maintaining forest cover
in buffers for guidance).

Together, these zones function to reduce the potential for

negative environmental impacts on the riparian area, on
the water and on watercourses (e.g., lake, stream, open
wetland, spring, etc.).

The water flowing from a seep is true groundwater, not surface

runoff, and its temperature will generally remain relatively constant
year-round. They are typically found along lower slopes and
are very susceptible to soil compaction and rutting from logging
equipment or ATVs.
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 A Landowner’s Guide to Careful Logging

CLPs for establishing buffer zones around water and

open wetlands
Adopting the following CLPs will assist in protecting water
quality and riparian and aquatic habitats.
✥✥ Forlakes, rivers and streams, adopt the buffer zone
guidelines presented in Table 1. Within the buffer,
immediately adjacent to the water’s edge, maintain a
minimum 3-m no-disturbance zone. In the remainder of the
buffer, modify harvest operations by limiting equipment
access and maintaining a minimum canopy closure. Buffer
zones should be measured from the high-water mark.

Table 1: Recommended Buffer Zone

Widths Based on Slope
(degrees) for Watercourses
Slope (degrees) Buffer Zone
Width (metres)
0-8.5 30 m
8.6-16.7 50 m
16.8-24.2 70 m
>24.2 90 m

✥✥ For open wetlands (i.e., bogs, fens and marshes),

woodland pools, agricultural drains and intermittent
streams, adopt a 15-m buffer zone. The width of the
buffer should be measured from the high-water mark.
Within the buffer, immediately adjacent to the feature’s
edge, maintain a minimum 3-m no-disturbance zone. In
the remainder of the buffer, modify harvest operations by
limiting equipment access and by maintaining a minimum
canopy closure.

30
A Landowner’s Guide to Careful Logging

Section 4.0
✥✥ To
protect seeps, adopt a minimum 3-m no-disturbance
zone of undisturbed vegetation adjacent to the feature.

Streams have defined channels and banks and may flow

year-round (perennial) or only during part of the year
(intermittent).

CLPs for working around water and

open wetlands
Timber harvesting can occur in riparian buffer zones with
little negative environmental impact, provided that some
basic guidelines are adhered to and that operations are
conducted with care.

Use the following CLPs to protect water and soil quality

when logging in a riparian area:
✥✥ Log only during periods when soils are dry or frozen to
avoid rutting and erosion.
✥✥ Limit machine travel in the buffer to minimize soil
disturbance and erosion. When feasible, use cables and
a winch to extract timber.

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 A Landowner’s Guide to Careful Logging

✥✥ When cutting, keep felled trees and slash out of the

water. Avoid damaging the shoreline or exposing soils,
which may erode into the water.
✥✥ Avoid locating roads and landings in the buffer zone
(except to access a water crossing).
✥✥ Do not allow ditches or other water diversion structures
to drain directly into the wetland or watercourse. Divert
runoff onto undisturbed areas of the forest floor.
✥✥ Properly close all roads and trails leading into the buffer
zone (see Section 7).
✥✥ Do not fuel, service or wash equipment near water.

Maintaining forest cover in buffers

It is important to maintain adequate tree cover within the
buffer zone. Cutting too many trees can lead to dramatic
changes in the composition and structure of the forest.
This may adversely affect the quality and quantity of water
entering the riparian area, resulting in sediment entering the
aquatic feature and altering the hydrologic function of the
riparian area.

Trees also deposit leaves, twigs and other organic material

and debris into the water, providing habitat, cover and food
for aquatic life. Reductions in the amount of these materials
reaching the water can alter food supplies and habitats for
fish and other aquatic life.

Depending on the silvicultural prescription, it is

recommended that a minimum of 50 to 70 percent canopy
closure (trees greater than ten m in height) be maintained
within the modified area of the buffer zone.

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A Landowner’s Guide to Careful Logging

Section 4.0
It is
important
to maintain
a minimum of
50 to 70 percent
forest canopy in the
buffer area. This illustration
provides an aerial view
showing pre-harvest conditions of
90 percent canopy closure (left) and
after harvest, showing 60 percent canopy
closure (right).

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 A Landowner’s Guide to Careful Logging

CLPs for wetland crossings

Cross wetlands only when absolutely necessary and only
after assessing the feasibility of all other options.

Where crossings are necessary, exercise good judgment

and care when locating and constructing crossings. Use the
following careful logging practices to plan and construct
wetland crossings:
✥✥ Schedule harvest operations to cross wetlands when the
ground is frozen.
✥✥ The crossing installation should not restrict surface or
subsurface water movement in the wetland.
✥✥ Use water-diversion structures to divert water off trails and
roads, so they do not drain directly into the wetland.
✥✥ Monitor the crossing site periodically after abandonment.
If erosion is occurring, take appropriate action.

34
A Landowner’s Guide to Careful Logging

Section 5.0
5.0 Access Roads
The factors that determine the type and number of roads
required for harvesting operations include: topography,
stand conditions, use of adjacent land, silvicultural system
and the type of logging equipment to be used.

Poorly planned and built forest access roads can create the
most lasting disturbance effect, associated with logging, in
the woodlot.
Improper
construction
practices can
result in erosion
problems,
environmental
degradation
and higher road
maintenance
costs.

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 A Landowner’s Guide to Careful Logging

Types of access roads

Access roads may be temporary or permanent. Temporary
roads are least expensive to build. Permanent roads are
built to a higher standard for year-round use and are much
more expensive to construct and maintain.

Woodlot owners and loggers can save money and

reduce the potential for negative environmental impacts
by using old access roads and trails in the woodlot. Walk
these roads and trails to determine: 1) if their layout can
meet current needs; and 2) if their locations comply with
today’s more rigid environmental requirements with respect
to crossing wetlands and other sensitive areas. Also, as
a cost savings and environmental protection measure,
consider using agricultural fields adjacent to the woodlot as
substitutes for roads, trails and landings.

If new roads must be built, save money and protect the

environment by building the shortest road possible, with the
fewest number of water crossings. However, recognize that
longer skidding distances increase the potential for stand
and site damage during operations. This can also increase
the cost of logging, and reduce revenues for the landowner.

Be sure to budget adequate funds for road construction and

maintenance. Roads that are well- built and maintained will
reduce logging costs by:
✥✥ allowing trucks to haul heavier loads for longer periods of
time (i.e., all seasons);
✥✥ allowing trucks to safely travel faster, reducing haul times
and increasing efficiencies; and
✥✥ reducing road and vehicle maintenance costs associated
with travel wear.

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A Landowner’s Guide to Careful Logging

Section 5.0
CROWNED ROAD
Surface drainage
cut (slope)

cross drainage

Shaping the road (crown) will help move water off

the road surface. This will keep the surface dry and
structurally sound, prolonging periods of use and the
service life of the road.

CLPs for access road construction

Walk the proposed road and trail network with your
consultant and logging contractor before construction starts.
During this field assessment, do the following:
✥✥ Take note of any old roads, trails or natural openings
that could be incorporated into the road network or used
as landings.
✥✥ Keep in mind the logging equipment and trucking
requirements of the operation.
✥✥ Locate and mark control points, such as landings, steep
slopes or rock outcrops.
✥✥ Try to locate roads on well-drained soils and gentle slopes.
✥✥ Ensure that road and trail locations avoid unstable
slopes/soils and areas where grades are in excess of
ten percent.

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 A Landowner’s Guide to Careful Logging

✥✥ Ensure that all potential water or wetland crossing

locations meet environmental protection criteria. (See
Section 3 and Section 4 for guidance.)
✥✥ Identify all construction or erosion control requirements
(i.e., the need for cut and fill or drainage structures).

culvert extends
beyond toe of hill

2:1 slope
2
1
(30°

inlet headwall
stabilize inlet
and outlet

flow dispersed at outlet culvert at +/- 30° angle

Cross-drainage culverts are used to move water from

a ditch on one side of the road to a ditch on the other
side. Ensure the culvert is sized to handle peak flows and
is properly sloped. Other guidelines for proper culvert
installation procedures and requirements are provided in
the illustration.

Consider the following careful logging practices when

planning and building forest access roads:
✥✥ Permanent roads should be planned and constructed
far in advance of being used. As a general rule, roads
should be built, then allowed to season for a winter and
spring prior to use.
✥✥ Locate temporary winter roads in lowland areas and
avoid hills.

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A Landowner’s Guide to Careful Logging

Section 5.0
✥✥ Locate temporary summer roads on sites with high load-
bearing capacity (i.e., on coarse textured soils).
✥✥ Construct roads with a slight slope (one to two percent).
Where grades are steeper, use diversions to move water
off the road surface.
✥✥ Shape the road with a crown, an inslope or an outslope
to drain water off the road.
✥✥ Construct the road and ditches in one operation.
✥✥ Keep excavated material out of ditches and ensure
that it will not erode into watercourses. Use temporary
sediment barriers as required to minimize erosion.
✥✥ Stabilize permanent road surfaces with gravel, crushed
stone or other material to help shed water and increase
the road’s load-bearing capacity.
✥✥ Compact and shape fill to reduce erosion, minimize
settling and increase load-bearing capacity.
✥✥ Corduroy soft areas on temporary roads with a brush
mat or unmerchantable wood to prevent rutting, ponding
and erosion.
✥✥ Keep road widths to a minimum.
✥✥ When crossing agricultural fields, beware of field tile.
When necessary, cross fields parallel to the direction of
the tile. Also, following the edge of the field will avoid
most of the drainage tiles.
Corduroy
trail

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 A Landowner’s Guide to Careful Logging

Grass and stone stabilized ditch U-shaped, grass stabilized ditch

Ditches carry runoff from the road surface and uphill areas. Ditches that are
U-shaped (right) or flat bottomed (left) are preferred over steeper V-shaped
ditches because they are more stable and promote slower water flow. It is
important to keep ditches clear of debris to protect the road from flooding
and erosion.

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A Landowner’s Guide to Careful Logging

Section 5.0
Water diversions and drainage structures
Water diversions (water bars, broad-based dips, berms,
ditches and cross-drain culverts) are used to divert water
away from the road surface and to control water flow
along the surface of a road. Install sufficient water
diversions to move water off the road. This will protect the
road surface and structure. Construct the diversions so that
they divert water to undisturbed areas of the forest floor,
rather than directly into water or wetlands. Monitor the
diversions periodically to remove blockages and ensure
that they are functioning properly.

ditch flow directed

into forest

flow dispersed at
outlet with rock
and/or slash

Never allow ditches (or other water diversions) to Ensure that all
drain directly into water. Ensure that the diverted water water diversions
flows onto a filter area of undisturbed forest floor, well and water
away from the riparian area or watercourse requiring crossings are
protection. constructed
to a standard
There are a number of erosion control methods that can compatible with
be adopted to control erosion and sedimentation during planned logging
harvest operations. Illustrations and guidelines for various equipment and
water diversion structures and erosion control techniques loads.
are presented in this Section and in Section 7.
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 A Landowner’s Guide to Careful Logging

Sedimentation controls
When constructing water crossings or diversions, it is
important to minimize the risk of sediment getting into water
or filter areas. Techniques and guidelines for sedimentation
control are illustrated in the photographs below.

Silt fences can be used to minimize sedimentation during

crossings or construction of water diversions. Ensure that
the fencing material is secured to stakes and that fencing
fabric is buried to a depth of at least ten cm on the
upslope of the fenceline.

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A Landowner’s Guide to Careful Logging

Section 5.0
Hay bales can be used as a temporary sediment barrier
to prevent newly exposed soil from entering water or
buffer areas. The photo above shows a barrier made of
straw bales and a silt fence.

CLPs for road maintenance

Proper maintenance will protect your road and water
quality. Use the following CLPs to maintain road surfaces
and to extend the service life of your road:
✥✥ Avoid using roads during periods of prolonged rain or
thawing.
✥✥ Regularly inspect and clear blocked ditches and
drainage structures. Replace damaged or failing culverts.
✥✥ Grade roads to maintain their surface shape. Try not to
mound surface material along the road’s edge because
this will cause ponding and/or channel water onto the
road surface.
✥✥ Clear vegetation along a road’s right-of-way for safety
and to ensure proper drying of the right-of-way.

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 A Landowner’s Guide to Careful Logging

It is important to monitor water crossings to prevent

possible negative environmental impacts, arising from the
degradation of the crossing.

CLPs for road closures and retirements

Landowners may wish to maintain roads permanently to
facilitate recreational activities or future forest management
operations in the woodlot. Alternatively, landowners may
elect to close or retire roads in the woodlot to prevent
negative environmental impacts, such as erosion and
sedimentation. This will also help to reduce trespassing and
costs associated with road maintenance.

Abandoned and closed roads can contribute significantly

to erosion and to sedimentation problems when they are
not retired correctly. Most erosion problems occur within
two years of the road closure, prior to the road naturally
revegetating.

Implementing proper road abandonment procedures will

help protect the road surface and drainage structures for
future use.

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A Landowner’s Guide to Careful Logging

5Section 5.0
Adopt the following careful logging practices when
abandoning or retiring access roads:
✥✥ Remove all temporary drainage and stream crossings.
✥✥ Ensure that crossing materials are not left in the stream
and that the stream banks are stable.
✥✥ Shape road surfaces as necessary to maintain surface
drainage.
✥✥ Construct water bars or other water diversions where
surface runoff or cross drainage may cause erosion or
sedimentation.
✥✥ Ensure that permanent drainage structures are functional
and free of debris. Monitor these periodically.
✥✥ If necessary, construct berms or other barriers to restrict
road traffic in the woodlot. Any berms or barriers
constructed for this purpose should be built in a manner
that does not pose a safety hazard.
✥✥ Stabilize and seed areas where the soil is exposed.

For long-term
access a bridge is
the most effective
means to protect
water quality.
Bridges span the
water, reducing
the potential for
sedimentation
during
construction,
maintenance and
abandonment.

45
Landings are the hub of a logging operation. Good planning and
proper construction of the landing can improve logging productivity.
A Landowner’s Guide to Careful Logging

Section 6.0
6.0 Log Landings
Log landings are cleared areas where wood is piled,
sorted or stored before being loaded onto trucks.

Special care must be taken when planning, constructing

and using landings to ensure safe operations and to
minimize disturbance to the residual stand and the
environment. If landings are not located properly or are
poorly constructed, large areas of soil may be exposed or
disturbed, leading to erosion and sedimentation problems.

Hazardous materials, such as fuel and lubricants, are often

stored at landings. Routine machine maintenance and
equipment repairs also take place at these sites. Care must
be taken to ensure accidental spills do not occur.

Proper planning will ensure that the size and location of

the landing is compatible with the harvesting system (e.g.,
harvest hauling and loading equipment) and environmental
requirements in the woodlot (e.g., landings should not be
located near water).

Upon completion of operations, landings should be

decommissioned. These sites can be reforested or seeded
to reduce erosion. They can also be left as an open area
for wildlife or future logging operations.

To help reduce the loss of productive land and wildlife

habitat, try to minimize the size and number of landings.
The number and spacing of landings is mainly a function
of local site conditions, access roads and logging/hauling
equipment requirements.

Depending on operational requirements, it may be feasible

to pile wood on the road right-of-way, rather than to
construct a new landing. If new landings are required,

47
 A Landowner’s Guide to Careful Logging

consider locating them in adjacent agricultural fields or in

Check natural woodlot openings. Whenever possible, use landings
with from past harvesting operations.
your local
municipality or Identify landing locations before road construction or
neighbour for harvesting begins. Investigate a number of potential
permission to use locations to ensure the best possible site(s) for the operation
open lands, such is selected.
as fields and road CLPs for constructing and using landings
allowances, for
landings. The following careful logging practices should be
considered when constructing and using landings:
✥✥ Landings should be located by the logger and reviewed
and approved by the landowner before operations begin.
✥✥ Landing locations should be clearly marked prior to
operations.
✥✥ Construct landings well away from water, buffer areas
and other sensitive sites. Select locations with firm, well-
drained soils. If required, use temporary water barriers
(e.g., hay bales) to limit erosion when constructing or
using the landing.
✥✥ Lay out skid trails and roads so that water cannot flow
into or out of the landing. Use water bars, berms or other
structures to prevent water from entering or exiting the
landing. (Refer to Section 5 and Section 7 for information
on water diversions).
✥✥ Minimize soil disturbance when constructing landings.
Simply clearing vegetation, rather than bulldozing down
to mineral soil, will aid in the rehabilitation of the site after
operations.
✥✥ Maintain the landing surface to keep water from ponding
or channeling.

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A Landowner’s Guide to Careful Logging

Section 5.0
✥✥ After significant rainfall, allow the landing to dry
before using it.
✥✥ Minimize the amount of wood waste at the landing
and leave as much woody material as possible at
the felling site.
✥✥ Keep a spill kit on site to soak up any lubricant spills
or leaks. (See Section 8).
✥✥ Keep the landing clean and clear of garbage and
debris.

CLPs for landing abandonment

Adopt the following careful logging practices to stabilize
the landing after operations:
Landings that
✥✥ Stabilize the site and prevent erosion by allowing the are seeded and
landing to regenerate naturally or by applying seed, maintained as
mulch or other materials. open areas can
✥✥ Plant grasses or shrubs to revegetate the landing, with a be reused with
view to future use, or to provide wildlife food and cover. minimal cost and
It may be necessary to prepare the landing site for effort. Seeded
planting to ensure an adequate seed bed. landings also
✥✥ Monitor the landing site periodically for erosion
provide browse
and cover for
problems and maintain as necessary.
wildlife.
✥✥ Landings in agricultural fields should be cleared of all
logging debris (e.g., blading off or using debris as
firewood) at the end of harvest operations.

49
A Landowner’s Guide to Careful Logging

Section 7.0
7.0 Skid Trails
Skid trails are used to move cut timber from the stump to
the landing. Repeated trips are often made on the same
skid trail; loggers must use care and skill to avoid rutting,
erosion and damage to residual trees in the woodlot.

Many of the planning principles and operational practices for

forest access are applicable to planning and using skid trails.
Landowners
CLPs for planning and locating skid trails should require
Planning skid trails is an important task and requires an the logger to
understanding of the silvicultural objectives associated with lay out the main
the harvest. It is also important to have an understanding skid trails before
of the limitations and capabilities of the harvest equipment cutting begins.
and to be familiar with the terrain and soil conditions of All trail locations
the woodlot. should be subject
to the landowner’s
review and
approval.

Proper skid trail

layout improves
the efficiency of the
logging operation,
reduces the risk
of damage to the
residual stand
and soil and
minimizes the loss
of productive forest
When planning skid trails, keep in mind that the amount in the woodlot.
of logging damage is directly proportional to the number
of trails. A skilled logger can minimize the number of trails
and significantly reduce the potential for site and stand
damage.
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 A Landowner’s Guide to Careful Logging

Adopt the following CLPs when planning and laying out

skid trails:
✥✥ Whenever practical, locate trails outside of the woodlot
or use existing trails when they provide good access to
the harvest area.
✥✥ Lay out skid trails to minimize the total number of trails,
number of water crossings and skidding distances. If
possible, place trails on the top of topographic contours.
This will prevent erosion problems and provide safer
operating conditions.
skid trail
water bars

slash to disperse flow

Install water bars to move water off the skid trail or

access road. They are cost effective, and if properly
placed and constructed, will provide adequate cross
drainage and surface drainage. Construct dips deep
enough to provide adequate drainage and wide
enough to provide for the safe passage of vehicles and
equipment. Placing gravel or crushed stone on the dip
and mound is recommended to improve stability.
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A Landowner’s Guide to Careful Logging

Section 7.0
✥✥ Ensure
that the location of main skid trails tie into any
proposed or existing log landings and access roads.
✥✥ Before
cutting begins, flag main trails and identify any
areas where additional skid trails may be required or
where skidding may be restricted or problematic.
✥✥ Layout new trails to access the harvest area by the most
direct route.
✥✥ Be sure tree marking is complete before laying out skid Landowners can
trails in the field. This will ensure that the skidder will
assist logging
access the cut in an efficient manner and minimize the
contractors when
potential for stand damage (by limiting machine travel
skid trails are
through areas of unmarked timber).
being planned
✥✥ Agood rule of thumb is to space skid trails at least 30 m by providing a
apart. This spacing permits the winching of trees and property map
reduces the amount of machine travel needed. showing areas
✥✥ Confine skid trails to where trees have been designated where trails
for harvest. should not be
located (e.g.,
✥✥ Keep main trails straight or gently curving.
seeps and other
✥✥ Locate secondary and tertiary trails so they intersect main wet areas).
trails at angles of less than 45 degrees.
✥✥ Keep all trail widths to a practical minimum to avoid
unnecessary timber losses, recognizing that trails that are
too narrow will increase the potential for residual tree
damage.
✥✥ Avoid steep grades. This will reduce site damage.
✥✥ When trail slopes are greater than five percent, plan to
install drainage structures or water diversions and use
soil stabilization practices (i.e., brush mats) to reduce
erosion and runoff.

53
 A Landowner’s Guide to Careful Logging

hump forces water out of trail

slash and/or rocks to

disperse water
skid hump

Natural humps in the terrain (skid humps) can be used to help divert water
from skid trails. The hump forces water out of the trail. The placement of rocks
or slash at the lower end of the hump will assist in dispersing water onto the
forest floor.

✥✥ Use low-value trees or trees that are marked for harvest as

bumper trees. Bumper trees will cushion standing timber
and regeneration from damage by skid loads that track
off the centre of the trail.
✥✥ To avoid any misunderstandings about where machine
traffic should not occur, it is recommended that
landowners discuss skid trail locations with their forestry
consultant and logger before harvesting begins.

CLPs for skidding operations

Refer to Section 8 for recommended careful logging
practices for skidding.

54
A Landowner’s Guide to Careful Logging

Section 7.0
CLPs for skid trail abandonment or retirement
When operations are finished, use the following CLPs to
retire the trails:
✥✥ Back-blade and/or repair all trails as necessary.
✥✥ Install and/or maintain water bars or berms as
necessary to control for erosion.
✥✥ Seed any disturbed areas that may be vulnerable to
erosion. Allow other areas to regenerate naturally.

Landowners may elect to close or retire roads and/or trails after the
harvest operations are completed. When retiring a road or trail areas
of exposed soil should be stabilized and seeded to minimize erosion and
sedimentation problems.

55
A Landowner’s Guide to Careful Logging

Section 8.0
8.0 Logging Operations
Although some damage to the site and residual trees
during logging is inevitable, it is possible, through careful
logging practices, to minimize the amount of damage in
your woodlot. Proper planning and care during operations
can help minimize damage to soil, the residual stand and Know the laws
water quality. and permit
Care and due diligence during operations also reduces requirements
safety risks and will leave the woodlot in better condition that apply to
for other uses after logging is finished. your situation.
Contact your local
Harvest-related legislation in Ontario municipal office,
CA or OMNR for
Legislation affecting timber harvests on private land is
information.
summarized in Appendix 1. Landowners and loggers
should be aware of all applicable legislation and
regulations prior to starting logging operations. Legislation
and regulations may include, but are not limited to, the
following: Fisheries Act, local forest conservation bylaws,
Environmental Protection Act, Occupational Health and
Safety Act, Endangered Species Act, Species at Risk Act,
Migratory Birds Convention Act, Forest Fire Prevention Act Safety is the legal
and the Conservation Authorities Act. obligation of both
the landowner
Recommended CLPs for logging operations and the logger.
Landowners may
There is no substitute for carefully planned and conducted
be held liable for
operations. Careful planning will help maximize safety,
logging accidents
protect the residual stand, protect the environment and
that occur on their
reduce costs. Before any cutting starts, plan the harvest
property. Know
according to the recommendations provided in Section 2.
your obligations
If you plan to contract the logging or sell standing timber, when hiring a
meet with the logger on site before cutting starts. This contractor.
will give you an opportunity to review your expectations

57
 A Landowner’s Guide to Careful Logging

with the logger and discuss any issues or logging-related

concerns (e.g., damage guidelines, no-cut zones, etc.).
Good communication before and during operations will
lead to better results.

Once work starts, monitor operations on a regular basis for

site and stand damage and adherence to the harvest plan
and management plan. Monitoring should be done with the
logging contractor.

Logging damage
Improper logging and skidding techniques can result in
lasting damage to the stand and site. After logging, a
minimum of 90 percent of the good-quality, residual stems
should be free of major damage. Skilled loggers and
operators can achieve a higher damage-free standard
(e.g., 95 percent). Appendix 3 provides information
and guidelines on how to conduct a logging damage
assessment and determine the level of damage to residual
trees in the woodlot.

Careless
skidding
can result in
damaging
good-quality,
residual trees.
Skilled loggers
can achieve a
damage-free
standard of 95
percent during
operations.

58
A Landowner’s Guide to Careful Logging

Section 8.0
CLPs for felling timber
Professional training and competence is the key to reducing
damage in the woodlot.

Loggers should use the following careful logging practices

when felling timber:
✥✥ Atthe start of operations, remove hazard trees as a
preliminary safety precaution.
✥✥ Use directional felling techniques to fell trees away from
trees you wish to keep.
✥✥ Limband top trees where they fall. This practice reduces
residual damage during skidding, and the slash provides
a source of nutrients as the materials decompose.
✥✥ Leave unmerchantable slash in the harvest area. This
will help to maintain soil productivity, scatter seed for
regeneration and provide cover and food for wildlife.
✥✥ Minimize the amount of debris and slash arising from
operations by using all marketable wood. Cut stumps as
low to the ground as possible.
✥✥ Removeseverely damaged trees in the understorey to
promote safety and woodlot health.
✥✥ Cutting
should start at the back of the harvest block and
proceed in an orderly fashion toward the landing.
✥✥ Treesshould be felled, aligned with the direction of
skidding (i.e., butts toward the skid trail and at angles
no greater than 45 degrees).
✥✥ Ensuregood communication between the cutter and
skidder operator. This is a must for productive skidding
and to ensure that all felled trees are utilized.

59
 A Landowner’s Guide to Careful Logging

An excess of skid trails can damage residual trees and

reduce the growth potential and the future value of
timber. Too many trails also diminish aesthetics and may
compromise the ecological functions of the woodlot.

CLPs for skidding operations

Loggers should use the following careful logging practices
when skidding timber:
✥✥ Use low-value trees, stumps or boulders as bumpers to
protect the residual crop.
✥✥ Remove large side branches from cut trees before
skidding.

60
A Landowner’s Guide to Careful Logging

Section 8.0
Directional felling (using a wedge) will fell trees away
from regeneration and other valuable trees. It will also
assist in aligning trees for skidding and will reduce
swing damage to residual trees.
✥✥ Avoid unnecessary skidder travel within the stand and
buffer zones by using a winch to collect felled trees. Use
a winch to pull down lodged trees or to retrieve trees on
steep slopes.
✥✥ Back the skidder toward the load on side trails, rather
than circling around the load from behind to pick up
wood.
✥✥ Avoid skidding when the soil is saturated. During periods
of prolonged rain, stop operations until the soil dries.

61
 A Landowner’s Guide to Careful Logging

Skidding during the early spring or late fall, when there is excessive
moisture in the ground, can do irreparable damage to your woodlot.

✥✥ Avoid skidding through wet spots.

✥✥ For winter operations, mark stream channels and existing
culvert locations before snowfall.
✥✥ Use slash or brush mats on skid trails to minimize soil
When harvesting
in a treed swamp compaction and rutting and to disperse water on trails.
a permit may be ✥✥ To reduce equipment wear, extend machine life and
required under reduce physical site damage, do not overload equipment.
the Conservation ✥✥ The winch cables on the skidder should have a minimum
Authorities Act. of 20–25 m (75 ft.) of main line.
Contact your
local CA for more CLPs for harvesting treed swamps and forested lowlands
information. Treed swamps and forested lowlands are sensitive
ecosystems because of their high- or potentially high-water
tables, shallow rooting depths and poor drainage. A rise
62
A Landowner’s Guide to Careful Logging

Section 8.0
in the water table can occur after logging, which may
negatively affect the residual stand (e.g., cause tree
mortality or decline, windthrow, etc.).

The decision to log these sites should be carefully

evaluated as these areas may provide important Seek
hydrological functions in the woodlot and important fish or the
wildlife habitat. advice
of a
Should a decision be made to harvest, adopt the following forestry consultant
CLPs to minimize site damage: or your local
✥✥ Restrict
CA to determine
timber harvesting to periods when the ground is
whether logging
frozen or dry.
in a treed swamp
✥✥ Contain skid trails to as small an area as possible and
or lowland is
minimize the number of trails.
ecologically
✥✥ Use low-pressure, high-flotation tires or wide tracks when
appropriate.
possible so that excessive damage to the residual stand
will not occur.
✥✥ Use logging slash, mats or other techniques to reduce
soil compaction and rutting.
✥✥ Keep skidder loads light when rutting is evident.
✥✥ Maintain a minimum of 70 percent canopy (closure of
trees greater than ten m in height) to avoid changes to
the water table.

63
 A Landowner’s Guide to Careful Logging

Harvesting when
the ground is
frozen and
placing slash on
skid trails will
help minimize
soil disturbance.

CLPs for woodlot aesthetics

Landowners can take several steps to ensure that logging
operations maintain or enhance aesthetic values and wildlife
habitat in their woodlots. To soften the visual impact of the
cut, adopt the careful logging practices outlined below:
Make sure that
all terms and ✥✥ Lop tops and slash down to 1m or less in height in high
conditions are visibility areas of the woodlot.
clear at the time ✥✥ Leave primary skid trails free of debris.
of the timber ✥✥ Harvest highly damaged trees (i.e., broken tops,
sale. There may excessive bark loss, leaners). Leave other damaged trees
be additional for wildlife.
costs associated
with some CLPs for wildlife habitat protection or enhancement
measures needed
to improve the Small woodlots are habitat for many species of plants and
aesthetics of the animals. Harvesting operations that are well-planned and
harvest site. -conducted can result in greater diversity of habitat through
a better mix of older and younger trees and the retention of
a diversity of tree species. This will result in your woodlot
being more attractive to many wildlife species.

64
A Landowner’s Guide to Careful Logging

Section 8.0
Wildlife management objectives are typically identified
in the woodlot management plan and in the stand
management prescription. On the ground, wildlife
values are protected by the proper delivery of
tree-marking guidelines and/or the establishment of
buffers or no-cut zones.

Some habitats may be enhanced by cutting strategies that

promote the regeneration of species that provide food
or cover. Slash from the logging operation may also be
an important source of food and cover for many wildlife
species (e.g., food for white-tailed deer during winter).

Stick nests are

an important
feature for
wildlife
because they
may be used
repeatedly.

65
 A Landowner’s Guide to Careful Logging

Some wildlife species are highly sensitive to disturbance

The and require the establishment of buffers or timing restrictions
Ontario during the nesting and breeding season to ensure breeding
Ministry of success. It may also be important to avoid logging in or
Natural Resources’ around sensitive habitats. Landowners should be aware of
website features vulnerable wildlife living in their woodlot.
an extensive To protect and/or enhance the wildlife potential of the
series of wildlife woodlot, consider adopting the following CLPs:
management
guidelines and a ✥✥ Try not to schedule harvests during the critical breeding/
list of endangered nesting season of raptors and songbirds (generally from
species (see early spring to late July).
Appendix 2). ✥✥ To provide critical habitat for a number of wildlife species,
retain a minimum of six quality cavity trees, eight berry
or nut-bearing trees and ten conifers per ha. Additional
guidelines for retaining super canopy trees, conifers in
a hardwood stand, hardwoods in a conifer stand, etc.,
are available in the Ontario Tree Marking Guide (see
Appendix 2).
Cavity trees are
living, dying or
dead trees that
contain one or
more holes or
cavities. Cavity
trees are used
by wildlife for
a variety of
purposes: nesting
and raising young,
denning, roosting,
resting, feeding,
caching food,
escaping predators
and hibernating.

66
A Landowner’s Guide to Careful Logging

Section 8.0
✥✥ Retain a diversity of species and age classes in the
woodlot for wildlife habitat, cover and food.
✥✥ Rehabilitate areas prone to erosion by seeding or
planting shrubs that wildlife can use for food and cover.

CLPs for handling and disposing of

hazardous materials Know the laws for
The proper storage, handling and use of oils, fuel, using, transporting,
lubricants and other hazardous materials during logging handling and
is critical for the protection of human health and the disposing of
environment. hazardous
materials, their
Use the following careful logging practices when dealing containers and
with hazardous materials: wash waters.
✥✥ Designate specific areas for equipment fueling and
maintenance. When selecting these sites, choose areas
that are level and situated well away from water or
wetlands.
✥✥ Have a spill kit on site at all times and ensure that all
workers know how to use it. At a minimum, the kit should
contain a shovel, plugs and clamps to control leaks in
hydraulic lines, a container to catch leaking fluids and
absorbent material to soak up fuel leaks.
✥✥ In the event of a lubricant or fuel spill, place any
For assistance with
contaminated earth in a sealed container and dispose of spills of hazardous
it at an approved facility. materials, call the
✥✥ Ensure that waste lubricants and their containers Ontario Ministry of
are stored in leak-proof containers until they can be the Environment’s
transported off site for reuse, recycling or disposal at an Spills Action
approved site. Centre Hotline at
✥✥ When possible, use biodegradable oils and lubricants in 1-800-268-6060.
your equipment to reduce risks to the environment.

67
Stabilize exposed soils by seeding grasses to minimize erosion. Native,
non-invasive grass species are preferable. When selecting a seed mixture,
consider factors such as site condition, soil moisture, time of year, degree of
shading and how quickly the soil needs to stabilize.
A Landowner’s Guide to Careful Logging

Section 9.0
9.0 Post-Harvest
After harvesting operations, it is important for the
landowner or logging contractor to leave the woodlot in
the best condition possible.

At the end of harvest operations, the following careful

logging practices will help to ensure that future problems
will not develop.

CLPs for closing out harvest operations

Take the following steps to close out harvest operations:

✥✥ Remove all garbage from the harvest area.

✥✥ Stabilize any exposed soil (i.e., on landings, road cuts,
trails, etc.), that may be prone to erosion, with seed or
mulch.
✥✥ Smooth or fill in any ruts and install water diversions
(water bars) on skid trails, roads and landings where
erosion may be a problem.
✥✥ Remove all temporary water crossings and stabilize
banks as required.
✥✥ If your woodlot is used by the public, post signs warning
of alterations to trails and roads.
✥✥ Inspect the harvest site periodically to ensure that your
erosion control measures remain effective. Maintain
these controls as required.
✥✥ Update your woodlot
management plan
(new inventory) and
monitor the effectiveness
of the treatment.

69
Specialized cut-to-length mechanical harvesters are often used in
conifer plantation thinning operations.
A Landowner’s Guide to Careful Logging

appendix 1
Appendix 1: Legislation and Regulation
This section describes some of the relevant federal and
provincial legislation and regulations affecting harvesting
operations on private forestland in Ontario. It is not a
complete list and is intended for information purposes only.

Detailed information and copies of the legislation and

regulations outlined in this guide are available online at
http://laws.justice.gc.ca (federal government) and at
http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca (provincial government)
websites.

Federal laws
Fisheries Act – Under the Act, it is illegal to alter or destroy
fish habitat. In southern Ontario, conservation authorities
(CAs) may be responsible for administering the Act.

Migratory Birds Convention Act – Under the Act, it is

illegal to damage, destroy, remove or disturb migratory
bird nests without authorization. The intent of the Act is to
provide regulations for the protection and conservation of
migratory bird populations, individuals and their nests.

Navigable Waters Protection Act – Under the Act, an

approval (permit) is required to construct a bridge over a
navigable watercourse. The bridge must not interfere with
or endanger navigation of the watercourse.

Species At Risk Act (SARA) – Under the Act, it is illegal

to destroy flora or fauna species that are designated
as species at risk. The Act was created to protect flora
and fauna species from becoming extinct by ensuring
sound management of species at risk and protecting their
habitats.

71
 A Landowner’s Guide to Careful Logging

Provincial laws
Conservation Authorities Act – Under Section 28 of the
Act, conservation authorities may require landowners to
obtain a permit to change or interfere in any way with
existing channels of a river, creek, stream, watercourse or
wetland. A permit may also be required to develop (i.e.,
construct any structures such as culverts, bridges or roads) in
or adjacent to river or stream valleys, the shorelines of large
inland lakes, watercourses, hazardous lands and wetlands
to confirm that the control of flooding, erosion, dynamic
beaches, pollution or the conservation of land, are not
affected.

Beds of Navigable Waters Act – Under this Act, the Crown

retains ownership and rights to the beds of navigable
streams, rivers and water bodies.

Boundaries Act – A legislative mechanism to confirm, certify

and register with local land registry offices the location of
property boundaries.

Bridges Act – Approval (permit) from the Ontario Ministry of

Transportation is required to build, replace or alter a bridge
over a river or stream.

Crown Forest Sustainability Act – Under the CFSA,

timber on private land may be reserved for the Crown for
harvesting and disposition.

Endangered Species Act (2007) – Provides for the

protection and recovery of species at risk and their habitat
in Ontario.

Environmental Protection Act – This Act requires that spills of

hazardous materials be reported to the Ontario Ministry of
the Environment and that spill sites be promptly cleaned up
and the environment restored.
72
A Landowner’s Guide to Careful Logging

appendix 1
Fish & Wildlife Conservation Act – This Act provides for
the protection and conservation of “specially protected”
wildlife species and migratory birds.

Forestry Act – Section 10 of the Act specifies that trees

growing on boundary lines between properties are the
common property of the adjacent landowners. Mutual
consent is required to cut such trees.

Forest Fire Prevention Act – This Act and its regulations

have requirements aimed at reducing forest fires and
ensuring public safety. The Act and its regulations permit
the OMNR to restrict activities within restricted fire zones
and specifies fire equipment requirements for logging.

Lakes and Rivers Improvement Act – This Act requires that

a permit be obtained for any activity that increases the flow
of, holds back or diverts water.

Municipal Act (2001) – Municipalities may prohibit or

regulate the destruction or injuring of trees in woodlands
designated in bylaws. Sections 135–140 deal specifically
with tree cutting. When developing bylaws, municipalities
shall have regard to good forestry practices as defined
in the Forestry Act. They can require a permit for the
destruction or injuring of trees. Permits may impose
conditions including how trees are cut and qualifications of
persons authorized to cut. Bylaw officers can order cutting
to stop. Not all municipalities have forest conservation
bylaws.

Occupational Health and Safety Act – The main purpose

of the Act is to protect workers from health and safety
hazards. It sets out the rights and duties of all parties in the
workplace or on the work site.

73
 A Landowner’s Guide to Careful Logging

Occupiers’ Liability Act – This Act requires that the owner of

a property do what is reasonable to ensure persons entering
property are not injured or endangered.

Professional Foresters Act – This Act establishes the Ontario

Professional Foresters Association as the professional body
that regulates and governs the profession of professional
forestry in Ontario. The Act sets out the scope of practice for
professional foresters and establishes a complaint committee
to deal with issues, such as complaints of professional
misconduct or unskilled practice.

Public Lands Act – This Act requires that a permit be

obtained before any work is done that may impact the beds
of lakes, rivers and streams. Activities such as dredging and
filling in near-shore areas on private land may require a
permit.

Surveys Act – Only members of the Association of Ontario

Land Surveyors may offer legal boundary surveying services
to the public in Ontario.

74
A Landowner’s Guide to Careful Logging

appendix 2
Appendix 2: S
 ources of Information and Assistance
1. Aerial Photography, Maps and Forest Resource Inventory

National Air Photo Library

The National Air Photo Library in Ottawa has a collection
of aerial photographs and maps available
for purchase.
615 Booth Street,
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0E9
1-800-465-6277
www.airphotos.nrcan.gc.ca
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources
The Information Centre in Peterborough sells an extensive
line of maps and related products and information,
including Ontario Base Maps, aerial photos and Forest
Resource Inventory Maps.
Address listed under organizations.
1-800-667-1940
http://themnrstore.mnr.gov.on.ca
Conservation Authorities
Many conservation authorities have maps and aerial
photographs for lands within their watershed. Check your
local telephone directory or visit the Conservation Ontario
website www.conservationontario.ca.

2. Organizations

Conservation Authorities (Conservation Ontario)

www.conservationontario.ca
Eastern Ontario Model Forest
P.O. Bag 2111
Kemptville, Ontario K0G 1J0
www.eomf.on.ca
(613) 258-8241

75
 A Landowner’s Guide to Careful Logging

LandOwner Resource Centre

3889 Rideau Valley Drive, Box 599
Manotick, Ontario K4M 1A5
http://www.lrconline.com
(613) 692-3571
Ontario Forestry Association
200 Consumer Road, Suite 701
North York, Ontario M2J 4R4
www.oforest.on.ca
1-800-387-0790
Ontario Forestry Safe Workplace Association
690 McKeown Avenue
North Bay, Ontario P1B 9P1
www.ofswa.on.ca
(705) 474-7233
Ontario Professional Foresters Association
P.O. Box 91523, 5 Wesleyan St. #201
Georgetown, Ontario L7G 2E2
www.opfa.ca
(905) 877-3679
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
Information Contact Centre
1 Stone Road
Guelph, Ontario N1G 4Y2
www.omaf.gov.on.ca
1-877-424-1300
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources
Information Centre
Box 7000, 300 Water Street
Peterborough, Ontario K9J 8M5
www.mnr.gov.on.ca
1-800-667-1940

76
A Landowner’s Guide to Careful Logging

appendix 2
Ontario Stewardship
www.ontariostewardship.org
Ontario Woodlot Association
275 County Road 44
Kemptville, Ontario K0G 1J0
www.ont-woodlot-assoc.org
1-888-791-1103
Forest Services Directory and the Woodlot Marketplace
www.ontariowoodlot.com

3. Recommended Reference Material for Careful Logging

Practices and Woodlot Management

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (OMNR)

• A Silvicultural Guide to Managing
Southern Ontario Forests
• A Silvicultural Guide for the Tolerant
Hardwood Forest in Ontario
• A Silvicultural Guide for the Great Lakes-
St. Lawrence Conifer Forests in Ontario
• Forest Management Guidelines for the Protection
of the Physical Environment
• Guide to Stewardship Planning for Natural Areas
• Ontario Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program
(MFTIP) Guide
• Ontario Tree Marking Guide
• Timber Management Guidelines for the
Protection of Fish Habitat
Extension Notes Series: User-friendly fact sheets on
a variety of resource management topics including
agroforestry, financial aspects, forests, insects and pests,
water and wetlands and wildlife.

77
 A Landowner’s Guide to Careful Logging

The OMNR also has a series of guides on forest

practices to protect and improve wildlife habitat,
watersheds and other values. See the publications
section on their website.
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
• A Guide to Improving and Maintaining Sugar Bush
Health and Productivity
• Buffer Strips
• Best Management Practices Agroforestry Series –
Volume 1 Woodlot Management
• Farm Forestry and Habitat Management
• Fish and Wildlife Habitat Management
Canadian Model Forest Network
Copies of the following documents are available online
at www.modelforest.net/cmfn/en/ (under publications).
• Best Management Practices: Contractors Working
in Nova Scotia
• Eastern Ontario Model Forest: Code of Forestry
Practice
• Fundy Model Forest: Best Management Practices:
A Practical Guide for New Brunswick’s Private
Woodlots
• Lake Abitibi Model Forest: Manual for
Environmentally Responsible Forestry Operations
in Ontario: A Practical Guide Towards Sustainable
Forestry Operations
Ontario Woodlot Association
• A Landowner’s Guide to Selling Standing Timber
The OWA website www.ont-woodlot-assoc.org has
a series of articles and information related to woodlot
management. The Forest Services Directory on the
website www.ontariowoodlot.com lists consultants and
contractors providing forestry services.
78
A Landowner’s Guide to Careful Logging

appendix 2
4. Recommended U.S. Reference Material and Sources
of Information

• A Guide to Logging Aesthetics. Practical Tips for

Loggers, Foresters, and Landowners
www.nraes.org/publications/nraes60.html
• Best Management Practices for Forestry:
Protecting Maine’s Water Quality
http://maine.gov/doc/mfs/pubs/bmp_manual.htm
• Landowner’s Guide to Building Forest Access Roads
(NA-TP-06-98) http://www.na.fs.fed.us/SPFO/
pubs/stewardship/accessroads/accessroads.htm
• New York State Forestry Best Management
Practices for Water Quality
http://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/37845.html
• Temporary Stream and Wetland Crossing
Options for Forest Management (General
Technical Report NC-202)
http://www.ncrs.fs.fed.us/epubs/gtr202/
ncgtr202pt1.pdf
• A Forest Landowner’s Guide to Internet Resources:
States of the Northeast
This guide (updated biannually) is a compendium
of websites and online publications, fact sheets
and brochures covering just about every topic on
forest stewardship a woodlot owner may require.
Although this is an American publication, it also
provides links to online resources in Canada and
Ontario. Some of the topics covered include:
recreation, wildlife, forest health, management
planning, silviculture, timber sales, etc. This guide
can be downloaded from the USDA’s website at
http://www.na.fs.fed.us/pubs/misc/flg/.

79
The forwarder seen in this photograph is equipped with wide tracks to
provide better floatation and minimize site damage (e.g., compaction).
A Landowner’s Guide to Careful Logging

appendix 3
Appendix 3: Logging Damage Guidelines
After logging, a minimum of 90 percent of the good-quality
residual stems should be free of major damage. Skilled
loggers and operators can achieve a higher damage-free
standard (e.g., 95 percent) during operations. Table 2
presents recommended guidelines for assessing logging
damage to residual trees.

Walk through the harvest area to get a preliminary

indication of the level of logging damage. If there is no
damage or only minor occurrences, then there is no need
to conduct a more formal damage appraisal.

Should an appraisal be warranted, do a random sample

using a strip cruise sampling technique. Ensure your
sample covers all areas where logging harvest operations
occurred. Take measurements where damage occurs along
the sample line (including areas where your survey line
intersects with skid trails). Do not sample along skid trails,
in landings, on roads or outside of the cut area.

To conduct the assessment, walk a straight line through the

harvested area and count all trees (greater than ten cm in
diameter at breast height) on either side of your line (e.g.,
a ten-m strip). To calculate the percent damage, count all
trees in the strip and note trees that are damaged. Based
on this tally, calculate the percent damage (i.e., for a 50-
tree count with five damaged trees, the percent damage is
ten percent. Therefore, 90 percent of the sample was free
of damage).

During the assessment, take note if some of the damaged

trees were used as bumper trees, whether damage is
confined to lower-quality trees (this sometimes happens
if the logger felled or skidded trees towards these trees

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in order to protect those of higher value) or if damage is

concentrated on higher-quality stems (unscrupulous loggers
may damage better quality trees in order to harvest them).

Additional information on how to conduct a logging

damage survey is provided in A Landowner’s Guide to
Selling Standing Timber. A good reference for general
information on planning and conducting forest sampling is
Making Cents out of Forest Inventories: A Guide for Small
Woodlot Owners, available from the LandOwner Resource
Centre (see Appendix 2).

Table 2: Guidelines for Assessing Logging Damage

Type of Injury A wound or injury is considered major when:
Bark scraped off: Trees 10-31 cm diameter at breast height (DBH)
Any wound greater than or equal to the square of the
DBH (i.e., for a 10-cm tree a major wound is greater
than 100 cm2)
Trees 32+ cm DBH
Any wound greater than 1,000 cm2
Note: Wounds on yellow birch (or ground contact
wounds on other species) are considered to be major
at 60% the size of the above for all size classes (i.e.,
60 cm2 for a 10 cm DBH tree or 600 cm2 for any
tree 32+ cm DBH).
Broken branches More than 33% of the crown is destroyed.
Root damage More than 25% of the root area is destroyed or
severed.
Bole of tree broken off Any tree.
Bent over Any tree tipped noticeably.
Source: OMNR. 1998. A Silvicultural Guide for the Tolerant Hardwood Forests in Ontario.
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Queen’s Printer for Ontario, Toronto. 500 pp.

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Glossary of Terms

glossary
Agricultural drains. Man-made drainages, which may
include sections of natural streams. These drainages
may support fish populations and require care and
consideration in forest management planning and
operations.
Back-blade. To grade level a landing, road, skid trail, etc.
so they are smooth and free of ruts.
Basal area. The area, in square metres, of the cross-
section of a tree measured 1.3 metres above the ground.
For a stand of trees, the basal area is the sum of all the
individual tree basal areas on a given area of land.
Basal scarring. Small or large tree wounds (bark
abrasions) found at the base of a tree caused by poor
felling and skidding operations.
Berm. A low mound or bank of earth constructed in the
path of flowing water to divert its direction.
Blazes. To mark a tree by cutting the bark. Forest
properties often are delineated by blazing trees along the
boundary lines.
Broad-based dip. A surface drainage structure specifically
designed to drain water away from an access road, while
allowing vehicles to maintain normal travel speeds.
Brush mat. Material placed on soft ground to minimize
rutting or compaction when heavy machinery is used.
Buffer. A designated zone or strip of land of sufficient width
used to shield one area from another. Commonly used
around a stream or water body to minimize the entrance of
sediments into the water body.
Bumper tree. A low-value tree used to protect standing
timber and regeneration from damage by skid loads
tracking off the skid trail centre.
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Canopy. The layer or multiple layers of foliage at the top or

crown of the trees in a forest stand.
Canopy closure. The degree to which the canopy blocks
sunlight from the forest floor in a given area.
Certified tree marker. The Ontario Ministry of Natural
Resources provides tree marking certification training.
Participants are field tested and successful trainees are issued
a certificate endorsing their skills as a certified tree marker.
To maintain certification, a tree marker must attend and
successfully complete a refresher course every five years.
Clearance certificate. A document issued by the Workplace
Safety Insurance Board (WSIB) that provides verification that
a business, contractor or subcontractor is registered with
and has an account in good standing with the WSIB.
Clear-cutting harvest/cutting system. The removal of all the
trees in one harvest; usually regenerates to an even-aged
forest.
Contour line. A line drawn on a map connecting points
with the same elevation. The steeper the slope, the closer
the contour lines.
Corduroy. Logs placed side by side transversely over a
wet area to reinforce the natural root mat for the purpose of
minimizing the risk of settlement.
Crown. A convex road surface that allows runoff to drain to
either side of the road. Or, the branches and foliage of the
upper portion of a tree.
Culvert. A buried metal, plastic or concrete pipe that allows
water to flow under a road or trail.
Cut and fill. Earth-moving process that entails excavating
part of an area and using the excavated material for
adjacent embankments or fill areas.

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Cutter-Skidder Operator Program. In accordance with

glossary
the Occupational Health and Safety Act all cut-and-skid
loggers must complete and be registered in the Cutter-
Skidder Operator Program.
Cut trespass. Unapproved cutting of trees on a
neighbouring property.
Directional felling. Felling trees so that they fall in a
predetermined direction that will cause the least damage to
standing timber or the site.
Drainage structure. Any device or land form constructed to
intercept and/or aid surface water drainage.
Erosion. The incorporation and transportation of soil
particles by wind, water or ice.
Felling. The act of cutting down a standing tree.
Ford. A low-water crossing where you ford or drive through
the watercourse. Fords are an alternative to culverts on
roads and trails and are only used in limited, specific
circumstances.
Grubbing. Removal of stumps, roots and vegetable
matter from the ground surface after clearing and prior to
excavation.
Harvest. The process of cutting and removal of trees from a
forested area.
High-water mark. The point on the bank or shore up to
which the presence of water is so continuous that it leaves
a distinct mark, either by erosion, destruction of vegetation
or other easily recognized characteristic.
Inslope. A road design feature that slopes the road surface
toward the inner or uphill side of the road to facilitate
drainage.

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Intermittent stream. A stream that, under average

precipitation conditions, only flows a part of the year. These
streams may or may not have a defined bed and banks of a
permanent nature.
Landing. The area where timber is collected, cut up and
sorted into various products prior to loading for transport.
Leaner. A tree that leans excessively.
Lodged tree. A tree leaning against another tree which
prevents it from falling to the ground.
Main line. A braided wire or a synthetic fibre cable that is
attached to the winch on the skidder, used to pull trees from
where they were felled to the main skid trail for skidding to
the landing.
Mulch. A natural or artificial layer of plant residue or other
materials covering the soil that conserves moisture, holds
soil in place, aids in establishing plant cover and minimizes
temperature fluctuations.
No-disturbance zone. A strip of vegetation left intact along
a lake, stream, wetland, etc. during and after logging.
Outslope. A road design feature to shape the road surface
to cause drainage to flow toward the outside shoulder
(opposite of inslope).
Peak water flow. The highest flow level of a watercourse
which will recur with a stated frequency.
Prescription (stand prescription). A stand prescription is a
planned treatment of a forest site designed to change the
current stand structure or condition to one that meets forest
management objectives.

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Residual tree/stem. Individual trees retained after a

glossary
harvest.
Rip rap. A layer of rock or other large aggregate that
is placed over soil to protect it from the erosive forces
of flowing water (e.g. to protect stream banks, bridge
abutments, inflow end of a culvert, etc.).
Rutting. A depression made by the passage of a vehicle or
equipment.
Riparian area. The area where land and water meet.
It is a transition zone containing upland and aquatic
vegetation, soils and a variety of wildlife habitat unique to
these areas.
Sediment. Solid material, both mineral and organic, that is
in suspension and being transported from its site of origin
by forces of air, wind, water, gravity or ice.
Seeps/seepages. Typically found along lower slopes, they
are small areas where groundwater discharges slowly; the
soil will remain saturated for much of the growing season.
The water flowing from a seep is true groundwater, not
surface runoff.
Selection harvest/cutting system. Individual trees or groups
of mature and/or unhealthy trees are harvested on a
selective basis. Most trees are retained, and a variety of
age classes are present in the forest following harvest. An
uneven-age stand results.
Shelterwood harvest/cutting system. A harvesting method
in which trees are harvested in two or more successive cuts
to provide seed or protection for regeneration. An even-
age stand results.

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Silt fence. A temporary barrier used to trap sediment-laden

runoff from small areas.
Silviculture. The art and science of controlling the
establishment, growth, composition and quality of forest
vegetation for a full range of forest management objectives.
Silvicultural System. Described by the harvest method
used, the systems consist of a planned series of treatments
for tending, harvesting and re-establishing a forest stand.
The three main systems used in Ontario are selection,
shelterwood and clear-cutting.
Skidding. The process of moving (skid/drag) logs or felled
trees from the stump to a landing.
Skid humps. A small natural bump (hump) in a skid trail that
diverts surface water runoff from the trail to minimize soil
erosion.
Skid trail. A temporary nonstructural trail for logging
equipment to drag or carry felled trees or logs to the
landing.
Slash. Any tree tops, limbs, bark and other wood debris left
after a timber harvest.
Slope/grade. Degree of deviation of a surface from the
horizontal, measured as a numerical ratio, as a percent
or in degrees. Expressed as a ratio, the first number is the
horizontal distance (run) and the second number is the
vertical rise.
Spill kit. An emergency kit that contains an assortment
of absorbents designed to absorb oil, coolants, solvents
hydraulic fluids, etc, as well as repair putty and plugs, used
to contain and clean up small leaks and minor spills.
Stand. An aggregation of trees that is uniform enough in
species composition, age or condition to be distinguishable
from other parts of the forest in adjoining areas.

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Stream. A watercourse that flows year-round, has a

glossary
defined channel and banks and is relatively continuous and
connected with larger surface water.
Treed swamps. Are wet, wooded areas where standing
water occurs for at least part of the year. Swamps tend to
have more woody plants than are found in a marsh.
Tree marking. The careful process of selecting trees to be
cut under a shelterwood or selection cutting system, based
on good forestry practices and a prescription.
Water bar. A shallow transverse trench or mound of earth
(berm) constructed across a trail or road to divert surface
water flow towards the roadside ditch or into a dispersion
area.
Wedge. A small plastic or metal device inserted into the
saw cut to prevent a tree from falling backwards, used in
directional felling and to prevent the chainsaw bar from
being pinched.
Wetland. Land that is permanently covered by shallow
water or land where the water table is at or near the
surface. Swamps, fens, bogs, marshes and seeps are all
considered wetlands in this guide.
Windthrow. A tree pushed over by wind.
Woodland pools. Are temporary pools of water that
generally appear in the spring (vernal pools) from snowmelt
or heavy spring rains and sometimes also form in the
fall of the year (autumnal pools). They are found in small
depressions in the forest and generally have no defined
inlet or outlet.

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