fact alternative forest uses sheet rhode …3 fact rhode island conservation management practices...

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INTRODUCTIONApproximately 55 percent of Rhode Island

is forested, however this resource is beinglost and fragmented by intense developmentpressure. Due to the small size, low produc-tivity, and short ownership tenure of forestedparcels in Rhode Island, the production of tra-ditional wood products often isn’t feasible.Alternative uses may be an option forlandowners who wish to actively manage theirproperty and may provide an additional incen-tive for large landowners to retain their land.

Managing for Alternative Forest Uses mayprovide new ways for landowners to generateincome; at least enough to pay property taxesand may have the potential to develop into asmall business. This compliments other DEMprograms, preventing fragmentation of forestlandand promotes sustainability, and is meeting theneeds of the current population without compro-mising the resource for future generations.

There is a series of brochures and factsheets available on each of the subjects below.To access these resources on-line, go to the RIDEM website (www.state.ri.us/dem), click onPrograms, then on Division of ForestEnvironment, and then on Alternative ForestProducts. There is also a link atwww.rifco.org. You can download the factsheets, or link to other websites and suppli-ers for more information. For printed versionsof these fact sheets, contact the RI Divisionof Forest Environment at (401)647-3367, orRIFCO at (401)568-3421.

EDIBLE PRODUCTS

Mushrooms Collecting wild mushrooms is a traditional

family activity in many cultures. The mostcommon wild gathered mushrooms in RhodeIsland are varieties known as honey mush-rooms and chicken of the woods. The mostimportant steps when gathering wild mush-rooms are to either go with someone who isexperienced in identifying mushrooms, and/orconsult reliable publications.

Some varieties of mushrooms, like shiitakeand oyster, can be cultivated. Basic steps forgrowing these mushrooms include obtainingspawn, preparing the logs, introducing thespawn to the logs, and keeping the logs cooland moist until the fungi colonize the log toform mushrooms.

Maple SyrupThe warm days and cool nights in late

February and early March stimulates the sap toflow in maples. Maple syrup has been used asa sweetener on and in foods for generations.

Making maple syrup involves tappingtrees, collecting the sap, and processing itinto syrup by evaporating off the water. Largetrees (over 10 inches in diameter) with large,well- formed crowns may be tapped to harvestthe sap. Either buckets or plastic tubing canbe used to collect the sap. Processinginvolves boiling the sap in an evaporator toboil off water and concentrate the sap intosyrup. It takes about 40 gallons of sap to pro-duce one gallon of maple syrup.

Most of the syrup produced is made innorthern New England and Canada by tappingsugar maple trees. Although sugar maple isuncommon in Rhode Island’s forests, redmaple can also be used. Norway maple (animported species) is also used since manyplanted in the past as ornamentals are nowlarge and accessible for tapping. The sugar con-tent of red and Norway maple sap is lower andthe tapping season shorter than sugar maple.

Alternative Forest UsesFACTSHEET

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SHEET Alternative Forest Uses

MEDICINAL PRODUCTS

GinsengGinseng is an herb that has been used for

centuries for medicinal purposes, especially inAsia. Its use in the US, as well as other partsof the world, has increased dramatically withheightened interest in alternative medicine.Native ginseng has been decimated in Chinawhere high prices have led to the collection ofplants even before they are large enough toproduce seed.

Ginseng is native to the eastern U.S.,growing in fertile, moist woodland soils as anunderstory plant. Ginseng can also be grownby cultivation in fields or under forest condi-tions. Forest-grown ginseng is also referred toas “wild simulated” ginseng because the for-est environment, with partial shade and aminimum of site disturbance, approximatesnatural conditions. Growing “wild simulated”ginseng involves raking back the forest litterand broadcasting seed. This type of produc-tion is only appropriate on the most ideal soilconditions. Although ginseng grown by thismethod takes longer to reach maturity (8 to10 years), it is more valuable, thus selling forhigh prices comparable to those attained forwild ginseng.

Witch HazelWitch hazel is one of the key components

in many present-day topical ointments. Thetwigs and bark from witch hazel, a plantnative to Rhode Island woodlands, are usedto produce distillate. Witch hazel plant is asmall tree, rarely over twenty feet tall. It is aslow growing tree which tolerates shade andis usually found growing in the understory ofhardwood forests on fertile, moist soils.

Witch hazel plants are harvested in late falland early winter, and are then chipped andboiled. The steam produced from this boilingprocess goes through a separator to a condens-er, where it becomes astringent. There are sev-eral contractors who purchase and harvest rawwitch hazel from local forests. It is chipped andthen transported to Connecticut for processing(American Distilling, East Hampton, CT).

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SHEETRhode Island Conservation Management Practices Guide

SPECIALTY PRODUCTS

Floral GreeneryFloral greenery has a rapidly expanding mar-

ket. There are a variety of forest grown floralproducts that are used for decorative arrange-ments such as wreaths, backdrops for floralarrangements, and bouquets. Conifer boughsare popular holiday decorations and are mainlymade from white pine and balsam fir. Marketsboom during the holiday season with the sale ofwreaths, garland, and swags. Princess pine,holly, and mountain laurel are native plants thatare used for decorative purposes. Foliage canbe harvested on a sustainable basis every twoto three years. Although land is not usuallymanaged solely for the purpose of producingfloral greens, it can be achieved in conjunctionwith other objectives, like thinning a pine forestto increase tree growth.

Florist shops and local specialty shopsare the most promising markets for forestgrown floral greens. Market prices vary withplant species and product quality

Specialty Wood ProductsSpecialty wood products includes trees, or

parts of trees, that are not usually consideredvaluable as forest products. This could be due totheir species and form, or that the volume is sosmall that traditional harvesting operations arenot economically viable. However, these rawmaterials can be turned into valuable products byskilled artisans! The product list is lengthy andquite diverse, but all crafts are unique. Items likefurniture, carvings, musical instruments, bowls,baskets, table tops, walking sticks, wooden bats,and other crafts are among the many products.

There are two strategies for forestland own-ers; one is to manufacture the products them-selves, the other is to sell wood or wood “debris”from the land to small woodworking businesses.Marketing prices vary with location and the targetmarket. The product quality, demand and productavailability all influence profitability.

RECREATIONAL USE OFFORESTLAND

As public recreation areas become morecrowded, the use of private land is becomingmore enticing to people seeking solitude anda “back to nature” experience. Recreationaluse of forestland includes leasing land forhunting and fishing, as well as charging feesfor other outdoor activities like cross-countryskiing, horseback riding, hiking or mountainbiking.

Charging fees for using private land is nota new concept; there are well developed mar-kets for hunting leases in the southern U.S.Ski areas in northern New England havedeveloped into four season recreational areasfeaturing a variety of activities. The economicviability of this type of enterprise depends onthe type of land and its location, as well asthe scope of services offered. Huntingrequires large acreage and high quality habi-tat for wildlife. Fishing requires access toponds or streams. A well developed trail sys-tem is essential for dispersed recreation,such as hiking, cross-country skiing, trail bik-ing, or horseback riding. An option forlandowners with small acreage could be towork cooperatively in order to create largeracreage with more extensive trail system.

The issue of liability makes landownersreluctant to grant access to their property forany type of recreation. In Rhode Island,landowners are granted limited liability (RIGL32-6-3) for land available for free public recre-ational use. Liability insurance is a necessityfor any commercial enterprise. This may beavailable as a rider on your homeowners poli-cy. A lease or another small form of writtenagreement is advisable to spell out the termsof using the property.

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SHEET Alternative Forest Uses

Prior to deciding upon an AlternativeForest Business, make sure you con-sider the following:

SITE ASSESSMENTSYour forest land must be compatible with

your product of interest. Soils, slope, vegeta-tion, and access are only a few of the consid-erations. Please refer to the fact sheet onsite assessments available through the RIDEM Alternative Forest Uses Program andincluded in the RI Conservation ManagementPractices Guide.

MARKETING YOUR PRODUCTSA marketing plan is essential for a suc-

cessful product-oriented business. How willyou sell what you grow? What is the cur-rent potential, or can you create a newmarket for your product? Business planstypically include a marketing component,and you can get help with a business planthrough agencies such as the RI RuralDevelopment Council.

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RESOURCES & PUBLICATIONS:

Websites & Organizations:

RI DEM website on Alternative Forest BasedBusinesseswww.state.ri.us/dem/programs, click onDivision of Forest Environment, click onAlternative Forest Uses

No. American Mycological Association:www.namyco.org (503) 657-7358

“Learning to Grow American Ginseng”, byMountain Top Farmswww.mountainfarm.com/ginstart.htm

www.hort.purdu.edu/newcrop

American Association of Woodturners:www.woodturner.org

Ocean Woodturners (RI Chapter of AAW):(401) 789-9037

National Wood Carvers Association:www.chipchats.org PO Box 43218, Cincinnatti,OH 45243.

Publications:

RI DEM Fact Sheets: (download fromAlternative Forest Based Businesses web-site, obtain the CD that includes .pdf fileswith these fact sheets, or contact RIDivision of Forest Environment at(401)647-3367 for a copy)Producing Maple SyrupGrowing GinsengCultivating MushroomsHunting Leases on Private LandsEvaluating Your Land

No. American Maple Syrup Producer’sManual. Ohio State University. (614)292-1607

The Herb Hunter’s Guide – AmericanMedicinal Plants of CommercialImportance. A.F. Sievers, USDA Publication #77.Available online atwww.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/HerbHunters

This Alternative Forest Uses fact sheet is part of the RI Conservation Management Practices Guidebookproduced by the RI Forest Conservator’s Organization (RIFCO). For your complete binder set of the

Guidebook, contact RIFCO at (401) 568-3421, PO Box 53, No. Scituate, RI 02857, or visit www. rifco.org.

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all their programs and activities on the basis of race,color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or family status.

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INTRODUCTION:The World’s climate comes from the inter-

action of solar radiation from the sun and theblanket of gases surrounding the earth knownas the atmosphere. These natural gases inthe atmosphere act like a roof in a green-house, allowing the sun’s light in while pre-venting all the heat from escaping. This natu-ral phenomenon that makes the earth inhabit-able to life as we know it is known as the"Greenhouse Effect." Through the burning offossil fuels, human activities are altering thechemical composition of the atmosphere.

The increase of greenhouse gases, includ-ing carbon dioxide, in the atmosphere fromfossil fuels allow less of the energy generatedby the sun to be released back into spaceand causes more of the heat to be trapped inthe earth’s atmosphere. Many believe this iscausing global warming where the earth’stemperature is rising which in turn is changingprecipitation patterns, soil moisture and sealevels.

The ability of trees and plants to "tie up"carbon dioxide as woody carbon is nowreferred to as carbon sequestration and car-bon sink. It is thought that this is one way tolimit and even decrease the amount of carbondioxide in the atmosphere and reverse theglobal warming trend. Other strategiesinclude cleaner energy, increases in energyefficiencies, and recapturing and reusinggreenhouse gases that would otherwise beemitted into the atmosphere.

When a tree grows it goes through aprocess called photosynthesis whereby car-bon dioxide (CO2) is taken from the atmos-phere and water (H2O) from the wet earth,then using heat energy from the sun, makeswood and oxygen (O2). This process is illus-trated in Figure 1.

Most of the oxygen is released to theatmosphere so we and other animal life willhave healthy air to breathe. These processesare the most fascinating aspects of the plant-animal life cycle.

There is an important and direct relation-ship between the pounds of carbon dioxidetaken from the air and water from the earth,and the pounds of oxygen put into the air andthe pounds of wood grown. The more thetree grows, the more oxygen is created in theair, as shown in Figure 1 above. Since therate of air cleansing is related to tree growth,in pounds of wood, oxygen generation isgreatest when tree growth is greatest orfastest.

Carbon Sequestration

Figure 1

FACTSHEET

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SHEET Carbon Sequestration

When trees (wood) are allowed to burn ordecay, the cycle shown in Figure 2 occurs.

This is the reverse of what happens inFigure 1. In this degenerating process, thetrees turn the oxygen from the air and woodinto carbon dioxide and water. This processdirties up the atmosphere adding excess car-bon dioxide to that generated by fossil fuelenergy and heat conversion that we need. Dotrees that lie there and rot on the forest flooror go up in flames in a forest fire really makesense when we have worldwide concerns aboutexcessive carbon dioxide in the atmosphere?

SO WHAT IS BEING DONE?

In December of 1997, the Kyoto Protocolfor reducing greenhouse gas emission wasformulated. This required industrialized coun-tries to reduce its emission of greenhousegases by the period of 2008-2012 to a specif-ic level related to 1990 emissions. The KyotoProtocol allows for industries and companieswithin a country that are not able to meettheir reduction goals through other means toacquire and use carbon credits to come intocompliance. Land use projects thatsequester additional carbon will result in car-bon credits or carbon offsets. Activities suchas planting trees, agro-forestry, increasingtree growth rates, or changes in farming prac-tices to increase carbon retention in the soil(such as no-till methods) all have the poten-tial to create credits.

WHAT CAN LAND OWNERS DO TO HELP?

The Growth versus Age graph, shown inFigure 3 below, illustrates the approximategrowth of most forest trees as they gothrough their life cycle.

Figure 2

Figure 3

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This growth is in pounds of wood in thetree. The growth is highest when the line issteepest as per the segment identified as"Greatest Growth."

Back to the question, "What can landown-ers do to help?" One way we can retain thegreatest atmospheric gain is to hold the for-est inside the Greatest Growth range. Wehave known for years how to manage the for-est for greatest growth by thinning and, insome species, clear-cutting the forest.

The key to long-term sequestration is tolock up the carbon; that is to make somethingout of the wood which prevents it from goinginto the reverse natural cycle by decay or fire.Herein lies the question, "Do trees that liethere and rot on the forest floor or go up inflames in a forest fire really make sensewhen we have worldwide concern aboutexcessive carbon dioxide in the atmosphere?"

Our forests are capable of more oxygenconservation than we are achieving with someof our political influences. If we let our forestprofessionals manage the forest to the public’sadvantage, we could reduce the problems ofmany unhealthy forests, catastrophic forestfires, and attack the greenhouse effect prob-lem of excessive carbon dioxide in the air. Inthe process, people would get to use the woodproducts for homes, school books, newspapersand even some wood derivative medicines.

A Rhode Island Greenhouse Gas ActionPlan was recommended. For a land use proj-ect to create carbon offset (credits) it mustmeet eligibility requirements which can becomplex. In determining if a land use projectwill create carbon credits (offsets), the qualifi-cations of existing carbon and flow (both inand out) for the area must be determined.This needs to be accomplished for both thebaseline, natural conditions, and for the pro-posed project to determine the net increasein carbon storage. The evaluation processcontains a number of different steps thatneed to be followed; it is recommended thatyou contact a professional forester to help.

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Websites:

U.S. Dept. of Energy siteswww.carbonsq.com

www.science.doe.gov

csite.esd.ornl.gov/scott.pdf – EconomicallyViable Forest Harvesting Practices ThatIncrease Carbon Sequestration

Dept. of Energy’s Voluntary Reporting ofGreenhouse Gases Programhttp://www.eia.doe.gov/oiaf/1605/frntvrgg.html

Details on the Kyoto Protocol are availableon: www.unfccc.int

Reports & Articles

For a copy contact RIFCO at 401.568.3421

How to Estimate Carbon Sequestration ofSmall Forest TractsHoover, Birdsey, Heath, & Stout. 2000.Journal of Forestry 98 (9): 13-19

RI Greenhouse Gas Action Plan Phase I: Developing a GHG ReductionFramework2001. Tellus Institute. Development ofOptions: Scoping Paper for the WorkingGroup on Transportation and Land-Use.


This Carbon Sequestration fact sheet is part of the RI ConservationManagement Practices Guidebook produced by the RI Forest Conservator’s

Organization (RIFCO). For your complete binder set of the Guidebook, contact RIFCO at (401) 568-3421, PO Box 53, No. Scituate, RI 02857,

or visit www. rifco.org.

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INTRODUCTION:Chapter 44-27 of the RI General Laws pro-vides for land enrolled in the Farm, Forest,Open Space (FFOS) Program to be assessedat its current use value, not at its potentialvalue as buildable land.

The purpose of the law is to conserveRhode Island’s productive agricultural and for-est lands, and to protect open space bene-fits. The law does not guarantee that proper-ty taxes will be reduced, only that the assess-ment will be based upon its value as farm,forest, and open space land.

The RI Farm, Forest, Open SpaceValuation Subcommittee was established in1999 to develop defendable methodologiesfor determining recommended, statewide cur-rent-use value.

The following values for various categorieswithin each designation have been recom-mended as of January, 2003. These valuesmay be again updated in the future, and townswill typically implement new values every 3years during a statistical or full revaluation.

Open Space

Soils with Slight Limitations for use: 30% of Fair Market Value

Soils with Moderate Limitations: 20% of FMV

Soils with Severe Limitations: 10% of FMV

Size: 10 acres of undeveloped land, exclusive of housesite

Farm

Ornamental crops: $1,955 per acre*Includes nursery, turf, land under greenhouses, floriculture

Vegetable and Orchards: $650/acre* Includes small fruits, potatoes, cranberries, Christmas trees

Dairy and Livestock: $300/acre*Includes forage crops, hay, grain, silage corn

Wetlands & Woodlands: $100/acre*

Size: Five (5) acres devoted to agricultural use.

Requirements:• Annual income from sale of farm products of $2,500 in one

of two previous years;• Farmer must have a soil conservation plan, or have applied for

one, from local Conservation District

Farm, Forest, Open Space

*2003 recommended values. Call the RI Division of Agriculture for updated values.

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Forest

All DEM– certified managed woodlands: $100 per acre*

Size: Ten (10) acres or larger, not including zoned house lot or one (1) acre, whichever is smaller.

Requirements:

• Plantations must bear at least 500 trees per acre, and be established at least one year old.

• The forest must be actively managed in accordance with a written forest management plan, approved by the RI Division of Forest Environment.

• Re-certification every five (5) years is required.

* 2003 recommended value. Call the RI Division of Forest Environment for updated value.

Application Process

Open Space: Application directly to Tax Assessor’s Office in yourcity/town.

Farm: DEM application form, signed by Tax Assessor and ConservationDistrict official, to DEM with check for $10.

Forest: DEM application form, signed by Tax Assessor, with 2 copies offorest management plan, to DEM with check for $10.

The application form for either Farm or Forest certification is included inthe Citizen’s Guide to the Farm, Forest, Open Space Act, available fromthe RI DEM. Call the RI Division of Forest Environment or the RI Divisionof Agriculture for a copy, or your Tax Assessor may have one available.

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YOUR FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN

The RI Division of Forest Environment(DFE) is responsible for certification of forestland under the FFOS Program. The DFE hasregulations to guide landowners on the certifi-cation process, which requires developmentand adherence to a forest management plan.

A forest management plan must include:• Property map with forest stands identified• Description of the forest stands• Management objectives• Recommendations and Timetable for

forestry activities

Forest stand descriptions must includeinformation on stocking level, basal area,average tree diameter, trees per acre, siteindex, and management recommendations.

Certification is good for five (5) years, atwhich time the DFE service forester willreview the progress you have made in follow-ing your plan, to determine your re-certifica-tion for another five years. Managementplans must also be kept up-to-date. Typicallya plan will be valid for 10 years.

A landowner unable to complete the activi-ties outlined in their management plan maysubmit a written request to amend the plan tothe Director of the RI DEM. If, through willfulneglect, a landowner fails to complete theactivities in the management plan, DEM willcancel designation of the land and the proper-ty will be assessed at fair market value. Youwill also have the option of changing your des-ignation to Open Space through application tothe Tax Assessor. No change of use penal-ties are due until the parcel is developed.

Only those landowners who are seriousabout actively managing their woodlandsshould participate in the forestry componentof the FFOS Program.

For assistance in the development of yourforest management plan, contact a consultingforester, who will prepare the plan, accordingto your management objectives, for a fee. Fora list of consulting foresters that operate inRhode Island, contact the RI Division ofForest Environment.

DETAILS

House sites:Typically, the developed portion of your

property will be assessed as a house site,and your undeveloped acreage must meet thecriteria. The definitions specified under 44-27-2 specifies that a house site be the zonedlot size or one (1) acre, whichever is smaller.If there is no house on the property, then nohouse site is excluded from the program. Youshould not be assessed for a house site onundeveloped acreage that meets the criteriaof the program.

Openings and Christmas trees in aForest designation:

Small openings within wooded areas canbe considered wildlife habitat and can beincorporated into a forest management plan.Christmas tree operations of less than five (5)acres can also be included in a forest man-agement plan. If you have a combination ofwooded land and open hayfields, you mustplace the open acreage into Open Space,assuming you don’t qualify for the Farm desig-nation’s income requirements.

Land Use Change Tax:44-27-39 subjects land withdrawn from

the program within 15 years of its enrollmentto a penalty tax. This tax is assessed uponwithdrawal, and due upon actual change ofuse. The tax amounts to 10% of fair marketvalue during the first five years, and decreas-es one percent per year. No land use changetax can be applied after the 15 year period.

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SHEET Farm, Forest, Open Space


A Citizen’s Guide to the Farm, Forest, andOpen Space Act, RI DEM

RI’s Farm, Forest, Open Space Valuations(brochure), RIFCO

The Forest Certification and AssessmentProcess (brochure), RIFCO

Foresters and the Care of Your Land(brochure), SNEFC

RI DEM, Division of Forest Environment1037 Hartford Pike, No. Scituate401-647-3367

RI DEM, Division of Agriculture, 235Promenade Street, Prov., 02908401-222-2781

RI Forest Conservator’s Organization (RIFCO)www.rifco.org401-568-3421

RI Farm Bureau,2227 Plainfield Pike, Johnston, RI 02917401-647-3570

No. RI Conservation District17 Smith Ave, Greenville, RI 02828401-949-1480

So. RI Conservation District60 Quaker Lane, Suite 46, Warwick, 02886401-822-8832

Eastern RI Cons. District2490 Main Rd., Tiverton, RI, 02878401-624-7490

Southern New England Forest Consortium(SNEFC), www.snefc.org401-568-1610

Your Local Tax Assessor:

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This Farm, Forest, Open Space fact sheet is part of the RI ConservationManagement Practices Guidebook produced by the RI Forest Conservator’s



FACTSHEET

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Water Quality Protection

Preface................................................................ 2Why Protect Our Forested Wetlands?..................... 4Before You Sell .................................................... 4Water Quality Protection

Regulation of Wetland Activities...................... 5Definition of Wetlands.................................... 5Forest Management in Wetlands .................... 6Harvesting of Forest Products ........................ 6BMP Guidelines for Harvesting within

Forested Wetlands ..................................... 6Buffer Zones................................................. 7Special Aquatic Sites (Vernal Pools)................ 8Equipment Access in and through Wetlands .... 8Wetland Crossings......................................... 9

Logging Roads, Skid Trails, and Landings .............. 9Locating Timber Harvest Access..................... 9Landings....................................................... 9Locating Roads & Skid Trails.......................... 9

Filter Strips ......................................................... 10Stream Crossings ................................................ 11Erosion Control .................................................... 11Maintenance of roads .......................................... 12

During the logging operation........................... 12After logging.................................................. 12

Fuels, Lubricants, and Waste ................................ 13Spills ............................................................ 13

Appendix I • Selected RI General Laws.................. 14Appendix II • Literature Cited................................ 15Appendix III • Government Agencies...................... 16

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ORIGINAL AUTHORS:Gregg J. Cassidy, Environmental Planner • RI Dept. of Environmental Mgmt.

Jay B. Aron, Principal Forester • RI Dept. of Environmental Mgmt.

Editor and Contributing AuthorMarc J. Tremblay • RI Forest Conservator’s Organization, Inc.

Original Illustrations by James E. Taylor

First edition, 1996 • Second edition, 2003

PREFACEThis manual has been prepared in

response to a need to protect water qualityfrom impacts resulting from forest manage-ment operations. Section 208 of the 1977Clean Water Act requires each state to developplans and procedures to control "silviculturallyrelated non-point sources of pollution. . . to theextent feasible." Section 319 of that actrequires each state to develop and implementa program to reduce non-point source (NPS)pollution to the "maximum extent practicable."

In order to accomplish a reduction of NPSpollution from forestry activities, the applica-

tion of soil and water protection measures bywoods operators and forest landowners is anaccepted industry practice. These measuresare referred to as Best Management Practices(BMPs), in both Rule 6.02, "Exempt Activities",of the Rules and Regulations governing the RIFreshwater Wetlands Act (2-1-20, General Lawsof Rhode Island, 1956, as amended), and theWoods Operator Registration Law (2-15-2,RIGL, 1956 as amended).

In order that sensible, low impact opera-tions can proceed without regulatory overbur-den, Rule 6.02 allows timber harvesting oper-

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SHEET Water Quality Protection

Dear Reader:

As users of our natural resources, we have a responsibility to be good stewards of the land. Rhode Island’s

Forestry Best Management Practices (BMP’s) for water quality are designed to help loggers, landowners,

and land managers be good stewards by protecting water quality during forest management activities.

This manual provides recommended voluntary guidelines and highlights the enforceable restric-

tions for the conduct of timber harvesting operations in forested wetlands. The BMP’s may be modi-

fied for specific site conditions with guidance from a natural resource professional. Any modifica-

tions will be done only to provide equal or better water quality protection.

The use and effectiveness of BMP’s in protecting water quality will be reviewed as we monitor

timber harvesting operations throughout the state. This field manual will be updated periodically as

we learn about impacts on water quality and the effectiveness of these BMP’s. Persons using this

manual are welcome to offer comments and participate in future revisions.

You may reproduce or copy any portion of this manual. Acknowledgement of this manual as a source

of materials would be appreciated. I especially want to thank the Rhode Island Forest Conservator’s

Organization, Inc., whose assistance with producing this manual has been greatly appreciated.

Thomas Dupree, Chief

RI Division of Forest Environment

March, 1996

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The RI DEM’s Office of Water Resources,Freshwater Wetlands Program (FWP) and Officeof Compliance and Inspection, WetlandEnforcement Program provided valuable input toclarify the regulations that are referenced in theWater Quality Protection section of this Manual.

The RI Chapter of the Society of AmericanForesters, representing the forestry profes-sion in Rhode Island, shares the educationalgoals of the DFE and RIFCO, and providedreview input to the formation of this manual.

Providence Water, Rhode Island’s largestmunicipal water supplier and manager of theScituate Reservoir and its watershed lands, isinterested in the quality of timber harvestingpractices of forest landowners within its 92.8square mile watershed area. ProvidenceWater staff provided review input for the pro-duction of this manual.

The RI Tree Farm Program, which recog-nizes and certifies forest landowners as goodstewards of the land, provided a grant to coverpart of the costs of producing this manual.

The producers of this manual would liketo thank the USDA Forest Service for thegrant to publish this manual and to conductlandowner/logger workshops.

ations in forested wetlands, riverbank wet-lands, and perimeter wetlands, as an exemptactivity within approved Best ManagementPractice guidelines and monitoring by the RIDept. of Environmental Management’sDivision of Forest Environment (RI DFE). TheWater Quality Conservation ManagementPractices guidelines contained in this manualare those approved guidelines for the purposeof complying with the Freshwater WetlandsAct and its rules and regulations.

The production of this manual is the resultof input and funding from a variety of sources.

The RI Forest Conservator’s Organization,Inc. (RIFCO), a non-profit forest landowner andconservationist organization, has procuredthe grant to publish this manual, and providedorganizational oversight for its editing andproduction.

The RI Department of EnvironmentalManagement’s (RIDEM) Division of ForestEnvironment (DFE), a state agency responsi-ble for the management of Rhode Island’s for-est resources, monitors timber harvestingpractices through the Intent to Cut process.

Rhode Island Conservation Management Practices Guide

This Water Quality Protection fact sheet is part of the RI ConservationManagement Practices Guidebook produced by the RI Forest Conservator’s



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WHY PROTECT OUR FORESTEDWETLANDS?

Forested wetlands are areas inundated withsurface or groundwater at a frequency and dura-tion sufficient to support vegetation adapted forlife in saturated soil. Forests have the ability tostabilize and protect the quantity and quality ofthe water. Water quality is related to the physi-cal, chemical, and biological characteristics ofthe water. Without disturbance by humans waterquality in an area is ordinarily related to the con-ditions of the environment through which thewater passes. Forested wetlands can be identi-fied based on three general characteristics: veg-etation, soils, and hydrology (EPA, 1989).

Wetlands provide many functional values inthe ecosystem, among them:• Water Quality Protection - Wetlands store

and filter pollutants such as sediment andthe nutrients in sediment. Wetland plantsand retention can also transform some pol-lutants into non-polluting forms.

• Flood Protection - By storing runoff fromheavy rain and snowmelt, wetlands canreduce flood damage.

• Groundwater Recharge and Discharge -Some wetlands recharge groundwater bymoving surface water into the ground, whiledischarging wetlands do the reverse.Recharge is important for groundwater wellsupplies, and discharge is important to pro-vide stream baseflows during dry periods.

• Animal and Plant Habitat - Many animalsspend their lives in wetlands, while othersuse wetlands for feeding, breeding, nesting,escape cover, or travel corridors. Wetlandplants provide food and shelter for many ani-mal species, including endangered species.

Forestry BMP’s in wetlands protect water qualityby controlling erosion and minimizing changes tothe surface water flows that can occur from rut-ting and road building. Changing the surfacewater flow can affect the health of the wetlandecosystem and its flood protection function.

BEFORE YOU SELL OR CUT TREESON YOUR PROPERTYPlanning

Careful planning for forest managementactivities, such as road construction and tim-ber harvesting, will minimize non-point source(NPS) pollution. A plan will lead to harvestoperations that use BMPs, remove forestproducts efficiently and profitably, and pro-mote sustainable forest growth and waterquality protection.

When planning to harvest in a wetlandarea, wait until the driest time of the year oruntil the ground is frozen. During seasonallydry periods a well-planned harvest may beexecuted with a minimum of site degradation.Use of harvesting equipment during unsuit-able weather and soil conditions may lead toconsiderable site degradation.

The first step is to develop a comprehen-sive forest management plan that includesforestry BMPs. The plan should be flexibleand adaptable to changing conditions.Landowners and land managers should selectthe best management strategy to protectwater quality specific to the soil and slopeconditions of the property.

Consulting or industrial foresters can workwith landowners on developing a written for-est management plan. Cost-sharing assis-tance may be available for written plansthrough programs administered by theDivision of Forest Environment.

Following are some of the planning guidelinesthat you should use:• Consider overall objectives, and how the

wetlands and water resources fit in;• Identify on a map all wetlands, sensitive areas,

access roads, and other natural features;• Use this map and site visits to lay out pro-

posed logging trails, landings, and streamcrossings;

• Incorporate site-specific BMPs into timbersale contracts;

5FACT


• Incorporate inspection and enforcementconditions into timber sale contracts whichwill require woods operators to adhere toplanned BMPs, and will provide bonding forrepair work if it’s needed;

• Plan to stabilize bare soil as soon as possi-ble after exposing it to prevent erosion andsedimentation;

• Incorporate seeding and slash cover BMPsinto timber sale contracts.

REGULATION OF WETLANDACTIVITIES

There are several agencies responsible forthe regulation of wetland activities within theState of Rhode Island. The Wetland EnforcementProgram within the Office of Compliance andInspection at the Rhode Island Department ofEnvironmental Management (RIDEM) is responsi-ble for regulatory enforcement activities relatedto Freshwater Wetlands. Specifically, they investi-gate complaints and suspected violations ofenvironmental laws and regulations relating tofreshwater wetlands and issue orders to remedi-ate any unauthorized work.

The Freshwater Wetland Program withinthe Office of Water Resources at RIDEM isthe agency responsible for regulating alter-ations of Rhode Island's freshwater wetlandsthrough an orderly application process thatverifies delineated wetland edges, determinesthe presence of wetlands, and reviews pro-posed projects in and adjacent to freshwaterwetlands for any applicant who is the ownerof the property in question.

The Coastal Resources ManagementCouncil (CRMC) is responsible for regulatingalterations of Rhode Island’s Freshwater andCoastal Wetlands in the vicinity of the coast.Maps illustrating the jurisdiction linesbetween CRMC and RI DEM are availablefrom the state. The CRMC applies the sameexemptions as the RI DEM for activities withina wetland and its buffer.

Definition of Wetlands:Freshwater wetlands, by law, includes anymarsh, bog, pond, swamp, river, riverbank,area of land within 50 feet of a marsh, bog,pond, or swamp, areas subject to flooding,areas subject to storm flowage, floodway,flood plain, flowing body of water, stream,intermittent stream, perimeter wetland,submergent and emergent plant communi-ties, special aquatic sites, and shrub andforested wetlands. Riverbank wetland isdefined as that area of land within 200 feetof the edge of any flowing body of waterhaving a width of ten feet or more, and thatarea of land within 100 feet of the edge ofany flowing body of water having a width ofless than ten feet during normal flow. Inaddition, operations conducted outside wet-lands may be considered alteration of awetland if the activity subsequentlyimpacts an area classified as a wetland.

Perimeter and Riverbank wetlands (bufferzones) are not applied to the following wet-land types:1.Areas subject to storm flowage2.Floodplains3.Forested Wetlands less than 3 acres in sizeA pond is further defined as a permanent bodyof water larger than one-quarter acre in size.

Figure 1 • Regulated Wetlands

6FACT


FOREST MANAGEMENT INWETLANDS

Forest management activities in andaround wetlands, especially timber harvest-ing, can affect our wetlands when soil, vege-tation, and surface water flow conditions arealtered. Sediment is the dominant source ofnonpoint pollution caused by harvesting oper-ations, yet is the easiest to control by the useof BMP’s. Most of this is associated withrunoff from haul roads and skid trails as wellas with stream crossings. Poorly planned orimproperly executed silvicultural operationscan increase nonpoint source pollution by:

• Exposing mineral soil, leading to increasederosion and sedimentation.

• Removing shade from streams, whichincreases water temperature.

• Adding nutrients, which increases aquaticplant growth, and then reduces the DissolvedOxygen (DO) levels in the water when decom-position of that plant matter occurs.

• Removal and disturbance of vegetation thathelp remove pollutants from stormwaterentering the wetland system.

HARVESTING OF FORESTPRODUCTS

The Division of Forest Environment, through theIntent to Cut process, oversees harvestingoperations on Rhode Island forestlands, includ-ing forested wetlands. A Notification of Intentto Cut or Saw, filed by the woods operator, or awritten, approved management plan undereither the Forestland Certification of the RIFarm, Forest, Open Space Act, or the ForestStewardship Program, eliminates the need fora wetlands permit for the harvesting operation,as long as the harvesting is being conductedaccording to Best Management Practices andRule 6.02 (exempt activities) of DEM’s regula-tions governing the Freshwater Wetlands Act.

Forest Management activities in and aroundwetlands and their buffers, including but notlimited to the harvesting of fuelwood, tim-ber, and wood products, are allowed withoutprior approval from the RI DEM’s FreshwaterWetlands Program (FWP), providing the mini-mum guidelines established in this hand-book and all applicable State and FederalRegulations are strictly adhered to. An"Intent To Cut" Form must be filed with theDivision of Forest Environment prior to thecommencement of a commercial harvest. Apermit must be filed with the FWP for anyactivities that deviate from the prescribedBMP’s in wetland areas.

The objective of most silvicultural treatments isto regulate stand density; therefore, the impactof harvesting on a wetland is related to theamount of woody material cut or left.Disturbance in riparian areas should be limited.Selective tree cutting where there is no disrup-tion of soil stability or topography is allowed.

Figure 2 • Wetland harvesting guidelines

BMP GUIDELINES FOR HARVESTINGWITHIN FORESTED WETLANDS

Trees within forested wetlands may beharvested but post-harvest stocking mustbe at least 60% on appropriate stockingguides (Figure 3 & 3A). Situations thatcould result in a lower residual stockinglevel must be reviewed by DFE and/orFWP prior to the harvest.

7FACT


Use of the following stocking guides is nota do-it-yourself project. Landowners and log-gers should seek professional advice from aforester for the application of the stockingguide, and trees to be cut and/or left standingshould be clearly designated prior to applyingfor the Intent to Cut to clarify harvest intensity.

Figure #3Upland Central Hardwood Stocking Guide

(NB: This is the guide commonly used by DFE)

Figure 3A • Eastern White Pine Stocking Guide.

General Considerations:• Install and Maintain erosion control

devices, where appropriate, as outlined inlater sections of this manual.

• Re-vegetate disturbed soil as soon as pos-sible. The Natural Resources ConservationService guidelines for erosion control arelisted in Table # 4.

• Maintain wetlands vegetation in a healthycondition to trap soil and other pollutants.Various silvicultural practices can improve thehealth and vigor of the trees. Care should beexercised to prevent injury to the roots,trunk, and lower branches while harvesting.

• Limiting disturbance to periodic harvests ofnot more than every 5 years should reducethe amount of harvest-related stress on theremaining trees.

• During entry of the stand for periodic har-vests care should be taken to avoid soilpuddling and compaction and to preventdamage to the residual stand (SCFC, 1988).

Buffer Zones:Buffer Zones should be designated in which

forestry practices are limited to avoid adverseimpact on streams and wetlands. These wet-land areas are sensitive and must be protectedfrom degradation associated with sediment,nutrients, and temperature fluctuation.

The optimal size of a Buffer Zone shouldbe correlated to its value as wildlife habitat,ability to provide water quality protection, andother related functions. This in turn relates toexisting vegetation, slope, depth to watertable, soil type, and the intensity of manage-ment in surrounding areas.

The most important conditions in theseZones are:• Minimize the disturbance of the forest floor;• Prevent disruption of the natural drainage

patterns and interruption of surface flows;• Residual native vegetation should be main-

tained in a healthy condition.

100

90

80

70

60

50

A

B

C

50 100 150 200 250 300 350 40040

50

60

70

80

90

100

110

120

130

14015 14 13

12 1110

98

TR E ES PE R ACR E

BA

SA

L A

RE

A

PE

R

AC

RE

(

SQ

UA

RE

FE

ET) OVERSTOCKED

FULLY STOCKED

UNDERSTOCKED

110

1816

1412 11 10

98

A

BC

Mean Standard Diameter

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700

BA

SA

L A

RE

A P

ER

AC

RE

TREES PER ACRE

8FACT


The following practices must be followedwithin buffer zones to protect all watercourses (rivers, streams, intermittentstreams):

A minimum filter strip width of 25 feetfrom the bank of the water course will bedesignated. Soil disturbance with har-vesting equipment is restricted in theseareas, except at crossings.

The following guidelines may be used to pro-vide additional protection in riparian corridors:• 15-foot no-cut buffer• avoid soil compaction and rutting within

200 feet of a stream• avoid the cutting of trees directly on the

streambanks

Special Aquatic Sites (Vernal Pools):Vernal Pools are small temporary bodies

of water that are often found in woodlands ofthe Northeast. They play an important part inthe food chain and the reproduction of manyspecies of wildlife (salamanders, frogs). Todetermine where these sites are, look forwater marks on trees, matted down, darkly-stained leaves, or small dips in the surround-ing area. Small areas of standing water aregood indications of Vernal Pools.

The Rules and Regulations governing theFreshwater Wetlands Act protects specialaquatic sites, and defines them as less thanone-quarter acre in size.

To protect these sites the RI DEM stronglyrecommends that the following practicesshould be followed:• Skid trails and landings should not be

placed in or within 200 feet of these areas. • Restrict the use of equipment within 50

feet of these areas.

Remember, any pool larger than one-quarteracre in size is considered a pond, whichrequires a 50’ buffer.

The area in a 50 foot radius of the vernal poolis critical in providing shade and filtering sedi-ment from entering the pool. When harvestingadjacent to vernal pools you should leave abuffer of 25 feet where no tree cutting occurs.An additional 25 feet should be left mostlyundisturbed with residual stocking levels of atleast 60% (Figure 3 and 3A). Avoid makingruts greater than six inches deep within 200feet of these pools. (see Figure 4)

Figure 4 • Vernal Pool with buffers

EQUIPMENT ACCESS IN ANDTHROUGH WETLANDS:

Logging access in wetland areas should beminimized to avoid impacts to the wetlands.The natural hydrologic flow and characteristicsthat exist on site should be maintained.

Disruption of natural drainage patternscan channel large volumes of storm flowdirectly into wetlands. Control measures mustbe used to divert runoff from disturbed areas,which will allow filtering and gradual seepageinto adjacent wetlands.

Logging access should be done when theground is either frozen or dry. Winching treesin from higher ground should be done whenev-er possible. Proper planning will reduce thenumber of trips within the wetland necessaryto remove the timber. Special flotation tiresare available for skidding equipment, whichhelps distribute the load of the machine, reduc-ing the rutting potential. These wide tires doincrease the width of the machine, which mayresult in an increase in residual stand damage.

9FACT


Wetland Crossings:

The Freshwater Wetland Program or theRhode Island Coastal ResourceManagement Council must be contactedprior to the construction or alteration ofany permanent crossings.

Temporary crossings are permissible(Figure #5), but disturbed areas should berestored to a natural, stabilized condition, withthe stream’s flow being restored to its originalcondition. Locations for wetland crossingsshould be carefully selected using the guide-lines established in the following section.

Figure #5 • Courdoroy Wetland Crossing.

LOGGING ROADS, SKID TRAILS,AND LANDINGS

A plan should be made prior to startingthe timber harvest to locate the necessaryhaul roads and skid trails. A good plan willreduce non-point source pollution andincrease the efficiency of the operations.Studies have shown that good planningreduces the amount of land disturbed byroads from 15% or more to only 7% of theland area.

Locating Timber Harvest Access:Preplanning of your access saves time and

construction costs. Walk the entire harvest siteto become familiar with the terrain and soilconditions. The slope of the land, soil types,sensitive areas, access to harvest areas, land-ings, and obstacles all must be consideredbefore proceeding to the harvesting stage.

Landings: The first step is to decide on locations for

the proposed landings. Road frontage, topogra-phy, power lines, type of equipment, harvestingmethods, and product sorting needs will dictatethe location and size of the landing required.• Landings should be located on gently slop-

ing sites with well-drained soils, and belocated outside of wetland areas. See Table#1 for recommended widths for filter strips,which can be applied for distances betweenlandings and wetlands.

• Use of Hay Bales or other erosion controldevises adjacent to abutting wetlandsshould be used to eliminate erosion andsedimentation.

• To prevent mud and other debris from get-ting onto paved roads, gravel or stoneshould be placed at the entrance.

• Following completion of the harvest, land-ings should be re-graded and re-seeded(table #4). In some instances gates and/orfencing may be desirable to prevent unau-thorized dumping and access.

Locating Roads and Skid Trails:Planning the road access system needed

to move wood products to landings requirescareful consideration of the following:

Basic considerations

Grade - The slope of the road is called thegrade. This is the change in elevation over a dis-tance (Rise in elevation divided by the distance,or rise/run) and is expressed in percent. Long,steady grades without diversions can yield a

10FACT


large volume of water, which can increase ero-sion of the road’s surface. The grade of loggingroads or trails should be kept below 10%, with 3-5% being the most desirable (Haussman, 1978).

Slope - Side hill positions are more desirablesettings for road location than directly up ordown hillsides. Soils on steep slopes aremore highly erodable than other areas.

Obstacles - Rock outcrops, ledges, wet areas,streams, and other features should be avoid-ed due to difficulty in construction. Planahead to avoid obstacles.

Drainage - Existing drainage patterns shouldbe maintained. Consult topographic, soils,wetland and vegetation maps when planningroad and skid trail locations.• Approaches to streams should have as low

a grade as possible, never exceeding 10%within 100 feet of the stream.

• Skid trails and road grades should be keptas low as possible.

• Erosion control devices, such as filterstrips, culverts, and water bars, should beinstalled when necessary to maintain waterdrainage and to minimize sedimentation indownslope wetlands.

• Plan the approach to streams so they canbe crossed at right angles.

• Avoid long, straight grades. Broad baseddips should be placed at certain intervals(see Table 2) to facilitate draining water offthe road surface.

• Build skid trails and roads from the highestelevation down.

Filter Strips Runoff from road and skid trail surfaces

should be prevented from directly entering wet-lands and streams by leaving an area of undis-turbed vegetation to act as a filter for runoff.This undisturbed zone will slow the water veloc-ity and prevent erosion. The width of the filterstrip will vary with the size and type of wetlandas well as other site conditions, such as slope.

Sediment laden water should be preventedfrom entering streams by erecting lines of siltfencing and/or haybales between the streamand the sediment source. These erosion con-trols should be installed as close to the sedi-ment source as possible to prevent degrada-tion of the undisturbed resource downslope. Inaddition, an area of undisturbed vegetationshould be maintained to act as a filter.

Recommended widths for filter strips areshown in Table 1. Larger filter strips shouldbe retained on steeper slopes or in areaswith important fish and wildlife value. Theserecommended distances should be doubled inpublic water supply watersheds.

Figure # 6. • Filter Strip.

TABLE 1. Recommended Widths for FilterStrips Between Logging Roads and Streams

(Haussman, 1978).

Slope of Land (percent) Width of Strip (feet)0 2510 4520 6530 8540 10550 12560 14570 165

11FACT


STREAM CROSSINGSCrossing streams should be avoided

whenever possible.

Equipment crossings are limited to wetlandtypes consisting of areas subject to stormflowage or intermittent streams, or a riverless than ten feet (10’) wide through the useof temporary measures. These temporarycrossings must not restrict natural flow pat-terns and wildlife movements and must beremoved immediately following the harvest-ing operation. All disturbed wetland areas inthe vicinity of the crossing must be restoredto a natural condition and stabilized.

These temporary measures include logcorduroys, culverts, bridges, or other sim-ilar methods which may be used providedthe appropriate BMP’s are utilized.

Streams less than ten (10) feet in width can becrossed without a wetlands permit as long as thefollowing BMP’s are followed. (See Figure #7)• Use existing bridges or culverts for crossing

if possible.• All crossings should be made in a manner

that will cause the least amount of distur-bance. The site of the crossing should beselected where the stream is narrow andbanks and stream beds are stable.

• The approach to the stream should belocated on slopes less than 10%. Crossingsshould be made at 90 degrees to thestream (right angles).

• The trails approaching and leaving the ripar-ian area along the stream bank should bewell planned and maintained.

• Hay mulch or wood residues can be used totemporarily stabilize the disturbed area dur-ing a harvesting operation. Permanent veg-etative cover should be reestablished ondisturbed areas as soon as possible.

• Hay Bales or Silt Fence should be installeddown stream from the crossing to limitexcessive amounts of debris from enteringthe main water course.

• Debris resulting from logging operations shouldbe removed from streams as soon as possible.

Pre-existing stream crossings may be main-tained and repaired as an exempt activity. TheWetlands exemption for this activity requiresthat you document the pre-existing condition andany improvement activities with measured draw-ings. Photographs are strongly recommended.You cannot enlarge the footprint of the crossing,nor can you alter the existing hydrology of thestream or wetland. This means that you cannotenlarge the existing culvert capacity withoutapplying for a wetlands alteration permit.

Contact the Division of ForestEnvironment before crossing any streams toreceive approval and/or technical assistance.

Temporary crossing of streams greaterthan 10 feet in width require approval bythe Freshwater Wetlands PermittingProgram. The DFE has a good workingrelationship with the FWPP, and can oftenhelp to streamline this process.

Figure #7 • Skidder Bridge

EROSION CONTROLAll erosion control measures should be

installed in strict conformance with the stan-dards and specifications outlined in the RISoil Erosion and Sediment Control Handbook.

Water diversion culverts and broad baseddips ("Thank You Ma’ams"), should be installed

12FACT


where needed to divert surface water away fromstreams (Figure 8). Recommended spacing betweenpermanent drainage structures is listed in Table #2.

Creating diversions at intervals, utilizing waterbars, broad-based dips or a natural change ingrade, permits water to drain off the roads beforethe water can achieve the speed and/or volumethat causes erosion. (See Figure 9).

Figure 8 • Placement of water diversions

Figure 9 • Various types of water diversions.

Table 2. Suggested Distances between Open-top Culverts and

Broad-based Dips (Haussman, 1978).

Road Grade (percent) Spacing (feet)2 3004 2006 16710 14020 120

Table 3. Suggested Dimensions of Broad-based Dips

Road Dam Dip Dip Grade Height Depth Grade

2 0.8’ 1.6’ 3.34 0.8’ 2.4’ 6.06 0.8’ 3.2’ 8.78 0.8’ 4.0’ 11.310 0.8’ 4.8’ 14.0

MAINTENANCE OF ROADS

During the logging operation: • Logging roads and skid trails should not be

used during unsuitable weather and soilconditions.

• Temporary drainage structures should beinstalled as prescribed when necessary.(Figure 9).

• Periodic grading may be necessary to main-tain the proper gradient and water-sheddingshape of road surfaces.

After logging: • Fill in and grade any ruts and berms, and

eliminate ditches. • Damaged trees and other hazardous obsta-

cles should be removed. • Logging roads or skid trails that cross

streams or intermittent water courses shouldbe restored to their original condition.

• Disturbed soils should be stabilized withgrass seed and mulched with a mat ofloose hay (See Table 4).

• Access to the restored and stabilized areasshould be restricted to prevent unautho-rized use and degradation.

• A continuous line of staked haybales or siltfence should be installed between all areasof unstable soil and any adjacent wetlands.(Figure 10)

• The road should be protected from erosionduring extended periods of non-use.

Uphill Side

Skid R

oad

Down Hill

Side

Down Grad

e

Water Bar

30-45°

Thank-You M’am TypeWater Bar Construction

for Skid Roads

13FACT


Figure 10 • Hay Bales along Buffer.

Table #4. Recommended General PurposeSeeding Mix For Stabilizing Disturbed Soils

(R.I.Soil Erosion & Sediment ControlHandbook 1989)

Creeping Red Fescue 75 lbs/acrePerennial Ryegrass 5 lbs/acreBirdsfoot Trefoil ‘Empire’ 15 lbs/acreColonial bentgrass, ‘Exeter’ 5 lbs./acreagricultural lime 1 ton/acre 10-10-10 fertilizer 0.5 ton/acrehay mulch .25 ton/acre

FUELS, LUBRICANTS, AND WASTELogging, road building, and other forest

activities usually require motorized equipment.Anti-freeze, fuels and lubricants used in machin-ery can potentially pollute lakes, streams, wet-lands, and groundwater. Planning for forestryoperations should include practices to handlesolid and liquid wastes generated in the field.

The following practices will help prevent non-point source pollution from fuels, lubricants,and wastes during mechanized forest man-agement activities:• Use biodegradable lubricants whenever

practical. Biodegradable lubricants are lesstoxic than other lubricants but still need to

be disposed of properly.• Maintain equipment regularly. Check hoses,

fittings and seals to prevent leaks or spills.• Locate specific sites for equipment mainte-

nance and fueling. These sites should beon level terrain, a minimum of 100 feetfrom all streams, lakes, and wetlands.

• Collect all waste lubricants, containers, andtrash. Store them in separate, leak-proof con-tainers until they can be transported off-sitefor recycling, reuse, or disposal at an approvedsite. Mixing wastes can create ‘hazardouswaste’, which is expensive to dispose of.

It is illegal to dump fuel and lubricants onthe land or waters in the state of RhodeIsland.

SPILLSFuel, lubricant, and pesticide spills during

forest management operations can occur as aresult of fueling, hydraulic hose breaks, mechan-ical damage and accidents, or vandalism.

The following practices are suggested:• Maintain a spill-containment and cleanup

kit appropriate for the materials in use. At aminimum, a kit for petroleum productsshould include:

• plugs and clamps to control a hydraulicline break

• a container to catch leaking fuel• a shovel• absorbent material such as sawdust or

clay granules to absorb fluid• Become familiar with emergency response

agencies in your area, and the location ofthe nearest telephone.

All significant spills must be reported tothe RI DEM Office of Compliance &Inspection at 222-1360 or 222-3070.

Above all, use common sense and recognizethe hazards.

14FACT


Appendix I Selected RI General Laws

2-15-1. Registration of wood cutting operations -No person, firm or corporation, or any authorizedagent of such person, firm or corporation, shall cutor saw standing or growing trees, shrubs or vegeta-tion for commercial forest products, other than forthe owner’s own domestic use, unless such person,firm or corporation shall be registered as a woodsoperator with the Division of Forest Environment.Application for a registration certificate shall bemade in writing on or after July 1 of each year onforms prepared by the division of forests accompa-nied by a fee as authorized by regulation 2-10-3.1(currently $20.00) for each certificate, and all regis-tration certificates shall expire on June 30 of theyear following the issuance thereof. Funds collectedfrom registration fees as provided herein shall bedeposited with ‘the state forestry fund’ as providedfor in 2-10-3.

2-15-2. Reports to division - Suspensions. - Beforeany such person, firm or corporation shall cut orsaw, as herein provided, he shall at least five (5)days prior to such cutting or sawing notify the divi-sion of forests, on forms prepared by said division,of the location of the area and/or property. The five(5) day notice contained in this section may bereduced to any length of time, including a completewaiver of said five (5) day notice by said division, ifin the discretion of said division said reduction iswarranted. Failure to give the required notice shallbe considered sufficient cause to suspend a regis-tration certificate for a period not exceeding thirty(30) days; provided, however, that no such person,firm or corporation which is alleged to have failed togive the required notice shall have been notified ofthe alleged failure and shall have also had anopportunity to be heard thereon. Any such person,firm or corporation shall utilize best managementpractices while harvesting trees as provided for inthis chapter. Administrative fees for filing of five daynotices shall be collected as provided for in 2-10-3.1 and deposited in ‘state forestry fund’ as provid-ed for in 2-10-3.

2-15-3. Violations. - Any person, firm or corporationor agent who cuts or saws standing or growingtrees, shrubs, or vegetation for commercial forestproducts from any one location without first receiv-ing a registration certificate shall be guilty of a mis-demeanor and shall be fined five hundred dollars($500.00),

2-15-4. Exemptions. - The provisions of pps. 2-15-1 to 2-15-3, inclusive, as amended, shall not beconstrued to mean the cutting of shade trees orshrubs, or to cutting or sawing on single holdingsof less than five (5) acres or to woodland ownerswho cut or saw, for sale to others, no more thanfive thousand (5,000) board feet or twenty-five(25) cords of the items described in p. 2-15-1 ofthis act in nay one registration year.

43-20-1. Liability for unauthorized cutting oftrees or wood. - Every person who shall cut,destroy, or carry away any tree, timber, wood, orunderwood whatsoever, lying or growing on theland of any other person, without leave of theowner thereof, shall, for every such trespass, paythe party injured twice the value of any tree socut, destroyed, or carried away; and for the woodor underwood, thrice the value thereof; to berecovered by civil action.

15FACT


Appendix II Literature Cited

Hartung, R.E. and Kress, J.M. 1977Woodlands of the Northeast - Erosion and Sediment Control GuidesUSDA - Forest ServiceNortheastern Area

Haussman, R. and Pruett, E.W. 1978Permanent Logging Roads For Better Woodlot ManagementUSDA - Forest ServiceNortheastern Area

Guidelines for Controlling Soil Erosion and Water Pollution on Logging Operations in West Virginia

Seeding Logging Roads to Prevent ErosionUSDA, NRCSMorgantown, West Virginia

Kittredge Jr., D.B. and Parker, M. L. 1989Massachusetts Best Management Practices • Timber Harvesting Water QualityHandbook

Kittredge Jr., David and Robie StevenProtection of Vernal Pools During Timber HarvestingThe Northern Logger, May 1991

Clark, F.B. and Hutchinsion, J.G. 1989Central Hardwood NotesUSDA - Forest Service

Managed Forest and Clean WaterUSDA - Forest ServiceProgram Aid # 1929

Cullen J.B. Best Management Practices for Erosion Control on TimberHarvesting Operations in New HampshireNH Department of Resources and Economic DevelopmentDivision of Forest and Lands

16FACT


Appendix III Government Agencies

STATE:Rhode Island Division of Forest EnvironmentDivision Headquarters1037 Hartford Pike, North Scituate, R.I. 02857(401) 647-3367

District 1George Washington Headquarters • (401) 568-2013

District 2Arcadia Headquarters • (401) 539-2356

R.I. Division of Fish and WildlifeOliver Stedman Government Center4808 Tower Hill Road, Wakefield, Rhode Island02879(401) 789-3094

R.I. DEM, Office of Water Resources235 Promenade Street, ProvidenceRhode Island 02908 • (401) 222-6820

Coastal Resource Management CommissionOliver Stedman Government CenterWakefield, Rhode Island 02879 • (401) 222-2476

FEDERAL:Natural Resource Conservation Service60 Quaker Lane, Suite 46, Warwick, RI 02886(401) 828-1300

R.I. CONSERVATION DISTRICTS:Eastern RI

2490 Main RoadTiverton, RI 02878(401)624-7490

Southern RI60 Quaker Lane, Suite 46Warwick, RI 02886(401) 822-8832

Northern RI17 Smith AveGreenville, RI 02828(401) 949-1480

RHODE ISLAN

D CON

SERVATION

MAN

AGEMEN


RHO

DE IS

LAN

D CO

NSE

RVAT

ION

MAN

AGEM

ENT

PRAC

TICE

S GU

IDE

Basal area: The cross sectional area, insquare feet, of a tree stem at 4 1/2 feetabove the ground. Total basal area of all treestems on an acre provides a measurement ofstand density.

Biodiversity: Refers to the variety and abun-dance of species, their genetic composition,and the communities, ecosystems, and land-scapes in which they occur.

Blaze: A scrape in the stem of a tree thatremoves a portion of the bark and exposessapwood. This wounding of a tree is usuallydone to mark a trail or a boundary. Weatherresistant paint is usually applied over theblaze to provide high visibility evidence of aboundary line.

B level stocking: An expression of the densityof a forest stand. A stand of trees at the "B-line" is about 60% stocked. At this level ofstocking each tree has all the space it needsto grow yet there are no large openings in thestand of unoccupied growing space.

Board foot: A unit of measure representing aboard 1 foot long by 1 foot wide and 1 inchthick or a combination equaling 144 cubicinches. The volume of a tree can be estimat-ed in board feet which is a prediction of theamount of lumber that tree contains.

Buck: Sawing the stem of a felled tree intothe length of a sawlog. The minimum length is8 feet with an additional 4 inches of trim.Softwoods are usually marketed in two footincrements (8,10,12 feet), while hardwoodsone foot.

Buffer Strip (or Zone): A forest area where lit-tle or no cutting is done. The purpose ofthese areas are to protect critical areas andto enhance aesthetics.

Cambium: The layer of plant cells justbeneath the bark from which the growth ofthe tree originates.

Canopy: The uppermost spreading branchesof the trees which make up the forest cover.

Cavity Tree: A large tree with a hollow oropening which can be used as shelter bywildlife.

Clearcut: This involves removing all treesgreater than 2 inches in diameter at breastheight (DBH). This results in the new stand ofeven aged trees. This method is usuallyreserved for regenerating tree species whichrequire a lot of sunlight, such as birch.Clearcut can also be used to provide habitatfor wildlife species which require early succes-sional vegetation in some part of their lifecycle.

C-Line Stocking: A measure of stand densityrelating to a stand of trees which is under-stocked according to a stocking guide for thatforest type. At this stocking, when about 30%of the growing space is being used, growingspace is wasted and it will take 10+ years toobtain B-Line Stocking.Co-Dominant: Those trees with crowns in theupper forest canopy, subjected to space limi-tations by other co-dominant and dominanttrees. (See dominant)

Commercial Species: Tree species used inthe production of wood products.

Conifer: A softwood species of tree whichreproduces using cones. This includes pine,spruces, and hemlock.

Glossary of Forestry TermsFACTSHEET

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SHEET Glossary of Forestry Terms

Consulting forester: an independent, privateprofessional forester who works on a feebasis for private woodland owners, managingforests and marketing forest products.

Cord: A unit of measure of stacked wood.The standard is a pile of wood 4’ by 4’ by 8’or a combination of 128 cubic feet of woodand air.

Crop Tree: A tree that is favored in intermedi-ate cuttings so that it will increase in value,either for timber, wildlife, or aesthetic purpos-es.

Crown: The upper portion of the tree consist-ing of branches and foliage.

Cruise: An inventory of a forest to determinethe location, species composition, size, quality,or other characteristics. Utilized for developingforest management recommendations and/ormarketable volume and value of timber.

Cull: A tree which has no merchantable valuefor sawtimber or fuelwood due to defects or rot.

DBH: Diameter at breast height. The standardfor estimating the volumes of trees is tomeasure them at 4 1/2 feet off the ground(DBH).

Den Tree: Usually a large dead tree in whichanimals make their homes.

Dominant: Trees with their crowns above thegeneral level of the canopy and receiving fullsunlight from above and partial sunlight fromthe sides. These trees have well-developedcrowns and are generally the larger trees inthe stand.

Duff: The litter on the forest floor comprisedof un-decomposed organic material.

Edge: The zone where two or more types offorest cover meet. This is important forwildlife since access to more than one type ofhabitat is provided at close proximity.

Even-aged: An area of trees of approximatelythe same age and size.

Filter Strip: A forested area bordering astream or river left undisturbed. This actionwill prevent soil compaction, erosion anddegradation of nearby water sources, andallow for filtering of adjacent sediment-ladenrunoff.

Forest Canopy: The upper layer in a forestmade up of tree crowns.

Forest Type or Forest Stand: A homogeneousgroup of trees growing together, but differentfrom another area because of species, mix-ture of species, age or size.

Girdle: Killing an undesirable tree by cutting aring around the tree into the sapwood. Thisdestroys the conducting tissue and restrictsthe flow of water and nutrients which slowlycauses the tree to die.

Group Selection: This method removes smallgroups of trees and results in a forest whichis uneven-aged. Species which tolerateshade, such as hemlock, beech, or sugarmaple, can be perpetuated using this type ofharvest as well as less tolerant species. Theopenings are usually less then 1/4 acre insize (100 x 150) but can be made larger ifregeneration of species which require moresunlight, like oaks, is desired.

Habitat: The type of ecosystem in which agiven wildlife species is commonly found.

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FACTSHEET

Heartwood: The inner core of the tree. Thiszone of wood is composed of non-living cellsand provides the primary means of support.In some species this area is darker in colorthan the sapwood.

Improvement Cut: An improvement cutting istypically done in pole-sized or larger standsthat have received no previous treatments.The goal of this cutting is to enhance theoverall quality of the stand by removing unde-sirable trees. This can sometimes be a com-mercial treatment but usually fuelwood is theonly product removed.

Individual Tree Selection: This harvest andregeneration method removes trees of variousages and sizes throughout the forest. Theopenings created by removing individual treesis very small and only species tolerant ofshade can be regenerated through thismethod.

Intermediate treatment: A silvicultural treat-ment done in an immature stand to meetobjectives by modifying the composition orgrowth.

Lopping: Cutting slash up to lay close to theground.

Log Rule: a method of calculating the woodvolume in a tree or log. The International 1/4inch rule is the legal and standard rule forRhode Island.

MBF: Thousand Board Feet.

Poletimber: Trees from 4 inches to 10 inchesdbh.

Pruning: Removal of limbs from the lower por-tion of a tree to produce clear, high qualitylumber.

Regeneration: the seedlings and saplingswhich mill make up the next forest stand.

Release: This treatment removes larger, over-topping trees in a stand to allow the regener-ation to receive sunlight.Saplings: Young trees from 1 to 4 inches dbh.

Sawtimber (Small): Trees from 10-16 inchesdbh.

Sawtimber (Large): Trees 16 inches and larg-er dbh.

Seed Tree: This method removes all of thetrees except for a few well spaced, seed pro-ducing trees. This results in an even-agedstand and is usually used to perpetuate shadeintolerant species, such as yellow poplar,birch, cedar, or cherry. Modifications of thistechnique can also successfully regenerateoak or pine under special circumstances.

Selective Cutting - An intermediate treatmentaimed at improving the growth and vigor of anexisting stand of trees by reducing competi-tion and maintaining an uneven-aged forest.

Shelterwood harvest: This method leaves apartial overstory of mature trees to protectand provide a source of seed for the newstand. About 40-60% of the mature trees areremoved allowing partial sunlight to reach theunderstory. When seedlings become wellestablished in 10-20 years, the remainingmature trees can be removed and the youngtrees form the new stand.

4FACT

SHEET Glossary of Forestry Terms

Silviculture: Forest harvest systems used tocontrol the establishment, composition, andgrowth of forest stands to meet the ownersobjectives. They can be broadly classified asregeneration treatments, which are aimed at cre-ating a new stand, or intermediate treatments,which are used to manage an existing stand.

Site: The description of a specific location orarea based upon the type and quality of vege-tation it can support.

Site Index: A measure of site productivityused to relate site quality, which is basedupon the height of the dominant trees at aspecific age (usually 50 years and differentfor each species of trees).

Slash: Limbs, branches and tops left after acutting operation or fire.

Snag: A standing dead tree, or portion of,which provides valuable feeding, roosting, andnest-hole habitat for birds and small mammals.

Stand: see Forest Type/Forest Stand

Stocking level: A term used to describe a rel-ative measurement of the number of treesper acre and the basal area, stating how com-pletely the stand occupies its area and uti-lizes growing space. A stand can be under-stocked, well stocked, or over-stocked.

Timber Stand Improvement (TSI): This is ageneral statement which refers to variouscultural treatments conducted in immaturestands aimed at influencing their composi-tion and growth. This is typically a non-commercial operation requiring labor costs.

Understory: The smaller, usually youngertrees in a forest under the main crowns.

Uneven-aged: An area of trees of differentages and sizes.

Vernal Pool: A small temporary body ofwater often found in woodlands. They pro-vide a valuable and critical habitat to manyspecies of wildlife, mostly amphibians.

Weeding: This is a harvest done early inthe life of the stand, seedling or saplingsize, to favor the most desirable trees byremoving competing stems.

Wildlife Border: A strip 15 to 20 feet widealong the edge of a field where the forestgrowth has been cut back and allowed togrow back to sprouts, creating vertical edge.

Wolf Tree: A large tree with a spreadingcrown which takes up more space than itseconomical value, preventing the develop-ment of smaller trees.

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INTRODUCTIONThe suburbanization of our woodlands has

led to several emerging issues with regard tothe interaction of urban and rural land uses.

We’re all familiar with the images of howforest fires can impact residential areas thathave been built in the woods. So far, theseimages have a western U.S. source, and RhodeIsland is considered a Low Risk Area, but yourhome may be susceptible here in Southern NewEngland’s suburbanized woodlands.

Along with forest fire dangers, the interac-tion of residential land uses with the forestresults in clashes with wildlife and the conductof traditional forestry and farming practices.

ISSUESFIRE

Fire risks in Rhode Island include homes,but it’s the secondary structures that are typi-cally affected by the brush and forest fires weexperience. The additional risk of these burn-ing barns and sheds is that they often involvestored fuel and chemicals, which pose a haz-ard to the firefighters.

Risk management includes activities thatcan help reduce the exposure of your propertyand its improvements to fire. Here are somerecommendations:

• Maintain good access roads into andthroughout your property;

• Check your insurance policy to make sureyou’ve got coverage;

• Install a fuel break within 30 feet of yourstructures;

• Avoid stacking your firewood against thehouse;

• Develop an emergency water supply acces-sible by firefighters

Creating a Survivable Space For Your Homefrom “A Homeowner’s Guide to WildfireRetrofit”, IBHS

A survivable space is an area of reducedfuels between your home and the woodlands.One of the easiest ways to establish a surviv-able space is to use the zone concept. Zone1 is the closest to your home and Zones 2and 3 move progressively further away.

ZONE 1: Establish a well-irrigated or vegeta-tion-free area around your home. This shouldextend a minimum of 30 feet from your homeon all sides. As your hazard risk increases, aclearance of between 50 and 100 feet ormore may be necessary, especially on anydownhill sides of the lot. Plantings should belimited to carefully spaced native species.

ZONE 2: Place low-growing plants, shrubsand carefully spaced trees in this area.Maintain a reduced amount of vegetation.Trees should be at least 10 feet apart, and alldead or dying limbs should be pruned. Fortrees taller than 18 feet, prune lower branch-es within six feet of the ground. No tree limbsshould come within 10 feet of your home.

ZONE 3: This furthest zone from your homeis a slightly modified naturalarea. Thin select-ed trees andremove high-ly flamma-ble vege-tationsuch asdead or dyingtrees andshrubs.

Urban/Wildland InterfaceFACTSHEET

2FACT

SHEET Urban/Wildl i fe Interface

The Ideal Fire-Resistant HomeThe next step in protecting your home and

property from wildfire is to consider using fire-resistant materials and construction techniques.

Roof: The roof is the most vulnerable part ofyour home to wildfires. Roofing materials fallunder three levels of fire-resistance: A, B, and C,with A being the most fire resistant. Some treat-ed wood shake shingle products have ratings ofClass C or better. If your roof needs to be re-cov-ered, consider installing a Class A roof covering.

Exterior Walls: Your home’s exterior walls aresusceptible to the radiant and convective heatof a wildfire. The fire can ‘bridge’ to more vul-nerable areas such as eaves, soffits, vents andwindows. Eaves and soffits should be ‘boxed’

or enclosed with noncombustible materials toreduce the size of the vents, and non-com-bustible screening should be used in the vents.

Chimneys: Embers can either be sucked into yourchimney from a wildfire, or embers from your ownfire can fly out the chimney and start a wildfire.The best way to avoid this situation is to install aspark arrestor made from welded or woven wiremesh with openings less than 1/4” wide.

Seek AdviceFor further assistance in assessing your

home’s risk to wildfire, seek the advice of pro-fessionals. Check with your local fire depart-ment, building official, and your insuranceagent. They may be able to help with a firesafety audit.

In our pursuit of the American Dream, whichto some means having a house in the coun-try, we have, over the past 50 years, alteredthe landscape. As the forest on abandonedfarmland matures, we have created smallopenings in that canopy, we have built widesubdivision streets with storm drain systems,we have increased vehicle traffic on our ruralroads, and we have installed septic systemsto discharge our wastes.

These activities have resulted in impactson the quality of the water that flows in ourstreams and ends up in our ponds and reser-voirs, and creates conflicts between peopleand wildlife.

WATER QUALITYNon-point source pollution is an issue thathas become a hot topic lately, and it refers tothe water pollution that is washed into ourstreams and ponds every time it rains.Stormwater flows off every surface, and iseither absorbed into the ground to be filtered,or runs directly into streams and ponds.

Carried with stormwater are all the variouspollutants from vehicles, animals, gardenchemicals, and soil itself that, along with sep-tic system nitrates, collects in our water bod-ies. Fertilized water grows weeds, and lowerwater quality affects fish and wildlife popula-tions, and can contaminate our drinking water supplies.

Protecting our water resources requiressome effort from every individual; every welldrawing groundwater is susceptible to the pollu-tion you generate. For more information onwhat you can do to protect water quality, go toa well-water workshop sponsored by the RIHome*A*Syst Program, based at the Universityof RI’s Cooperative Extension Service, or checkout their website (www.uri.edu/ce/wq).

SUBURBAN SPRAWL: Impacts on Water Quality and Wildlife Habitat

3FACT


WILDLIFESuburban wildlife problems occur when

human populations occupy animal habitats,and when natural habitats are altered, favor-ing certain animal species. Increasing popu-lations of some species may be desirable,but the problems occur when certain speciesare over-abundant, impacting gardens, land-scape materials, and creating hazards on ourroadways. Exactly who the hazard is may bea matter of perspective.

The deer population in RI is the most visi-ble effect of the rural/urban interface. Thepopulation of deer has steadily increasedafter its re-introduction during the days offarm abandonment. A suburban habitat, withlots of edge created by residential openingsin the forest, tends to support higheramounts of deer. The resulting damages tocrops, Christmas trees, shrubbery, and gar-dens, along with the damages and injuriescaused by collisions on our roadways, hasmade the deer a vilified enemy of many ruraland suburban residents. Hunting is only mar-ginally effective at controlling deer herds,especially in a suburban area where firearmscan’t be discharged within 500 feet of hous-es. Fewer areas are available for hunting dueto the sprawl of development.

Fox, raccoons, and skunks, which are vec-tors for rabies, raise a concern with thespread of this disease. People not accus-tomed to seeing and dealing with wildlife intheir backyards fear coyotes and bear, whichare relatively new returns to RI woodlands.As we continue to alter natural habitats, wedisplace and interact with more wildlife. Ourpets also have an effect on wildlife popula-tions, especially cats that prey on birds.

There are some things we can do to livewith wildlife.

• Use landscape plants that do not attractmunching deer;

• Install fencing around gardens;• Plant onions and certain flowers on the

perimeter of gardens as a repellent;• Install deer rub sticks on the perimeter of

your Christmas trees;• Use trash cans with secure lids;• Secure chicken coops to prevent access by

coyotes;• Use chimney caps and screening to keep

squirrels out of your home;• Keep your cat indoors, to prevent it from

preying on your favorite birds, and to preventit from becoming preyed upon by coyote

4FACT

SHEET Urban/Wildl i fe Interface

LOGGING & FARMINGWorking farms and woodlands are an

important component of our local economies,and the state’s economy. The residentialdevelopment of our rural towns has broughtabout a number of problems between tradi-tional rural activities and the expectations ofsuburban residents. Having purchased ahome in the tranquil countryside, some ofthese residents now find it offensive to smellthe seasonal operations of farms and to seethe effect of logging activity. Affronted bythese activities, efforts are undertaken tohalt or change the way these things are done.

Rhode Island’s Right to Farm Act (RIGLCh. 2-23) prevents towns from passing ordi-nances that restrict a farmer’s ability to oper-ate beyond existing state measures. Forestlandowners are included in the definition offarmers under this law. Despite this law,there continue to be efforts to undermine thefarmer’s ability to operate.

Education of incoming residents is animportant step in protecting our right to farmand harvest timber. Participation on localBoards and Commissions are also importantto maintain balanced views on these issues.Organizations such as the RI Farm Bureauand the RI Forest Conservator’s Organization(RIFCO) are involved in the state policy arena,and your support of these organizations helpsprovide a balanced view towards naturalresource use and management.

RESOURCES & PUBLICATIONSNational Fire Protection Association,Quincy, MA (800)735-0100

Firewise Landscaping Videotapes andChecklist, 1993

Firewise Construction Videotapes andChecklist, 1997

Standard for Protection of Life andProperty from Wildfire, 1997

Protecting Your Home from Wildfire, 1987

Water Quality Topics: RI Home*A*SystProgram: www.uri.edu/ce/wq

WEBSITES

Firewise Communities 1 Batterymarch Park,Quincy, MA 02269(617)984-7486 • www.firewise.org

National Fire Protection Associationwww.nfpa.org

National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC)www.nifc.gov

USDA Forest Servicewww.fs.fed.us/fire/

Wildfire Newswww.wildfirenews.com

WILDLIFE INFORMATION FORFARMERS

RI DEM, Division of Agriculture401.222.2781

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This Urban/Wildlife Interface fact sheet is part of the RI Conservation Management Practices Guidebookproduced by the RI Forest Conservator’s Organization (RIFCO). For your complete binder set of the

Guidebook, contact RIFCO at (401) 568-3421, PO Box 53, No. Scituate, RI 02857, or visit www. rifco.org.


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