montana department of natural resources & conservation trust land management division forest...
TRANSCRIPT
Montana Department of Natural Resources & ConservationTrust Land Management DivisionForest Management Program
Presented by:Gary FrankResource Program ManagerForest Management Bureau
Overview: State Wetland Timber Harvest Regulations
State Wetland Timber Harvest Regulations in Montana
• Montana Streamside Management Zone (SMZ) Law
•Montana Forestry Best Management Practices
•Additional Measures Required on State Trust Lands
Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP)
DNRC Forest Management Rules
•Other Laws that might be applicable
MT SMZ Law Regulates commercial forest practices conducted immediately adjacent to streams and lakes
Establishes stream classification system
Requires establishment of an SMZ with a minimum width of 50 or 100’
Prohibits or restricts: Construction of roadsUse of ground based equipClearcuttingbroadcast burningplacement of slashhazardous materials
CLASS 1 STREAM
• 10 trees >= 8”dbh/100 ft
or
•50% of the trees >or= 8”dbh
•Shrubs and smaller trees
TREE RETENTION REQUIREMENTS
SMZ Extended to include Adjacent
Wetlands
Applies to all Streams
For Adjacent Wetlands
•Same as the adjacent SMZ
•50% of the trees >= 8” dbh
•Shrubs and smaller trees
TREE RETENTION REQUIREMENTS
• Restricted to frozen or snow covered conditions
•That result in no soil disturbance
•No Equipment within normal 50’ or 100’ feet SMZ
•Shrubs/sub-merchantable trees protected
EQUIPMENT OPERATION IN ADJACENT WETLANDS
Water Quality…
…it’s a responsibility we
ALL share!
Montana Forestry Best Management Practices (BMPs)
Avoid operation of wheeled or tracked equipment within wetlands except when ground is frozen.
Avoid equipment operations on unstable, wet or easily compacted soils.
Locate roads to avoid wet areas – including wetlands.