Mitigating Potential Sediment Delivery from Post-Fire Salvage Logging.

Wagenbrenner J., Coe D., and Olsen W. 2023. Mitigating Potential Sediment Delivery from Post-Fire Salvage Logging. California Forestry Report (2023). No.7 February 2023.

Keywords: Salvage Logging, Soil erosion, Postfire assessment, Water quality

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Abstract: Post-fire salvage logging using ground-based heavy equipment can impact soils and vegetation, and lead to various effects that can increase or decrease post-fire runoff and erosion (removal of soil or sediment from its initial position). This document briefly outlines the current understanding of these effects and provides an overview of best management practices (BMPs) designed to mitigate the negative effects related to sediment delivery to streams and other aquatic resources. It is based on the best available scientific information regarding BMPs that may be used to reduce sediment delivery from post-fire salvage logging activities as well as the authors’ knowledge on this topic. The document is intended to complement state, regional, and national regulations and/or guidance for timber harvest activities in unburned and burned forests (California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), 2023; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2005; USDA Forest Service, 2000, 2012). This document focuses on implementation on lands subject to California’s Forest Practice Rules (FPRs), although the process-based approach allows more broad application of this guidance with appropriate caution, including consideration for climate, landscape setting, and operational conditions or constraints. The primary audience for this document is forestry and watershed professionals. Abbreviated operational guidance will be provided for licensed timber operators in a subsequent product. Research results informing the various effects and guidance are provided in reference materials. No attempt is made to address the ecological aspects of post-fire salvage logging, which are covered elsewhere. Site preparation for reforestation can occur with or without salvage logging, but few studies have addressed the effects of those practices on runoff and erosion (Cole et al., 2020). Similarly, this document does not address best management practices for fire suppression repair, although some of the practices presented herein may apply to suppression repair activities.

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