Careful planning for woodland management activities, such as road construction and timber harvesting, can minimize non-point source (NPS) pollution.  Advance planning will identify possible water quality problems.  An effective plan will take into consideration all aspects of the woodland management practice and plan for implementation of BMPs which will minimize the adverse effects of the activity.

The objective of advance planning is for the landowner, forester, manager, logger and other operators to determine, based on conditions found on the site, which BMPs are necessary in order to protect water quality.  A written plan is both desirable and a good business practice.

Both state and federal laws may apply to some woodland activities in Iowa.  This is especially true of road and bridge construction near watercourses.  Laws are not covered by this publication.  Landowners should contact local authorities about laws which may apply prior to beginning any work.  (Appendix A:  Resource Directory)

Generally, steps that need to be taken during the planning stage include:

I. Locate property boundaries.

II. List or map:

A. soils,
B. existing vegetation,
C. perennial and intermittent streams,
D. drainage patterns,
E. slope,
F. topography,
G. wetland hydrology and/or other wetland indicators,
H. identification of sensitive areas and resources (such as unusual plants and animals),
I. archaeological sites and grave yards and
J. adjoining land uses.

III. If you know of an endangered or threatened species existing on your area of operation, plan operations to ensure that no interference or disruption will affect the species. 

IV. Identify Streamside Management Areas.

V. Identify potential log landings and sawmill locations.

VI. Identify probable main haul roads and skid trail locations.

VII. Identify stream or drainage crossing locations.

VIII. List necessary permits before beginning management activities.

IX. Develop a forest management plan based on the synthesis of the above data.

X. Schedule woodland management operations to minimize soil compaction and site degradation.

A. Schedule a harvest during the winter when the ground is frozen.

B. Plan to stabilize bare soil as soon as possible after exposing it to prevent erosion into streams, lakes, wetlands, or riparian areas.
 
C. Identify BMPs needed to prevent soil and site degradation. (This manual provides various recommended practices that may be utilized.)

XI. Maintain a spill containment and cleanup kit appropriate for the materials on the operation.

Additional planning guidelines for specific activities are listed in other sections of this manual.

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