Logging and Timber webpage coming soon!

Logging and Timber Information

Minimizing soil erosion and the resulting sediment pollution to Waters of the Commonwealth is the goal of this program. PA Code, Title 25, Chapter 102 and the Pennsylvania Clean Streams Law require the implementation and maintenance of erosion and sediment control best management practices to minimize the potential for accelerated erosion and sedimentation.

Timber harvesting is considered an earth disturbance activity because it disturbs the forest floor and opens up opportunities for accelerated erosion. Felling trees, dragging them to the landing, and preparing them for the mill unchecked can greatly disturb and erode a property. Once a timber harvest plan is completed and reviewed, it should be placed at the main entrance to the site for cooperating agencies or municipality officials to view when inspecting or visiting the site.

Small E&S Plan for Timber Harvesting

Why are E&S Plans for a Timber Harvest So Important?

Any timber harvest in Pennsylvania should have a Timber Harvest E&S Plan, as all harvests involve some level of earth disturbance. Earth disturbance can include, but is not limited to, landings, skid trails, and haul roads. When these disturbed areas total 25 acres or more, a permit from DEP is required.

For a quick estimate, the District recommends using the “10% rule”: take 10% of your total sale acreage and treat that as the area of earth disturbance. However, this rule can vary based on site-specific conditions, so be sure to evaluate your timber sale carefully

Completing and implementing this DEP standard plan can help logging crews with placing BMPs, planning and reducing the footprint for haul roads and skid trails, finding adequate placement of landings, and even improve drainage of the site. What does that mean for the crew? Saved time and diesel fuel! Both of these things eventually lead to cost savings and faster regrowth of the site. Planning for the harvest is good for both the crews and the land owners involved at the end of the day.

When a logging site is executed well, it helps prevent accelerated erosion of the landscape. This protects sensitive species like the well known brook trout and the elusive hellbender. Each of these species, as well as many others, rely on clean, cool water to survive and are indicators of a healthy habitat.

Timber Harvest - 25 acres or Greater

Small Project E&S Pollution Control Plan

Common GPs for Timber Harvesting

E&S Plan Application and Fee Schedule

Construction Flow Chart

PA Clean Water Academy - E&S Information

*The plan may require review and approval from the Elk County Conservation District prior to any earth disturbance activities at the site. DEP also requires erosion and sediment pollution control plan review and approval before other DEP permits will be issued. Every plan submitted to the Elk County Conservation District for review must include a completed application and service fee. The fees are based on category of earth moving and extent of earth disturbance.

Chapter 105 General Permits Are Also Commonly Used on Timber Harvest Sites

Although other GP's exist, these are the most common for logging sites:

GP-7 Permanent Stream Crossings and Bridges = Permit Fee: $350
- Cannot be used for stream channel crossings where the watershed drainage area upstream is greater than 640 acres or 1 sq mile.
- Submerged Land License Agreements apply (SLLA)
- Cannot be used in Wild and Scenic Rivers or EV watersheds
- Stocked and Wild Trout restrictions apply
- Cannot be used for stream enclosures
- Project must be completed within 3 years of the GP authorization
GP-8 Temporary Crossings = Permit Fee: $175
- Submerged Land License Agreements apply (SLLA)
- Stocked and Wild Trout restrictions apply
- Crossings may not be in place for more than 1 year
- Must cross streams at a right angle
- Bridges must be single span
- Restoration of the site upon removal is required

GP-11 Maintenance, Testing, Repair, or Replacement of Existing Water Obstructions & Encroachments = Permit Fee: $750
- Conservation Districts do not issue these, contact the DEP regional office: 814-332-6945
  - Cannot be used for new stream crossings or new stream enclosures
  - Stocked and Wild Trout restrictions apply
  - Submerged Land License Agreements apply (SLLA)
  - No significant reduction of the waterway is permitted
  - E&S Plans must be submitted to DEP with the application
Permit Waivers
- Water obstructions in a stream with a drainage area less than 100 acres - waiver does not include encroachments

*This section is only to be used as a reference guide to the common GP's for logging sites. Each GP has a set of specific permitting criteria that should be read and understood in full and not all information is reflected here.

What Can The Elk County Conservation District Do To Assist Your Timber Harvest?

Districts all across Pennsylvania are regularly involved with timber harvests, as not everyone knows each and every environmental law off hand. We are your resource for technical assistance any time you need it. Let us assist you with the following items:

Erosion and Sediment Control - to prevent soil loss and protect water quality.
Best Management Practices (BMP) Guidance - to reduce environmental impacts.
Permit Assistance - to complete and implement Chapter 102/105 Plans adequately.
Site Inspections - for suggested improvements on site.
Education - to promote forest sustainability and compliance with state regulations.

When we all work together, we can help keep Elk County's forests a beautiful place and sustainable resource for future harvests!

Second Thoughts?

Don't think that a Timber Harvest Plan is right for you? Or, do you have plans to develop the site further after the timber harvest is over? Maybe your timber site requires stream crossings? Check out our pages on Small E&S Plans, NPDES Permits, or General Permits for more info.

We are here to help with your needs, however big or small!

Got questions? Contact our Chapter 102 technician, Jake Pistner, or our Chapter 105 technician, Juli Silveri, for more information!

Jake Contact info: tech1@elkconservationdistrict.com 814-776-5377

Juli Contact info: tech2@elkconservationdistrict.com 814-776-5373 ext. 5411