6_Forestry

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FoRestRy
FoRestRy in the LittLe tennessee RiveR basin: 2012 UPDate
FoRestLanD oWneRshiP*
Approximately 56% of the forestland in the basin is privately-owned, with the remainder being publically-
owned land, primarily the Nantahala National Forest and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
* The ownership estimates come from the most recent data published by the USDA-Forest Service (“Forest Statistics
for North Carolina, 2002.” Brown, Mark J. Southern Research Station Resource Bulletin SRS-88. January 2004).
FoRest WateR QUaLity RegULations
Forestry operations in North Carolina are subject to regulation under the Sedimentation Pollution Control
Act of 1973 (Article 4-GS113A, referred to as “SPCA”). However, forestry operations may be exempted from
specific requirements of the SPCA if the operations meet the compliance performance standards outlined
in the Forest Practices Guidelines Related to Water Quality (15A NCAC 1I .0100 - .0209, referred to as
“FPGs”) and General Statutes regarding stream and ditch obstructions (GS 77-13 and GS 77-14).
The FPG performance standard rule-codes and topics include:
.0201 Streamside Management Zone (SMZ)
.0202 Prohibition of Debris Entering Streams and Waterbodies
.0203 Access Road and Skid Trail Stream Crossings
.0204 Access Road Entrances
.0205 Prohibition of Waste Entering Streams, Waterbodies, and Groundwater
.0206 Pesticide Application
.0207 Fertilizer Application
.0208 Stream Temperature
.0209 Rehabilitation of Project Site
The NC Forest Service (NCFS) monitors forestry operations for compliance with these aforementioned
laws and/or rules. In addition, the NCFS works to resolve identified FPG compliance questions brought
to its attention through citizen complaints. Violations of the FPG performance standards that cannot be
resolved by the NCFS are referred to the appropriate State agency for enforcement action. During the period
September 1, 2005 through August 31, 2010 there were 137 sites in the basin inspected for FPG compliance
with 85% of the sites in compliance upon the initial site inspection.
otheR WateR QUaLity RegULations
In addition to the multiple State regulations noted above, NCFS monitors the implementation of the following
Federal rules relating to water quality and forestry operations:
£ The Section 404 silviculture exemption under the Clean Water Act for activities in wetlands;
£ The federally-mandated 15 best management practices (BMPs) related to road construction in wetlands;
£ The federally-mandated BMPs for mechanical site preparation activities for the establishment of pine
plantations in wetlands of the southeastern U.S.Other Water Quality Regulations
FoRestRy best ManageMent PRactices
Implementing forestry Best Management Practices (BMPs) is strongly encouraged to efficiently and
effectively protect the water resources of North Carolina. In 2006, the first ever revision to the North Carolina
forestry BMP manual was completed. This comprehensive update to the forestry BMP manual is the
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result of nearly four years of effort by the NCFS and a forestry Technical Advisory Committee consisting of
multiple sector stakeholders, supported by two technical peer-reviews. The forestry BMP manual describes
measures that may be implemented to help comply with the forestry regulations while protecting water
quality. Copies of the forestry BMP manual can be obtained at a County or District office, or online: http://
www.ncforestservice.gov/water_quality/bmp_manual.htm.
From 2006 to 2008, the NCFS conducted its second cycle of BMP implementation site assessment surveys
to evaluate the use of forestry BMPs, and qualitatively assess the strengths and weaknesses of BMPs in
regards to protecting water quality. Statewide, the BMP surveys were completed on 212 active logging sites
and the average BMP implementation rate observed during this survey was 85 percent.
£• In the Little Tennessee basin we surveyed 6 sites, evaluated 275 individual BMPs, and observed a
BMP implementation rate of 72 percent.
A copy of the survey report (PDF, 5MB) is available from the website http://www.ncforestservice.gov/
publications/WQ0210.pdf. These periodic, recurring BMP surveys serve as a basis for focused efforts in the
forestry community to address water quality concerns through better and more effective BMP development,
implementation and training.
PRotecting stReaM cRossings With bRiDgeMats
The NCFS provides bridgemats on loan to loggers for establishing temporary stream crossings during
harvest activities in an effort to educate loggers about the benefits of installing crossings in this manner.
Temporary bridges can be a very effective solution for stream crossings, since the equipment and logs stay
completely clear of the water channel. Bridgemats are available for use in this river basin, and have been for
several years. Periodic status reports, a list of bridgemat suppliers, and additional information are available
at http://www.ncforestservice.gov/water_quality/bridgemats.htm.
FoRest haRvesting, RegeneRation & PLanning
During this last planning period an estimated 649 acres of land were established or regenerated with forest
trees across the basin. During this same time period, approximately 607 acres had a final harvest conducted
and 3,393 acres had an intermediate harvest conducted. In addition, 593 individual forestry-related
management plans were produced for landowners, encompassing more than 31,400 acres of forestland.
chRistMas tRee PRoDUction
The Christmas tree industry is predominant across many counties in the North Carolina mountains. It should
be noted that the N.C. Forest Service does not oversee regulations or land-clearing activities associated
with Christmas tree production. These activities are not considered forestry (“silviculture”) activities,
but are instead deemed to be an agricultural or horticultural activity. Personnel with the County Soil &
Water Conservation District or USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) can provide BMP
assistance. Additional information about Christmas trees is available from the N.C. Cooperative Extension
Service: http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/fletcher/programs/xmas/ctnotes/index.html
noRth caRoLina FoRest seRvice (ncFs) contacts FoR the LittLe tennessee RiveR basin:
Office Location Contact Person Phone
Sylva District (District-9)Assistant District Forester [phone]
Western region (Region-3)Asst. Regional Forester [phone]
State Central Office, Raleigh Nonpoint Source Branch - Forest Hydrologist [phone]
Griffiths Forestry Center, Clayton Water Quality & Wetlands Staff Forester [phone] Ext. 230