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Portable Timber Harvesting Bridges
Demonstrating the Benefits of Portable
Bridges for Forest Road Stream Crossings
The Pine Country RC&D Council has
developed a portable bridge incentive program that  makes
portable bridges accessible and affordable for loggers and
timber buying companies in Georgia to utilize. The objective
of this project is to demonstrate that portable timber bridges
can be used to provide ideal temporary stream crossings that
protect water quality from non-point sources of pollution
associated with forestry operations.
Background: The 2004 Georgia Forestry
BMP survey evaluated 412 stream crossing sites comprising 43,
947 acres. The survey identified an 80% BMP implementation
rate but only a 44% compliance rate. Stream crossings are the
most critical aspect of a forestry road system. Failure of a
stream crossing, due to improper planning or construction, can
result in erosion and introduction of sediment into a stream,
which can affect water quality. Types of acceptable
crossings include main haul roads, culverts, fords, or
bridges. The report identified the biggest concern and area
for the greatest improvement is eliminating the skidder fords
and debris and dirt crossings. Together they make up 33% of
the total noncompliance.
Portable bridges are a preferred BMP
because they minimize both short and long term detrimental
impacts to the stream bank, stream bottom, water quality and
aquatic biota.
The following guidelines have been established for the
program:
- This incentive program is available
statewide; however, the goal is introduce six sets of
bridges in each of Georgia’s twelve River Basins for a total
of 84 sets of bridges.
- Approved applicants will be reimbursed
for 60% of the cost of the bridges up to $3,000 for wood
bridges and $10,000 for steel bridges.
- Bridges have to meet the program
specifications and must be maintained for 5 years.
- Upon approval, participants have 6
months to purchase and certify on-site bridge use.
- A “Participation Agreement” must be
signed prior to purchasing bridges.
- The participant will be required to
complete follow-up evaluations.
For more
information and to receive an
application, please contact the Pine Country RC&D Council
office at 912-529-6652.
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