PRIVATE LANDS LOGGING OBSERVATION GUIDE

This is a general listing of tips and tricks to make your visit to private lands logging sites more enjoyable, useful and safe.

Logistics

1. Generally you will want to use a high clearance vehicle because logging roads are often steep, rocky, loose and muddy. Drive within the limits of your vehicle, as towing help can be extremely difficult to obtain in the woods and expensive.

2. You should carry at least a cell phone, first aid kit, tire jack & stand, warm clothes, extra food and water. A CB, chainsaw, shovel, hand saw, axe, winch and extra gas can are recommended.

3. Always bring your map(s) and camera. Binoculars, compass and a GPS unit are recommended.

4. Tell a friend or family member where you are going, leave a note at home or on your answering machine.

Permission

Some private lands are off limits to the public so do not go there or you could be cited for trespassing. Some private lands are gated and closed to motor vehicles. Some private lands are either gated or not gated and open to the public to use according to posted rules. Some private lands have public access right-of-ways because they have roads that lead to Forest Service or BLM Lands.

It is always best to check with the landowner before you venture out so you will know if access is available to you. Some large landowners and timber companies have phone numbers you can call for information, or they might have a policy on public use available to view on their website (see info on THP Tracking Center Resources Page). For roads that pass through checkerboard ownership (private/public lands mix), unless gated and posted you likely have the right to use the road but do not assume you have the right to walk on private lands. Read our tips on how to monitor private lands logging impacts without trespassing.

How to Monitor Private Lands Logging Impacts Without Trespassing

1. If you are traveling through checkerboard lands observe and document logging impacts from the road.

2. You can hike in or drive on adjacent BLM or Forest Service lands to get views of private lands logging parcels.

3. In general, it is best to stick with monitoring private lands logging of large timber companies or landowners and avoid walking on, around or near small landholdings or residences.

4. If you are asked by a logging official to leave, please leave the area immediately. Generally; if you observe on the weekends, holidays or away from active logging sites you will avoid conflicts.

Safety

1. Do not venture out in the woods when bad weather approaches. You do not want to contribute to damage of muddy roads with your vehicle nor do you want to place yourself in a situation where you will need to be rescued.

2. Avoid areas that are under active logging as they will have a large concentration of logging trucks and logging equipment. Roads that have lots of flagging at major road junctions or along the route tend to indicate active logging operations ahead.

3. Drive slow enough and drive as if you expect to see a logging truck around every corner. Honk your horn around corners if you think a logging truck might be in the area and/or monitor you CB. Note: Loggers often write the CB channel they will be monitoring on trees at road junctions or along their route.

4. Carry a map and limit your walking to short jaunts along timber sale boundaries and obvious roads/landmarks to avoid getting lost. A handheld GPS unit can be very handy if you are prone to getting lost. Bring your cell phone.

5. If you are driving in checkerboard lands bring a BLM or Forest Service map of the area as that might be the only map you can use that has road numbers on it. Roads on private lands can be very difficult to navigate because they are often not numbered, are numerous and tend to lead to dead ends. You can also use bearing plates on Forest Service or BLM trees (squares with yellow backgrounds that denote your location by township, section and range) or an off-road capable GPS unit with a dirt roads layer.

What to Look For

1. The best way to tell if private lands logging operations are in violation of the Forest Practice rules is to have a copy of the Timber Harvest Plan (THP) available for the site you are visiting. The THP is the blueprint for how the logging operation should operate, and has details about the boundaries, logging methods, stream crossings, slope stability, wildlife leave trees/areas, landings, roads, etc.

Aside from that; there are some obvious violations you can look for:

1. Year round streams that have been clearcut through.

2. Roads that have been bulldozed though streams or large amounts of fill cast into streams.

3. Trees that have been cut and dragged from outside the timber sale boundary - especially from public lands.

4. Recent logging triggered landslides.

5. Large oil or fuel spills especially into creeks and streams.