IN.gov - Skip Navigation

Note: This message is displayed if (1) your browser is not standards-compliant or (2) you have you disabled CSS. Read our Policies for more information.

Forestry > Forestry BMP's > Non-logging BMP's > Taking Care of the Site Taking Care of the Site

Fire/Control Lines

Control lines constructed by mechanized equipment should follow logging road and skid trail best management practice (BMP) standards to minimize soil erosion. Control lines constructed with hand tools should also follow these standards, modified as needed to reflect hand trail construction. See the DNR publication "Trail Construction Manual" available from:

Indiana Department of Natural Resources
Division of Outdoor Recreation
402 West Washington St. Room W271
Indianapolis, IN 46204
(317) 232-4070

Woodland Grazing-Keep livestock out of the woods

Where farm animals and livestock have access to forest areas, there is a high risk of accelerated soil erosion and reduced water quality.

General Guidelines:

  • Keep livestock out of the woods. Small stable areas of the woods may be included in the pasture where necessary for shade, wind protection or access to water supplies.
  • Convert some of the marginal forest land into stable, productive pasture with scattered or clumped trees for shade and shelter. Protect the remainder of the woods and the pasture trees from active grazing.
  • Develop alternate livestock watering supplies away from water courses where practicable.
  • Provide extra protection, such as fencing, around springs, streams, sinkhole openings, and erosive slopes to exclude livestock traffic.
  • Maintain a strip of undisturbed vegetation next to waterways to filter sediments and excess nutrients before they enter the water.

Recreation Trails

Designated trail systems may be necessary where recreation pressures are high. Forest access roads can serve as recreation trails. Trails should be well planned; constructed to protect user safety and minimize soil erosion; and maintained to ensure erosion control measures are functioning and safety hazards are minimized.

They should generally follow the guidelines for forest roads, stream crossings, and RMZ's.

Specific BMP guidelines can be found in the "Trail Construction Manual" available from:

Indiana Department of Natural Resources
Division of Outdoor Recreation
402 West Washington Room W271
Indianapolis, IN 46204
(317) 232-4070

<< Back to Non-logging BMP's

Stay Connected

You are leaving the IN.gov website. By clicking OK, you will be taken to a website that is not affiliated with the State of Indiana and may have different privacy and security policies. The State of Indiana is not responsible for, and does not endorse, guarantee, or monitor content, availability, viewpoints, products, or services that are offered or expressed on this non IN.gov portal website.

Manage small woodlots The Division of Forestry is an equal opportunity employer and service provider.