Jim Colla

States with comprehensive forest practices acts like Idaho, Oregon and Washington all contain requirements for stream and riparian zone protection. Essential elements include maintenance of a vegetation strip adjacent to the stream to minimize or prevent soil delivery from upland harvest and roads; shade to maintain temperatures; and large woody debris recruitment for channel stability and fish habitat. Provisions are also included to address stream crossings and limited harvest in the streamside zone.

While these are common elements, there is a great diversity between jurisdictions as to the actual level of prescription employed. There are different prescriptive minimum standards for buffer widths, shade, and large woody debris recruitment. In addition, there are prohibitions on the use of equipment or construction of roads, trails and landings in streamside zones. Rules also address stream crossing structures, fish passage, timber harvest, slash management, use of chemicals in riparian zones and adjacent areas, and critical habitat. These provisions are integrated with one primary goal in mind-to adequately protect water quality and fish and wildlife habitat. With the FPA in place for more than 25 years in all three states, each has seen improving trends in riparian habitat function and water quality as the acts have evolved.

The following illustrates the differences between Idaho, Oregon and Washington with respect to streamside management zones and leave tree requirements.

Jim Colla is program director, Idaho Forest Practices Act, Idaho Department of Lands, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Comments can be directed to him at jcolla@cda.idl.state.id.us.

This article appeared in the Northwest Woodlands Magazine, Spring 2001- Published quarterly by the World Forestry Center as a benefit of membership in the Oregon Small Woodlands Association, Washington Farm Forestry Association, Idaho Forest Owners Association and Montana Forest Owners Association.