Learning Objectives

Introduction

Issues and Challenges

Herbicides

Mechanical Operations

Burning

Reforestation

Stand Tending

Fertilizing

Rehabilitating Degraded Features and Sites

Self-check

Karst Management Handbook for
British Columbia

Mechanical Operations – Site Preparation and Vegetation Management

The following section summarizes the recommended best management practices for mechanical operations – site preparation and vegetation management – on karst terrain. Be sure to check out more detailed information in the Karst Management Handbook for British Columbia.

Low and Moderate Vulnerability Areas

The following best management practices are recommended:

• Keep the wheels or tracks of equipment at least 5 metres from the edge of karst features. If not possible, keep wheels or tracks parallel to the edge of features.
• Avoid mechanical methods of site preparation and vegetation management on areas where soils overlying epikarst are thin.
• Avoid pulling stumps during site preparation if significant soil erosion and/or soil transfer into epikarst cavities could occur.

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High Vulnerability Areas

In addition to the recommendations for low and moderate vulnerability areas, the following best management practice is recommended on high vulnerability areas:

• Mechanical forms of site preparation or vegetation management are inappropriate on high vulnerability karst areas.

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