Database

In clear-cutting, avoid damaging the ground in the buffer strip near a water body

Habitat	Function	Type of work
Forest	Habitat	Clear-cutting

Buffer strips will be established and maintained along the banks of natural watercourses to maintain biodiversity and ensure ecological connectivity. The recommended width of the buffer strips is 5 metres on average, with an optimum of 1-10 metres.

Description of the action

Avoid damaging the soil or established turf in the buffer strip of water bodies, and if possible, avoid moving forestry machinery there. Trees in the buffer strip can be cut with a harvester in a way that the harvester does not enter the buffer strip. Before logging, do not cut the understory in the buffer strip.

Why?

In water body buffer strips, avoid disturbing the established turf to prevent sediments and suspended particles from entering the water. Harvesters can cut trees without driving into the buffer strip, and sorted timber can be placed beside the buffer strip to prevent additional disturbance.