What we know - and don't know - about water quality at stream crossings

Abstract

Forest road stream crossings, including fords, culverts, and bridges, are primary contributors of sediment to forest streams. Information on the water quality impacts from each type of crossing is limited, but the available literature indicates that significant amounts of sediment are produced during installation of fords and culverts; construction and use of temporary bridges have the least impact on water quality. This review of our current state of knowledge on the water quality impacts from crossings shows that we need data for a wide variety of stream sizes, soil types, terrain, and climatological conditions so that policymakers can develop scientifically sound best management practices.