Forestry

Timber Harvest
In Pennsylvania, all earth disturbance activities must be undertaken in accordance with the Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Chapter 102 Erosion and Sediment Control regulations adopted under the authority of the Clean Streams Law. Under these regulations, all earth moving or earth disturbance activities in Special Protection Watersheds, including timber harvesting activities, must have an Erosion and Sediment Control Plan developed, implemented and maintained to minimize accelerated erosion and resulting sedimentation to the waters of the Commonwealth.
Timber harvesting is considered an earth disturbance activity because it disturbs the forest floor and exposes soils to accelerated erosion. While the felling of trees itself does not cause problems, the activities involved in moving the product from the stump to the mill may cause erosion and sediment pollution. Timber harvesting operations that will disturb 25 or more acres require a permit from DEP (the earth disturbance area is the total area of haul roads, landings, and skid trails). Inquiries as to whether or not a permit is required should be addressed to the local county conservation district or DEP Regional Office.

For Timber Harvest Projects please submit the following:
Erosion and Sediment Control Plan Template for a Timber Harvesting Operation
Monroe County Erosion and Sediment Control Plan Review Application Form 


In the event that there is a temporary and/or permanent stream/wetland crossing on the proposed project see permit information below:
Chapter 105 General Permit #7 – Minor Road Crossing
Chapter 105 General Permit #8 – Temporary Road Crossing


Other Resources:
Application for E&S Control Permit(For projects proposing more than 25 acres of disturbance)
PADEP BMP Manual Chapter 14 Timber Harvesting​
For Additional resources such as PPC plan and daily inspection template can be found on the SFI website