Prior to implementation of major forest management actions on BWSR-held conservation easements, the landowner must have an approved Action Plan.
Major actions are defined as anything except the following:
- Invasive species control
- Removal of dead or downed timber
- Maintenance of existing trails; new trails and trail widening require an action plan
- Cutting up to 5 cords of firewood for personal use annually; higrading is not allowed
- Temporary hunting blinds
- Authorized maintenance of existing water control structures
- Removal of beaver dams
Action Plans
Forested RIM easement lands may have high-level Forest Stewardship Plans (FSPs) or other forest management plans. See the Forested RIM Easements & Forest Stewardship Plans for more information. In addition to such a plan, the landowner must submit a more detailed Action Plan to the Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) and receive prior approval before beginning major forest management actions on BWSR-held conservation easements.
The Action Plan is a brief document that tells us who, what, where, when, why, and how and includes a map showing the area to be treated and access routes. The Action Plan must follow proper best management practices (BMPs). The intent is that this is a brief document that provides sufficient specific information so that an action can be approved. These plans should be written by a natural resources professional who has knowledge of the techniques being implemented.
See the Sample Action Plan Template (docx) for a form that is available for use. The Action Plan writer is not required to use the form, but the elements must be incorporated into any plan submitted for review.
Any management actions will be required to follow the Sustaining Minnesota Forest Resources: Voluntary Site-Level Forest Management Guidelines for Landowners, Loggers and Resource Managers BMPs.
Procedures
Action Plan review
- SWCD reviews the Action Plan to make sure that the proposed actions are consistent with the purposes and intent of the RIM easement. This review should investigate the details, if necessary, as approval will give the landowner the right to implement the action.
- Action Plan actions and ancillary actions (for example a temporary logging road)
- Are clearly defined and unambiguous
- Are consistent with the purposes and intent of the RIM easement
- Follow Sustaining Minnesota Forest Resources: Voluntary Site-Level Forest Management Guidelines for Landowners, Loggers and Resource Managers BMPs
- Completed a manner that minimizes negative impacts to habitat and water quality
- Do not negatively impact Threatened or Endangered species
- Follow all laws and regulations
- If a draft Action Plan generates concerns, it is best to discuss these with the landowner and plan writer and request a revised version that address concerns so that it can be approved
Action Plan approval and documentation
- Upon approval SWCD sends the landowner a letter stating that
- The plan has been reviewed and approved and that the landowner is responsible for ensuring the Action Plan is implemented as approved
- Approval of the Action Plan gives consent only for approved actions, any modifications or changes must receive prior approval through submission of a Revised Action Plan
- A Sample Action Plan Approval Letter (docx) is available
- SWCD keeps a copy of the plan and approval letter on file with the Conservation Plan
- SWCD provides an electronic version of the Action Plan to BWSR Easements Section by emailing it to bwsr.rim@state.mn.us
- SWCD updates the Conservation Plan with a statement that an Action Plan has been reviewed and approved; note the date of the plan
Follow-Up
- Depending upon the magnitude of the management activity and time permitting it would be helpful for SWCD staff to visit the site during or just before the management action commences. This can help to answer any lingering questions and reduce the potential for easement violations. This is not required but is considered a BMP.