Temporary wooden stream crossings
MRC Brome-Missisquoi created a guide to show you a simple, effective way to cross streams and protect the environment. This guide, developed with the Agence forestière de la Montérégie, explains how to build and install this type of crossing and why it’s so beneficial.
Temporary wooden stream crossing guide
This guide shows a simple, effective way to cross streams and protect the environment during forestry work. It explains how to build and install this type of crossing and why it's so beneficial.
FAQ
Yes. The build plan is intended to give you an idea of how to go about construction, but you can use a different type of wood or even another material, like steel.
However, please keep in mind how much your temporary bridge will weigh and whether your machinery can transport it.
Yes. As mentioned in the guide, the crossing is simply placed on the two banks, requires no excavating, cutting or filling and keeps your machinery from going into the water. This has a direct impact on the water quality and microfauna and flora living in the watercourse.
Any forestry machinery can install one of these crossings. Cable skidders, single-grip harvesters or forwarders would all work well. Small tractors could also work if they are equipped for this type of installation (e.g., with a log grapple, front blade attachment).
It’s always best to install a temporary crossing at a narrow part of the watercourse where the ground can withstand a number of vehicles coming and going for logging.
Simply put a log on either end of the platform and a log that’s as long as the platform on either side to bolster the sides. In doing so, you’ll also keep branches or debris from coming into contact with the watercourse.