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Portable Skidder Bridge Initiative
The goals of this initiative are three-fold.
(1) Inform loggers, landowners and foresters about the benefits of using portable skidder bridges through workshops and presentations, field demonstrations, informational brochures, static displays, video and web production, and news articles.
(2) Provide portable skidder bridges to loggers for purchase, loan and rental using a variety of means and partners.
(3) Provide assistance and support for existing and start-up businesses that would fabricate and sell portable skidder bridges.
 Portable skidder bridges are designed and intended for use as temporary structures for crossing streams during logging. Portable skidder bridges are becoming widely viewed as a Best Management Practice for controlling non-point source pollution associated with timber harvesting operations. When properly installed, used and removed, they create less stream bank and stream bed disturbance as compared to other alternatives such as culverts or poled fords. They are also economical since they are reusable, easy to install and can be transported from job to job. Portable skidder bridges will reduce the potential for sedimentation, channeling and degradation of aquatic habitat to occur while allowing loggers to harvest timber in compliance with Acceptable Management Practices for Maintaining Water Quality on Logging Jobs in Vermont (AMP’s).
The use of portable skidder bridges is gaining popularity as loggers, forest landowners and foresters realize their environmental and economic benefits. The Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation is promoting and demonstrating the use of portable designs on timber harvesting operations. Loggers have the opportunity to use portable skidder bridges by participating in the Portable Skidder Bridge Loan and Education Program or the Portable Skidder Bridge Rental Program.
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![Vermont Division of Forestry [photo]](../rand/groton3.jpg)
