|
| |
There are several different methods
available to protect areas from excessive mud. Listed below is the Best
Management Practice for the completely organic option. Other options
include gravel Heavy Use Areas, and combinations of the two. Resource
Planners at the District can help you manage your mud problems. Planners
are available to visit your site and give specific recommendations and plans for
construction of your own Heavy Use Area. Please contact the District for
assistance.
 
| Corral before Heavy Use Area Protection. |
Corral and happy horses after installation
(gravel option). |
Organic Heavy Use Area Protection:
This Livestock Heavy Use Area Protection Best Management Practice was
developed through a WA state Conservation Commission Research Grant.
Installation specifications:
- Strip organic surface layer, sod, and muddy soil materials or soil
materials previously muddy.
- Slope the surface to facilitate surface drainage.
- Apply organic interface of straw or newsprint uniformly over excavated
soil surface.
- Separate straw from bales in flakes (minimum 4" thickness) and lay
flat and tightly together over stripped soil surface.
- Place non-shredded newsprint (do not include glossy material) uniformly
flat over stripped soil surface (minimum 3" thickness) and lap edges at
least 6 inches.
- Place shredded paper in uniform layer at least 12" thick, dampen
and compact to a thickness of at least 2 inches. Place a second layer
12" thick, dampen, and compact. Total thickness needs to be
approximately 4". Note: Material must be free of metal.
- With minimal disturbance to interface material, place at least 24"
thick layer of hog fuel, pole peelings, or wood chips uniformly over
interface material. Wood material should consist of a majority of
3" or greater length of pieces. Minimize amount of green material
in hog fuel.
*One large garbage can size plastic bag of shredded paper equals about 6 sq.
ft. x 2 inch thickness when thoroughly wetted.
Operation and Maintenance:
- Pick droppings regularly to avoid sealing of surface by manure.
- Fill holes and broken down trodden areas immediately to prevent
deterioration of protective surfaces. Fill to level of existing heavy
use area surface.
- Maintain a uniformly level surface in heavy use area.
- Periodic uniform additions of surfacing materials may be necessary to
maintain a functional thickness.
- It is anticipated that decomposition of the organic surfaces is apt to
occur after about 3 years. When this occurs, it is recommended that
the material be stripped and replaced with new material, as above.
- Material removed after completion of its functional life may be composted
and utilized as a soil amendment. Newsprint used as sheets for
interface should be significantly broken up to increase surface area to
expedite composting and decomposition.
- It is recommended that hooves be inspected periodically to ensure they are
free of chips. Certain types of wood may adversely affect particular
types of livestock or individual animals.
Call the District for more information on different designs or assistance!
A Washington Conservation Corps crew helped construct this gravel
and hog fuel combination heavy use area. |
