The Greater Adirondack Resource Conservation and Development Council, Inc. (RC & D), with financial assistance from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the Lake Champlain Basin Program, is implementing a free Skidder Bridge Loaner Program for landowners and loggers.

RC & D says the free Skidder Bridge Loaner Program is hoping to encourage the use of the skidder bridges and other Best Management Practices in forest management to protect water quality and assist landowners in increasing economic activity in their communities.

Skidder bridges are temporary structures installed on small streams (less than 16 feet wide) to avoid disturbances to the streambed, prevent erosion, and protect water resources.

RC&D retains the services of certified forester John O’Donnell, who coordinates the free Skidder Bridge Loaner Program. If you are interested, e-mail or call O’Donnell at (518) 538-3373 to arrange for a loaner bridge.

In addition to a skidder bridge loaner program, the RC&D, in conjunction with NY Logger Training and the Empire State Forest Products Association, can provide hands on training workshops for constructing skidder bridges. Workshops emphasize acceptable materials, construction technique, safety, permitting, invasive species spread prevention, and forestry best management practices.

Photo of Skidder Bridge courtesy DEC.