Skid Sites Plan Good planning minimises unnecessary earthworks, sediment run-off and skid site and birdnest failures. Always plan the location and layout of skid sites in advance of starting construction. To minimise the risk of environmental damage, planning for skid sites should consider the following: • Skid sites should only be formed in a stable location. • The toe of any earthworks or slash pile should be at least 8m away from waterways (whether dry or flowing) and preferably 20m or more away. • Skid sites should be large enough to safely store slash or a plan is developed for slash management. • Skid sites should be large enough to provide for good drainage and any sediment traps and other sediment control methods. • Cut batters should be stable and benched if higher than 6m. • The location of skid sites should allow felled trees to be pulled away from waterways and major dry gullies. • The location of skid sites should minimise blind hauling across gullies. Benches Fill material and birdnests of harvest slash can be susceptible to collapse. When forming skid sites on slopes, always form a bench for the fill material to be placed on. Another bench should be formed below to contain any slash that falls off the skid. Harvest landing Fill Bench for ll Bench for toe of birdnest 14