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S e p t em b e r 20 0 5

H E L P F O R D I R T R OA D S
Effects of Sediment:
Runoff from roads is a significant source of sediment in
West Virginia. It contributes to flooding, increases
streambank erosion, causes water quality problems, which
increases the cost of treating drinking water.
Available Programs for fixing your dirt road.
AGRICULTURAL MANAGEMENT ASSISTANCE
FROM THIS EXISTING WOODLAND HARVEST ROAD, TRAIL, & LANDING RECLAMATION
TO THIS Existing woodland access roads that are not properly planned, constructed, and / or
maintained result in erosion and sedimentation. Critical area treatment of eroding areas can
minimize erosion and soil loss from such sites. This program provides financial and technical
assistance to vegetatively treat gully erosion on existing woodland harvest roads, trails, and
landings.

⇒ This practice does not apply to roads subject to daily or frequent use, such as, roads used
for utility maintenance or right-of-ways.
⇒ Commercial recreational areas are not eligible for cost-share assistance.
⇒ The landowner must have control of access to the road and be willing to limit access to
ensure maintenance of vegetative cover.
⇒ The planning and construction of new woodland access roads is not included in this
BENEFITS practice.
⇒ Less road ⇒ Livestock must be excluded from the woodland area.
maintenance. ⇒ The road, trail, or landing cannot have been used for a timber harvest in the past 12
⇒ Less wear & tear months.
on your vehicle. ⇒ Work deemed necessary by the West Virginia Division of Forestry for Logging and
⇒ Better access. Sediment Control Act compliance is not eligible for cost-chare assistance.
⇒ Improved water
quality.
For more information on AMA, contact your local NRCS office.
⇒ Reduced flood
damage.

DRIVEWAY TIPS
⇒ Slope should be no greater than 12%.
⇒ Gravel or pave.
⇒ Properly drain.

For technical assistance on driveways, contact your local NRCS office.

Fact sheet developed for distribution by WV Conservation Agency’s Watershed Resource Center (304) 558-0382
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H E L P F O R D I R T R OA D S
Available programs for fixing your dirt road.
FORESTRY LAND ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM
FLEP is a federal cost share assistance program funded by the USDA Forest Service that
provides financial assistance for the long-term sustainability of non-industrial private
forestlands. In West Virginia, the Division of Forestry administers the program. You must
have a minimum of ten acres and no more than 1000 acres to qualify.
This program requires a stewardship plan, which can also be cost-shared.

Permanent Vegetative Cover on Critical Areas

⇒ To be used on highly eroding or critically eroding areas.

⇒ Grass cover only.
⇒ Must have a stewardship plan. FLEP
⇒ Funding cannot be used for annual maintenance, such as grading or Cost
Cost--Share
cutting back vegetation. Money
⇒ The road may be retired, but if it is still used, the landowner must
insure that the original stabilization practice is maintained for 10 years.
Does your “DIRT ROAD”
look like this! There is For more information contact your local DOF office or
HELP out there!
visit Forestry’s website at www.wvforestry.com.

ACTIVE OIL AND GAS WELL ROADS

Best Management Practices (BMPs) are designed to prevent sediment runoff on all active oil and
gas well roads. BMPs are required during construction, reclamation and while the road is being
used. BMPs can include culverts, ditches, broad based dips, water bars, proper slope, graveled
crossings and revegetation. All revegetated access roads and well sites are required to be
maintained throughout the life of the well. Whenever the soil is disturbed on any well or well road
by a well-related activity, it should be revegetated according to the Department of Environmental
Protection, Office of Oil and Gas, Erosion and Sediment Control Field Manual.

For more information contact your DEP’s Office of Oil and Gas
At 304-926-0450.

Fact sheet developed for distribution by WV Conservation Agency’s Watershed Resource Center (304) 558-0382