Heavy Use Area Protection

Heavy Use Area Protection is the stabilization of areas frequently and intensively used by people, animals or vehicles by establishing vegetative cover, by surfacing with suitable materials or by installing needed structures. Such activity helps reduce soil erosion, protect air and water quality and improve livestock health. This best management practice applies to intensively used agricultural areas.

All site foundations should be evaluated for soil moisture, permeability, texture and load bearing strength in combination with the design load and anticipated frequency
of use. A base course of gravel, crushed stone, other suitable material and/or geotextile should be provided on all sites with a need for increased load bearing strength, drainage, separation of material and soil reinforcement. An impervious barrier should be provided on sites with a porous foundation (high permeability rate), where there is a need to protect ground water from contamination.

Provision should be made for surface and subsurface drainage, as needed, and for disposal of runoff without causing erosion or water quality impairment. All treatment areas should be shaped to prevent ponding of water.

The treated area should extend an appropriate distance from facilities such as portable hay rings, water troughs, feeding troughs, mineral boxes and other facilities where livestock concentrations cause resource concerns.

When stabilizing heavily used areas consider adjoining land uses and the proximity to
residences, utilities, wetlands or other environmentally sensitive areas.
Heavy use area protection effects on water resources, especially on volumes and rates of
runoff, infiltration, and transpiration due to the installation of less pervious surfaces should be considered in the selection of surfacing materials. The transport of sediments, nutrients, bacteria, organic matter from animal manures; oils, chemicals and particulate matter associated with vehicular traffic; and soluble and sediment-attached substances carried by runoff should be considered in selection of companion conservation practices.

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Photo: Area protected around livestock waterer, Brown Creek Soil and Water Conservation District