1
00:00:01,380 --> 00:00:02,610
- [Mark] This is Mark Isselhardt,

2
00:00:02,610 --> 00:00:05,900
maple specialist with the
University of Vermont Extension,

3
00:00:05,900 --> 00:00:07,963
and this is another Vermont Maple Minute.

4
00:00:09,140 --> 00:00:11,320
Access to a sugar bush is critical

5
00:00:11,320 --> 00:00:14,480
for installing and repairing
sap collection equipment,

6
00:00:14,480 --> 00:00:16,720
tapping and managing crop trees,

7
00:00:16,720 --> 00:00:19,743
and responding to the effects
of natural disturbances.

8
00:00:20,600 --> 00:00:23,220
Quality access to the sugar bush relies

9
00:00:23,220 --> 00:00:25,730
on a road and trailed
system that can handle

10
00:00:25,730 --> 00:00:28,390
the appropriate vehicles
needed in the operation

11
00:00:28,390 --> 00:00:29,983
at all times of the year.

12
00:00:31,020 --> 00:00:33,210
Trails and roads must also be designed

13
00:00:33,210 --> 00:00:35,730
to handle significant precipitation events

14
00:00:35,730 --> 00:00:36,983
without washing out.

15
00:00:38,330 --> 00:00:40,430
When designed and installed correctly,

16
00:00:40,430 --> 00:00:42,810
water bars are a critical investment

17
00:00:42,810 --> 00:00:45,053
in preserving the trail and road system.

18
00:00:46,270 --> 00:00:48,370
Water bars divert water from the road

19
00:00:48,370 --> 00:00:52,023
before it can pick up speed
and erode the road surface.

20
00:00:52,870 --> 00:00:54,270
There are a few key elements

21
00:00:54,270 --> 00:00:56,893
to correctly installing water bars.

22
00:00:57,960 --> 00:01:00,530
The cost of repairing
significant road damage

23
00:01:00,530 --> 00:01:02,990
far exceeds the costs of installing

24
00:01:02,990 --> 00:01:04,663
and maintaining water bars.

25
00:01:06,010 --> 00:01:08,250
The slope of a road or
trail will determine

26
00:01:08,250 --> 00:01:10,420
the spacing between water bars.

27
00:01:10,420 --> 00:01:14,260
The steeper the slope, the
more water bars are needed.

28
00:01:14,260 --> 00:01:16,840
A typical water bar will
consist of a channel

29
00:01:16,840 --> 00:01:20,180
dug somewhere between
eight and 10 inches deep

30
00:01:20,180 --> 00:01:23,600
with a downhill berm of
approximately equal height

31
00:01:23,600 --> 00:01:25,483
that completely crosses the road.

32
00:01:26,890 --> 00:01:30,120
Water bars that do not cover
the entire width of the trail

33
00:01:30,120 --> 00:01:31,893
will allow water to pass.

34
00:01:32,920 --> 00:01:35,580
To be effective, water
bars must not be installed

35
00:01:35,580 --> 00:01:37,490
at right angles to the road.

36
00:01:37,490 --> 00:01:39,253
Thirty degrees is ideal.

37
00:01:40,490 --> 00:01:43,550
The end of the water bar will
empty out into a runoff area

38
00:01:43,550 --> 00:01:45,203
and allow the water to settle.

39
00:01:46,550 --> 00:01:49,690
Keeping the water bars free
of leaves, silt, and debris

40
00:01:49,690 --> 00:01:52,663
will ensure it's ready
to function when needed.

41
00:01:53,620 --> 00:01:54,760
This is Mark Isselhardt,

42
00:01:54,760 --> 00:01:58,150
maple specialist with the
University of Vermont Extension,

43
00:01:58,150 --> 00:02:00,543
and this has been another
Vermont Maple Minute.