Deadhead Logging - Frequently Asked Questions
What does a permit cover?
- An issued permit allows recovery and removal of pre-cut
submerged timber from a contiguous 20-mile river reach on one
named waterbody.
Are there any Waterbodies that are prohibited?
- Yes! Deadhead logging is not allowed in Aquatic Preserves,
land-locked lakes and several rivers. Logging is also restricted
by state parks or near endangered species such as gulf sturgeon
spawning locations.
What areas are approved for deadhead logging?
- Permitted river reaches require an archeological survey as
part of the application process.
How do I apply to recover deadheads?
- You will need to submit a permit application (62.346.900(1)
in the Northwest District and 62-343.900(1) for all other
Departmental Districts), the required information and the
required application fee ($500 - $830).
How much will it cost for me to log?
- The 5-year Environmental Resource Permit application fee is
between $500 and $830.
- The Use Agreement annual fee is $5,500.
- Additional cost will be incurred as a logger is required to
hold liability insurance while their Use Agreement is valid.
What information is required for the application process?
- GPS points for the start and stop of the river reach as well
as for the location that is going to be used to remove deadheads
from the water.
- Photos of the removal site(s) and vessel(s) that are going
to be used in the log recovery operation.
- Landing authorization from landowner for the site where logs
will be removed from the water
- Archeological survey (if required)
- Publication of Notice of Application
Will I be the only one logging in my permitted area?
- No. The State of Florida does not have an exclusionary
permit program. There may be several loggers permitted to work
in the same area of the river.
How many deadhead logs are left?
- Unfortunately there is no way of knowing how many deadhead
logs remain on the river bottoms. Numerous waterways have
already been permitted for logging operations; however, there
are still a great number of water bodies that have never been a
part of permitted logging activities.
What is considered a deadhead log?
- A Permit to retrieve Pre-cut Submerged Timber, or deadhead
logs, allows the removal of logs that were cut during the
State’s logging boom from the late 1800’s to the early 1900’s.
Most of these timbers can be recognized by the ax marks at the
end of the log. A Permit does not allow recovery of any deadfall
or naturally occurring timber that may be found in the river
system.
During the permitting process, are there any other requirements?
- A Permittee will be required to attend a Departmental
sponsored course and receive a Master Deadhead Logger
Certification. This educational component of the permit provides
the logger with legal and environmental knowledge regarding the
conditions of his permit. This course is held in coordination
between several sections of the Department, the Department of
State - Division of Historical Resources, and the Division of
Forestry.
2012 State of Florida