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The Science of Responsible Wetland Access  YAK ACCESS logo  Wetlands are delicate ecosystems that provide habitats for a variety of plant and animal species. Accessing these areas responsibly is necessary for protecting sensitive environments. Learn how YAK ACCESS uses specialized systems to provide temporary access with minimal environmental impact.  Site Analysis and Evaluation Assessing the site is the first step in finding a viable solution for temporary wetland access.  Site Assessment Get the lay of the land with: Wading, Amphibious vehicles, Helicopters, Drones  Site Measurements Gather the necessary data with: - Penetrometers to measure soil density  - Plant surveys to identify endangered and invasive species  - Analysis of hydrologic functions  Project Requirements Learn about the potential impact from:  - Equipment used  - Frequency of travel  - Duration of work  Temporary Access Design Create project-specific solutions to meet the load demands with minimal impact.  Benefits of Responsible Wetland Access There are many ways to approach temporary wetland access. By doing it responsibly, you’re not only doing the right thing, but also reaping the benefits.  Safe Access Create safe, smooth access for people, equipment, and materials.  Environmental Protection Minimize the impact your project makes on delicate ecosystems.  Post-Project Restoration Savings Reduce or mitigate the need for post-project restoration activities.  Regulatory Compliance Implement compliant solutions and avoid violations and fines.  The emtek® Wetland Access System YAK ACCESS creates safe and eco-friendly temporary access to wetlands with the innovative emtek® wetland access system.  Weight Distribution Access mats distribute weight to minimize downward pressure on the ground below, protecting plants and preventing soil compaction.  Floating Mats  emtek® mats are designed to float on the vegetative layer of a wetland—a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to stacking traditional timber mats  Advanced Engineering emtek® mats are engineered in a way that allows YAK ACCESS to calculate specific load ratings and design criteria such as: - Axle or track load weight limits  - Downward pressure calculations  - Potential impact of compaction  Minimal Soil Compaction A typical temporary access road using the emtek® system has a downward pressure of 3.5 psi— less than half the impact of a human footprint.  Uninterrupted Water Flow Because the mats float on the vegetative surface and rise and fall with the tides, the water below flows unimpeded.  Leave No Trace Embedded RFID tags enable GPS tracking to ensure that all mats are removed from the site.  Invasive Species Prevention emtek® mats comply with phytosanitary standards to prevent the transport of invasive species.  Less Fuel Consumption Because emtek® mats are thinner and lighter than traditional timber mats, they reduce fuel consumption by 50 percent.  Dig Deeper Into Wetland Access Through deep knowledge of site access requirements and the use of innovative systems, YAK ACCESS provides responsible wetlands access that can also create cost savings. To learn more about wetland access in action, download our case studies.  Download Now

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