Trends for Forestry Best Management Practices Implementation

摘要

The 1972 Clean Water Act initiated a national effort to address all sources of water pollution. One outcome was development of forestry nonpoint source control programs that use best management practices (BMP) and other tools to minimize water quality impacts. These programs can only be successful if BMPs are effective and if implementation rates are high. Many states have assessed rates of forestry BMP implementation with more than one survey and are beginning to develop histories that track trends. Trend data at the regional and national levels show generally high and increasing levels of implementation. Here, we use the volume of timber harvested in each state to adjust contributions to a national implementation average. The overall national forestry BMP implementation rate is estimated to be 89%. Factors contributing to increased implementation include federal and state legislation, regulation, and extension; certification programs; and public pressure. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]