Best Management Practices in the Lake Monroe

Best Management Practices in the Lake Monroe Area

by Don Johnson, Assistant BMP,Project Coordinator.

The results from the forestry best management practices monitoring project, that took place in and around the Lake Monroe watershed are summarized.in this article. Ninety-one recent timber harvests were studied in nine counties in this study.

For comparison, the sites were divided into ownership categories.

Overall voluntary implementation of BMPs is 83.4% across all ownership categories.

This figure.is excellent, considering that little formal training has been offered in the use of BMPs.

Implementation of BMPs was highest on state and local government lands at 88%.

Federal lands had an 85% mean implementation on their harvest sites,

Privately owned lands were divided into two categories: 1 ) Non- industrial private forests (NIPF) and 2) Classified Forests.

NIPF lands had a mean implementation of 78%
Classified Forests had a mean implementation of 86%. Classified Forest owners typically have a history of forest stewardship.

The results show a significant difference in BMP implementation rates when a professional forester is involved in the timber harvest. Harvests with a forester showed a 92% implementation of BMPs and sales: without Professional advice show a 79% implementation of BMP.

The most common departures from BMP guidelines were found in the construction and placement of water diversions, such as waterbars; on skid trails and access roads. The major area of potential impact to water quality comes from areas along streams and lakes referred to as riparian management zones (RMZs).

75% of the sites we looked at had at:least,an ,intermittent stream.
65% of the sites with a stream had no stream crossing, this avoidance is outstanding because stream crossings can substantially impact water quality.

Most departures within the riparian areas were the result of inadequate water diversions on trails prior to entering RMZs and crossing streams,

Access roads and log landings had the highest degree of BMP: implementation:, 9.5% and 93% respective

The findings of this study will be used to guide forestry MBP training programs and to increase voluntary BMP. implementation, effectiveness and awareness. Watch the Woodland Steward newsletter for periodic BMP highlights.

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