FORESTRY BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
What they are and why they are needed

Consulting Forester Michael Lewis presents a 45 minute slide show that reveals the damage done to a watershed due to poor logging practices and explains how using Best Management Practices (BMPs) can protect our streams and wildlife. He also discusses why it is "good business" for the logger to follow BMPs. Lewis shows a forest that was logged with a variety of cutting schemes showing some of the advantages and disadvantages of each, explains how more income can be obtained over a longer period of time by using "uneven age" forest management. This process leaves trees of all sizes, types and shapes and thus provides habitat for all wildlife while giving the most protection to our soils and streams.

This presentation provides an opportunity for folks to learn what best management practices are from a person who has been using them for years. Lewis writes BMPs into all of his "pre-harvest" plans for landowners and helps loggers carry them out on the ground. He will also inform the audience about Virginia Department of Forestry's enforcement of Virginia's Water Quality Laws on logging jobs.

According to Lewis "It is important to realize that in Virginia landowners, along with timber owners and loggers, can be held accountable and fined by the Department of Forestry for any sediment entering the streams."

Best Management Practices-What are they and why are the important?

· BMP's are practices chosen to reduce erosion and prevent or control water pollution resulting from forestry operations.
· Forestry BMP's are directed to primarily control erosion.
· Erosion can lead to sedimentation which is the entry of soil into waterways.

BMP's are proven methods to lessen potential damage from land disturbing activities.

Example of BMP's are:

1. Proper location of roads and skid trails - PLANNING!
2. Culverts and timber bridges (proper stream crossings).
3. Water control structures (water bars and rolling dips).
4. Revegetation of exposed mineral soils.
5. Streamside Management Zones.

A presentation of Virginia Forest Watch for more information contact us.