mtf2 5

Best Management PracticesareBMPs: 

Best Management Practices are BMPs

Why We Are Here: 

Why We Are Here Define Nonpoint Source Pollution - NPS Define BMPs and why they exist Discuss what BMPs address Review legislation and regulations Learn how to implement BMPs

Why We Are Here(continued): 

Why We Are Here (continued) Summarize forest industry’s initiatives Show successful impacts of BMPs Discuss forest certification Discuss emerging issues and the future

BMPs Defined: 

BMPs Defined Cost effective measures taken during forestry activities to control water pollution Proven methods to lessen the potential water quality damage from land disturbing activities

List of Nonpoint Source Pollution: 

List of Nonpoint Source Pollution Sediments Temperature Organic Debris and Nutrients Altered Streamflow Chemicals/Fluids

Water Quality vs. Site Productivity: 

Water Quality vs. Site Productivity Both issues are important BMPs concern water quality Practices that adversely affect site productivity can affect water quality too

Forestry’s Contribution to Water Quality Problems: 

Forestry’s Contribution to Water Quality Problems Less than 7 % nationally Far less in many areas Local areas can pose problems

BMPs: When, Where and Why: 

BMPs: When, Where and Why Gained prominence in the early 1970’s BMPs exist for forestry, agriculture, urban development Nationally recognized need for improved water quality standards

Forestry Activities That Warrant BMPs: 

Forestry Activities That Warrant BMPs Timber Harvesting Road Construction and Use Site Preparation and Regeneration Prescribed Burning Application of Forest Chemicals

BMP Website: 

BMP Website Address: www.usabmp.net National coverage of forestry water quality situation Details BMPs by state Lists federal, state, and local organizations involved

LawsandRegulations: 

Laws and Regulations

Laws and Regulations: 

Laws and Regulations Fed Water Pollution Control Act - 1972 Coastal Zone Management Act - 1972 Clean Water Act – 1987 (amendment) Food Security Act – 1985/1996 (Farm Bill)

Evolution of Clean Water Act: 

Evolution of Clean Water Act Section 404 – program to regulate discharge of dredge and fill material Section 319 – program to control water pollution Section 303 – creation of TMDLs

Highlights of Other Legislation: 

Highlights of Other Legislation Coastal Zone Management Act Swamp buster Provisions of Farm Bill

Federal Agencies Involved: 

Federal Agencies Involved Environmental Protection Agency Corps of Engineers Fish and Wildlife Service Natural Resource Conservation Service Others

State Agency InvolvementA Georgia Case Study: 

State Agency Involvement A Georgia Case Study Environmental Protection Division of the Department of Natural Resources Georgia Forestry Commission Others

How BMPs Effectiveness is Measured: 

How BMPs Effectiveness is Measured Baseline data Compliance audits Increased awareness by foresters, loggers and landowners

Forestry Community’s Response: 

Forestry Community’s Response AFPA’s Sustainable Forestry Initiative Logger training Public outreach Forest landowner outreach Forestry associations involvement

Forestry Community’s Response (continued): 

Forestry Community’s Response (continued) Tree Farm Program Forest Stewardship Council State-level educational programs

American Forest &Paper Association: 

American Forest & Paper Association Sustainable Forestry Initiative

Sustainable Forestry: 

Sustainable Forestry Sustainable forestry means managing our forests to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs by practicing a land stewardship ethic which integrates the reforestation, managing, growing, nurturing, and harvesting of trees for useful products with the conservation of soil, air and water quality, wildlife and fish habitat, and aesthetics.

SFIObjectives and Performance Measures: 

SFI Objectives and Performance Measures Broaden Practice of Sustainable Forestry 2. Forest Productivity

SFIObjectives and Performance Measures: 

SFI Objectives and Performance Measures 3. Protect Water Quality Meet or exceed existing laws & BMPs Protect all perennial streams and lakes Involve experts Support research BMP training for employees and contractors

SFIObjectives and Performance Measures: 

SFI Objectives and Performance Measures Enhance Wildlife Habitat and Conserve Biodiversity 5. Minimize Impact on Visual Quality 6. Protect Special Sites 7. Promote Efficient Use of Forest Resources

SFIObjectives and Performance Measures: 

SFI Objectives and Performance Measures 8. Publicly Report Performance 9. Public and Forestry Community Participation 10. Promote Continual Improvement in Practices

Third Party Audits: 

Third Party Audits Organization sets their own methods for SFI Implement practices and maintain records Accounting firm audits records and on-the-ground practices Reports findings Organization makes adjustments as needed

Pollutants: 

Pollutants Sediments Increased Temperature Organic Debris Excessive Nutrients Altered Streamflow Chemicals/Fluids

Forestry Operations: 

Forestry Operations Timber Harvesting Road Construction and Use Site Preparation Regeneration Prescribed Burning Application of Forest Chemicals

sediments: 

sediments sediments are composed of mineral or organic material that has been eroded from the land and deposited into the stream

sediments: 

sediments turbidity sedimentation and embedding eutrophication

excessive sediments: 

excessive sediments roads, skid trails, landings stream banks (altered flow) approaches to stream crossings fire lines and lanes intensive mechanical site preparation massive concentrated flow

sediment production: 

sediment production

cumulative sediment: 

cumulative sediment

turbidity: 

turbidity turbidity is a measure of water cloudiness which is caused by sediments or other particles suspended in the water column

turbidity: 

turbidity

thermal: 

thermal thermal pollution is an increase in temperature resulting in changes in aquatic populations

thermal: 

thermal thermal tolerance / thresholds period of increased growth in stream organisms: increases biological oxygen demand decreases dissolved oxygen concentrations

thermal sources: 

thermal sources removal of overstory vegetation adjacent to the stream allows direct exposure to solar radiation particles in water column trap sunlight instead of reflecting it, increasing water temperature

nutrients: 

nutrients nutrients are elements needed for growth and sustenance, including: nitrogen phosphorus calcium, among others.

excessive nutrients: 

excessive nutrients excessive amounts of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus can cause a rapid increase in algae waters with an overabundance of nutrients are called eutrophic

sources of nutrients: 

sources of nutrients vegetation removal harvesting and site preparation sediments herbicides tops and harvesting slash

Hubbard Brook (NH): 

Hubbard Brook (NH) 1.81 0.19 0.21 6.45 1.92 8.67 7.55 2.96 11.94 1.36 0.18 0.19

nitrate: 

nitrate

organic debris: 

organic debris residual logs tops and slash cut offs leaves

organic debris: 

organic debris slash left in the stream can: alter stream flow cause bank cutting channel scouring during floods

organic debris: 

organic debris breakdown of slash and litter in a stream can: increase in biological oxygen demand decrease the dissolved oxygen available to stream-dwelling organisms.

altered streamflow: 

altered streamflow amount of flow vegetation removal direction of flow logging and site preparation debris

altered streamflow: 

altered streamflow vegetation removal interception and transpiration decrease/streamflow increases swift currents increase bank cutting debris alters/creates new stream channel in high flows channel scouring

chemicals / fluids: 

chemicals / fluids forestry use pesticides cides: herbi, insecti, fungi, rodenti, nemati vehicle fluids

chemicals / fluids: 

chemicals / fluids forestry use pesticides improper application storage/disposal vehicle fluids leaking vehicles (chronic, accidental) spills (changing fluids)

How BMPs are Handled in Different States: 

How BMPs are Handled in Different States

BMPsfor Roads, Skid Trailsand Landings: 

BMPs for Roads, Skid Trails and Landings

Roads: 

Roads Forestry’s major contributor to NPS Location and frequency Away from streams Off ridges Minimize length and width to meet needs Construction and road types Crown and ditch roads Broad-based dips Wetlands

Roads (continued): 

Roads (continued) Water crossings and drainage structures Soil stabilization Vegetation control Man-made materials and devices Use and closure

Timber Harvesting: 

Timber Harvesting Timing of timber harvest Limit activities in SMZs Skid trails Landings

Skid Trails: 

Skid Trails Frequency and location Proper use Stabilization methods and materials Seeding Water bars Logging slash

Landings: 

Landings Location Drainage Use of slash material Use of vegetation material

Site Preparation and Regeneration: 

Site Preparation and Regeneration Limit where mechanical site prep is used Do not block natural drainages Minimize soil movement

Chemicals: 

Chemicals Adapt application methods to site Apply during favorable atmospheric conditions Maintain integrity of SMZs Prevent leaks and spills Others

StreamsideManagementZones: 

Streamside Management Zones

Slide103: 

Areas directly adjacent to water bodies. Disturbance in riparian areas can lead to considerable nonpoint source pollution. SMZ guidelines have been developed to reduce pollutants in riparian zones.

Slide104: 

riparian management zones riparian buffer zone special management areas streamside management areas (EPA)

SMZs Provide : 

SMZs Provide protection from upslope activities maintains natural environment around waters provides proper inputs to aquatic habitats

protection from upslope activities: 

protection from upslope activities reduces runoff into streams traps sediments captures and holds nutrients

maintains natural environment around waters: 

maintains natural environment around waters climate biomass large woody debris age and species of standing biomass

provides proper inputs to aquatic habitats: 

provides proper inputs to aquatic habitats sunlight - temperature food and nutrients in the proper form structure (logs, bottom, etc.)

Slide109: 

SMZ video and photos

Stream Types: 

Stream Types perennial regular waters, coldwater aquatic habitats, other special waters intermittent wet weather streams, flowing less than 90%, flowing during wet season ephemeral channels

Slide113: 

Stream Type video and photos

Slide114: 

Perennial gentle slope steep slope

Slide115: 

standing tree width

Slide116: 

residual tree cover 50% residual (ba, # trees)

Slide117: 

disturbed ground

Slide118: 

disturbed ground

State Guidelines: 

State Guidelines width of standing tree zone based on slope percent perennial stream type amount of trees in zone (50%) basal area standing overstory distance to disturbed ground slope steepness

Slide120: 

South Carolina

Slide121: 

Intermittent examples Georgia: 25% residual

Slide122: 

Intermittent examples Florida: residual stringer

Slide123: 

Intermittent examples Kentucky: no residual, exclusion

State Guidelines: 

State Guidelines Special Waters coldwater aquatic habitats, wild rivers, etc. Wetlands

SMZ Use: 

SMZ Use Timber Harvesting Road Construction Site Preparation Chemical Application Prescribed Burning Fire Lanes and Fire Lines

Planning for BMP Implementation: 

Planning for BMP Implementation Assessing Operations Assessing Property

Proper BMP Application : 

Proper BMP Application written management plan BMP assessment and planning discuss with operator/forester BMP Plan contract follow up assessment

BMPs: 

BMPs Designed to be proactive not reactive or remedial. thus: Planning is required to be effective.

Pre-activity Planning: 

Pre-activity Planning identify and mark boundaries define sensitive areas locate operation control points timing of activity silvicultural and regeneration systems and techniques consider other watershed activities

Maps and Walk Through: 

Maps and Walk Through topographic quad soil survey map aerial photographs FSA, NRCS, Forestry Agencies world wide web

Slide132: 

low resolution

Slide133: 

high resolution topographic quad

Maps and Walk ThroughSite Assessment: 

Maps and Walk Through Site Assessment operation boundaries sensitive areas operation control points

Slide135: 

Photocopy - boundary designation

Slide136: 

sensitive area designation

Slide137: 

operational control points

Slide139: 

sinkholes

Slide140: 

intermittent streams

Slide141: 

ephemeral channels

Slide142: 

levee slough lowland features

Slide143: 

wetland/ marsh lowland features

define sensitive areas: 

define sensitive areas mark SMZ sinkholes identify wetlands cultural sites

Slide145: 

locate sensitive areas

identify on ground: 

identify on ground mark SMZs clearly mark other sensitive areas discuss with contractors

timing: 

timing soil conditions wet soils wildlife considerations recreation/public use

silviculture and harvesting: 

silviculture and harvesting harvesting road & skid trail layout, landing location type of cut silvicultural site preparation technique type of chemical application

roads, skid trails, landings: 

roads, skid trails, landings highway access points landing location road and skid trail network position to reduce stream and channel crossing reduce grade and erosion plan for drainage and improved crossings

Slide150: 

Perennial intermittent ephemeral channels

Slide151: 

haul road landing skid trails downhill skidding

Slide152: 

uphill skidding

Slide153: 

uphill skidding layout

Slide154: 

downhill skidding layout

Silvicultural Operations: 

Silvicultural Operations pollution potential little no hazard high potential

Site preparation: 

Site preparation

Chemical application: 

Chemical application

Assessment Guides: 

Assessment Guides designed to assist landowners in evaluating operations and woodlands relative to pollution and BMP use

Assessment Guides: 

Assessment Guides developed based on BMP criteria or guidelines

Examples: 

Examples Forest-A-Syst Kentucky Forestry Water Quality Workbook Georgia Stream Buffer Initiative

Georgia Stream Buffer Initiative: 

Georgia Stream Buffer Initiative Do you have a written forest management and timber harvesting plan? Have you gathered information resources like maps, aerial photos, etc. that can help in planning? Do you have any sensitive areas that require special management considerations? Do you know the water quality benefits of planning?

Kentucky Forestry Water Quality Plan: 

Kentucky Forestry Water Quality Plan 1. As part of any timber harvesting and/or silvicultural operation, will you or the logger need to construct, use, and/or maintain roads, skid trails, and/or log landings on your property? Yes No If yes use BMP No. 1 and 5

Kentucky Forestry Water Quality Plan: 

Kentucky Forestry Water Quality Plan BMP No. 1 Access Roads, Skid Trails, and Landings 9 required minimums 67 recommendations BMP No. 5 Logging Debris 5 required minimums

Slide165: 

Has rutting been considered relative to the harvest period? Have landings been located to avoid skidding and hauling in streams? Have haul roads been planned were grade is minimized? (average <15%) Has road and landing drainage been planned for? Has the potential of slides been considered?

Slide166: 

Will improved crossings be constructed? Where fords will be used are they planned at right angles to the stream? Are culverts sized appropriately? (based on drainage size) Will fill dirt from road construction and cutoffs/root wads be properly stabilized? Have SMZ guidelines been addressed?

Slide167: 

Have plans been made to restrict traffic on retired areas? Have areas that need to be reshaped and revegetated after retirement been defined?

Kentucky Water Quality Plan: 

Kentucky Water Quality Plan 2. In conjunction with your silvicultural operation, are there disturbed or otherwise bare areas (including roads, trails, and landings) that need to be revegetated to prevent and/or control soil erosion?

Slide169: 

Have all sediment producing and erodible sites been identified? Have appropriate seed mixes including a temporary species and a permanent grass/legume mix been determined? time of year soil seed bed wildlife and erosion considerations Do seeding rates reflect time of year and seedbed conditions? Do the sites need lime, fertilizer or mulch?

Kentucky Water Quality Plan: 

Kentucky Water Quality Plan 3. Does the area where the silvicultural operation is to occur contain perennial or intermittent streams or other bodies of water? 4. Does the boundary or tract where the silvicultural operation is to occur contain sinkholes?

Slide171: 

Are there any specialty waters on in or adjacent to operational areas? Do felling plans include avoidance of tree tops in streams? Are SMZs clearly delineated? Are removals from SMZ clearly marked? Has slope been taken into account in SMZ delineation's?

Kentucky Water Quality Plan: 

Kentucky Water Quality Plan 5. Will you conduct any silvicultural activities in areas classified as wetlands by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) or the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers? 6. Will you, an operator, or a vendor working for you engage in site preparation activities prior to, or as part of, reforestation practices on your property?

Kentucky Water Quality Plan: 

Kentucky Water Quality Plan 7. Will you or a contractor working for you be applying pesticides, including herbicides or fertilizers, in connection with your silvicultural activities? 8. Do you allow livestock to have access to your forested areas or to forested areas in streamside corridors or around lakes or ponds?

Kentucky Water Quality Plan: 

Kentucky Water Quality Plan 9. Will low water stream crossings be constructed, or will gravel, sediments, or logjams be removed from a stream? 10. Will you conduct a prescribed fire, or will you construct fire lines?

Slide175: 

Portion of Kentucky Forestry Water Quality Plan Form

Emerging Issues: 

Emerging Issues

What Happens If We Don’t Comply: 

What Happens If We Don’t Comply Fines and penalties State regulations – Forest Practices Acts More federal legislation Loss of timber markets Continued damage to water quality

TMDLs: 

TMDLs Total Maximum Daily Loads Existence of excessive amounts of NPS in selected streams Require permits and management plans

Slide179: 

BMPs are now standard operating procedure changes will constantly be made to state and federal guidelines as research, operational, and economic information is obtained