est Management Practices or BMPs were developed under the original Clean Water Act when states were called on to improve methods for reducing pollution. Today, BMPs are generally voluntary actions that should be taken to protect forest health and productivity and minimize adverse environmental impacts.

In North Carolina, the state Division of Forest Resources maintains a state BMP handbook for forestry that is available upon request. BMP recommendations for forestry in wetlands are also available through the Division of Forest Resources.

Participation in state and federal cost-share programs in North Carolina requires compliance with state BMPs for forestry. Some general BMPs that should be included in any forest management plan or timber harvest operation are:

• Identification and maintenance of streamside management zones (SMZs), or buffer strips, along perennial and intermittent streams and waterbodies. Selective harvesting is allowed in these areas, but take care to minimize soil disturbance to prevent excess erosion.
• Keeping logging debris out of flowing streams and waterbodies.
• Minimizing stream crossings by logging trails or access roads. When a stream must be crossed, the crossing should be at a right angle and constructed to prevent accelerated erosion.
• Proper construction of all roads to minimize erosion and channelized flow. This includes the use of broad-based dips, water bars and culverts.
• Restricting use of heavy equipment during very wet conditions to protect soil structure and quality.
• Minimizing soil disturbance on steep slopes to prevent accelerated erosion.
• Prompt reforestation of harvested sites and rehabilitation of logging trails, roads and loading decks.

Proper use of best management practices will assure that your forestry operation doesn’t cause adverse environmental impacts and will protect the future productivity of your forest investment.

Home * Careers * Continuing Education *  Ecology  * Forest Management * Forest Products *  Glossary * Landowners * Latest News * Logging and Transportation * Members Only * More Info * N.C. Forests  * Programs *
   *Recreation * Resource Materials *  Rules & Regs* Trees