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1 Key Findings

· The nonpoint source (nps) pollutant of greatest concern to forest management is sediment, which reaches stream channels primarily through erosion. Rainsplash and sheet erosion account for the majority of hillslope erosion.




· Maintaining channel stability and the hydrologic character of the watershed can control stream channel erosion and maintain the sediment/stream energy relationship.




· Silvicultural Best Management Practices (BMPs) are designed to reduce nonpoint source pollution and maintain stream channel integrity so that State water quality standards are met. Where their effectiveness has been evaluated, they have achieved that goal.




· All States have adopted silviculture BMPs and have trained landowners, loggers, and forestry practitioners.




· Twelve of 13 Southern States have measured BMP implementation, but have employed unique approaches to selecting sample sites and conducting on-site evaluations, resulting in different degrees of statistical strength and different expressions of results. Consistency among States is improving.




· While trends in BMP implementation among States cannot be expressed in comparable terms, State reports indicate broad application of BMPs during forestry operations in the South.




· Six of the 13 States have adapted their BMP implementation monitoring program to incorporate procedures contained in the voluntary regional protocol for implementation monitoring endorsed by the Southern Group of State Foresters in 1997. To date, 5 have reported findings based on this approach.




· In general, BMP implementation has been reported to be highest on public land, followed in descending order by forest industry land, corporate nonindustrial land, and private nonindustrial land.




· Professional forestry assistance increases the likelihood that BMPs will be properly implemented.




· Response by State forestry agencies to BMP violations or complaints varies widely. Six follow established, formal interagency agreements that can include referral to enforcement agencies; seven have no formal process for follow-up or referral, but do refer some cases to other agencies. All attempt to work with landowners to correct deficiencies prior to referral to enforcement agencies.




· The Sustainable Forestry Initiative of the American Forest and Paper Association requires that member companies adhere to BMPs on company land. In addition, some forest products companies impose sanctions on timber producers who fail to implement BMPs on noncompany land. .