The nonpoint-source pollutant of greatest concern to forest management is sediment, which reaches stream channels primarily through erosion. Rain splash 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.
Silviculture 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 since 1990, but have employed unique approaches to selecting sample sites and conducting onsite evaluations, resulting in different degrees of statistical strength and different expressions of results. Consistency among States is improving.
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, five States have reported findings based on this approach.
The most recent results of statewide BMP monitoring in the five States that utilize common monitoring and reporting methodologies ranged from 63- to 96-percent implementation of all applicable BMPs.
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.
Several States report that forest management operations that involve advice and oversight by forestry professionals exhibit higher degrees of BMP implementation than those not having that involvement. 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 followup 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 (SFI) 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 when logging on other ownerships.
