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BMPs (Best Management Practices) are meant to protect water
quality during and after logging operations. Some states have adopted
mandatory BMPs, which set forth minimum standards that every logging operation
must comply with in that state. Other states, like Alabama for example,
have adopted only voluntary BMPs, which set out merely recommended standards.
While "official" BMPs may do something to protect water
quality, they may not often do so adequately, due to characteristics of terrain,
the equipment used, the nature of the soils on the site, and other
factors. Thus, it is wise to get recommendations from a forestry
professional knowledgeable about adequately protecting water quality before
allowing any logging operations on your land. If state BMPs are not
mandatory or if the required BMPs are not enough to protect the water quality
and other resources of your land, you have the right to require stronger
standards in the logging contract.
EPA
Web site with links to information and manuals on BMPs and other nonpoint source
pollution prevention methods. University
of Georgia's BMP site: provides details and contact information for BMPs in
every state.
To see how BMPs vary from state to state, check out usabmp.net.
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