MANAGE FORESTS & LAND
  • WATER RESOURCES AND BMPS: BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

    Approximately 14.4 million acres of forested lands in Texas are suitable for the production of timber. Forest operations associated with management, harvest and regeneration can potentially degrade water quality if done improperly. Forestry Best Management Practices (BMPs) are the principal means of protecting water resources during forestry activities.

    Forestry BMPs are conservation practices that protect soil and water resources, two key elements necessary for growing a healthy, sustainable, and productive forest. BMPs can include methods such as leaving a buffer zone of trees next to a stream, installing a culvert to cross a waterway, or establishing grass on forest roads to prevent erosion.

    Texas A&M Forest Service, in cooperation with the forest sector and numerous other partners, develops and periodically updates non-regulatory BMP guidelines, provides education, outreach, and training on their application; and monitors their implementation on randomly selected forest operations. Over the years, the use of BMPs has become common throughout the forest sector.

    Publications

     


     + BMP Guidelines
    The Texas Forestry Best Management Practices Handbook was developed through a cooperative stakeholder process in 1989. Since that time, the guidelines have been revised four times based on new research, technology, operations and monitoring results to ensure water resources are protected during forest operations. A native smartphone application, Texas Forestry BMPs, was developed in 2016 and can be downloaded from the App store or Google Play
     + BMP Training

    Texas A&M Forest Service delivers formal training on BMP implementation to logging contractors in the commercial timberland region of Texas through the Texas Pro-Logger Program. Since 1995, over 3,000 loggers have been trained in these conservation practices, helping ensure that water resources are protected during forest operations. Refresher and focused continuing education courses are also offered on critical topics, including forest roads, stream crossings, SMZs, and innovative technology. To find out when the next workshop is offered, contact the Texas Forestry Association at 936-632-8733 or visit www.texasforestry.org.

    TFS also delivers BMP related training in other regions of the state. The Land Stewardship Training Program provides farm and ranch contractors with information to enhance environmental sustainability, contractor profitability, and landowner satisfaction. To find out when the next workshop is offered, contact Lori Hazel at 254-541-8798 or lhazel@tfs.tamu.edu.

     

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