1995 - 1997 Forestry BMP Monitoring Summary

Forestry BMP monitoring on timber sales began with baseline monitoring in 1995. Additional monitoring was done in 1996 and 1997. The key objectives of BMP monitoring on timber sales were to determine:

• The extent to which BMPs were being applied throughout Wisconsin.
• The effectiveness of properly applied BMPs in protecting water quality.
• The effects of not applying BMPs where needed.

BMP monitoring consisted of field audits on timber sales and qualitative evaluations of the application and effectiveness of 118 forestry BMPs from the BMP field manual. Field audits were based on a visual assessment and professional judgment.

The first three years of forestry BMP monitoring have shown that Wisconsin's voluntary BMP program has had a very successful start. From 1994 through 1996, the rates of BMP application have been consistently high. In addition, monitoring the effectiveness of forestry BMPs has shown that when BMPs were applied correctly, they were effective in protecting water quality in 99% of cases. This indicates that Wisconsin's forestry BMP program is highly effective and can remain voluntary through the use of existing regulations and policies, along with continued education and training.

Continued support by loggers, landowners, foresters and other stakeholders across the state will continue to enable Wisconsin's voluntary forestry BMP program to be practical and effective in protecting Wisconsin's water resources.

1995 BMP Monitoring Report: Baseline Data (PDF, 4.6MB)

1995 - 1997 BMP Monitoring Report (Publication #FR 145-1999)

• Introduction, Chapters 1-3 (PDF 3MB)
• Introduction, Chapters 3cont. (PDF 2.5MB)
• Introduction, Appendices A-D (PDF 5MB)
• Introduction, Appendices E-F (PDF 3.8MB)

Wisconsin's Forestry Best Management Practices Monitoring: 1995 - 1997 Summary and Future Directions (PDF 4.07MB) (Publication #FR 150-1999)