2003 Forestry BMP Monitoring Summary

In 2003, the BMP monitoring effort focused on forestry BMP application and effectiveness at county forests and state DNR lands. The goal was to have a large enough sampling size of these two landowner categories to have statistically significant results.

County Forests

In September and October 2003, DNR-led teams monitored county forests and found that BMPs were correctly applied approximately 93% of the time, compared to 86% of the time in 1995 - 1997. The application rates of all comparable BMP categories also increased on county forests. Except for forest roads, there were not any statistically significant differences in the findings between 2003 and 1995 - 1997.

State DNR Lands

In November 2003 and April 2004, a private contractor monitored state DNR lands and found that BMPs were correctly applied approximately 90% of the time, compared to 86% of the time in 1995 - 1997. Except for forest roads and wetlands, the application rates of comparable BMP categories on state DNR lands also increased. There were not any statistically significant differences between 2003 and 1995 - 1997.

General Findings

Consistent with prior findings, when BMPs are not applied, most water quality impacts are long-term, making it imperative that forestry professionals implement BMPs when needed. Forest roads and skid trails present the greatest potential for improvement. The Department is working to increase BMP application rates on all lands by improving training and education materials, and by initiating a review of the BMP manual to provide clearer guidance on BMPs.

The 2003 report is the result of a new approach to Wisconsin's proven BMP monitoring methodology. The BMP Advisory Committee and the Division of Forestry are evaluating the benefits of having statistically significant monitoring results for specific forest landowner categories to compare to baseline measurements. The goal is to document the efforts of landowners and forestry professionals, as well as the success of Wisconsin's voluntary BMP program.

2003 BMP Monitoring Report (PDF, 3.7MB)