2006 Forestry BMP Monitoring Summary

In 2006, the BMP monitoring effort focused on forestry BMP application and effectiveness at federal lands (Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest) and industrial lands. The goals was to have a large enough sampling size of these two landowner categories to have statistically significant results.

Federal Lands

On the 28 federal timber sales that were monitored, BMPs were applied correctly where needed 95% of the time. When BMPs were applied correctly where needed, no adverse impact to water quality was observed over 99% of the time. It is also interesting to note that application of Riparian Management Zone (RMZ) BMPs increased significantly from 1995-1997. At that time RMZ BMPs were applied correctly where needed 79% of the time and this increased to 94% in 2006.

Industrial Lands

On the 33 industrial timber sales monitored, BMPs were applied correctly where needed 94% of the time. When BMPs were applied correctly where needed, no adverse impact to water quality was observed over 99% of the time. Application of RMZ BMPs also increased significantly from 81% to 95% since 1995-1997 on industrial timber sales. Wetland BMP application also increased significantly from 91% to 98% between 1995-1997 and 2006.

General Findings

The results of the 2006 BMP monitoring cycle show that Wisconsin’s Forestry BMP Program continues to be successful. In general, the results show high rates of correct BMP application on both federal and industrial forest lands. The high rates of correct BMP application are helping to protect water quality.

2006 BMP Monitoring Report [PDF, 1.2MB]