Comparing Two Protocols for Monitoring Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality

In 2006, the Wisconsin DNR initiated a project to compare two methods for monitoring Forestry Best Management Practices (BMPs) for water quality. The effort compared the method that has traditionally been used in Wisconsin with a new method developed by the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Northeastern Area State and Private Forestry (USFS). One of the main differences between the two protocols is the method of data collection - the Wisconsin monitoring protocol uses a team-based approach with qualitative assessments of BMP application and effectiveness across an entire timber sale. The USFS protocol uses a more quantitative approach aimed at the areas of a timber sale with the greatest potential to impact water resources. This project was designed to evaluate the two methods by comparing results obtained from both methods to determine what the best approach is for monitoring BMPs in Wisconsin.

After analyzing the results of this project, the decision was made, in cooperation with the BMP Advisory Committee, to develop a hybrid of the Wisconsin and USFS protocols to use for future BMP monitoring efforts in Wisconsin. A hybrid protocol will create the opportunity to utilize the advantages of both protocols.

Until a hybrid protocol is developed, the traditional Wisconsin protocol will be used for monitoring BMPs. Data from the standard USFS protocol will be collected by DNR staff during initial site visits to timber sales being monitored with the Wisconsin protocol. This will allow for continued analysis and integration of the two systems as the hybrid is developed.

Comparison Report [PDF, 1.24MB]