Protecting Water Resources with Streamside Management Zones at Robinson Forest

Author(s):  
Christopher D. Barton ◽  
Emma L. Witt ◽  
Jeffrey W. Stringer

Streamside management zones (SMZ) are a common best management practice used to minimize impacts to water quality from forest harvesting. Information on the effectiveness of SMZ use in Kentucky is limited. Moreover, details on SMZ configuration (size, layout, canopy retention) is lacking. The objective of this research was to evaluate the impact of varying SMZ configurations on stream ecosystem function. Results indicated that the use of elevated stream crossings and maximizing the amount of undisturbed forest floor near streams via a combination of increased SMZ width and canopy retention was effective at minimizing water quality impacts from forest harvesting.

1992 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Lickwar ◽  
Clifford Hickman ◽  
Frederick W. Cubbage

Abstract Data on harvest volumes, topography, and other site and area characteristics were obtained from 22 timber harvests in Alabama, Florida, and Georgia. An economic analysis was then used to estimate the marginal costs of implementing each state's recommended Best Management Practices (BMPs), as well as a set of enhanced BMPs on these sites. Considering all of the areas combined, the costs of using the recommended BMPs averaged 2.9% of gross timber sale revenue, $2.34 per thousand board feet (mbf) of timber harvested, or $12.45/ac. The cost of implementing the enhanced BMPs averaged 5.1% of gross stumpage value, $4.13/mbf, or $21.94/ac. Seed, fertilizer, and mulch, broad based dips, and water bars were the most expensive practices on a total cost basis. Culvert installation, streamside management zones, and road relocation costs were less expensive for most tracts. South. J. Appl. For. 16(1):13-20.


Agriculture ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 372
Author(s):  
Lucas Clay ◽  
Katharine Perkins ◽  
Marzieh Motallebi ◽  
Alejandro Plastina ◽  
Bhupinder Singh Farmaha

Cover crops are becoming more accepted as a viable best management practice because of their ability to provide important environmental and soil health benefits. Because of these benefits, many land managers are strongly encouraging the use of cover crops. Additionally, there is limited information on farmers′ perceptions of the benefits and challenges of implementing cover crops. Many farmers state that they do not have enough money or time to implement cover crops. In an attempt to gather more data about the adoption rate and perceptions of cover crops in South Carolina, a survey was sent to 3000 row crop farmers across the state. Farmers were asked whether they implement cover crops and their perceptions of the benefits and challenges associated with implementation. Furthermore, questions were asked regarding the impact of row cropping on their environment to gauge farmer′s education level on environmental impacts. Responses showed many people are implementing cover crops; however, there are still differences in perceptions about benefits and challenges between those who are adopting cover crops and those who are not. This research assesses these differences and aims to provide a baseline for focusing cover crop programs to tackle these certain challenges and promote the benefits.


2013 ◽  
Vol 43 (11) ◽  
pp. 993-1005 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Cole ◽  
Michael Newton

Determining the effectiveness of different riparian buffers for mitigating forest-harvesting impacts on stream temperatures continues to be of interest throughout the world. Four small, low or medium elevation streams in managed western Oregon forests were studied to determine how the arrangement and amount of streamside retention strips (buffers) in clear-cut units influenced stream temperatures. Buffers included (i) no tree, (ii) predominantly sun-sided 12 m wide partial, and (iii) two-sided (Best Management Practice, (BMP)) 15–30 m wide buffers. Harvested units alternated with uncut units along 1800–2600 m study reaches. Impacts of harvesting on stream temperatures were determined by time series comparisons of postharvest and preharvest regressions. Trends for daily maximum and mean stream temperature significantly increased after harvest in no tree buffer units. Partial buffers led to slight (<2 °C) or no increased warming. BMP units led to significantly increased warming, slight, or no increased warming. Temperature responses in uncut units appeared to be linked to responses in upstream harvested units. In many instances, when harvested units exhibited significantly higher postharvest trends, lower trends were observed in the uncut units downstream. Stream temperature trends of 7 day moving maxima indicated warming through the no tree buffer units and some of the BMP units. Peaks in maxima were not maintained in downstream units. Stream temperature responses were related to buffer implementation and stream features, relating to cooling and warming.


2007 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 60-65 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jingxin Wang ◽  
Joseph McNeel ◽  
William Goff ◽  
Steve Milauskas

Abstract The compliance of forestry best management practices (BMP) was assessed based on 116 randomly selected sites harvested between November 2003 and March 2004 in West Virginia. Landowners were contacted to gain permission for site visits according to the random list. The landowners also were interviewed to identify their knowledge and satisfaction about the harvest and BMP. Four checklists were used to assess 29 BMPs on haul roads, skid trails, landings, and in streamside management zones (SMZ). A general increasing trend in BMP compliance was noted in this statewide BMP assessment with an overall BMP compliance of 74%. Results also indicated that the BMP compliances averaged 81% on haul roads, 68% on skid trails, 80% on landings, and 55% in SMZs.


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