Forestry Best Management Practices (BMPs)
To minimize erosion and stream sedimentation from forestry practices the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) has an agreement with the Environmental Protection Division (EPD) of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources to educate the forestry community and promote the use of forestry Best Management Practices (BMPs). Under the same agreement with the EPD and through an understanding with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Army Corps of Engineers, the GFC also monitors BMP implementation and investigates and mediates water quality and wetland complaints resulting from forestry practices.
BMP workshops are available for loggers and foresters through the Master Timber Harvester Program (MTH), an educational program for foresters and loggers offered by the University of Georgia’s Center for Forest Business. Continuing logger eductation programs are also provided through the Southeastern Wood Producers Association and some of Georgia's technical colleges. These programs satisfy the logger education recommendations in the Sustainable Forestry Initiative program. Many forest product companies now prefer to work with contractors who particiapte in logger education programs.
For assistance with BMPs contact the GFC Water Quality Forester located in your District or contact the State Water Quality Coordinator at 478-751-3498.
Resources
Master Timber Harvester (MTH) Buyer Directory
Georgia's Best Management Practices for Forestry Manual - updated June 2009
Results of Georgia's 2009 Silvicultural Best Management Practices Implementation and Compliance Survey
Georgia's County Logging and Trucking Ordinances
Recommendations to Assist Federal Regulatory Agencies in the Determination of Ongoing Silviculture In Bottomland Hardwood and Cypress Swamps - Southern Group of State Foresters
