Approximately 14.4 million acres
of forested lands in Texas are suitable for the production of timber. Forest
operations associated with management, harvest and regeneration can potentially
degrade water quality if done improperly. Forestry Best Management Practices
(BMPs) are the principal means of protecting water resources during forestry
activities.
Forestry BMPs are conservation practices that protect
soil and water resources, two key elements necessary for growing a healthy,
sustainable, and productive forest. BMPs can include methods such as leaving a
buffer zone of trees next to a stream, installing a culvert to cross a
waterway, or establishing grass on forest roads to prevent erosion.
Texas A&M Forest Service, in cooperation with the forest sector and
numerous other partners, develops and periodically updates non-regulatory BMP
guidelines, provides education, outreach, and training on their application;
and monitors their implementation on randomly selected forest operations.
Over the years, the use of BMPs has become common throughout the forest
sector.
Publications
+ BMP Guidelines
The Texas Forestry Best Management Practices Handbook was
developed through a cooperative stakeholder process in 1989. Since that time,
the guidelines have been revised four times based on new research, technology,
operations and monitoring results to ensure water resources are protected
during forest operations. A native smartphone
application, Texas
Forestry BMPs,
was developed in 2016 and can be downloaded from the App store or Google Play. + BMP Training
Texas A&M Forest Service delivers formal training on
BMP implementation to logging contractors in the commercial timberland region
of Texas through the Texas Pro-Logger Program. Since 1995, over 3,000
loggers have been trained in these conservation practices, helping ensure that
water resources are protected during forest operations. Refresher and focused
continuing education courses are also offered on critical topics, including
forest roads, stream crossings, SMZs, and innovative technology. To find out
when the next workshop is offered, contact the Texas Forestry Association at
936-632-8733 or visit www.texasforestry.org.
TFS also delivers
BMP related training in other regions of the state. The Land
Stewardship Training Program provides farm and ranch contractors with
information to enhance environmental sustainability, contractor profitability,
and landowner satisfaction. To find out when the next workshop is offered,
contact Lori Hazel at 254-541-8798 or lhazel@tfs.tamu.edu.