An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Preventing pollution is easier, cheaper, and more effective than cleaning it up after the fact. This philosophy is embodied by the Best Management Practices in Forestry developed by the New Hampshire Division of Forests and Lands and the University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension Service. Best Management Practices, or BMPs, are a manual of recommended timber harvest practices and techniques which focus on the prevention of erosion and the protection of water quality. Through pre-harvest planning, which includes determining landowner objectives and evaluating the property to identify and locate environmentally sensitive areas, operators can choose which BMPs are best suited to the particular needs of the site.

BMPs include technical specifications and recommendations for the construction of log decks, landings, forest roads, skid trails, stream crossings, and wetland crossings in such a way that erosion is minimized and water quality is protected. Exposed soil on forest roads, for example, is prone to water erosion. Stabilization of exposed soil can prevent runoff into streams, wetlands, and other environmentally sensitive areas. Many BMP techniques mimic the natural function of the forest: using the brush, slash, and tops available on-site is an excellent way to temporarily stabilize exposed soils. While hay or straw also can mitigate soil erosion, the seeds contained in these materials could introduce invasive plant species to the site. This is just one example of how a BMP can be cost effective and protect the forest environment.

The UNH Cooperative Extension currently offers two BMP in Forestry publications, both available online, Best Management Practices in Forestry: Protecting New Hampshire’s Water Quality and New Hampshire Best Management Practices for Erosion Control on Timber Harvesting Operations. There is some overlap of information between these manuals, and the NH Division of Forest and Lands may be combining these publications into one BMP manual at some point in the future. So, if you are interested in learning the best way to protect water resources and prevent erosion during a timber harvest, or if you would like to learn how to construct a pole ford, navigate a corduroy crossing, or protect fish species with an arch culvert, please check out these resources.