Best Management Practices
BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES (BMPs)
What Are BMPs?
BMPs are scientifically based guidelines for protecting water quality and maintaining site productivity. Proper use of BMPs will prevent erosion, sedimentation, and soil compaction. Although non-regulatory, BMPs can also prevent violations of the US Clean Water Act, SC Pollution Control Act, and other laws and regulations that apply to forestry operations.
Some general examples of BMPs include:
- Maintain a forested primary Streamside Management Zone (SMZ) 40’wide on both sides of perennial streams, lakes, and ponds. The SMZ acts as a filter, provides shade, and maintains bank stability. Trout waters and steep slopes may require larger SMZs.
- Never block the flow of a stream. Use appropriately sized culverts or temporary bridges to allow water flow. Completely remove and stabilize temporary crossings when the operation is complete.
- Minimize soil disturbance, especially on steep slopes. Areas with high erosion potential should be stabilized with water bars, broad-based dips, vegetation, or other methods.
SC BMPs for Forestry
- Best Management Practices (BMPs)
- Best Management Practices for Braided Stream Systems: A Supplement to the 1994 BMP Manual
Compliance and Implementation Monitoring Reports
- 2007-08 BMP Monitoring Report
- 2004-05 Monitoring Report
- Best Management Practices for Harvesting and Site Preparation in South Carolina 2001-2003
- 1997-99 Monitoring Report
- 1996 Monitoring Report
- 1994 Monitoring Report
Additional Information
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