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There has been a long-standing interest in improving Best Management Practice (BMP) monitoring within and among states. States monitoring the implementation and effectiveness of BMPs for forest operations take a variety of approaches. This creates inconsistencies in data collection and how results are reported. Since 1990 attempts have been made to develop a consistent BMP reporting methodology; the attempts have met with varying degrees of success, utility, and acceptance. Traditional monitoring focused on individual BMPs in terms of prescriptive guidelines, but this approach created inconsistent monitoring methodologies. To improve consistency and allow a more universal method for BMP monitoring, the approach to developing the protocol, described herein, focuses on the underlying S2principlesS3 which guide the design and applicability of BMPs. Shifting emphasis to the underlying principles facilitates outcome or performance-based monitoring of BMPs, which is a more universal, less subjective, and more direct means of evaluating BMP performance for protecting water quality. In turn, repeatability is improved. In this paper we discuss the development process and initial testing of a consistent repeatable BMP monitoring protocol for timber harvesting activities adjacent to water bodies. The protocol could be applied across much of the United States.
Participatory (collaborative, multiparty, citizen, volunteer) monitoring is a process that has been increasing in popularity and use in both developing and industrialized societies over the last several decades. It reflects the understanding that natural resource decisions are more effective and less controversial when stakeholders who have an interest in the results are involved in the process. An adequate number of such projects have now been organized, tried, and evaluated such that sufficient information exists to recommend a comprehensive approach to implementing such processes. This handbook was written for managers and scientists in the United States who are contemplating a participatory approach to monitoring biological resources, especially biodiversity. It is designed as a how-to manual with discussions of relevant topics, checklists of important considerations to address, and resources for further information. Worksheets for developing, implementing, and evaluating a monitoring plan are posted on a companion Web site. The subject matter is divided into 3 stages of a monitoring project encompassing a total of 22 topical modules. These modules can be used in any sequence on an ongoing basis. Stages and modules include (1) planning documentation, goals, indicators, collaboration, decisions, context, organization, participants, communication, incentives, design, and resources; (2) implementationtraining, safety, fieldwork, sampling, data, and quality; and (3) followthroughanalysis, reporting, evaluation, and celebrations. Collaboration always involves colearning, so documenting choices, plans, and activities with the Web site worksheets is integral to the manuals effectiveness.
Minnesota has established robust best management practices guidelines for timber harvesting that are designed to maintain water quality when implemented, and voluntary implementation rates are generally high. To assess the effect of increasing BMP implementation to water quality, watershed and land managers can develop scenarios in the Scenario Application Manager (SAM) by modeling increased BMP use at harvest areas. This report outlines the BMPs that were identified for use in SAM and the assumptions made to represent the BMPs in the SAM framework.
"This review looks at the Nation's legal, institutional, and economic capacity to promote forest conservation and sustainable resource management. It focuses on 20 indicators of Criterion Seven of the so-called Montreal Process and involves an extensive search and synthesis of information from a variety of sources. It identifies ways to fill information gaps and improve the usefulness of several indicators. It concludes that there is substantial information about the application of such capacities, although that application is widely dispersed among agencies and private interests; which in turn has led to differing interpretations of the indicators. Individual chapters identify a need to further develop the conceptual foundation on which many of the indicators are predicated. While many uncertainties in the type and accuracy of information are brought to light, the review clearly indicates that legal, institutional, and economic capacities to promote sustainability are large and widely available in both the public and private sectors."--P. vi.