Costs of Protecting Water Quality During Harvesting on Private Forestlands in the Southeast

Abstract

Abstract Data on harvest volumes, topography, and other site and area characteristics were obtained from 22 timber harvests in Alabama, Florida, and Georgia. An economic analysis was then used to estimate the marginal costs of implementing each state's recommended Best Management Practices (BMPs), as well as a set of enhanced BMPs on these sites. Considering all of the areas combined, the costs of using the recommended BMPs averaged 2.9% of gross timber sale revenue, $2.34 per thousand board feet (mbf) of timber harvested, or $12.45/ac. The cost of implementing the enhanced BMPs averaged 5.1% of gross stumpage value, $4.13/mbf, or $21.94/ac. Seed, fertilizer, and mulch, broad based dips, and water bars were the most expensive practices on a total cost basis. Culvert installation, streamside management zones, and road relocation costs were less expensive for most tracts. South. J. Appl. For. 16(1):13-20.