Spatial Analysis of Compliance, Application, and Effectiveness of Forestry Best Management Practices in West Virginia, USA

Abstract

The compliance, application, and effectiveness of forestry best management practices (BMPs) were analyzed spatially based on 33 of 116 sites with streamside management zones (SMZs) in West Virginia. Harvested tracts were mapped including landing boundaries, haul roads, SMZs, skid trails, and water bar locations. Soils and slopes were examined to determine erosion and runoff potential. Stream networks were calculated for each site to a 5.5-acre (2.23 hectares) drainage area, which allowed viewing and examining the layouts of landings, skid trails, and haul roads intersecting stream networks. Distances from landing and skid trail were calculated in reference to the SMZ. BMP compliance by site ranged from 45% to 99%. The application and effectiveness varied for each BMP assessed. Sites with higher application and effectiveness showed an increase in compliance as well. Results could be used to examine the interrelationship of BMP compliance, application, effectiveness, and other site factors and to aid foresters in pre-harvesting planning.