Using Spatial Features to Review Application, Effectiveness, and Compliance of Forestry Best Management Practices in West Virginia

Abstract

The application, effectiveness, and compliance of forestry best management practices (BMPs) were assessed based on 33 randomly selected sites with streamside management zones (SMZs) in West Virginia. Application of BMPs was assessed based upon the methods and techniques of applying the BMP, while compliance was assessed based on the presence of required BMPs. Effectiveness was determined based upon the durability and longevity of an applied BMP. A series of 12 checklists were used to examine 29 BMPs on haul roads, skid trails, landings, and in SMZs. Spatial data, soil, stream type, and population density were also collected for the sites to identify how these spatial attributes affect BMP application, effectiveness, and compliance. Results indicated that higher levels of application, effectiveness, and compliance were found on sites with either intermittent or ephemeral streams, wider SMZs, or low soil moisture index; no significant differences were presented in BMP application, effectiveness, and compliance among stream type, SMZ width, soil series, moisture index, and population category. Road and landing layouts located outside of high water cumulative flow areas also contributed to higher rates of BMP application, effectiveness, and compliance, which substantiated the importance of pre-harvest planning.