Tag Archive: Best Management Practices

Forestry for Water Quality

Forestry for Water Quality

June 11, 2020 - The results are in, and the 2019 annual Silviculture Best Management Practices (BMP) Implementation Monitoring Report shows that the logging industry and timberland owners continue to excel at protecting Virginia’s water resources. Forests are essential to clean, healthy drinking water and watersheds, and sustainably-managed forests are the most effective land cover for protecting water quality.  Forests improve air quality, provide wildlife habitat, and supply clean water, all while producing the... Read More

Field Notes: Riparian Buffers and the Sargasso Sea...What's the Connection?

Field Notes: Riparian Buffers and the Sargasso Sea…What’s the Connection?

July 2, 2018 - by DOF Senior Area Forester Scott Bachman An SMZ or streamside management zone, also known as a riparian buffer, is an area along a stream or creek (or a river if you have one in your back yard!).  In forestry this SMZ is commonly wooded (grass buffers can be very important in agriculture areas).  During a timber harvest the DOF encourages all landowners to retain at minimum 50 percent of... Read More