Forestry best management practices topic areas

Best management practices topic areas

Explore the following topics to learn best management practices for Idaho’s forests.

BMPs and water quality

Idaho’s 93,000 miles of rivers and streams deliver a broad range of benefits. Learn why the Idaho Forest Practices Act (IFPA) was created. See the definition of forestry best management practices. Find out about the Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) Forest Practices Advisors and how to contact one near you.

Idaho watersheds

The health and wealth of any aquatic environment is a reflection of the surrounding land — its watershed. Review the forest hydrologic cycle. Familiarize yourself with riparian area, wetland and stream ecology and what the current threats are to these systems. Learn what Stream Protection Zones (SPZs) are.

Working forests

Forests work in many ways to protect water quality — they provide shade which cools stream water, collect and distribute rain and snowmelt, and provide jobs as well as spaces for all of us to recreate. Learn about ecological classification systems and forest types. Discover the hidden world of forest soils and learn about BMPs that protect forest soils.

Forest roads

Carefully designed and well-maintained forest roads provide long-term access to forestlands for a variety of activities, including timber harvesting, recreation and wildfire protection. Learn how to plan a forest road — from determining the best route to drainage systems. Get acquainted with forest road construction methods. Become familiar with forest road inspection measures and how to maintain your roads through the years.

Steam crossings

It is often necessary to cross a stream to access your forestland. Using the right method is key to maintaining water quality. Learn about seasonal usage and how to select and install the type of stream crossing that is best for your situation. Find out if you need to apply for a Stream Channel Alteration Permit.

Timber harvesting

Here are many reasons to harvest timber, and with careful planning, all objectives can be achieved while protecting and providing cool, clean, plentiful water. Acquaint yourself with the art and science of silviculture and how choosing the right silvicultural and harvesting systems are important to water quality. Learn how to locate, build and maintain skid trails and landings. Discover the benefits of timber harvesting in the winter.

Postharvest activities

Postharvest activities include reforestation, slash management, seeding unused roads, skid trails and landings and managing unwanted vegetation. Learn how to prepare planting sites, treat slash and identify and control noxious weeds.

Hazardous substances

Correctly using hazardous substances, such as pesticides and petroleum products, is an important aspect of protecting and maintaining water quality. Learn how to maintain your application and harvesting equipment and properly dispose containers. Be familiar with the process of containing a chemical spill or misapplication.