Assessment of compliance of forestry best management practices in West Virginia

The compliance of forestry best management practices (BMP) was assessed based on 116 randomly selected sites harvested between November 2003 and March 2004 in West Virginia. Landowners were contacted to gain permission for site visits according to the random list. The landowners also were interviewed to identify their knowledge and satisfaction about the harvest and BMP. Four checklists were used to assess 29 BMPs on haul roads, skid trails, landings, and in streamside management zones (SMZ). A general increasing trend in BMP compliance was noted in this statewide BMP assessment with an overall BMP compliance of 74%. Results also indicated that the BMP compliances averaged 81% on haul roads, 68% on skid trails, 80% on landings, and 55% in SMZs.