Semester

Fall

Date of Graduation

2005

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

MS

College

Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design

Department

Wood Science and Technology

Committee Chair

Jingxin Wang.

Abstract

The application, effectiveness, and compliance of forestry best management practices (BMPs) were 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 were also asked a series of questions to identify their knowledge and satisfaction about the harvest and BMPs. A series of eight checklists were used to assess 26 BMPs on haul roads, skid trails, landings, and in streamside management zones (SMZs). Thirty three out of 116 sites with SMZs were further evaluated for BMP applications and effectiveness. Spatial data, soil, and stream type were also collected from the site to identify how these spatial attributes affect BMP application, effectiveness, and compliance. Data collected were also analyzed statistically to examine the differences of BMP application, effectiveness, and compliance among forester involvement, ownership type, and Forest Districts. Results indicated that compliance on haul roads was 80%, skid trails (70%), landings (78%), and SMZs (61%). Statewide compliance generally increased from the previous study to 72%.

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