Best Management Practices Quick Reference Field Manual
The North Carolina Forestry Best Management Practices Quick Reference Field Guide (referred to as the BMP Field Guide) is a full-color, pocket-sized guide that illustrates proper implementation of BMPs and other erosion control practices that can be used to keep streams and creeks free from sediment and other nonpoint source pollution during timber harvesting or other forestry activities.
In addition to illustrations that show "good" BMP examples, the BMP Field Guide also has photos showing conditions in which water quality protection needs improvement due to poor practices or a lack of erosion control measures. All of the photos have caption text, along with symbols to indicate their status as a "good" example or "bad" example. These symbols are used as a way to communicate the importance of using BMPs to a broader audience, many of which may not have formal training or education related to forestry or water quality.
Citations of the most commonly referenced water quality regulations that effect forestry operations are provided in the Field Guide, including the complete text of the statewide rules governing forestry activities, called the "Forest Practice Guidelines Related to Water Quality." Other rule references include the stream/ditch obstruction laws, riparian buffer rules, and guidance for operating in wetlands.
Produced using semi-gloss, coated paper and held together with a spiral coil binding, the BMP Field Guide is intended for durability and easy reference in everyday use. To help loggers and foresters find information quickly, chapter topics are color-coded along the bottom of each page.
The BMP Field Guide complements the North Carolina Forestry Best Management Practices Manual to Protect Water Quality (or BMP Manual) that outlines in greater detail the history, specifications, and references related to forestry BMPs. The new BMP Field Guide is not intended as a substitute for the Forestry BMP Manual, but rather acts as another tool to use in the woods for protecting water quality and insuring North Carolina's forests are managed and harvested in a sustainable manner.
Hard copies can be obtained at no cost from your local office of the N.C. Forest Service.