Maryland’s Best Management Practices (BMPs) for forest harvests are practical field methods used during timber harvesting and other forestry operations to protect water quality, soils, streams, wetlands, and long-term forest productivity. These practices are implemented across public and private forestland by logging contractors, foresters, and landowners as part of responsible forest management.
Forestry BMPs are designed to minimize erosion and sediment runoff during active operations while allowing forests to continue producing timber, supporting wildlife habitat, and providing clean water. They are an important part of Maryland’s broader efforts to protect local waterways and the Chesapeake Bay.
Rather than relying on a single practice, BMP implementation involves planning the harvest layout, selecting appropriate equipment access routes, protecting sensitive areas, and stabilizing disturbed soil throughout the operation and after work is complete.
Forest Roads and Equipment Access
Careful planning and maintenance of forest roads, haul roads, and skid trails are among the most important components of forestry BMP implementation. Poorly located or improperly drained roads can become concentrated sources of erosion during storm events.
BMPs for forest roads focus on managing water before it gains enough speed or volume to carry sediment into streams and wetlands. Roads and skid trails are typically designed to follow stable terrain where possible, avoid excessively steep slopes, and include drainage features that slow and redirect runoff into surrounding forest floor litter where it can naturally infiltrate.
During wet conditions, forestry equipment can create deep rutting and soil disturbance that increases erosion risk and damages future forest productivity. Operators may limit activity during saturated conditions, use slash to reinforce sensitive areas, or adjust harvest sequencing to reduce impacts.
Stream Crossings and Streamside Areas
Streams, wetlands, and drainage corridors receive special protection during forest harvest operations. Forestry BMPs are designed to minimize direct disturbance to waterways while maintaining access necessary for safe and efficient operations.
Crossings are carefully selected and may use temporary bridges, culverts, or other structures that reduce streambed disturbance. Approaches to crossings are stabilized to reduce sediment movement, and crossings are removed or restored following harvest completion when temporary structures are used.
Forested areas adjacent to streams are commonly retained as Streamside Management Areas (SMAs). These wooded buffers help filter sediment and nutrients, stabilize streambanks, provide shade that moderates water temperature, and protect aquatic habitat. Maintaining forest cover along waterways is one of the most effective ways forestry operations protect downstream water quality.
Harvest Closure and Site Stabilization
BMP implementation continues after active harvesting ends. Disturbed areas such as log landings, skid trails, stream approaches, and exposed soil are stabilized to reduce long-term erosion risk.
This may include reshaping disturbed ground, installing water diversion structures, seeding exposed soil, or applying mulch where needed. Temporary crossings may also be removed and restored once operations conclude.
The goal is to leave the site in a stable condition that supports forest regeneration and minimizes sediment movement during future rainfall events.
Training and Professional Standards
The Maryland Master Logger Program provides training and continuing education for logging contractors working on public and private forestland. Master Logger certification is required for operators conducting timber harvests on Maryland State Forests.
MFS foresters also provide technical assistance regarding harvest planning, BMP implementation, and water quality protection during forestry operations.
Additional Resources
