This technical bulletin reviews state nonpoint source (NPS) control programs in the thirteen western states. All states were found to have active NPS control programs. State assessments show that forest practices are generally among the more modest sources of NPS pollution, despite the fact that forests cover 31 percent of the region. Exceptions to this general conclusion occur in several sub–state regions in which forestry is a major land use on landforms with high erosion potential. Rates of compliance with Best Management Practices (BMPs) are very high in some states but substantially lower in others. There has been extensive testing of forest practices in the West to ensure their effectiveness. Eight of the 13 western states have regulatory programs to control NPS pollution associated with forest management. Of those without regulatory programs, federal ownership of much of the forest land provides for consideration of water quality protection. Other states have authority through water quality or zoning regulations to protect forest water quality. BMP education and training need to be improved in some states, but there are aggressive programs in Oregon, California, Washington, and Montana.

Report preparation: Paul V. Ellefson, Antony S. Cheng, George Ice