Technical Bulletin No. 0686: Southern Regional Review of State Nonpoint Source Control Programs and Best Management Practices for Forest Management Operations.

All states were found to have active NPS control programs. Despite the fact that forests cover 55 percent of the South, state assessments show silviculture to be a relatively minor source of NPS impacts, ranking far behind other categories such as agriculture and urban. Compliance surveys have found implementation rates for state Best Management Practices of 80-90 percent. Although there remains room for improvement in BMPs and related water quality protection measures, the greatest threat to forest water quality comes, not from any lack of effectiveness of existing BMPs, but rather from the failure of some forest operators and landowners to implement BMPs properly and consistently. Eleven states have clear authority to control silvicultural operations which blatantly disregard BMPs. Six states are actively using their authority to investigate complaints and levy substantial fines. All twelve states were found to have aggressive and innovative educational and training programs designed to enhance compliance with BMPs.