Forest Water and Wetland Issue Support

Regulatory issues related to water quality and wetlands have the potential to constrain forest management and wood supplies. Examples include Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rules under the Clean Water Act, NPDES forest road permits, pesticide permits, and unachievable water quality criteria.

Staff periodically monitor regulatory and scientific developments related to these issues and provide technical support to Member Companies and associations as appropriate, participate in Association of State Wetland Managers, Silviculture and Wetlands Advisory Group, and continue interaction with the Interagency Coastal Wetlands Workgroup.

Staff will also remain engaged in discussions with environmental agencies in several states regarding the technical basis for numeric nutrient water quality criteria, including those applying to streams in managed forest landscapes.