Iowa’s Forest Resource: The Need For Best Management Practices

Over two million acres, or six percent, of Iowa are covered by woodlands. These woodlands are valuable natural resources which help conserve our soil and energy, clean our air and water, provide abundant wildlife habitat, create employment for thousands and help to make our communities and countryside more pleasant.  Managing Iowa’s woodlands can produce significant benefits for both present and future generations.  However, careless activities in our woodlands can damage water resources, soils, wildlife habitat, aesthetic values and even the ability to produce future benefits.

The biggest threat to Iowa’s water quality is nonpoint source pollution (NPS pollution).  NPS pollution occurs when runoff from rain and melting snow picks up and carries pollutants into streams, lakes andground water.  Soil, including the organic debris and nutrients in it, becomes a nonpoint source pollutant when it is exposed and unprotected.

Sediment accumulates in lakes, streams and wetlands, speeding the aging of lakes and burying habitat, fishspawning grounds and aquatic plants.  Changes in water chemistry and temperature from the introductionof sediment and organic matter, along with the decay of aquatic plants, rapidly degrade water quality.

The most practical and cost-effective method to assure that woodland management operations do not adversely affect water quality in Iowa is through the use of the voluntary “Best Management Practices”(BMPs) described in this manual. BMP’s, as defined by the Clean Water Act of 1987 (PL100-1, Sec. 319), are methods, measures, or practices used to protect, maintain and preserve water quality.

The intent of this manual is to educate woodland owners, managers, loggers and other operators on how to avoid negative impacts that may otherwise be associated with forest management practices. These BMPs are voluntary in the sense that they are not legally mandated.  The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) encourages private landowners to use these BMPs.  Applying BMPs will help to ensure quality water during timber harvesting, thinning, tree planting and other woodland management activities.

Table of Contents