Forestry best management practices (BMPs) are strategies to minimize the overland speed and volume of water carrying sediment, reducing the opportunity for sediment and associated nutrients to reach streams and wetlands. This keeps soil and nutrients in the forest and protects aquatic resources from degradation by non-point source pollution. 

Download the MA Forestry BMP

Forestry best management practices play a critical role in implementing sound forest management.  In Massachusetts, forestry best management practices also play a critical role in meeting the requirements of the Forest Cutting Practices Act and the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act. 

Forest landowners are responsible for ensuring that all forestry BMPs, and all relevant laws, are followed during a timber harvest.  Having a forester set up the timber harvest and represent your interests in a contract are excellent ways to ensure a high-quality logging job and compliance with all relevant laws.