State Survey of Silviculture Nonpoint Source Programs: A Comparison of the 2000 Northeastern and National Results

The National Association of State Foresters conducts surveys of silviculture nonpoint source (NPS) pollution control programs to measure progress and identify needs. The 2000 survey results are summarized here for the nation and for the 20-state northeastern region. Current emphasis of NPS pollution programs is on education, training, and monitoring. Educational efforts are used to make more landowners aware of their responsibilities to control pollution during timber harvesting and to make the public and lawmakers more aware of effective pollution control procedures for forestry. Training of foresters, loggers, and landowners in NPS pollution control expanded during the last 4 yr in part due to forest industry's Sustainable Forest Initiative and increased logger accreditation and forester licensing programs. Several states reported improved compliance and performance in controlling NPS pollution as a result of certification and licensing programs. Recommendations are made to continue the progress in NPS pollution control in forestry.