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BMP Monitoring and Regulatory Requirements
Since 1981 the Florida Division of Forestry has monitored BMP implementation by conducting a biennial Compliance Survey. Like BMPs in general, the Survey has traditionally been heavily oriented toward forestry activities involving intensive pine management, near streams and lakes. With the new and expanded practices in this Manual, BMP compliance monitoring was also revised. Following the development of this Manual in 1993, a BMP Monitoring Task Force revised the Compliance Survey making it compatible with the new BMPs, and more technically and statistically sound. The revised Survey was first used in 1995 and includes significant procedural changes such as a numerical scoring system for determining BMP compliance, special criteria for identifying a significant risk to water quality, and an expansion of the Survey into all Florida counties. Through 1999, the Survey has determined a statewide, long-term average of 92% compliance with silviculture BMPs.
In addition, a BMP Effectiveness Study was completed in 1999, using the Survey as a measure of BMP compliance and using stream bio-assessment techniques to measure water quality. The study concluded that where silviculture BMPs were properly applied water quality, aquatic habitat and overall stream ecosystem health were protected.
The BMPs in this Manual are intended for implementation on all silviculture operations regardless of whether or not the operation is subject to other regulatory standards or permits. Anyone who desires to conduct silviculture activities that are not in compliance with this Manual must necessarily seek and obtain a permit from the appropriate local, state and/or federal government agency prior to conducting the operation. In addition, the maintenance of State water quality standards is required during all silviculture operations.
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