Assessing the Effectiveness of Forest Best Management Practices in two Louisiana Watersheds

A manual recommending Best Management Practices (BMP) for Louisiana foresters was produced in 2000. There is deficient information on the effectiveness of BMP reducing non point source pollution in streams located in forested areas of Louisiana. A new study assessing the effectiveness of forest BMP is being initiated and will be conducted in two small watersheds in Central Louisiana. The objectives of this study are to quantify changes in stream flow and water quality after BMP treatment, assess the magnitude of the impact, and develop a model that will quantify the impacts. To achieve this goal, two sampling approaches will be used to monitor water quality within the watershed over a two year period. An intensive method will sample storm water runoff in proximity to the treated area and an extensive method will sample water monthly at locations downstream from the treated area. With the collected data, an evaluation of BMP effectiveness based on changes in water quality and flow at the intensive and extensive monitoring sites will be produced. The research concept, methodology, and analytical procedures for this study are presented.