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COMMERCIAL FORESTS occupy more than 49 percent, or 13.8 million acres, of the land in Louisiana. Forest ownership here is similar to other Southern states. At 64 percent, a majority of the forest land is in nonindustrial private ownership; 26 percent is owned by forest industry and the remaining 10 percent is held by public agencies.
Forestry annually contributes more than $5 billion to the state’s economy. If Louisiana is to thrive economically, our forests’ ability to produce goods and services must be sustained. Forest management programs should incorporate adequate measures to provide for proper soil and water conservation. Most streams originating in or flowing through our timberlands are sources for water supplies, recreation and other uses.
Amendments to the Clean Water Act in 1987 require the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality to assess the the quality of water in the state and report its findings to Congress every two years. Under Section 319 of the amended act, the state is also charged with addressing pollution carried to water bodies by rainfall runoff. This type of pollution is called nonpoint source pollution. It differs from point source pollution that originates from identifiable locations such as end-of-pipe discharges from an industrial facility or city sewage treatment plant. More than 60 percent of water pollution is caused by nonpoint sources. LDEQ’s Section 319 program uses a cooperative, non-regulatory approach to address forestry nonpoint pollution statewide, primarily through the use of voluntary forestry practices described in this manual.
The Clean Water Act of 1972 (Public Law 92-500) and its amendments mandate water quality sufficient to provide “fishable” and “swimmable” waters. It requires that all waters of the United States will be protected from degradation. This includes, but is not limited to, headwater creeks, rich bottomland hardwoods and permanently flooded cypress-tupelo areas.
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Section 404 Silvicultural Exemption |
| In forested wetlands, the law provides an exemption from permitting under Section 404 for normal ongoing silvicultural opera- tions, provided that the 15 federally man- dated best management practices, herein after referred to as BMPS, are followed. | |
The scope of legal jurisdiction was expanded in 1977 by amendments redefining protection to include the waters of the United States and their adjacent wetlands. This protection, under Section 404, specifies that anyone engaging in activities affecting waters and wetlands is required to secure a permit before proceeding, unless exempted.
With support from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and in partnership with the Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry and the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality, the Louisiana Forestry Association developed this manual. It is a guide for forest landowners, logging contractors and the forest industry. It sets forth voluntary guidelines and procedures to ensure water quality protection during forestry operations. The goal in meeting state and federal water quality standards is necessary to provide clean water for present and future generations. The forestry community’s compliance with this guide is essential for continued freedom and flexibility to practice forestry without further government regulation.