Title: (Optional) Describe best management practices for the forest.
Course: Agricultural Production Technology (18301-I) > Section: Managing Natural Resources

Description should include

- defining nonpoint source pollution and point source pollution
- planning for forestry operations
  - communication of expectations
  - harvest – maximum return
  - site productivity
  - minimal environmental impact
  - compliance with federal, state, and local laws
  - enhancement of habitat for wildlife diversity

- identifying endangered species
  - Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries
  - Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), Division of Natural Heritage
  - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

- identifying Streamside Management Zones (SMZs)
- explaining timber harvesting (e.g., logging system selection and application, forest roads, skid trails, stream crossings, log landings)
- identifying erosion control measures
- defining reforestation and revegetation
- exploring current regulations
  - Federal Clean Water Act—Mandated Road Best Management Practices for Wetlands
  - Silvicultural Operations in Chesapeake Bay Preservation Areas
  - Silviculture Water Quality Law (Virginia)
  - Debris in Streams Law

- identifying relevant agencies
  - Virginia Department of Forestry
  - Virginia Marine Resources Commission
  - Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries
  - Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation – Division of Natural Heritage
  - Virginia Department of Environmental Quality
  - Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy
  - U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
  - DCR Division of Chesapeake Bay Local Assistance

- explaining silvicultural chemical treatments
- identifying methods for fire management
- discussing wetlands and watersheds
- discussing methods for planting and harvesting trees in a sustainable manner
- explaining pest-management techniques and the treatment of common diseases.

Process/Skill Questions:

- What are common forest products, and for what are they used?
- What is timber stand improvement (TSI)?
- How is the volume of standing timber on a given tract estimated?
- What are some common tree disorders and their causes?
- Why is it important to be able to use a compass when managing a tract of timber?