What is a best management practice and a streamside management zone?

Sustainable forest management practices followed by TIR and other forest owners include a comprehensive program of state-approved water quality best management practices (BMPs) for forestry that are designed to protect water quality and habitat for aquatic organisms.

One such BMP is to establish streamside management zones (SMZs) around streams, rivers, and waterways, where harvests are limited, and special care is taken to protect ground cover around the body of water.

Serving as a buffer, an SMZ filters sediment and reduces runoff after rain or snow. These zones keep water clean and cool, maintaining habitat for fish, amphibians, reptiles, insects, and other species. They also provide habitat and travel corridors for a variety of other wildlife.