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Colorado Tree Farmers are a network of land- owners that share forestry resources.

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If you would like to join our tours, question our experts, or share information on forest ecology and management with our members, click on the link above.

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Landowners who become certified Tree Farmers in 2009 will receive the Colorado Tree Farmers forest management manual, Saving Your Forest.

Education>Master Tree Farm Course> Tree Farm Technician>

BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

  Objective: To provide information to the Tree Farmer so that a reasonable understanding of why Best Management Practices (BMPs) are both necessary and required by law.   Section 208 of the Federal Water Pollution Act of 1972 requires that pollutants of rivers, streams, and other bodies of water within the U.S. be controlled at the sources.  Procedures have been developed so that owners of forest land and their contractors may comply voluntarily with provisions of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act.  This voluntary approach to the elimination of water pollution is less frustrating and expensive than a compulsory program of regulations, inspections, and permits.

The Water Quality Act of 1987 (PL-100-1, Sec. 319) considers a BMP as any method , measure or practice used to reduce water pollution to include, but not limited to, control of water caused erosion. 

Forestry BMPs encompass six basic goals in order to meet Water Quality Standards and the goals of the Clean Water Act.

1.        To minimize surface runoff waters originating from any type of forestry-related soil disturbance and running directly into a water course.
2.        To maintain the integrity of all stream beds and banks.
3.        To prevent depositing of logging debris in stream banks.
4. To prevent chemicals, pesticides, fertilizers or petroleum products from entering or degrading (directly or indirectly) streams, ground water or surface water.
5.        To establish streamside management zones (SMZs) along perennial water courses that filter sediment from overland flow and maintain stream temperature.
6.        To provide for rapid revegetation of all exposed mineral soil areas through natural processes supplemented by artificial revegetation where necessary.

Utilize the publication Colorado Forest Stewardship Guidelines to Protect Water Qualilty: Best Management Practices (BMPs) for Colorado, 2/98.

Master Tree Farm Course     Tree Farm Technician