Best Management Practice (BMP) Program

We help loggers harvesting timber by

• Working with them to develop a plan to protect water quality. 
• Providing materials and technical support for installing BMPs.
• Paying them to implement the plan and to install the BMPs. 

The BMP Program application has three parts that can be used individually or combined on a timber harvest. 

• Erosion Control BMPs

  Throughout a timber harvest, BMPs are used to reduce erosion and keep the skid trails and log landing usable. Funding is available to offset the costs of these BMPs that can be used before, during and after the harvest. Examples of funded BMPs include: 

  • Skid trail relocation and re-grading 
  • Water bars 
  • Gravel 
  • Culverts 
  • Corduroy 
  • Post-harvest stabilization

• Stream Crossing BMPs

  Stream crossings are highly sensitive areas that require added protection from erosion and pollution. Stream crossings can be costly and the Stream Crossing Component can offset those costs by providing the following incentives:  

  • Stream Crossing BMPs 
    BMPs such as water bars, corduroy, and post-harvest stabilization at a stream crossing are cost-shared at a higher rate than those not associated with a stream crossing. Portable Bridge Loan or Rental. The WAC Forestry Program owns 20, 30 and 40 foot portable skidder bridges that are available in the NYC Watershed for use at no-cost. If renting your own bridge, cost-share funding is available towards the cost.  

  • Portable Bridge Transportation and Installation  
    Whether using one of WAC’s bridges, or renting your own, funding is available to assist with the costs associated with the transportation and installation of bridges. 

  • Portable Bridge Cost Share 
    Funding is available towards the cost of building or purchasing your own portable bridge.

• BMP Free Samples

  The BMP Program delivers free samples of erosion control products for use on timber harvests in the NYC Watershed. Free samples include: 

  • Geotextile road fabric 
  • Grass seed 
  • Culverts 
  • Bales of hay/straw 
  • Silt fencing 
  • Straw wattles 
  • Erosion control blankets 
  • Fluid spill kits 

  Products are delivered to the jobsite and hay/straw, seeding, silt fencing, straw wattles, and erosion control blankets can be installed by WAC foresters.  

BMP Program Application and Process

• Complete and submit the BMP Program application prior to the start of a timber harvest. 
  If you are unsure how to complete the application, contact a WAC Watershed Forester for assistance. All applications must be signed by the logger and landowner. 

• A Watershed Forester will visit the site to ensure the BMP’s will protect water quality. 

• Once approved, you will be notified of the funding amount approved for your BMP Project. 

• Install BMP’s outlined in application. We love water bars! Save your receipts for materials like gravel, geotextile fabric, seed, and culverts. 
  We also understand that logging is dynamic. Our foresters will work with you to adjust your application in response to unforeseen circumstances. 

• Have your job inspected when finished and submit a W9, and any receipts to WAC. One of our foresters will inspect your completed BMP Project within 14 days. We will only pay for BMP’s that adhere to NYS BMP Guidelines.

• Get paid! WAC will pay you within 30 days of the final inspection.

BMP Program Application

Field Guide

W9 Form