(Optional) Describe best management practices for the forest.
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
- 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 Wildlife Resources
- Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation – Division of Natural Heritage
- Virginia Department of Environmental Quality
- Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
- 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?
- What is a forestry stewardship plan?