A: Forest practices are those activities related to growing, harvesting or processing forest products, including, but not limited to, road construction and maintenance, thinning, salvage harvest, reforestation, brush control, and using fertilizers or pesticides to achieve desired objectives and benefits.

Q: Who can assist me with the application of the Forest Water Quality Guidelines?

A: The Utah Division of Forestry, Fire & State Lands emphasizes one-on-one contact with landowners, loggers and resource professionals on the use and installation of the Forest Water Quality Guidelines. The Division also offers technical assistance to landowners to help them protect the value of their land and resources to meet present and future land management objectives. Technical assistance includes development of logging and management plans, inventories, contract development and design of site specific silvicultural prescriptions.

Q: What is nonpoint source pollution?

A: Nonpoint source pollution is defined as diffuse sources of water pollution that originate from indefinable sources, and normally include agricultural and urban runoff. In practical terms, nonpoint sources of pollution do not discharge from a specific, single location. Nonpoint sources of pollution are generally carried over or through the soil and ground cover via stormflow processes.

Q: What are the Forest Water Quality Guidelines?

A: Utah's Forest Water Quality Guidelines are a collection of voluntary measures that landowners, loggers and resource managers can utilize for the conservation of Utah's forest and water resources.

Q: Are the Forest Water Quality Guidelines an infringement on my private property rights?

A: No. The Forest Water Quality Guidelines are entirely voluntary. Actual implementation of these guidelines will be the landowner's choice and responsibility.

Q: Are there other requirements or permits necessary to conduct forestry activities?

A: Yes. Certain permits and licenses related to forest management and protection of water quality exist at the state and federal level. Permits include stream alteration, burning, commercial road use and Section 404. In addition, state law requires those transporting forest products within, into or out of the state must have proof of product ownership.

Q: Why does Utah have Forest Water Quality Guidelines?

A: Silviculture or forest management activities has been identified as a possible source of nonpoint pollution to the states water bodies and courses. Timber harvesting can cause negative impacts including land degradation and poor water quality if conducted improperly.