Evolving Silvicultural Practices to Meet Sustainability Objectives in Forested Wetlands of the Southeastern United States

Development and implementation of forestry best management practices (BMPs) to minimize effects on wetland soils and hydrology represents a great success of the Clean Water Act (CWA). The “silvicultural exemption” as specified in Section 404(f) of the CWA allows management activities within jurisdictional forested wetlands so long as practices meet specified criteria and wetlands are not converted to uplands. This is particularly important for establishing and maintaining forest roads and site preparation of harvested stands in jurisdictional wetlands. The presence of poorly drained soils and seasonally high-water tables in the Coastal Plain led to the development of site preparation practices that enhance seedling survival, vigor, and growth. Collaboration among universities, governmental agencies, and the forest products industry has resulted in numerous applied research projects assessing environmental responses to management in forested wetlands. Today, all southeastern Coastal Plain states recommend the use of site preparation BMPs that reduce soil and hydrology disturbances, while facilitating stand regeneration. State forestry agencies routinely monitor BMP implementation to assess application and functionality of BMPs. Additionally, forest landowners and wood procurement entities who participate in voluntary third-party forest certification programs have increased BMP implementation on a scale that contributes to watershed-level benefits.