As users of our natural resources, we have a responsibility to be good stewards of the land.  Iowa’s Forestry Best Management Practices (BMPs) are designed to help landowners, loggers and landmanagers be good stewards by protecting water quality during woodland management activities.

This manual recommends guidelines for timber management activities as they relate to water qualityprotection.  These BMPs may be modified for specific site conditions.  Foresters and other naturalresources professionals are available to help.

Future flexibility in managing our forest resources depends on landowners, loggers and land managers recognizing the importance of protecting water quality.  This can be accomplished by the voluntary use of BMPs.  The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is committed to following these BMPs in managing woodlands on public lands.

I encourage your participation and welcome your comments.

Paul Tauke
State Forester
Iowa Department of Natural Resources