NCFS

BMP Demonstration Trails

BMP Demonstration Trail Sign

Trying to explain how to implement Best Management Practices (BMPs) on forestry operations can be challenging without the help of good visual aids. Showing good examples of BMPs on-the-ground can go a long way towards understanding the concept of BMPs.

With this in mind, we have established self-guided, interpretative BMP demonstration trails at several of our state forests;

• Clemmons Educational State Forest near Clayton;
• DuPont State Forest near Brevard;
• Jordan Lake Educational State Forest near Apex; and,
• Mountain Island Lake Educational State Forest near Mt. Holly.

These demonstration areas show real-world examples of everyday BMPs that are appropriate for forestry activities. In forestry, the use of BMPs focuses on the protection of water quality, usually through soil erosion and conservation practices.

Each demonstration area has several BMP stations, in which a specific BMP application has been installed. At each station there is a sign explaining:

• what the BMP is;
• where the BMP can be effectively used;
• why the BMP is important to use; and
• tips for successful BMP installation.

The demonstration trails showcase a number of BMPs, including:

A brochure is available at each demonstration trail to further explain how BMPs can be used during forestry work to protect water quality.

This project was funded by a U.S. EPA Nonpoint Source Management Program 319-Grant.