Over the years, loggers have made remarkable strides in safeguarding water quality, thanks to extensive training in best management practices (BMPs). Developed through sustainable forestry education, these practices have significantly shaped industry standards and transformed the way logging operations interact with the environment.
Thinking back to the mid-1980s, I recall a time when environmental awareness in the logging industry was far less developed than it is today. As a ten-year-old, one of my tasks involved digging a hole, draining used oil into it, and covering it back up. A common practice at the time. Even at that young age, the task felt wrong, but there was little discussion in the industry about its environmental impact.
Around that same period, my father put me on a bulldozer to remove stumps for a road he was building likely more to keep me occupied than anything else. I remember struggling for an hour, attempting to dig out what I thought was a stubborn stump, only to create an enormous hole and ultimately get myself stuck. My father hopped in the dozer, popped the stump out with ease, and leveled off the road. Fortunately, I had no BMP violations, but that marked the end of my equipment-operating days for quite a few years.
Another vivid memory from my early logging experiences was the thrill of getting a skidder stuck. At the time, I saw it as nothing more than an exciting challenge. It never crossed my mind that such incidents could have significant environmental consequences, particularly in terms of soil disturbance. This realization would come later, as education on BMPs expanded throughout the industry.
By the mid-1990s, a turning point emerged with the introduction of sustainable forestry education and the formal development of BMPs. However, in my area, the transition was not without resistance. Many loggers felt they were already practicing responsible forestry and saw no need for additional training. Over time, however, education proved to be a critical force in enhancing industry standards. By the turn of the century, BMP training had become so widespread among loggers that the courses began to feel repetitive.
The impact of this education was undeniable. Nonpoint source pollution from logging operations was steadily declining, while ironically, local road commissions appeared to be the largest contributors to soil runoff into waterways. Throughout my career, I have visited hundreds of logging sites, witnessing firsthand the evolution of BMPs. Loggers have increasingly prioritized water quality protection, implementing proactive measures to reduce sediment runoff. While I do not have precise statistics, the improvement is evident.
A particularly striking statistic came from a recent FISTA online training session, where the presenter noted that Wisconsin loggers correctly follow BMPs 90% of the time, resulting in water quality protection 99% of the time. Unfortunately, when BMPs are not adhered to, water quality is negatively impacted approximately 70% of the time, emphasizing just how critical these practices have become.
As logger knowledge has increased, so too has the accessibility of advanced technology and equipment. Both Michigan and Wisconsin have updated their BMP manuals over the years, adapting to new techniques and environmental findings. In my opinion, one of the most significant developments has been the recognition of crane mats as a versatile solution for minimizing soil disturbance. In recent years, funding has been made available for loggers to purchase crane mats, further supporting efforts to protect waterways. Looking ahead, portable bridges for private forest lands are expected to become more readily accessible, marking another major step toward sustainable forestry practices.
The evolution of logging practices has been a testament to the industry's commitment to environmental stewardship. What was once an industry with limited awareness of its ecological footprint has transformed into one that prioritizes sustainable forestry and the protection of water quality. Through extensive education, the adoption of BMPs, and advancements in technology, loggers have made significant progress in reducing nonpoint source pollution and minimizing their impact on waterways.
Looking ahead, there will be further invitations to further strengthen these efforts, ensuring that logging remains environmentally responsible. While there is always room for improvement, the strides made over the past few decades serve as a reminder that responsible forestry is not just achievable but essential for preserving our natural resources.
The future of logging will depend on a balance between productivity and sustainability, and as practices continue to evolve, the industry’s dedication to responsible forest management will help safeguard these ecosystems for generations to come.
Mike Elenz
GLTPA President