Working Forests
Study ecological classification systems and forest types. Discover the hidden world of forest soils and how to use BMPs to protect them.
Hazardous Substances
Find out how to maintain your application and harvesting equipment and properly dispose containers. Be familiar with the process of containing a chemical spill or misapplication.
Idaho Watersheds
Familiarize yourself with forest hydrologic cycle, riparian areas, and wetland and stream ecology. Learn how Stream Protection Zones protect water quality.
BMPs and Water Quality
Hear about the Idaho Forest Practices Act and what forestry best management practices are.
Timber Harvesting
Acquaint yourself with the art and science of silviculture, how to locate, build and maintain skid trails and landings, and why timber harvesting timber in winter can be a good thing.
Forest Roads
Understand the steps in planning a forest road – from determining the best route to drainage systems – and learn how forest road inspection measures help you maintain your roads through the years.
Stream Crossings
Learn how to select, install and maintain the type of stream crossing that is best for your situation. Find out if you need to apply for a Stream Channel Alteration Permit.
Postharvest Activities
Postharvest activities include reforestation, slash management, seeding unused trails and landings, and managing unwanted vegetation. Become skilled at preparing planting sites, treating slash and identifying and controlling noxious weeds.
Idaho Forestry Best Management Practices (BMPs)
Water. Cool, clean, plentiful water. Idaho’s 93,000 miles of rivers and streams support many uses.
In Idaho, as in all of the western United States, water rights, water quantity and water quality are at the center of many of our environmental challenges.
Forestry best management practices (BMPs) are those found to be the most effective means of preventing or reducing non-source pollution delivered to streams and rivers by forest practices. BMPs also protect water quality by providing
- shade, which keeps streams cool;
- vegetation, which captures sediment before it can enter streams; and
- large woody debris, which increases aquatic habitat.
This field guide was developed by University of Idaho Extension to educate forest landowners, managers and operators about Idaho Forest Practices Act (IFPA) rules that protect, maintain and enhance Idaho's forests and maintain high water quality. A free hard copy of this publication can be requested from any Idaho Department of Lands office.
Current Topics
Class I Streamside Tree Retention Rule
A revised Class I Tree Retention Rule (“Shade Rule”) was approved by the Idaho Legislature in 2022. The rule changes aim to simplify the existing “Shade Rule” and refine the definition of Class I streams.
Forest Water Quality Part I: Keeping Water Clean
(20 minutes)
Forest Water Quality Part II: The Idaho Forest Practices Act
(18 minutes)
This project was supported by the Renewable Resource Extension Act in partnership with
