California's approaches to protect water quality on non-federal timberlands
| Published: | October 24, 2012 |
| Type: | Notes |
Abstract
California’s forest practices on non-federal timberlands are regulated by federal, state and local laws, including Forest Practice Rules (FPRs) under the Z’berg-Nejedly Forest Practice Act of 1973. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) enforces the FPRs and acts as the lead agency for projects under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Foresters and timber operators must be licensed, with Licensed Timber Operators (LTOs) required to attend a two-day training session on the FPRs, as well as have adequate experience and insurance. Five different state-sponsored hillslope (i.e., on-site) monitoring programs have been conducted since 1986 to determine FPR compliance rates and effectiveness in protecting water quality.