Forest Practices and Best Management Practices

Montana's Forest Practice regulations exist to protect our natural resources for all to enjoy. The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation administers the following laws that pertain to Forest Practices:

• The Streamside Management Zone Law and Rules regulates and prohibits certain activities within the Streamside Management Zone (SMZ). An Illustrated Guide to SMZ Law and Rules is provided for reference.
• The Control of Timber Slash and Debris Law dates back to the early 1900's when it was recognized that timber harvesting slash represented a significant fire hazard. This law pertains to timber harvest operations on private lands and requires the reduction of fire hazard material. Please visit the Logging Slash Reduction section, to learn more and access an application form.
• The Forest Practice Notification Law requires operators or landowners to notify the Montana Department of Natural Resources when forest practices are going to take place on private lands and set standards for those practices. The law is commonly referred to as the Best Management Practices law.

States are required by the federal Clean Water Act to identify Best Management Practices (BMPs) to control surface runoff and other forms of nonpoint pollution.  In Montana, BMPs are considered voluntary for forest owners. However, the American Forest Foundation’s Standard of Sustainability says that to be certified, forest owners must comply with their states BMPs (Standard 4, Performance Measure 4.1). The Montana Forestry BMP Illustrated Guide is provided for reference. Please visit the BMP section to learn more.

Please see the following video to learn more about timber harvesting for private landowners.