Monitoring the Effectiveness of Forest Practice Rules in Protecting Aquatic and Riparian Resources in Washington State

The Forests and Fish Report used best available science to guide the development of forest practice rules that protect aquatic and riparian dependent species in compliance with the ESA and CWA, support the restoration of fish to harvestable levels while maintaining a viable timber industry. Following the report, the DNR developed an HCP in 2005 that included a rigorous Adaptive Management Program (AMP) that covers approximately 9.3 million acres of private and public forestland. The AMP utilizes a multi-stakeholder, consensus based Cooperative Monitoring, Evaluation, and Research Committee to oversee development of research focused upon aquatic and riparian resources, and includes independent peer review of technical products. The results of CMER research are shared with the Board by the TFW Policy committee, and the Board decides whether or not a rule needs to be modified or created to better protect public resources. Given the complexity of riparian and aquatic environments and economic interests in the forests of Washington, the only way to successfully implement rules that are effective is through a rigorous adaptive management program.