This App is the online version of the New York State Voluntary Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality BMP Field Guide. This guide is a practical tool for loggers, foresters, woodlot owners, and others involved in timber harvest operations and field work concerning erosion and water quality.

The NYS BMP Guide, presumably referring to a Best Management Practices guide from New York State, outlines recommended strategies for mitigating environmental impacts associated with various land-use activities. It's a comprehensive document designed to protect water quality, soil health, and overall ecological integrity. The guide likely covers a range of topics, including erosion and sediment control, stormwater management, nutrient management, and stream corridor protection.

Specific BMPs detailed in the guide will vary depending on the activity in question, but common examples include using silt fences and sediment traps during construction to prevent soil runoff, implementing vegetated buffers along waterways to filter pollutants, and employing agricultural practices that minimize fertilizer and pesticide use. The guide probably emphasizes a tiered approach, encouraging preventative measures as the first line of defense and then outlining corrective actions to address problems that do arise.

The NYS BMP Guide serves as a crucial resource for developers, contractors, farmers, municipalities, and other stakeholders involved in land-altering projects. Adherence to the guidelines is often required for permitting and compliance with environmental regulations. The guide aims to provide practical, science-based recommendations that are both effective and feasible to implement, ultimately contributing to the long-term sustainability of New York's natural resources. It’s a valuable tool for anyone seeking to minimize their environmental footprint and protect the state's valuable ecosystems.