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CHAPTER 10 – NATIONAL CORE BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES 

The National Best Management Practices (BMPs) Program consists of four components: 1) a set 

of National Core BMPs, 2) a set of standardized monitoring protocols to evaluate 

implementation and effectiveness of those core BMPs, 3) corresponding National direction in the 

Forest Service Directive System, and 4) a data management and reporting structure. 

01 – AUTHORITY

See FSM 2501 for authorities related to Water Quality Management. 

In addition to the authorities listed in FSM 2501, the National BMP Program is guided by the 

land management planning regulation at Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations, section 219.8 

(a)(4), which requires the Chief of the Forest Service to establish requirements for National best 

management practices for water quality in the Forest Service Directive System. 

02 – OBJECTIVES

The primary objective of this Handbook is to establish a Nationally consistent, adaptive 

management approach to address nonpoint source pollution on National Forest System (NFS) 

lands. Specifically: 

1. Provide a system of BMP implementation for the control of nonpoint source pollution 

on all NFS lands to avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects to soil, water quality, and 

riparian resources to meet the intent of applicable Federal, tribal, State, and local water 

quality laws and regulations, Executive orders, and the U. S. Department of Agriculture 

(USDA) directives. 

2. Provide a consistent process to monitor, evaluate, document, and report Forest Service 

efforts to implement BMPs and the effectiveness of those BMPs at protecting water 

quality at National, regional, and forest or grassland scales. 

3. Provide a method to identify BMP implementation or effectiveness problems, assessed 

through monitoring, and adjust land and resource management accordingly. 

03 – POLICY 

In addition to the general policy statements in FSM 2532, these specific policy statements apply 

to the National BMP Program. 

1. Provide a consistent National approach for applying the Forest Service nonpoint 

source pollution management strategy for water quality protection on National Forest 

System (NFS) lands. 
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2. Incorporate adaptive management principles to manage water quality on NFS lands 

through application of BMPs, monitoring of their implementation and effectiveness, 

and using the monitoring results to improve land and resource management activities. 

3. Promote and apply National core BMPs to land and resource management activities 

as the primary method to address non-point sources of water pollution, and to meet 

established local, State, tribal, or National water quality goals. 

a. Use applicable regional, State, tribal, and local BMPs and land management plan 

requirements, direction and guidance, BMP monitoring information, and professional 

judgment to develop site-specific BMP prescriptions to meet the objectives of the 

National Core BMPs. 

b. Properly install and maintain appropriate site-specific BMP prescriptions to avoid, 

minimize, or mitigate impacts of current management activities on soil, water, and 

riparian resources to maintain or improve chemical, physical and biological water 

quality. 

4. Monitor BMP implementation and effectiveness using National Core BMP monitoring 

protocols and reporting systems. 

a. Monitor BMP implementation using field evaluations to determine whether sitespecific BMP prescriptions have been implemented and maintained as planned. 

b. Monitor BMP effectiveness using field evaluations of appropriate indicators to 

determine if the applied practices are meeting the desired objective(s). 

c. Perform data quality checks and store BMP monitoring data in the National BMP 

data management system. 

d. Analyze the monitoring data for trends in BMP implementation and effectiveness 

and report results at National, regional, and forest or grassland levels. 

5. Use BMP monitoring results to inform adaptive management decisions and determine 

whether there is a need to change management activities, the BMPs, the monitoring 

program, or the land management plan. 

a. Use the results of BMP monitoring and best available scientific information, in 

collaboration with Federal, State, tribal and local agencies and partners as 

appropriate, to improve administrative procedures and BMPs. 

b. Initiate corrective actions where BMP implementation or effectiveness monitoring 

indicates that BMP objectives were not met. Conduct implementation and 

effectiveness monitoring on corrective actions and document adjustments. 
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c. Coordinate with appropriate Federal, State, tribal, or Local agencies regarding any 

changes in water quality designated beneficial uses and/or standards as necessary. 

6. Document and share findings of BMP monitoring with appropriate Federal, State, 

tribal, and local agencies and partners. 

04 – RESPONSIBILITY 

Responsibilities that apply to this section are listed in FSM 2532.04. 

05 – DEFINITIONS 

In addition to the definitions in FSM 2532.05, the following definitions apply to this section 

only: 

Adaptive Management. A system of management practices based on clearly identified 

intended outcomes and monitoring to determine if management actions are meeting those 

outcomes; and, if not, to facilitate management changes that will best ensure that those 

outcomes are met or re-evaluated. Adaptive management stems from the recognition that 

knowledge about natural resource systems is sometimes uncertain (36 CFR 220.3). 

Adaptive Monitoring. A monitoring system that uses the data collected to alter the 

sampling design and the protocols used evolve as new information emerges and specific 

management questions and concerns change (Lindenmayer and Likens 2007). 

Aquatic Management Zone (AMZ). An administratively designated zone adjacent to 

stream channels and other waterbodies. The AMZ is delineated for applying special 

management controls aimed at maintaining and improving water quality or other waterand riparian-dependent values, including groundwater-dependent ecosystems. The width 

of the AMZ is determined based on site-specific factors and local requirements. AMZ 

delineation may encompass the floodplain and riparian areas when present. AMZ 

designation can have synergistic benefits to other resources, such as maintaining and 

improving aquatic and riparian-dependent resources, visual and aesthetic quality, wildlife 

habitat, and recreation opportunities. AMZs include designations such as Stream 

Management Zones, Riparian Reserves, and Riparian Conservation Areas. AMZs are 

inclusive of riparian areas as described in the planning rule (36 CFR 219.8 (a)(3)). 

Beneficial Use (Designated Use). Those uses specified in State or tribal water quality 

standards for each water body or segment whether or not they are being attained (40 CFR 

131.3). Types of uses include: public water supplies; protection and propagation of fish, 

shellfish, and wildlife; recreation; agriculture; industry; navigation; marinas; groundwater 

recharge; aquifer protection; and hydroelectric power (EPA 2007). 
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Effectiveness Monitoring. Monitoring to evaluate whether the specified BMPs had the 

anticipated effect in achieving the desired conditions, goals, and objectives for water 

quality (MacDonald et al., 1991). 

Implementation Monitoring. Monitoring to evaluate whether BMPs were carried out as 

planned and specified in the environmental assessment, environmental impact statement, 

other planning document, permit, or contract (MacDonald et al., 1991); how well they 

were applied; and whether the appropriate BMPs were selected. 

Regional BMP Supplement. Additional or more specific BMPs established by the 

regions, to be used in conjunction with the National Core BMPs. 

Reporting period. The period of time, not to exceed three years, determined by the 

Washington Office Director of Watershed, Fish, Wildlife, Air, and Rare Plants as the 

base monitoring period in which a valid set of BMP monitoring data will be collected and 

reported at the National scale. 

Site-specific BMP prescriptions. Site-specific techniques implemented to control 

nonpoint source pollution. Site-specific BMP prescriptions are determined during the 

project planning process and are described in decision documents that outline how the 

National Core BMPs will be applied based on local site conditions. State and local 

BMPs, regional Forest Service guidance, land management plan standards and 

guidelines, monitoring results, and professional judgment are used to develop sitespecific BMP prescriptions (FS-990a). 

Water quality. The physical, chemical, radiological, and biological (including 

microbiological) characteristics of the water resource. 

Water resource. All surface waterbodies and groundwater on National Forest System 

lands. 

Waterbody. Features such as rivers, streams, reservoirs, lakes, ponds, aquifers, wet 

meadows, fens, bogs, marshes, and wetlands. A waterbody may be perennial, 

intermittent, or ephemeral. 

06 – REFERENCES 

In addition to the references in FSM 2532.06, the following references apply to this section only: 

MacDonald, L.H., A.W. Smart and R.C. Wissmar. 1991. Monitoring Guidelines to 

Evaluate Effects of Forestry Activities on Streams in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. 

EPA 910/9-91-001. Seattle, WA: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and University 

of Washington. 166 pp. 
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U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 2007. Water Quality Standards 

Handbook: Second Edition – web version. EPA-823-B-94-005. Washington, DC: U.S. 

Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water. 

(http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/standards/handbook/) 

 
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CHAPTER 10 – NATIONAL CORE BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES 

This chapter provides direction for a process of developing and maintaining the National Core 

Best Management Practices (BMPs). The National Core BMPs can be found at http://www. 

fs.fed.us/ biology/resources/pubs/watershed/FS_National_Core_BMPs_April2012.pdf 

10.3 – POLICY 

1. Use of the National Core BMPs provides a structure for Agency consistency, 

accountability, and monitoring of BMP implementation and effectiveness. 

2. The National Core BMPs provide general, non-prescriptive direction for protecting water 

quality in the execution of land and resource management activities that commonly occur 

on all NFS lands. 

a. The National Core BMPs do not supersede or replace existing and currently used 

regional, State, tribal, or forest or grassland BMPs. 

b. The National Core BMPs require the use of site-specific prescriptions based on 

existing State, tribal, and local BMPs, Forest Service regional guidance, land 

management plans, BMP monitoring results and professional judgment to achieve 

water quality protection. 

11 – RESOURCE CATEGORIES FOR NATIONAL CORE BMPS 

Use an interdisciplinary process to develop National Core BMPs for appropriate resource 

categories and to provide a structure to facilitate BMP monitoring. See the National Core BMP 

Technical Guide Volume 1 (http://www.fs.fed.us/biology/resources/pubs/watershed/FS_National 

_Core_BMPs_April2012.pdf) for the complete list of resource categories. Existing categories at 

the time of this Handbook development are described below. 

11.1 – General Planning Activities 

Provide direction for incorporating water quality protection and management in planning at the 

land management plan scale and the project scale. 

11.2 – Aquatic Ecosystems Management Activities 

Provide direction for restoration of aquatic ecosystems and for protecting water quality while 

working in or near water bodies. 

11.3 – Chemical Use Management Activities 

Provide direction for proper storage, transportation, handling, and use of chemical products to 

prevent adverse impacts to water quality. 
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11.4 – Facilities and Non-recreation Special Uses Management Activities 

Provide direction for protecting water quality during construction, operation, and restoration of 

facilities and facility sites, and other non-recreation special uses. Facilities may include 

buildings or other structures, impervious surfaces, access routes to private in-holdings, and water 

systems and/or waste systems for administrative uses or third-party purposes, such as concession 

sites, communication sites, and pipelines. 

11.5 –Wildland Fire Management Activities 

Provide direction to avoid or minimize adverse effects to water quality during wildland fire 

activities while not compromising firefighter and public safety. 

11.6 – Minerals Management Activities 

Provide direction for protecting water quality during the exploration and production of mineral 

and energy resources and reclamation of mined lands consistent with applicable mineral laws 

and regulations. 

11.7 – Rangeland Management Activities 

Provide direction to incorporate water quality protection into rangeland and grazing management 

planning and permit administration. 

11.8 – Recreation Management Activities 

Provide direction for protecting water quality while constructing and operating developed 

recreation sites and managing dispersed recreation uses. 

11.9 – Road Management Activities 

Provide direction to construct, operate, and maintain the road system on National Forest System 

(NFS) lands to avoid, minimize, or mitigate effects to water quality. 

11.10 –Mechanical Vegetation Management Activities 

Provide direction for protecting water quality as part of implementing mechanical vegetation 

treatments. This category does not include vegetation management activities using prescribed 

fire or chemical treatments (See sec. 11.3 for chemical treatments and sec. 11.5 of this Handbook 

for prescribed fire). 

11.11 – Water Uses Management Activities 
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Provide direction for protecting water quality during the construction and operation of water use 

developments and infrastructure consistent with applicable Federal and State laws and 

regulations for water use and allocation. 

12 – FOCUS NATIONAL CORE BMPS ON WATER QUALITY 

The primary intent of the National Core BMPs is to address the Clean Water Act (CWA) 

objective of maintaining and restoring the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the 

Nation’s waters. To that end, the National Core BMPs focus on controlling nonpoint sources of 

water pollution on NFS lands. Direction in the National Core BMPs to address soil, aquatic, and 

riparian resources should be included to the extent that those resources contribute to the 

maintenance and restoration of chemical, physical, and biological water quality.

13 – GENERAL NATURE OF THE NATIONAL CORE BMPS 

The National Core BMPs apply to a wide range of activities on NFS lands across the nation. The 

National Core BMPs are general and non-prescriptive in nature so that they can be applied to all 

Forest Service regions and National forest and grassland units. When planning projects, consult 

applicable State, tribal, and local laws, regulations, and BMP programs, Forest Service regional 

guidance, and land management plans for criteria to develop site-specific BMP prescriptions 

consistent with the National Core BMPs to address local soils, topography, climate, vegetation 

types, site conditions, or State-specific requirements. Regions may supplement the National 

Core BMPs with additional practices to meet regional needs. 

14 – SOURCE DOCUMENTS FOR NATIONAL CORE BMPS 

Compile practices from Forest Service manuals, handbooks, contract and permit provisions, and 

policy statements, and from Federal, tribal, State, and local agencies, trade associations, or other 

organizations’ guidance on water quality protection. 

15 – MAINTENANCE OF THE NATIONAL CORE BMPS 

The Forest Service strategy for nonpoint source pollution management is to adjust land and 

resource management practices as needed to improve water quality protection based on 

information gained from monitoring BMP implementation and effectiveness. The National Core 

BMPs may also need to be modified to reflect new information, changed circumstances, new 

technology, or new laws and regulations. At least every 5 years, review the National Core BMPs 

and any regional supplements using BMP monitoring results, best available science, and 

professional judgment to ensure that the National Core BMPs and site-specific BMP 

prescriptions are kept current and effective in protecting water quality on NFS lands.
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CHAPTER 20 – NATIONAL BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IMPLEMENTATION 

This chapter provides direction for establishing a process for the selection and implementation of 

Best Management Practices (BMPs) to be used to control nonpoint sources of pollution on 

National Forest System (NFS) lands. 

20.3 – POLICY 

1. Plan components shall address applicable planning-level National Core BMPs when land 

management plans are developed or revised. 

2. Plans for all new projects and activities shall incorporate the National Core BMPs. 

Projects or activities in which the site-specific planning process (for example, initial 

public scoping) was initiated prior to the date of this Handbook adoption may reference 

the National Core BMPs. 

21 – LAND MANAGEMENT PLANNING 

Establish plan components that address the identification, selection and implementation of BMPs 

for water quality, including desired conditions in the land management plan, consistent with 

Forest Service planning regulations (36 CFR 219) and the National BMP Program. Plan 

components related to water quality should be tailored to each individual plan area and meet or 

exceed applicable requirements which may include Federal, State, tribal, and local water quality 

laws and regulations. 

22 – PROJECT PLANNING 

Identify appropriate or required National Core BMPs related to the control of nonpoint source 

pollution during the project planning and environmental analysis stage. Select National Core 

BMPs that address activities, local conditions, values, and designated uses of water specific to 

the project. Develop site-specific BMP prescriptions based on the proposed activity and 

potential effects, water quality objectives, soils, topography, geology, vegetation, climate, and 

other site-specific factors. Refer to applicable Federal, State, tribal, and local laws and 

regulations, BMP programs, Forest Service regional guidance, the land management plan, other 

relevant information, and BMP monitoring results for criteria to assist in developing site-specific 

BMP prescriptions. Document the selected project BMPs and site-specific BMP prescriptions in 

the project file and decision document. 

23 – PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION 

Include the selected project BMPs and site-specific BMP prescriptions in any relevant 

documents, which may include implementation plans, contract provisions, special use 

authorizations, project plan specifications, or other project documents. Administer the project 

consistent with current Agency direction and procedures to ensure the site-specific BMP 
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prescriptions are implemented as planned. Adjust site-specific BMP prescriptions as needed 

during project implementation to better fit actual site conditions. Routinely inspect the project or 

activity area during and following implementation to identify BMP deficiencies or maintenance 

needs. Correct any identified problems using established procedures, as soon as practical. 

Incorporate identified maintenance needs in operation and maintenance plans. Document BMP 

implementation in project records, daily logs, permit files, and other documents. 
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CHAPTER 30 – NATIONAL BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES MONITORING 

This chapter provides direction for the process of developing and maintaining the National Core 

Best Management Practices (BMP) monitoring protocols. The protocols are for evaluating the 

implementation and effectiveness of the National Core BMPs in protecting water quality. 

30.3 – POLICY 

1. National Core BMP monitoring protocols provide for credible and objective 

interdisciplinary evaluation of BMP implementation and effectiveness at multiple scales. 

2. National Core BMP monitoring protocols provide information for adaptive management 

of BMPs and project planning and implementation. 

3. National Core BMP monitoring protocols utilize adaptive monitoring principles to 

provide for continuous improvement of the monitoring protocols and sampling design. 

31 – NATIONAL BMP MONITORING STRUCTURE 

Use an interdisciplinary process to develop a National monitoring procedure to assess the 

implementation and effectiveness of the National Core BMPs. Develop a consistent structure 

across administrative units and regions to efficiently demonstrate performance at multiple scales. 

31.1 – Purpose 

BMP monitoring is needed to: 

1. Evaluate practices and adjust practices or land and resource management activities; 

2. Document and report progress in meeting applicable established local, State, tribal, 

and National water quality goals; 

3. Enhance internal and external understanding of BMPs; 

4. Support the use of adaptive management in land management planning, project 

implementation and permit administration; and 

5. Support National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analysis and decision-making. 

31.2 – Monitoring Objectives 

The National BMP monitoring objectives are to assess: 

1. Whether appropriate BMPs are being used and applied as planned in land and resource 

management activities (implementation); and 
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2. Whether the BMPs, as implemented, protect water quality (effectiveness). 

Standardized National monitoring protocols address these two monitoring objectives for the 

National Core BMPs for use on all National Forest System (NFS) lands. Each monitoring 

protocol includes criteria to rate whether or not the BMP was adequately implemented and 

effective. 

31.3 – National Sampling Design 

Establish a National sampling design that will provide for evaluation of implementation and 

effectiveness of the National Core BMPs in each resource category within each Forest Service 

Region for the established reporting period. 

Collect sufficient data to provide a valid data set for each applicable monitoring protocol for the 

established reporting period. Participation by each administrative unit in National BMP 

monitoring is necessary to determine whether monitoring objectives are met. 

Monitoring protocols should be designed to evaluate projects representative of the activities and 

ecotypes on each National forest or grassland, with an emphasis on activities where water quality 

protection and pollution control is of the greatest relevance and concern. 

32– NATIONAL CORE BMP MONITORING PROTOCOLS 

Standardized National monitoring protocols evaluate whether the National Core BMPs and sitespecific BMP prescriptions are implemented as planned, and whether they are effective in 

protecting water quality and preventing erosion and transport of sediment and other pollutants to 

water bodies. 

32.1 – Protocol Goals 

The goals of the National Core BMP monitoring protocols are to: 

1. Assess the outcomes of each BMP in general, rather than evaluating the details of the 

individual site-specific prescriptions used. 

2. Maximize efficiency in monitoring and data collection by limiting the questions asked 

in each protocol to those most essential and relevant to BMP implementation and 

effectiveness. 

3. Provide for capture of information from site-specific BMP prescriptions important to 

evaluating BMP implementation and effectiveness at the administrative unit or larger 

scale. 
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32.2 – Protocol Quality Assurance and Quality Control 

Design the monitoring protocols to collect monitoring data and information that are comparable, 

repeatable, and accurate by using the following quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) 

measures: 

1. Select sample sites that are representative of the BMPs used in the various ecotypes 

that exist across all NFS lands. 

2. Use a systematic approach for each site evaluation. 

3. Establish a consistent set of protocols to maximize comparability of the data. 

4. Provide written instructions for each protocol in sufficient detail so that people with a 

basic understanding of BMPs and the resource activity can successfully complete the 

evaluation in a consistent manner. 

5. Use metrics that are largely or fully quantifiable to reduce subjectivity and increase 

the likelihood of identical or similar answers to each protocol question regardless of who 

collects the data. 

6. Conduct QA/QC evaluations on a subset of all sample sites to evaluate the monitoring 

data. 

7. Provide adequate training to all personnel involved in BMP monitoring activities. 

32.3 – Sample Selection for Each Protocol 

32.31 – Population Development and Site Selection 

Describe criteria for establishing a population of potential sample sites on the administrative unit 

appropriate to the management activity and BMPs to be monitored in each protocol. Narrow the 

population to a final sample pool, where necessary, to further refine the population of interest. 

Select sample sites from the final sample pool to be monitored. 

32.31a – Randomly Selected Sites 

In order to achieve objective, representative data from sample sites and reduce bias, randomly 

select sample sites from the final sample pool are used for the National program analyses and 

target attainment. 

32.31b – Non-randomly Selected Sites 
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An administrative unit may choose to use the National Core BMP monitoring protocols to 

evaluate BMP implementation and effectiveness on specific projects, or in selected locations of 

special interest or concern. National Core BMP monitoring protocols could also be used as part 

of routine activity, program, project management, or land management plan monitoring and 

reviews. 

32.4 – Monitoring Team 

Recommend the composition of an interdisciplinary review team (IDT) appropriate to monitor 

each BMP within the corresponding protocol. The IDT should consist of the National forest or 

grassland staff needed to complete the monitoring, including those Resource Specialists who 

participated in the planning or administration of the land and resource management activities and 

appropriate watershed specialists. Include Line Officers, affected third parties, permit holders, 

representatives of Federal or State regulatory agencies, and other interested stakeholders as 

needed or appropriate. 

32.5 – Implementation Monitoring 

Describe a two-step process for implementation monitoring in each protocol. First, require a 

review of project documents to determine what site-specific BMPs prescriptions were intended 

for the project. Then include a field review process to assess whether the appropriate BMP 

prescriptions were selected and how well they were applied. The implementation portion of each 

monitoring protocol should address the implementation questions listed in section 32.51 below. 

32.51 – Implementation Monitoring Questions 

Include implementation questions responsive to the overall objective of determining whether 

appropriate BMPs are being used and applied as planned in land and resource management 

activities. Structure the implementation questions to obtain information to address the following 

issues: 

1. Was water quality considered in project planning? 

2. Were appropriate BMPs selected for the project? 

3. Were the BMPs identified in the planning and decision documents included in the 

project contract, plan, or other document? 

4. Were all site-specific BMP prescriptions implemented in the field as planned? 

5. What corrective and adaptive management actions were taken or are needed to 

improve BMP implementation? 

32.52 – Timing of Implementation Monitoring 
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Specify when the implementation monitoring portion of the evaluation should be performed 

relative to the completion of the activity being monitored. In all cases, implementation 

monitoring is to be completed before the effectiveness monitoring is conducted. 

32.53 – Implementation Monitoring Document Review 

Specify that project documents are to be examined for site-specific BMP prescriptions. Relevant 

documents could include the administrative unit’s land management plan, project NEPA 

documents, project plans, special use authorizations, contracts, and other planning, contract, or 

environmental documents. This document review should be completed prior to the field review. 

32.54 – Field Review of Implementation Monitoring 

Define the area at the project location to be evaluated for implementation of BMPs. Within each 

sample site, focus BMP monitoring on those areas expected to contribute or control sediment or 

other pollutants, or that can act as a conduit for pollutant delivery to water bodies, influence 

shading of waterbodies or alter hydraulics of water (for example, stream crossings). Provide 

criteria for rating how well site-specific BMP prescriptions are applied. 

32.6 – Effectiveness Monitoring 

Describe a field review process to assess evidence of sediment or other pollutants leaving the 

project area and entering the aquatic management zone (AMZ) or nearby waterbodies in each 

protocol. The effectiveness portion of each monitoring protocol should address the effectiveness 

questions listed in section 32.61 below. 

32.61 – Effectiveness Monitoring Questions 

Include effectiveness questions responsive to the overall objective of whether the BMPs, as 

implemented, protect water quality. Structure the effectiveness questions to obtain information 

to address the following issues: 

1. Did the BMP prevent or control sediment and other pollutants from reaching the 

waterbody? 

2. Where the BMP was not effective, what were the causes or conditions contributing to 

or associated with the effects? 

3. What corrective and adaptive management actions were taken or are needed to 

improve BMP effectiveness? 

32.62 – Timing of Effectiveness Monitoring 

Specify when the effectiveness monitoring portion of the evaluation should be performed relative 

to the completion of the activity being monitored. Effectiveness should be evaluated in a time 
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period when the BMP has been tested by factors (for example, precipitation and runoff) that 

influence BMP performance. In general, effectiveness monitoring should be completed after at 

least one major seasonal cycle for the area, that is, a wet or winter season. Depending upon the 

resource activity and BMPs monitored, effectiveness monitoring may or may not be completed 

in the same day or week as implementation monitoring. In all cases, effectiveness monitoring is 

to be performed after the implementation monitoring is completed. 

32.63 – Field Review of Effectiveness Monitoring 

Describe how BMP effectiveness is evaluated. The same area should be evaluated for both 

implementation and effectiveness. Evaluations should be made based on visual observations and 

measurements using consistent definitions and criteria. Provide criteria for rating how well sitespecific BMP prescriptions have performed at protecting water quality. 

32.7 – Protocol Maintenance 

The National core BMP monitoring protocols may need to be modified, updated, or replaced 

based on new information, revised National Core BMPs, changed circumstances, new 

technology, new laws and regulations, or information gathered during use. Review the National 

core BMP monitoring protocols at a minimum following the completion of every 2 reporting 

periods using BMP monitoring results and best available science. Adjust as needed to ensure 

that the protocols remain an effective tool for gathering BMP monitoring information. 

33 – EVALUATING OUTCOMES 

Establish a method for each National core BMP monitoring protocol to separately rate the 

implementation and effectiveness of the National Core BMPs evaluated by that protocol. The 

methodology should utilize the results of each evaluation in a consistent and credible manner to 

assign an outcome rating for the evaluation. Analyze National Core BMP performance and 

trends over time using accepted analytical procedures at National, Regional, and forest or 

grassland scales. 

33.1 – Implementation Outcomes 

Implementation monitoring assesses project planning which includes site-specific BMP 

prescriptions in project planning documents and translation of those prescriptions into action 

document(s) such as contracts and permits. It also assesses operational execution of the 

planning, which includes application of specified prescriptions and corrective actions for those 

specified prescriptions and other issues identified during implementation. The implementation 

rating outcomes are as follows: 

Implementation Rating Interpretation 

Fully Successful Prescriptions are identified in project planning documents, 
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All prescriptions are translated into action documents, 

All specified prescriptions are implemented fully, and

All necessary corrective actions identified during the project are 

implemented fully. 

Mostly Successful 

Prescriptions are identified in project planning documents, 

Some prescriptions are translated into action documents, 

All specified prescriptions are implemented fully, and

All necessary corrective actions identified during the project are 

implemented fully. 

Marginally Successful 

Prescriptions are identified in project planning documents, 

Some or all prescriptions are translated into action documents, 

Some specified prescriptions are implemented fully, and

All necessary corrective actions identified during the project are 

implemented fully. 

Not Successful 

Prescriptions are identified in project planning documents, 

Some or no prescriptions are translated into action documents, 

Some or no specified prescriptions are implemented fully, and

Some or no necessary corrective actions identified during the 

project are implemented fully. 

No BMPs Site-specific BMP prescriptions were not developed or identified 

during project planning 

33.2 – Effectiveness Outcomes 

Effectiveness monitoring assesses the prevention of pollutants moving into a waterbody and 

prevention of physical or other damage to a waterbody. The effectiveness rating outcomes are as 

follows: 

Effectiveness Rating Interpretation 

Effective 

No pollutants reached the waterbody and there is no potential threat 

evident 

--and— 

No adverse effects to waterbody from the project or activity (e.g. 

physical disturbance) 

Moderately Effective 

No pollutants reached the waterbody however there is a potential threat 

evident 

--and/or— 
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Minor adverse effects to waterbody from the project or activity 

Not Effective 

Pollutants reached the waterbody or are very close to entering the 

waterbody 

--or— 

Major adverse effects to waterbody from the project or activity 

33.3 – Combined Evaluation Rating 

Combine the implementation rating and effectiveness rating for each individual evaluation into 

one combined overall for the evaluation according to the following table: 

Combined Rating 

Implementation Rating 

Fully 

Successful 

Mostly 

Successful 

Marginally 

Successful 

Not 

Successful No BMPs 

Effectiveness 

Rating 

Effective Excellent Excellent Good Fair No Plan 

Moderately 

Effective Good Good Fair Fair No Plan 

Not 

Effective Fair Fair Poor Poor No Plan 

34 – DATA MANAGEMENT 

Develop data management capability within the Agency corporate information management 

system for storage, retrieval, and analysis of National Core BMP monitoring data. Use accepted 

quality assurance and quality control procedures. Use this database as the database of record for 

performance accountability tracking related to the National BMP Program. 

Enter all monitoring data into the National Core BMP data management system to meet 

performance accountability needs and timelines. Periodically evaluate the data for completeness. 

Use the data management system to assign evaluation outcome ratings using the established 

method for each National core BMP monitoring protocol. 

35 – MONITORING REPORT 

Complete an evaluation of the National BMP monitoring results for each established reporting 

period and develop a report to document the implementation and effectiveness of BMPs used to 

protect water quality on NFS lands. The report should highlight trends in BMP implementation 

and effectiveness, general patterns by resource area, water quality effects found and their causes, 
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and responses needed and completed. The report should be made available both internally and 

externally. 

Use the information contained in the monitoring report to identify additional actions needed at 

National, Regional, and administrative unit scales to improve BMP implementation and 

effectiveness. These actions may include, but are not limited to, changes in typical site-specific 

BMP prescriptions for certain activities, increased awareness of water quality protection needs in 

project planning, improved transfer of planning information into project documents, refined 

contract or permit administration, or improved coordination with Federal, State, tribal, and local 

water resource or forestry agencies at regional or administrative unit scales.