The key to maintaining environmentally sustainable biomass production operations is to design low-impact operations. These forest operations would have minimal impacts on soil, water, and biodiversity, and have high potential for improving the health and productivity of managed forest ecosystems.

It is possible to maintain and enhance the site productivity of intensely managed forests in the long-term (3). Through the use of Adaptive Forest Management, forest management systems can be designed for plantations and naturally regenerated forests which adhere to the principles of sustainable forest management and gain certification under international protocols involving third- party audits. These procedures will enable landowners and professional foresters to achieve sustainable forest management which will conserve soil, water, and biological values and ensure sustainability of Southern forests for future generations.

It is also important to remember that Best Management Practices have been formulated to enable forest managers to maintain and improve the environmental values of forests associated with soils, water, and biological diversity. Handbooks have been published for each of the 13 southern states. Following these guidelines is essential to maintaining and improving the quality of soil, water, and biodiversity in the Southern United States. For a collection of the water quality guidelines, check out the Forestry BMP website at forestrybmp.net. You can also contact your state extension forestry agent for more specific information.