ABSTRACT
Wetlands are a common landscape feature in Minnesota in spite of significant losses of wetlands to agriculture and development. The majority of the remaining wetlands are found in the forested regions of Minnesota, predominantly located on county, state, and federal lands in northern Minnesota. Wetlands management and protection have evolved into a major national and state policy issue. Best Management Practices (BMPs) provide resource managers, loggers, and landowners with the necessary tools to avoid or minimize direct and indirect impacts from activities that, if improperly conducted, can diminish the quantity, quality, and biological diversity of wetlands. BMPs serve as the cornerstone for the water quality and wetlands protection programs developed by the states. Implementation of BMPs varies from nonregulatory or quasiregulatory to mandated compliance by state law. Many of the state forestry organizations have provided the leadership in the development of BMPs, often in cooperation with other resource agencies, conservation groups, forest industry, and landowners.
