management zones had the lowest rate at 89 percent. All areas have increased since the last implementation survey though, and Akin hopes the trend will continue. “It’s a report card of how well the forestry BMPs are being implemented in Arkansas, and Arkansans are receiving an A,” said Akin. “They are also a good measure of water quality, and 93 percent means we are doing a great job of conserving water quality.” The survey is used to prove that Arkansas forests are ecologically, environmentally and biologically sustainable. “It helps the forest community market to everyone in the state from community leaders to the garden club,” said Fox. “We can tell people with a good bit of confidence that we have more timber and forest land than we had in 1978, and it is managed better than back then as well.” When forests are managed correctly, they have multiple, integrated uses – wildlife, recreation, timber production, aesthetics and ecological sustainability. All of these will benefit from correct production practices, and this survey shows that Arkansas is implementing these practices. Scott Meek of Green Bay Packaging says the use of BMPs in the forest industry is common and happens every day. “Almost every logger or forester I know loves to hunt and fish; we love the outdoors in general,” said Meek. “We implement BMPs because we want to do everything we can to keep Arkansas natural.” ARKANSAS GROWN 81
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