Project ID: 2002CO4B

Title: Quantifying the Effectiveness of Best Management Practices (BMPs) in Controlling Non-Point Source Pollution From Forestland Uses

Project Type: Research

Focus Categories: Non Point Pollution, Ecology, Water Quality

Keywords: Non-point source pollution, Best management practices, Water quality, Colorado, Runoff, Water Conservation Practices

Start Date: 03/01/2002

End Date: 02/28/2003

Federal Funds: $13,638

Non-Federal Matching Funds: $27,276

Congressional District: 4th

Principal Investigator:
John Stednick
College of Natural Resources, Colorado State University

Abstract

Within the state of Colorado and nationally, the use of Best Management Practices (BMPs) is the accepted approach to control non-point source pollution. Non-point source pollution usually enters the stream from precipitation or runoff events in a diffuse nature. The runoff event and location of entry into the stream make modeling of nonpoint source pollution and BMP effectiveness difficult. In forested areas, the majority of nonpoint source pollution tends to be sediment or sediment related (Stednick, 2000). Sources of sediment include roads, logging, grazing, off-highway vehicle use, and other recreation. To address this question, this research will use an in-stream sampling scheme that will monitor individual structural BMPs along Trout Creek, near Pikes Peak National Forest in Colorado, and assess cumulative effects within the watershed.

Progress/Completion Report PDF