Division of Forestry Schedules BMP Classes 7/25

News Release: July 8, 2009

Leslie Fitzwater, Public Information Specialist (304) 558-2003 ext. 342, Leslie.C.Fitzwater@wv.gov

Contact: Jeremy McGill, Assistant State Forester (304) 558-2788, Jeremy.R.McGill@wv.gov

Division of Forestry Schedules Saturday BMP Classes

All three classes to take place on July 25

CHARLESTON, W.Va. - Officials at the West Virginia Division of
Forestry have scheduled three special Best Management Practices (BMP) classes for July 25. These one-day courses are open to landowners, members of watershed organizations and others interested in learning more about the state's BMPs. BMPs are sediment control measures that reduce soil runoff from land disturbances associated with commercial timber harvesting.

Assistant State Forester Jeremy McGill said that these classes are in addition to the regular instruction offered to professional loggers and foresters each year. "The Division of Forestry is offering these special BMP classes to those outside the forestry industry so that private individuals who make decisions about harvesting timber will know what environmental regulation is required of loggers and can incorporate this knowledge into their own decision-making process," McGill said.
"We will continue to offer regular training classes for foresters and professional loggers, but we wanted to take this opportunity to reach those who are outside our usual target audience."

Each class will feature two hours of instruction on basic BMP information, one hour on DOF procedures and accomplishments, one hour on contractual protection and one hour on reclamation and aesthetics. Bag lunches will be provided and there is no registration fee. Attendance will be limited to 50 at each location. All three classes will take place on Saturday, July 25.

Locations, times and registration information are as follows:

* Putnam County Library, Teays Valley Branch, Teays Valley, 10
a.m. To register, contact the Milton Office at 304-743-6186.

* Allegheny Power Company Building, Room 101, Gassaway, 9 a.m.
To register, contact the Beckley Office at 304-256-6775.

* Department of Agriculture Conference Room, Moorefield, 9 a.m.
To register, contact the Farmington Office at 304-825-6983.

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