Here in Wyoming, approximately 25% to 35% of our population relies on surface water collected from forested watersheds—areas of land where forests help capture, filter and regulate water—as their sole source of home water supply.
To protect our state’s water quality and prevent non-point source (NPS) pollution, which happens when rain or snowmelt washes pollutants into lakes, rivers and groundwater, Wyoming implemented Best Management Practices (BMPs) in 2000.
In addition to preventing non-point source pollution, Best Management Practices (when properly applied) can also:
How effective are Best Management Practices in Wyoming?
In 2023, a multi-disciplinary team of resource professionals conducted an audit of Forestry BMP implementation and its effectiveness on state, federal and private harvest sites.
The results were compiled into a detailed audit document, available in the Related Documents section of this page.
The next audit takes place in 2026; stay tuned for the results!
For questions specific to Wyoming BMPs, please call or email Partnership Coordinator Jeremy Dedic.