Matt McAllister, a longtime logger in Vermont, has encountered numerous challenges on logging sites throughout his career. Despite facing various issues, McAllister remains dedicated to following Acceptable Management Practices (AMPs) to uphold water quality standards. As a native Vermonter, he understands the importance of maintaining clean water and believes that most AMPs are just common sense.
While McAllister emphasizes the significance of adhering to AMPs, some logging companies, like Thomson Timber Harvesting and Trucking LLC, have been fined for not meeting these regulations. The state works diligently to educate loggers about AMPs, aiming to protect the environment from soil runoff, erosion, and habitat damage. Despite efforts to make the rules clear and easy to follow, some loggers still struggle to meet the requirements, particularly in the face of unpredictable weather conditions.
David Wilcox, a Watershed Forester with the Agency of Natural Resources, underscores the necessity of implementing good water quality practices to balance logging activities with environmental preservation. He acknowledges the challenges that loggers face in meeting AMPs, citing the high costs and weather-related obstacles. The state is exploring ways to provide financial assistance to loggers to help them comply with regulations and protect Vermont’s natural resources effectively.