Cooperative Research & Monitoring

Goodrich Creek MonitoringW. M. Beaty & Associates, Inc. (WBA) employs several procedures to monitor resource conditions, regulatory compliance, contract specifications, and mitigation implementation on the lands we manage. 

Active timber sales are regularly monitored and inspected by WBA foresters during operations to ensure implementation of contract terms, specific road maintenance requirements or other mitigation measures contained in Timber Harvesting Plans (THPs).  Specific attention is paid to such items as road maintenance, erosion control facilities, Watercourse and Lake Protection Zone (WLPZ) protection measures, and conformance with all required permits.  Final harvest inspections are conducted by WBA foresters to ensure satisfactory completion.  CAL FIRE also monitors THPs with on-site inspections and written reports of compliance including a final stocking and completion report.
 
Monitoring is focused on potential impacts to water quality, wildlife, noxious weeds, fuels, roads, and tree health and growth.  Much of the monitoring conducted by WBA is informal and occurs as part of normal field reconnaissance; for example trained field personnel spend a great deal of time on the ground and are constantly vigilant for indications of sediment delivery to watercourses, improperly functioning erosion control facilities, or other potential risks to public trust resources.

Along with all of the monitoring activities that take place, WBA is involved in several cooperative research projects.  This research involves a broad array of forest resource information needs and WBA’s cooperation with government agencies, academic institutions and other private forest land managers.  Some of the cooperative research is conducted on WBA managed lands with examples of such projects listed below.