III. Development and implementation of SMZs - organizations involved
The Clean Water Act of 1972 as implemented by the Environmental Protection Agency led to the establishment by federal and state agencies of Best Management Practices (BMPs). These were directly responsible for creating SMZs. There are some federal regulations relating to silvicultural activities in riparian areas such as Section 404 of the Clean Water Act which sets limits on land clearing near water bodies. It is up to state agencies however, to determine whether or not streamside management zones are mandatory.
Background information on SMZs and what they do
Logging BMPs on private lands in Ohio
North Carolina Forest Service: BMP guidelines for establishing SMZs
Information on aspects of SMZs (including protection of wildlife, legal mandates, and stage agency participation) from the Forest Service.
IV.
Wildlife impacted by SMZ development 