The new forest practice rules have made a huge impact in how logging will affect streams and riparian zones. I know there are those that will argue they don't go far enough, but I think development and farming probably create a greater threat to fish habitat.

As far as buffer protection under the new forest practices rules, buffer widths are based on stream type and site potential tree height. Buffers also consist of a core, inner and outer zone with different requirements for each zone. I wish it were as easy as saying buffers are "X" feet, but it isn't. Obviously there are some problems with the new rules, but hopefully through the adaptive management component of the rules we can correct things as they come up.