Increased levels of forestry best management practices reduce sediment delivery from Piedmont and Upper Coastal Plain clearcut harvests and access features, southeastern states, USA

•Current BMPs reduce potential sedimentation in the Piedmont/Upper Coastal Plain.•Forest access features delivered a disproportionate amount of sediment (42–69%).•The effects of high BMP levels were most profound at skid trails and harvest areas.•Overall, the BMP + level reduced potential sediment delivery by 74 % compared to BMP–.