Forests play an important role in protecting water quality and quantity. Tree roots and leaf litter help soil absorb rainwater which recharges groundwater supplies. Canopies intercept rain and reduce surface water temperatures. Timber harvesting can impact water if not done properly, but with careful planning of roads, stream crossings, and erosion controls, water sources can be protected. Additional measures like native plantings along streams and identifying wetlands further safeguard water resources important for wildlife and humans.

1. 11
WATER QUALITY
Pennsylvania Forest Stewards

2. When we think of tending our
forests for future generations,
or when we hear the word “forest,”
we get a mental image of trees.

3. The forest, of course, is
much more than trees.
There are animals…

4. Wildflowers…

5. Picture Courtesy of Timothy Latz
Shrubs…

6. And other life forms,
such as fungi and mosses.

7. Picture Courtesy of Timothy Latz
But none of these
would exist
without a basic
element of any
forests – of all of
life….
WATER

8. • Forested Waters
• Forests’ Influence
• Timber Harvesting
• Additional Protection
What we’ll cover:

9. 99
FORESTED WATERS

10. MaineForestryConservation-ManometMainehttp://www.manometmaine.org/headstream.html
Forests help protect the purity and influence of water in streams…

11. Picture Courtesy of Timothy Latz
and in ponds,

12. watersheds,

13. Picture Courtesy of Timothy Latz
And in year-round and seasonal wetlands.

14. Regardless of the source,
high quality water supplies
serve many functions.
Northern Pickerel Frog, image courtesy of Jerod Skebo

15. Clean streams, ponds, and
wetlands provide breeding and
feeding grounds…
Pickerel Frog eggs/tadpoles, image courtesy of
Jerod Skebo

16. … for a wide array of wildlife.

17. Nature’s food
web originates in
watery habitats.

18. And we humans need
clean water to survive.

19. Clean water also has recreational value.

20. 2020
THE INFLUENCE OF OUR FORESTS
The forest protects our water sources, both in
terms of quantity and quality.

21. Forested soils, wetlands, and
floodplains aid in flood control
and water purification.

22. Picture Courtesy of Timothy Latz
The water cycle

23. What
happens to
the water,
when it rains
or snows in
the forest?

24. Some lands on leaves and is intercepted

25. And some falls through the tree canopy and
lands on the ground (“through- fall”)

26. Some water flows down
tree trunks (“stem flow”)

27. Tree roots and other life forms in the soil help keep forest
soils relatively loose (not tightly compacted).
Rain that falls to the forest floor percolates down through the loose forest
soil. It recharges the groundwater supply, or is taken up by plant roots.

28. Under certain conditions (very moist soil, dry air), a large, leafy tree can take up
as much as one ton (~240 gallons ) of water from the soil every day.

29. A tree transports water
and dissolved nutrients
from its roots to the
leaves.
Some of this water is
returned to the
atmosphere through
pores in leaves
(stomata) by a process
called transpiration.
The process regulates water more gradually and effectively than, for example, the rapid
runoff of water from a paved parking lot.

30. 10-40%
Groundwater Flow
20-30%
<1%
40-50%

32. Trees protect water quality two ways

33. • Protect the soil from
raindrop impact
• Increase porosity,
eliminate overland
flow and sediment
transport.
#1: Roots and leaf litter stabilize soil

34. • Slows evaporation of
surface waters.
• Beneficial for aquatic
wildlife, such as trout,
that need cooler
water.
#2: Shade from leafy canopy helps lower
surface water temperature

35. 3535
TIMBER HARVESTING

36. Mitigating Human Intervention
• Human activity in the forest can affect
the quantity and quality of water
sources. But we can protect and
enhance water sources as part of a
Stewardship Management Plan.
• Timber harvesting has a high potential
to encroach upon and disrupt water
supplies.
• We have an ethical responsibility to
prevent water degradation Courtesy of Carl Martin, PAFS

37. KNOW YOUR REGULATIONS
Timber harvesting activities and protection of water quality
are regulated under federal, state and local laws

38. For Regulation Information…
To find out about the timber harvesting and
water quality regulations that apply to your land,
contact:
• Your County’s Service Forester (from the
Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and
Natural Resources [DCNR], Bureau of Forestry
• Your County’s Conservation District
• The Department of Environmental Protection

39. In the year following a Timber Harvest, there is
reduced interception and transpiration, which
increases runoff and stream flows.

40. Logging roads, skid trails, and
landings present the greatest
potential for erosion and
sedimentation.
Without proper controls, up to four
hundred thousand pounds of soil (200
tons) can erode from a logging road 10
feet wide and 10,000 feet long.

41. Erosion itself is a natural process.
It is the rate of erosion we need
to control during earth-moving
activities.
Site selection and
environmental mitigation can
minimize runoff and limit
erosion.

42. Considerations for a timber harvest site:
• Site Selection
• Roads and access
• Stream crossings
• Log landings
• Water control

43. Steep sites are
hard to control –
they’re more
prone to erosion!
Site Selection
CourtesyofCarlMartin,PAFS
Courtesy of Carl Martin, PAFS

44. Avoid or
limit
disturbance
in wet areas
(stream,
spring
seeps,
wetlands).
Site Selection: Proximity of Streams and
Wetlands

45. Roads
• Let newly constructed
roads ‘settle’ before use.
• Remove overhanging
trees – sunlight and wind
will dry roads.
Courtesy of Carl Martin, PAFS

46. Stabilize roads and
use manmade or
vegetated buffers to
separate roads from
water sources.
Roads

47. Picture Courtesy of Elk Hunting: Practical Elk Hunting Tips for the Realistic Hunter
http://www.elk-hunting-tips.net/ATVs.html
Access
Control access
to limit use.
Keep heavy
equipment out
during wet,
muddy seasons.
Grade to
remove ruts and
allow for proper
drainage.

48. Build bridges and
culverts at stream
crossings.
Stream Crossings
Install at right angles to stream with a straight approach.
Locate where streambed is straight and firm, banks are low.

49. Design log landings to
minimize impact and
isolate runoff.
Landings
Courtesy of Carl Martin, PAFS
• Use minimum area needed
• Avoid wet or low areas
• Buffer zones between
landing and water
• Use ditches to divert water
from landing
• Slope landing surface to
promote water drainage

50. Employ water control
devices (culverts,
diversions, retention
ponds) to manage
flow.
Check and maintain drainage
devices to keep them
working.
Water Control

51. Use filter
systems to trap
any runoff
before it enters
streams.
Water Control

52. Post-Logging Activities
• Re-grade
disturbed areas
to promote
drainage.
• Remove
temporary
culverts and
bridges.

53. Post-Logging Activities
• Seed, mulch, and
fertilize disturbed
areas and areas
near water.
• Remove trash and
materials that may
affect water quality
(fuels, oils, etc.).

54. 5454
ADDITIONAL PROTECTION

55. Stabilize stream and pond banks with native
vegetation

56. Install fencing and stream-crossing structures
These limit access to
water, and prevent
stream bank
degradation
(livestock, heavily
traveled areas).

57. Identify seeps and wetlands (both seasonal
and permanent)
Plant native vegetation and
limit access as needed to
protect these areas

58. Herbaceous
or grass filter
strip
Water-
loving/tolerant
native species
Fast-Growing
Species
Improve streams for aquatic life

59. Courtesy of Jim Clark in McKean County
Cooperative Extension
Manage water flow
• Deflect water rushing around
deep bends to prevent stream
bank erosion.
• Dredge heavily silted areas of
streambed.

60. But leave it natural!
Some woody debris
benefits wildlife by
providing cover and
habitat.

61. Professional and Technical
Assistance Available

62. Protection of our water resources is not an
option
It’s part of a
Stewardship
Ethic.
and
it’s the Law.

63. QUESTIONS?