Defend and Restore Resilient Watersheds and Forests

Of the many ecosystem services provided by forests, watershed services are among the most valuable. Healthy forests capture and store water, naturally regulate streamflows and water quality, reduce flood and storm damage, control erosion, and replenish ground water. Healthy, resilient watersheds are one of the best insurance policies for a changing climate.

importance of watersheds & forest systems

• Healthy watersheds provide many ecosystem services including nutrient cycling, carbon storage, erosion and sedimentation control, havens for biodiversity, soil formation, wildlife movement corridors, water storage, water filtration, and flood control that are essential to social, environmental and economic well-being. [1]

• Forests provide nearly two-thirds of the freshwater across 48 of 50 states in the United States, filling rivers, lakes, and streams. [2]

• Forests and watersheds sustains fish, plants, and wildlife; supports food, energy, and industrial production; enables navigation; and provides fresh water for homes and businesses. [2]

impacts of CLIMATE CHANGE

• Climate change and its effects on water are expected to intensify freshwater scarcity and conflict. Warming over the past several decades has fundamentally altered the hydrologic cycle, and these changes are percolating through our watersheds. [2]

• Climate change will affect water availability—quantity, quality, timing, and distribution—and other watershed services. It will affect the people who rely on water for everyday use. Snowpacks are shrinking and stream temperatures will likely increase. Precipitation patterns may change, and floods, droughts, and severe weather disturbances may become more common. [2]

• Forty percent of the world’s population will be living in water-scarce regions by 2025. [2]

how to PROTECT watersheds and forests

• Stop burning fossil fuels and putting excess greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere.

• Get involved with organizations working to protect, restore, and provide education about watersheds and forest systems in your local community.

• Vote for political leaders who value and support conservation and restoration projects and campaigns.

• Support resource managers, planners, and conservation groups to plan for changes. It is essential to identify watersheds and services that are most vulnerable to adverse impacts from climate change. Planning for change and priority-setting will need to begin with the most vulnerable and highest value watersheds.

References:

1. Benefits of Healthy Watersheds, United States Environmental Protection Agency. www.epa.gov/hwp/benefits-healthy-watersheds

2. Climate Change and Water, Perspectives from the Forest Service, United States Forest Service. www.fs.usda.gov/naturalresources/watershed/pubs/water-climate-brochure.pdf