Water Quality, Erosion and Sedimentation Plans
High water quality is the direct result of all other sustainable forestry efforts. Water systems are greatly affected by erosion and sedimentation, nutrification (the flow of nutrients into the water), the impact of trails and roads, and more.
SRM works to protect water quality by preparing and implementing plans that:
Minimize erosion from stream banks to prevent sedimentation
Maintain healthy forest soils in streamside management zones
Promote vegetation that absorbs excess nutrients near waterways
Plan road and trail systems that encourage water quality
Protect and enhance forest soil health
(Note: Many states require that a written sedimentation and erosion plan be posted at the site of any soil disturbance.)