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Urban watershed management has traditionally focused on managing the effects of runoff and associated pollutants from impervious surfaces, which collectively have been viewed as important indicators of the health of a watershed. More recently, researchers and managers have turned their attention to the role of trees and forests as indicators of watershed health based on their ability to moderate the impacts of urbanization. This spurred creation of a ‘new’ field called ‘urban watershed forestry,’ which tracks and manages forest cover at the watershed scale and acknowledges the importance of trees and forests in protecting water resources. This intersection of forestry and watershed management has coincided with a renewed interest in the use of trees and forests as “best management practices” to reduce runoff and remove pollutants.
The Watershed Forestry Resource Guide, a partnership of the Center for Watershed Protection and the US Forest Service – Northeastern Area State and Private Forestry, is a central clearinghouse for all things related to forests and watersheds. Click here to access this comprehensive resource.