Water

Streamside Management Zone

High standards for water quantity and water quality can be achieved in managed forests.

Bioenergy harvesting has a number of potential environmental impacts on water. There are also mitigating practices for these impacts (Table:Potential Environmental Impacts of Bioenergy Harvesting on Water).

Stream and water table response to management and harvesting typically is dependent on the percentage reduction in stocking (ie. trees per acre), but is strongly dependent on the vegetation and climate of a specified watershed. At this time, there has been no significant evidence of adverse effects of harvesting on water quality. Best Management Practices have been formulated that provide guidelines for ensuring water quality and these standards have been effective in maintaining water quality throughout the Southern United States (Shepard 2006). The use of streamside management zones (SMZs) (at right), in which cover is retained in riparian areas adjacent to surface water and aquatic habitats, is essential for maintaining high standards of water quality. Site-specific management is required to conserve water resources.