Forestry Workgroup Publications
The Forestry Workgroup coordinates, develops and implements plans and projects that focus on the contributions of forest lands in restoring the health and productivity of the Chesapeake Bay watershed and in retaining their economic potential.
Forestry Best Management Practices in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Tracking Accomplishments
Published on December 1, 1996 in ReportDocuments 1996 levels of monitoring carried out by Bay jurisdictions for the purpose of tracking forestry Best Management Practices implementation and effectiveness.
View detailsForests and the Bay
Published on November 11, 2000 in Fact SheetHow riparian forests contribute to the protection, restoration, and stewardship of the Bay Watershed.
View detailsConserving Forest in the Developing Landscape
Published on November 11, 2001 in Fact SheetOverview of forest conservation issues: Growth management; distribution and fragmentation, integration in land use planning, regional perspective, riparian forests, and economic viability.
View detailsThe State of Chesapeake Forests
Published on September 1, 2006 in ReportThis first-of-its-kind report synthesizes more than a decade's worth of data from public and private sources, highlights current forest conditions, forecasts future trends, and outlines key goals and strategies necessary to conserve and restore the forests of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The report calls for a strategic, long-term approach that identifies and focuses on forests with the highest environmental, economic, and social values. Together, public and private partners can help preserve the health of the Chesapeake Bay and its residents through a concerted effort to protect its forests.
View detailsForestry Best Management Practices and Water Quality in the Piedmont and Ridge and Valley Provinces
Published on July 1, 1997 in ReportA literature review was conducted to determine the effectiveness of forestry best management practices (BMPs) in reducing water quality impacts of forestry management operations within the Piedmont and Ridge-and-Valley of the Chesapeake Bay watershed (CBW). Two apsects of BMP effectiveness were addressed: the ability of BMPs to reduce impacts on water quality, and compliance with state-recommended BMPs.
View detailsForested Riparian Zones and their Benefit to Anadromous Fish in Chesapeake Bay
Published on November 11, 2001 in BackgrounderRiparian forests are essential interfaces between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. They intercept surface runoff, subsurface flow and deeper ground water flows for purposes of removing or buffering effects from nutrients, pesticides or other pollutants which could otherwise enter streams and other larger bodies of water.
View detailsChesapeake Bay Riparian Handbook: A Guide for Establishing and Maintaining Riparian Forest Buffers
Published on June 1, 1998 in ReportThe purpose of this handbook is to provide professional land managers and planners with the latest information on the functions, design, establishment and management of riparian forest buffers.
View detailsRiparian Forest Buffers: Linking Land and Water
Published on July 1, 2004 in ReportRiparian lands provide a wealth of ecological benefits. For example, trees along the shoreline help to filter pollutants and sediment from runoff and groundwater before they enter the waterways. Trees also provide important habitat benefits for aquatic creatures. Fallen leaves and branches offer food and shelter, while shade helps to regulate water temperature and keep oxygen in the water. When riparian forests help to protect the streams and rivers in the Bay watershed, these benefits are realized downstream in the Chesapeake Bay. With more than 200,000 miles of streambanks and shoreline in the Bay watershed, riparian forests are vital for the success of the Bay restoration effort.
View detailsThe Role and Function of Forest Buffers For Nonpoint Source Management in the Chesapeake Bay Basin
Published on January 31, 1993 in ReportThis article discusses elements of the relationship between forests and water quality in the context of the forest buffer.
View detailsRiparian Forest Initiative
Published on November 10, 1995 in BackgrounderThrough the efforts of the USDA Forest Service, Northeastern Area, and its partners in the Forestry Workgroup, a riparian forest initative has brought more focus on the need to better manage riparian areas and to recognize forests along waterways.
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