Hydrologic influences of forest vegetation in a changing world: Learning from Forest Service experimental forests, ranges, and watersheds

Abstract

The importance of forests in providing reliable sources of clean water cannot be underestimated. Therefore, there is a pressing need to understand how hydrologic systems function in forested ecosystems, in response to a variety of traditional and novel stressors and environments. Long-term watershed research on Experimental Forests and Ranges (EFRs) of the Forest Service has provided many examples of how vegetation management affects streamflows. New challenges and new stressors will require a deeper understanding and novel research and synthetic activities to help ensure sound forest management for a variety of end uses, included reliable supplies of clean water. In this paper, we discuss the potential role of EFRs for addressing new and challenging issues in forest hydrology.

Parent Publication

• Meeting current and future conservation challenges through the synthesis of long-term silviculture and range management research

Citation

Lisle, Thomas E.; Adams, Mary Beth; Reid, Leslie M.; Elder, Kelly. 2010. Hydrologic influences of forest vegetation in a changing world: Learning from Forest Service experimental forests, ranges, and watersheds. In: Adams, Mary Beth; NcNeel, Joe; Rodriguez-Franco, Carlos. 2010. Meeting current and future conservation challenges through the synthesis of long-term silviculture and range management research. Gen. Tech. Rep. WO-84. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service: 37-49.