Watershed Approach to Forest Conservation by The Center for Watershed Protection

Slideshow Content  Why is forest conservation important?  Selecting, evaluating and prioritizing sites for conservation  Summary

 Forests can: –Reduce stormwater runoff –Provide wildlife habitat and migratory corridors –Improve air quality –Reduce urban heat island effect  Fragmentation reduces interior habitat Why is Forest Conservation Important?

Table 2. Hydrologic and Water Quality Benefits of Trees Benefit Per Tree Annual Quantification of Benefit Source and Description Rainfall Interception gallons of waterAnnual rainfall interception by a large deciduous front yard tree (CUFR, 2001) Evapotranspiration100 gallons of waterTranspiration rate of poplar trees for one growing season (EPA, 1998) Nitrogen Uptake0.05 pounds nitrogenBased on daily rate of nitrogen uptake by poplar trees (Licht, 1990) NOx (from air)1 lbs per yearComponent of acid rain and nutrient runoff (CUFR, 2001) O 3 (Ozone)4 lbs per yearGround level ozone hazardous to human health (CUFR, 2001) Particulates3 lbs per yearPollutants are linked to respiratory problems (asthma and diseases) (CUFR, 2001) CO 2 48 lbs per yearIncrease is root cause in climate change (CUFR, 2001) Carbon13 lbs per yearCarbon sequestration by tree incorporation (Coder, 1996) Temperature reduction Reduction of 3 to 8 degrees Celsius (multiple trees) Multiple benefits for health, reduce energy costs, stream temp (CUFR, 2001)

Table 2-1. Declining Bird Species from Priority Habitats in Virginia and the Eastern US Primary Breeding HabitatLocation of Population Concern Species (Common Name) Riparian (Streamside) Woodlands VA and Eastern U.SBlack-billed cuckoo VirginiaYellow warbler Eastern U.SBelted kingfisher Mid-Atlantic Coastal Plain Acadian flycatcher Prothonotory warbler Interior Forest - Sensitive to Fragmentation VA and Eastern USWood Thrush VirginiaKentucky warbler Mid-Atlantic Coastal PlainWorm-eating warbler Deciduous/Coniferous Forest (DCF) VA and Eastern U.S.Eastern wood pewee Eastern U.S. Grey catbird Red-headed woodpecker Downy woodpecker Natural Field Habitat VA and Eastern U.SEastern kingbird Eastern U.S. Common yellowthroat Indigo bunting Northern bobwhite Savannah sparrow Eastern meadowlark Wetlands VA and Eastern U.SRed-winged blackbird Eastern U.S.Green heron Mid-Atlantic Coastal PlainBlack duck Source: BBS (USGS, 2000) and Priority Management Species for the Mid-Atlantic Coastal Plain (Pashley et al., 2000)

Table 7 Examples of Species Sensitive to Fragmentation

Selecting and Evaluating Forest Conservation Sites  Step 1. Desktop Analysis  Step 2. Field Assessment  Step 3. Prioritization

Step 1. Desktop Analysis Review Inventories: US Fish and Wildlife NWI Natural Heritage Program State resource agencies Local planning office County inventories Historic site registries Breeding bird surveys Studies by universities or other institutions Obtain Mapping: Wetlands Forest Aerials RTE Species Land Ownership/Parcels