A water resources decision model for forest managers

Abstract

Four decades of forest hydrology and meteorology research in northeastern United States has provided broad knowledge on relationships between forests and streamwater quantity and quality. We have incorporated this knowledge into a decision model to help forest managers protect and enhance water resources. The model is in a user-friendly format for personal computers, and allows the user to choose combinations from five management objectives or goals related to water quality and five related to water quantity. Options for management objectives to protect water quality are: (1) do nothing except obey the law, (2) provide intensive protection for wetlands as required by law, (3) enhance the habitat for warm-water fish, or enhance the habitat for cold-water fish, (4) provide intensive protection for water quality and unique flora and fauna found in the riparian area, (5) provide intensive protection for water quality beyond the usual Best Management Practices. Goals related to water quantity are: (1) do nothing except obey the law, (2) increase water yields, (3) limit peak flows, (4) maintain or exceed existing low flows, and (5) restore hydrologic function to previously disturbed lands. Regardless of goals selected, all users are first provided with information about Best Management Practices required to control non-point source pollution of aquatic ecosystems. Based upon the options selected, and taking into account forest stand and precipitation data provided by the user, one of six possible silvicultural systems is recommended to meet management objectives. Impacts of the recommended silvicultural system on water quality and quantity are provided in the form of text and tables.