Webinar Tuesday, April 13 — 6:30pm-7:30pm
The Increased Importance of Forests to Water in a Changing Environment
Description: States in Northeast and Mid-Atlantic region of the U.S. are blessed with thousands of miles of surface streams and trillions of gallons of fresh groundwater. But the critical role that forests play in protecting watershed processes and groundwater aquifers is often overlooked. This presentation will discuss concepts of “forest hydrology” which is defined as the movement of water within forested watersheds. Specifically, the importance of infiltration and recharge to groundwater will be explained along with how forested land facilitates the processes that supply groundwater and surface water. The connection between natural forest processes and current stormwater management practices will also be discussed. These practices seek to mimic forest processes to ensure adequate groundwater recharge, reduce surface water runoff, and protect groundwater quality in urbanizing areas. The increased importance of forests for protecting water quality and quantity in a changing climate will also be explained.
The presentation will be given by Bryan R. Swistock who is a Senior Water Resources Extension Associate, Penn State Extension, Department of Ecosystem Science and Management