Streamside Reforestation: An Analysis of Ecological Benefits and Societal Perceptions

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9613588 Sweeney Streamside Reforestation: An analysis of ecological benefits and societal perceptions. Streamside forests are recommended as a land use practice to protect aquatic ecosystems by removing inputs of nutrients, sediments, and toxic contaminants. This project views streamside forests as the primary regulator of stream width: small forested streams are wider than meadow reaches. The alteration of stream width that results from deforestation profoundly influences the stream ecosystem, both locally and downstream through effects on habitat and water quality. Policies to restore streamside forests will require both documentation of ecological benefits and an understanding of societal factors affecting their implementation. Objectives are to: (I) understand the relationship between forest buffers, width, and stream ecosystem condition; (ii) develop data bases that can help guide forest restoration policies; and (iii) quantify social and economic issues affecting streamside forest restoration. The ultimate goal is to bring natural and social science components into focus for decision makers.