Water and Soils

Properly managed forests are crucial to stabilizing soils, protecting watersheds and producing clean water. Below is information on ways you can protect the soils and water resources on your Tree Farm.

ATFS Standard 4: Air, Water and Soil Protection
Forest-management practices maintain or enhance the ecosystems and ecosystem services provided by the forest including air, water, soil and site quality.

	BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES (BMPs)  Best Management Practices are effective means of preventing or reducing the amount of water pollution generated by forest management activities.
	WATER QUALITY Learn how you can protect water quality on your Tree Farm.
	FOREST SOILS Soils determine which tree species are most appropriate for a site and impact the ability to produce merchantable timber in a reasonable period of time.
	POND MANAGEMENT Learn about construction and management of ponds including stocking, aquatic plants and water chemistry.