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The role of tree planting in Watershed Restoration

The role of tree planting in Watershed Restoration Floodplain restoration along with the control of upland pollution and stable stream channels are the critical elements to restore our watersheds Tree planting connects citizens to the environment

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The role of tree planting in Watershed Restoration

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  1. The role of tree planting in Watershed Restoration • Floodplain restoration along with the control of upland pollution and stable stream channels are the critical elements to restore our watersheds • Tree planting connects citizens to the environment • Without floodplain restoration, our streams are not capable of supporting a diverse aquatic ecosystem • Idea of a green ribbon throughout our urban environment

  2. Trees have direct benefit on water pollution • Conversion of each acre of floodplain area back to forest provides substantial water quality improvement: • Sediment loss is reduced from 0.7 tons per year to 0.05 (93% reduction) • Phosphorus is reduced from 0.7 lbs/year to 0.3 lbs per year (57% reduction) • Storm water converted to ground water is increased by 300% (infiltration)

  3. Woody Debris provided to the creek is the foundation of the aquatic ecosystem • Aquatic insects called ‘shredders’ use the woody debris contributed by trees as an energy source • Other insects and fish eat the shredders • Woody debris also provides in-stream structure • Downstream of tree trunks deep water pools form - giving a haven to cool water loving fish • Root wads on stream banks provide habitat for aquatic insects and hiding places for juvenile fish

  4. Trees promote ground water recharge • Roots encourage infiltration of rain (reducing runoff) • Infiltration supplies streams with water during dry weather

  5. Trees anchor the sediment • Impacts from erosion of the land surface and stream channel are among the greatest challenges to the restoration of water quality in Mecklenburg • Tree canopy slows rainfall reducing the erosive force of storms • Roots anchor the soil and provide secondary porosity (pathways) for infiltration of storm water

  6. Ocean Isle Beach, NC Sunset Beach, NC

  7. Connecting Citizens to the Environment • Tree planting is likely the most pro-active initiative the average citizen can do to improve the environment • Young people love to plant trees and watch them grow • Many (my children included) have planted trees at their homes • Creek ReLeaf has trained thousands of future arborists! • Without re-forestation of our floodplains we will not achieve supporting aquatic ecosystems

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