Watershed Protection
"The connection between forests and rivers is like that between father and son. No forests, no rivers."
- Gifford Pinchot
Forest Service Chief, 1905-1910
National Forests were created for several purposes. One was to help protect watersheds and provide clean water. From its beginning, the Forest Service has recognized that soil, water, and air are the basic building blocks for properly functioning ecosystems. Protection of these resources constitutes an investment in present and future health and productivity of national forests.
For protecting water quality and soil productivity, the National Forests in Florida uses as a baseline the silviculture Best Management Practices, developed under the auspices of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The Forest Service adds further restrictions on activities to protect water and soil or to enhance wildlife habitat. These restrictions apply to all activities. Site-specific conditions of every project are assessed, and appropriate restrictions are employed to protect resources and meet State and Federal water quality standards.