title: Research gaps related to forest management and stream sediment in the United States.
abstract: Water quality from forested landscapes tends to be very high but can deteriorate during and after silvicultural activities. Practices such as forest harvesting, site preparation, road construction/use, and stream crossings have been shown to contribute sediment, nutrients, and other pollutants to adjacent streams. Although advances in forest management accompanied with Best Management Practices (BMPs) have been very effective at reducing water quality impacts from forest operations, projected increases in demand for forest products may result in unintended environmental degradation. Through a review of the pertinent literature, we identified several research gaps related to water yield, aquatic habitat, sediment source and delivery, and BMP effectiveness that should be addressed for streams in the United States to better understand and address the environmental ramifications of current and future levels of timber production. We explored the current understanding of these topics based on relevant literature and the possible implications of increased demand for forest products in the United States.
authors.affiliation: School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, Auburn University, 3301 Forestry and Wildlife Building, Auburn, AL 36849, USA. andercj@auburn.edu
authors.forename: Christopher J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Anderson
authors.forename: B Graeme
authors.initials: BG
authors.lastname: Lockaby
mesh_terms: D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources / Q000379:methods; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods*; D016468:Forestry / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D019015:Geologic Sediments / Q000032:analysis* / Q000737:chemistry; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D012106:Research; D045483:Rivers / Q000737:chemistry*; D014186:Transportation; D014481:United States; D014873:Water Pollutants / Q000032:analysis* / Q000737:chemistry; D014876:Water Pollution / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014881:Water Supply / Q000032:analysis / Q000706:statistics & numerical data
chemical_list: D014873:Water Pollutants