Using Forest Hydrology to Guide Stormwater Management and Site Development Planning

Description

Studies of water cycling in forest ecosystems hold many lessons for sustainable water management. Forest vegetation increases stormwater interception, evapotranspiration and soil infiltration while controlling soil erosion, sequestering nutrients and reducing downstream flooding. As site planners seek to manage the hydrologic impacts of development, a greater understanding of forest watershed processes can be helpful. Therefore, this webinar will provide attendees with an understanding of forest hydrology, watershed processes and management strategies that can be applied to stormwater management planning.

Site assessment will be discussed, including tree inventories and the early identification of stormwater infiltration opportunities. The designation of trees for retention and delineation of tree protection zones to minimize root zone compaction will be addressed in this webinar. Finally, attendees will learn to select tree species most likely to survive in compacted, modified or marginal soils. Soil amendments, tree planting strategies and other practical aspects of stormwater management will be covered with particular attention provided to maximizing the hydrologic benefits of forest vegetation for site development professionals.