Stroud Scientists at WorkAre there things that can be done to better to protect all waterways?Answer: Yes, our analyses suggest certain philosophies and practices that will enhance the protection of all streams in Pennsylvania.

1) RECOGNIZE THAT STREAM DEGRADATION OCCURS GRADUALLY AND THAT GREATER HUMAN DEVELOPMENT AND ACTIVITY LEAD TO GREATER STREAM DEGRADATION. Our data do not support past suggestions that streams do not respond to human activity until a threshold is crossed. Consequently, every decision we make about land use and cover has the potential to affect stream condition.

2) PLANT AND PROTECT TREES. There is a positive connection between stream quality and watershed forest cover. Our data suggest stream condition is better when forests are maintained, and we do know from other studies that streamside forests can both reduce the movement of human pollutants into streams and increase the ability of streams to process, degrade, or otherwise sequester pollutants that do enter them.

3) MONITOR REGULARLY AND FREQUENTLY. This is particularly important if a watershed is undergoing change because, without data, we cannot accurately assess the results of protection, conservation, and restoration efforts. Monitoring a site once every 5 years yields only four data points over 15 years, which is insufficient to gauge all but the most dramatic changes that may occur.

4) PROTECT WATERSHEDS, NOT JUST STREAM SECTIONS. Exceptional Value and High Quality streams are relatively rare and highly significant features in the Pennsylvania landscape. For downstream reaches of streams that deserve Special Protection, it is crucial that Special Protection status be granted to the entire upstream watershed as well. We need to treat these Pennsylvania jewels the way we treat other natural and cultural treasures. We would never disqualify a historic building for special protection or preservation just because it has some broken windows or rotten boards — we would fix the damage as part of the plan to preserve the building. Likewise, we would never ignore the roof of an historic building while attempting to protect the rest of the structure and its contents — we would preserve the roof first. If there are tributaries upstream of Special Protection sections that do not presently qualify for Special Protection status, then these streams should be improved as part of the protection process so that Special Protection status can be extended, and these valuable streams are better enhanced and stabilized.

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