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Protecting headwaters: the scientific basis for safeguarding stream and river ecosystems

350 210 Stroud Water Research Center

Kaplan, L.A., T.L. Bott, J.K. Jackson, J.D. Newbold, and B.W. Sweeney. 2008. Research synthesis from Stroud Water Research Center, Avondale, Pennsylvania.

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Summary

Scientific evidence clearly shows that healthy headwaters — tributary streams, intermittent streams, and spring seeps — are essential to the health of stream and river ecosystems. The evidence demonstrates that protecting these headwater streams with forested riparian buffer zones and protecting and restoring the watersheds in which they arise will provide benefits vital to the health and well-being of Pennsylvania’s water resources and its citizens.

Funding

NSF Award No. DEB-0424681 Title: LTREB: Stream ecosystem structure and function within a maturing deciduous forest. Duration: August 2004–July 2009. Principal Investigator: L. A. Kaplan. Co-principal investigators: A.K. Aufdenkampe, T. L. Bott, J.K. Jackson and J. D. Newbold.