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The Forest Service is actively involved in research, development and implementation of 

 management practices designed for the control of nonpoint sources and the protection of 

 forested watersheds. This leadership extends back to the formation of the National 

 Forests. National Forests were originally withdrawn firom the public domain for the 

 purpose of securing favorable conditions of water flow and to ensure a continuous supply 

 of timber. It is not possible to maintain favorable conditions of water flow without 

 protecting watershed condition and water quality. Based on this experience and 

 knowledge, the Forest Service has developed a watershed management strategy for 

 protection of nonpoint sources based on two basic components: prevention and 

 rehabilitation. 



Our prevention program is designed to prevent the creation of problems firom ongoing and 

 future resource management activities. Land management prescriptions are designed to 

 protect water quality and associated beneficial uses. Monitoring is necessary to ensure that 

 practices are implemented as designed and are effective in providing the necessary 

 protection. Mitigation is used when monitoring shows that unforeseen problems have been 

 created. Finally, land management prescription design criteria are adjusted, where 

 appropriate, to prevent problems with future activities. This iterative process is designed to 

 allow for land use while protecting water quality and water dependent resources in the long 

 term. Land management prescriptions are currendy being designed and adapted with the 

 best science available. 



Our rehabilitation program is designed to restore those lands that have been damaged by 

 past activities. Lands needing improvement have been identified and inventoried. These 

 lands will be restored to reduce and eventually eliminate significant contributions to the 

 nonpoint source problem. 



